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Auroracub (2 KP) rated Shades Children in Books
Dec 4, 2018
Harrowing yet perfect
Without spoilers it is hard to review really but this novel is one of the best narratives I have ever read. The apocalyptic premise is more intense than many available and the idea behind it is just horrific enough to stay with me since I first read it. The characters are well rounded and built to become emotional ties to the reader and the novel although apocalyptic is filled with hope of a brighter future. I understand it to be a young person's novel however I feel that in many cases the depth may be lost on the young and the premise may be a little intense but I have recommended it to everyone I know and will continue to do so.
David McK (3632 KP) rated Holy Warrior (The Outlaw Chronicles, #2) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Angus Donald's direct sequel to 'Outlaw', this follows on from the events of that earlier novel, again told through the eyes of the elderly Alan Dale remembering his earlier time with Robin of Locksley (Robin Hood).
Split into three distinct sections, the first is set in England and follows the preparation of the Earl of Locksley's men for their pilgrimage to the Holy Land, in what we now know as the Third Crusade. The second and third parts of the novel deal with both the journey and arrival, culminating in the historical battle of Arsouf, where Richard IIIs (Richard the Lionheart) forces come up against the might of Saladin.
Not quite as good as it's predecessor, but I'll still be reading the sequel to this novel when it's also released.
Split into three distinct sections, the first is set in England and follows the preparation of the Earl of Locksley's men for their pilgrimage to the Holy Land, in what we now know as the Third Crusade. The second and third parts of the novel deal with both the journey and arrival, culminating in the historical battle of Arsouf, where Richard IIIs (Richard the Lionheart) forces come up against the might of Saladin.
Not quite as good as it's predecessor, but I'll still be reading the sequel to this novel when it's also released.
David McK (3632 KP) rated Pirate Latitudes in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Michael Crichton's last full work, and in a move unusual for an author best known for techno-thrillers, this novel is actually a historical adventure.
Although it is not the first time he has dabbled in the genre (see also The Great Train Robbery and Eaters of the Dead), I felt that his relative lack of experience of said genre showed: one needs only compare this to a work by Bernard Cornwell, for instance.
I suppose It is possible that the novel was finished but not completed, if you know what I mean, and I also got the feeling that he was trying to jump on the Pirates of the Caribbean (albeit without the magic!) bandwagon with this novel, also set in the Caribbean during the time of Charles II
Although it is not the first time he has dabbled in the genre (see also The Great Train Robbery and Eaters of the Dead), I felt that his relative lack of experience of said genre showed: one needs only compare this to a work by Bernard Cornwell, for instance.
I suppose It is possible that the novel was finished but not completed, if you know what I mean, and I also got the feeling that he was trying to jump on the Pirates of the Caribbean (albeit without the magic!) bandwagon with this novel, also set in the Caribbean during the time of Charles II
Erika (17789 KP) rated Star Wars: Force Collector (Journey to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker) in Books
Dec 19, 2019
So, this was the last novel of the 'Journey to Rise of Skywalker' series... At least the writing was a little better than the other novels in the series.
The novel featured two forgettable teen characters, one of whom had some force powers, and the other was the daughter of a First Order dude. Pretty unremarkable, because I don't even remember their names. They go on some rando adventures to find some Jedi artefacts, because the kid can touch things and see the past. A different sort of force power, which I believe was the entire point. At one point, they do visit Bantuu, which connects it to Galaxy's Edge.
I think this novel was written to illustrate different sorts of force powers that will come into play in the film.
The novel featured two forgettable teen characters, one of whom had some force powers, and the other was the daughter of a First Order dude. Pretty unremarkable, because I don't even remember their names. They go on some rando adventures to find some Jedi artefacts, because the kid can touch things and see the past. A different sort of force power, which I believe was the entire point. At one point, they do visit Bantuu, which connects it to Galaxy's Edge.
I think this novel was written to illustrate different sorts of force powers that will come into play in the film.
lurkykitty (3 KP) rated The Animals at Lockwood Manor in Books
Mar 26, 2020
A tense, suspenseful debut historical novel
The Animals at Lockwood Manor is a debut historical fiction novel. It takes place in England during the second world war. Hetty Cartwright is tasked with moving animal specimens from the Natural History Museum collection to a manor in the countryside to protect them from the German air raids. Shortly after moving to Lockwood Manor, Hetty realizes all is not quite right with the inhabitants of the manor. The novel is well-written, tense, and atmospheric. The author skillfully builds the suspense, culminating in the motive for hosting the zoological collection and the revelation of multiple secrets. There is also a romance intertwined with the plot and, although important, is not the main focus of the story. It was highly readable and difficult to put down.
Between Dog and Wolf
Sasha Sokolov and Alexander Boguslawski
Book
Sasha Sokolov is one of few writers to have been praised by Vladimir Nabokov, who called his first...
BookInspector (124 KP) rated The Majesties in Books
Sep 24, 2020
The protagonist of this novel is Gwendolyn, and this novel is told from her perspective. Gwendolyn and her sister Estella are very close,most of the time they share everything, and they are truly best friends. Gwendolyn is a little bit of a rebel in the family, who wants to be independent and stand on her own feet. Estella, on the other hand, followed the traditional path of getting married and allowing her family to manipulate her life. These two sisters are so similar but so different at the same time, and their life stories are truly mesmerising to me. There are a lot of characters in this novel,and I did get a little lost with who was who because I am not very used to the terms such as Oma or Opa.
ClareR (5996 KP) rated North Woods in Books
Dec 12, 2023
Flipping heck, I’ve read some good historical fiction lately! North Woods by Daniel Mason is one such book. Multiple points in history, narrative voices and styles all linked by place. Absolutely marvellous!
I don’t think I actually want to say too much about all the different characters in this book, except to say that it spans from a Puritan colony to the present day, all linked by the North Woods. It’s a gorgeous novel that had my heart in my mouth at several points and made me wish that I could see this place with my own eyes. The love of the landscape and nature shines through this gorgeous novel.
And, well, the end of this novel is the real tour de force. Utterly beautiful. A book of the year for me, that’s for certain.
I don’t think I actually want to say too much about all the different characters in this book, except to say that it spans from a Puritan colony to the present day, all linked by the North Woods. It’s a gorgeous novel that had my heart in my mouth at several points and made me wish that I could see this place with my own eyes. The love of the landscape and nature shines through this gorgeous novel.
And, well, the end of this novel is the real tour de force. Utterly beautiful. A book of the year for me, that’s for certain.
