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Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated The Nothing in Books
Jul 24, 2017
Over the top vulgar fiction
I was looking forward to reading Hanif Kureishi's latest novel, but I was mildly disappointed. The crude humour is not to my taste and I may have missed the point to the story, but I believe loneliness as a reactionary behaviour seemed to be a major element to this. I had sympathy for the dying protagonist, stuck with little choices and watching his impending doom unfold, his wife's behaviour was horrifying so I found his pacifying attitude irritating. Not the best of novels for me.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Man Made Murder (Blood Road Trilogy, #1) in Books
Jan 12, 2018
This is the 3rd book I have read by this author; the 1st book I read is Suckers which is not only a pretty good horror novel but an excellently written story about friendship; the 2nd is Insylum which is much more than it first appears. All 3 I have enjoyed as once again, Z Rider writes a great story with interesting characters whose stories weave together with ease.
Full review at my blog <a href="http://readingstuffnthings.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/man-made-murder-book-one-of-blood-road.html">Reading Stuff 'n' Things</a>
Full review at my blog <a href="http://readingstuffnthings.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/man-made-murder-book-one-of-blood-road.html">Reading Stuff 'n' Things</a>
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated Outside (Outside #1) in Books
Jan 12, 2018
Everything has consequences. All actions are linked. That is the way [Shalini Boland] manages the novel [Outside]. This post-apocalyptic story takes place in England after a worldwide rash of terrorist attacks. The country has been divided into numerous walled cities of various stature and safety.
The twists and turns in this book will leave you wanting to find out more. I really enjoyed this story. I received it as a give away as part of the [Shattered World] books. I really recommend this book to anyone who likes dystopian novels.
The twists and turns in this book will leave you wanting to find out more. I really enjoyed this story. I received it as a give away as part of the [Shattered World] books. I really recommend this book to anyone who likes dystopian novels.
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated One Year After (After, #2) in Books
Jan 12, 2018
[One Second After] was one of those books that the cover made me want to buy. I was not disappointed. So when I was in the book store and saw [One Year After] you know I had to buy it even though I have an unusually long queue of books to read. [William R. Forstchen] writes a compelling novel that makes me want to prep for disaster. The way humanity can either come together or tear each other apart is sadly something I feel is true to human nature.
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated One For The Money (Stephanie Plum, #1) in Books
Jan 15, 2018
The first thought I have about this book is that it is a mystery that doesn't try too hard. The second thought would be that I can't believe I waited so long to discover Janet Evanovich & this series!!!
The characters are well developed & I found myself rooting for Stephanie Plum throughout the entire novel. She seems like someone you would want to know. She's funny & tough, but still manages to seem vulnerable without being all "girlie- girl." I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series!
The characters are well developed & I found myself rooting for Stephanie Plum throughout the entire novel. She seems like someone you would want to know. She's funny & tough, but still manages to seem vulnerable without being all "girlie- girl." I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series!
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Try Not to Breathe in Books
Jul 26, 2017
Clichéd protagonist, obvious culprit
I think this tried very hard to be different from Girl On A Train, but the alcoholic neurotic main character was two dimensional and boring.
Similarly there were a ghastly amount of clichés - "smiled like a Cheshire cat" - and I had figured out who it was about 60 per cent of the way in to the novel.
Downsides aside, it is still engaging to a certain extent but keep in mind that it might not be so dissimilar from current plots in this genre.
Similarly there were a ghastly amount of clichés - "smiled like a Cheshire cat" - and I had figured out who it was about 60 per cent of the way in to the novel.
Downsides aside, it is still engaging to a certain extent but keep in mind that it might not be so dissimilar from current plots in this genre.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated The Establishment: And How They Get Away With It in Books
Jul 27, 2017
Good introduction to the power of institutions
Owen Jones' essay is essentially an introduction to a vast subject that can actually be broken down in to separate books in itself. It is a hugely fascinating, disturbing and grotesque look into how power is welded by the few.
However I feel that he spread himself a little too thin, as Martin Williams wrote a similar novel in Parliament Ltd focusing on parliamentary expenses that was far more detailed and less narrative. This would have been five stars if it had been separated.
However I feel that he spread himself a little too thin, as Martin Williams wrote a similar novel in Parliament Ltd focusing on parliamentary expenses that was far more detailed and less narrative. This would have been five stars if it had been separated.
Jenna (87 KP) rated The Book Thief in Books
Jul 29, 2017
Contains spoilers, click to show
I really enjoyed the fact that Zusak chose the write the novel from the perspective of Death. It was an interesting take on the causes and consequences of war, what it means to have compassion for your fellow human being, and doing the right thing even when doing so is difficult. I felt it also showed the complexities of war. War is never as simple as black and white, right and wrong. It's also - at its heart - a story about a young girl who loves to learn.
Ross (3284 KP) rated Dyed in the Wool in Books
Apr 27, 2018
Another thrilling page-turner from James. A definite step up in form from the previous instalment, Fire in the Blood. Cullen is this time part of the team investigating the apparent suicide of a young man in West Lothian. As usual, the case expands from there with the body count increasing and the twists and turns, lies and confessions are in abundance.
Other than one or two slightly clunky plot devices (working out someone's identity from their chat board user name) this was a compelling, well-written crime novel.
Other than one or two slightly clunky plot devices (working out someone's identity from their chat board user name) this was a compelling, well-written crime novel.
Ruth Frampton (577 KP) rated Ghosts of the Past (The Bleiberg Project, #1) in Books
Apr 10, 2018
A graphic novel alternative WWII history thriller, this has some disturbing elements which may not be for every reader, but do add to the realistic element that these things would have happened. This first part of the story takes its reader on a grand journey which leaves the reader wanting to continue in the next part to find out what will happen to its characters. I can easily see this as a blaxploitation-style film, the spies, hitmen and nazi give you a real idea of what to expect.