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Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated The Shining in Books
Jul 10, 2018
I am sitting here wondering where to start with this novel. Honestly, I have never been a huge fan of Stephen King. I have tried to read 2 of his books and had to shelve them after a week of trying to get through them. If it wasn't for my book club I wouldn't have picked up this novel and honestly, I'm not sure if I would have missed much.
Personally, I found the descriptions too much. The book could have easily been 200-300 pages without all of the dull & monotonous descriptions. I love when the author gives good descriptions but not to the extent that Stephen King did. I felt that I was drowning in a deep dark royal blue ocean filled with teal highlights that seemed to sparkle when my body drained of it's oxygen... (see, was that really necessary?). I would have preferred if the book had less descriptions but that is a personal preference.
I did like the plot of the story. I found myself wondering what was going to happen and hoping against hope that everything would turn out okay. I will admit that Stephen King is a master with his story. They are very intricate and I loved how the story actually scared me. This book will probably stay with me for a while.
All in all, I did like the book but found it a little tedious at times. I am glad that I can finally say that I read a Stephen King novel but I will probably not read another of his novels.
Personally, I found the descriptions too much. The book could have easily been 200-300 pages without all of the dull & monotonous descriptions. I love when the author gives good descriptions but not to the extent that Stephen King did. I felt that I was drowning in a deep dark royal blue ocean filled with teal highlights that seemed to sparkle when my body drained of it's oxygen... (see, was that really necessary?). I would have preferred if the book had less descriptions but that is a personal preference.
I did like the plot of the story. I found myself wondering what was going to happen and hoping against hope that everything would turn out okay. I will admit that Stephen King is a master with his story. They are very intricate and I loved how the story actually scared me. This book will probably stay with me for a while.
All in all, I did like the book but found it a little tedious at times. I am glad that I can finally say that I read a Stephen King novel but I will probably not read another of his novels.
Deborah (162 KP) rated Mistress of Rome (The Empress of Rome, #1) in Books
Dec 21, 2018
For a debut novel, Quinn's 500 page Roman epic impresses. The blub describes it as 'aimed squarely at the female market' but I'm sure men would find something to enjoy in here too; on reflection I think I'd be more likely to lend it to be brother than my mother!
The narrative in the book is a bit odd and it took a little while for me to get used to it. Large chunks are in the first person, mainly from one of the two main female characters. This sometimes would get confussing when switching between the two, especially when these two characters are together, early in the novel. The text will then switch back into a third person narrative. Overall I think Quinn has made this narrative device work quite well, it just takes a bit of getting used to.
The character of Lepida is through and through nasty, with not a single redeeming characteristic, so while one is happy to see her meet Nemesis (did the Roman's have an equivalent?!) she is really a bit of a one-dimentional character.
There is a note at the end of the book which explains a little more about what is historical fact and what is taking a bit of a liberty; that's the sort of thing that I do like in an historical novel - I think it's helpful.
I found this a gripping, hard-to-put-down read, although it's pretty violently, both in the fighting and the sexual stakes; not one for the squeamish!
The narrative in the book is a bit odd and it took a little while for me to get used to it. Large chunks are in the first person, mainly from one of the two main female characters. This sometimes would get confussing when switching between the two, especially when these two characters are together, early in the novel. The text will then switch back into a third person narrative. Overall I think Quinn has made this narrative device work quite well, it just takes a bit of getting used to.
The character of Lepida is through and through nasty, with not a single redeeming characteristic, so while one is happy to see her meet Nemesis (did the Roman's have an equivalent?!) she is really a bit of a one-dimentional character.
There is a note at the end of the book which explains a little more about what is historical fact and what is taking a bit of a liberty; that's the sort of thing that I do like in an historical novel - I think it's helpful.
I found this a gripping, hard-to-put-down read, although it's pretty violently, both in the fighting and the sexual stakes; not one for the squeamish!
L
Lesabendio
Book
"The serene and gentle amazement with which the author tells of the strange natural laws of other...
Mansfield Park: An Annotated Edition
Jane Austen and Diedre Shauna Lynch
Book
Jane Austen's most ambitious novel, Mansfield Park, has always generated debate. Austen herself...
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Only Ashes Remain (Market of Monsters #2) in Books
Jun 8, 2021
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.
Only Ashes Remain by Rebecca Schaeffer is the second novel in her Market of Monsters series. To give a fair review, I read the first book, Not Even Bones. I will review the first book, but this review concerns only Only Ashes Remain.
After Nita escaped and destroyed the black market, she just wants to be left alone. When a video of her abilities appears on the dark web, she knows she must go on the offensive. With the help of Kovit, Nita starts to take revenge on the person who sold her to her kidnappers. With everyone searching for her, Nita needs to do whatever it takes to stay alive and free.
Even though I enjoyed the first book, I discovered I needed a break before reading the second. Once I did begin reading this, I found I enjoyed this more than the first book. This book could be read as a stand-alone novel, but reading the first book would enhance this one.
This story is darker than the first, but it is a fun read since the writing makes you feel for all of the characters, including Kovit.
A third novel, When Villains Rise, was published in 2020.
This 200-word review will be published on Philomathinphila.com.
Only Ashes Remain by Rebecca Schaeffer is the second novel in her Market of Monsters series. To give a fair review, I read the first book, Not Even Bones. I will review the first book, but this review concerns only Only Ashes Remain.
After Nita escaped and destroyed the black market, she just wants to be left alone. When a video of her abilities appears on the dark web, she knows she must go on the offensive. With the help of Kovit, Nita starts to take revenge on the person who sold her to her kidnappers. With everyone searching for her, Nita needs to do whatever it takes to stay alive and free.
Even though I enjoyed the first book, I discovered I needed a break before reading the second. Once I did begin reading this, I found I enjoyed this more than the first book. This book could be read as a stand-alone novel, but reading the first book would enhance this one.
This story is darker than the first, but it is a fun read since the writing makes you feel for all of the characters, including Kovit.
A third novel, When Villains Rise, was published in 2020.
This 200-word review will be published on Philomathinphila.com.
Tobin Bell recommended The Firm (1993) in Movies (curated)
BookInspector (124 KP) rated The Last Paper Crane in Books
Sep 24, 2020 (Updated Jan 26, 2021)
The protagonists of this story are Mizuki and her grandfather, and this novel is told from their perspectives. The first thing that I noticed was the different types of writing styles used. Mizuki is telling the story through a poetic writing style, and her grandfather through a different, more regular one. This story really shows what her grandfather had to go through, when he was young, after the bomb exploded, and it was a horrifying story to read. I was really touched by Mizuki’s grandfather’s determination, bravery and strength. He was truly inspirational.
I really loved the plot of this book, I was completely absorbed with this story, and it is a very quick read, that really “hits the feels”. 🙂 The story always changes, and the detailed descriptions of the events and the surroundings made me feel like I am on the journey with the grandfather. The chapters were quite long, but they were divided into smaller parts, and the pages just flew by. The ending of this novel rounded this book really nicely and left me very satisfied with the outcome. This novel has amazing illustrations, that allows the reader to see through the eyes of the characters.
So, to conclude, it is a really sad but inspiring story about bravery, loss and determination. I liked the characters as well as the story, I think it is breathtakingly beautiful and heartbreakingly sad. I think everyone should read this story, it is an eye-opening to the true horrors of war, and how it ruins innocent people’s lives.
I really loved the plot of this book, I was completely absorbed with this story, and it is a very quick read, that really “hits the feels”. 🙂 The story always changes, and the detailed descriptions of the events and the surroundings made me feel like I am on the journey with the grandfather. The chapters were quite long, but they were divided into smaller parts, and the pages just flew by. The ending of this novel rounded this book really nicely and left me very satisfied with the outcome. This novel has amazing illustrations, that allows the reader to see through the eyes of the characters.
So, to conclude, it is a really sad but inspiring story about bravery, loss and determination. I liked the characters as well as the story, I think it is breathtakingly beautiful and heartbreakingly sad. I think everyone should read this story, it is an eye-opening to the true horrors of war, and how it ruins innocent people’s lives.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated The Forgotten Kingdom (The Lost Queen Trilogy #2) in Books
Sep 25, 2020
Better than book 1
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.
The Forgotten Kingdom by Signe Pike is the 2nd novel in The Lost Queen Trilogy. To give a fair review, I read the first book, The Lost Queen.
This novel is told by 3 points of view, unlike the 1st novel, which had two. We continue to follow Langoureth and Lailoken and are introduced to Langoureth's daughter, Angharad.
The Forgotten Kingdom opens with Languoreth still locked in her chamber, awaiting news of her husband and son who have ridden to wage war with her brother, the love of her life, and the rest of the Dragon Warriors. While you could start reading the trilogy with this part, Pike beautifully sets up the world, allies, and enemies in book one. Reading it would give a clear understanding of the actions in book two.
Rarely does it happen, but I enjoyed this sequel more than book one. Pike's writing is detailed but not overly done. She built a vibrant world that is as magical as the characters within.
Unlike book one, the story could end after book 2, but with the introduction of Arthur to Merlin, who would want it to stop? Goodreads does not list a release date for book three.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 9/24/20.
The Forgotten Kingdom by Signe Pike is the 2nd novel in The Lost Queen Trilogy. To give a fair review, I read the first book, The Lost Queen.
This novel is told by 3 points of view, unlike the 1st novel, which had two. We continue to follow Langoureth and Lailoken and are introduced to Langoureth's daughter, Angharad.
The Forgotten Kingdom opens with Languoreth still locked in her chamber, awaiting news of her husband and son who have ridden to wage war with her brother, the love of her life, and the rest of the Dragon Warriors. While you could start reading the trilogy with this part, Pike beautifully sets up the world, allies, and enemies in book one. Reading it would give a clear understanding of the actions in book two.
Rarely does it happen, but I enjoyed this sequel more than book one. Pike's writing is detailed but not overly done. She built a vibrant world that is as magical as the characters within.
Unlike book one, the story could end after book 2, but with the introduction of Arthur to Merlin, who would want it to stop? Goodreads does not list a release date for book three.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 9/24/20.