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The Secret of Secrets (Robert Langdon #6)
The Secret of Secrets (Robert Langdon #6)
Dan Brown | 2025
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I think the last Dan Brown book I read was Origin, back in 2017, whilst I was on vacation in the setting of said book (Barcelona).

By coincidence, that was also the prior book in his Robert Langdon series that consists of , in order: Angels & Demons, The Da Vinci Code, The Lost Symbol, Inferno, Origin and now this, all following Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon who seems to have an amazing and uncanny knack for finding himself caught up in the throes of various mysteries!

This time, the main setting is Prague (been there), with the novel - in particular - focusing heavily on the legend of the Golem of said city, and with it positing the question "where does the conscious mind reside? In the body, or somewhere outside?"

If you've read any of the previous novels, you'll know what to expect of this!
  
Out Law (Dresden Files 18.75)
Out Law (Dresden Files 18.75)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I didn't realise until I was reading this that it was set *after* book #18 in the series (Twelve Months), which I have yet to read as I am waiting for the paperback version.

Which might explain why I was initially a bit confused about certain elements in Harry's world (He has another apprentice now? And a castle?), which - I presume - happen in that entry.

Having said that, once I got past the initial confusion I found myself thoroughly enjoying my return to Harry's Chicago; thoroughly enjoying the more 'low stakes' (well, as low as it gets for Harry, maybe) of the story that I feel was lost in the last couple of full-length novels I read.

Sure, world-ending apocalypses have their place and all, but when they are stopped time and time again ...
  
Enticed By Blood (Sweetblood #4.5)
Enticed By Blood (Sweetblood #4.5)
Laurie London | 2015 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is a story that takes place within the history of the Sweetblood novels, none of which I have read previously. However, as most of the explanations given are related directly to Juliette and Andre, it didn't really have much of an impact on the story.

It is well-written and fast-paced, typically what is expected of a short story or novella. Look at it as a chance to dip your toe into the Sweetblood world and take it from there. As for me, I really liked what I read so I will definitely be reading more.

Definitely recommended.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
 
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 14, 2015
  
Compilation issue, collecting Marvel's 'main-line' Star wars graphic novels, issues 12-18, and set during the period between Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi (Han frozen in Carbonite, Luke has fought - and lost to - Vader, etc).

It also crosses-over with the 'War of the Bounty Hunters' collection of comics.

That much is obvious.

What was not so obvious, however - and I had no idea prior to reading this - is that it must cross over with some of the other Star Wars properties: I'm guessing Darth Vader for one. The reason I say that? I found it a bit jarring jumping from 'Vader's arrived!' in one issue to seeing rebels flee in the next, without any context of why or what had happened except for a few speech bubbles referencing events that I hadn't read!
  
C
Coven
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Title: Coven
Author: Jennifer Dugan, Kit Seaton
Read Dates: August 17th
Rating: 4/5

I chose to read Coven by Jennifer Dugan and Kit Seaton because it seemed interesting and was sent to me by Bookishfirst. I love the cover it's very pretty. The title and rest of the cover is what caught my attention. This Graphic Novel takes place in Upstate New York. One thing I loved was the illustrations in this Novel. Graphic Novels are something out of my comfort zone to their a little harder to get into because I prefer to leave it up to the imagination. But I really liked the story. It's sad what happened to Ben's parents and I understand Emsy's frustration with moving and being the new girl as that was me a lot. I loved the ending it was very unexpected.
  
Sleeping Beauties
Sleeping Beauties
Stephen King, Owen King | 2017 | Horror, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.6 (26 Ratings)
Book Rating
Gripping read
This is a very lengthy epic read, but at least it's a very good one.

The plot itself is an intriguing one, and very similar to stories Stephen has written in the past (The Stand, Under the Dome etc). I always love these stories and the fact that they're told from the perspective of multiple characters, and Sleeping Beauties really works like this. I could barely put the book and couldn't wait to get it finished. There are a lot of themes running through this that are very similar to King's other stories and as a King fan, I loved it.


The ending itself was maybe slightly disappointing, it seems to have been wrapped up very quickly despite having spent 600+ pages leading up to it. In short, it's a very enthralling read, even if it isn't quite up the standards of King's usual epic novels.
  
Seven Up (Stephanie Plum, #7)
Seven Up (Stephanie Plum, #7)
Janet Evanovich | 2001 | Thriller
6
6.9 (9 Ratings)
Book Rating
So far this has been my least favorite book in the Stephanie Plum series...but that is NOT to say I didn't enjoy it. Grandma getting kidnapped, Stephanie buying a wedding dress, mud wrestling. How can you not enjoy that!?
This followed the same formula as the previous novels. The background gets explained at some point which is nice for people who haven't read all the books, but it gets a little tedious when you read that Stephanie was laid off from her lingerie buyer job for the 100th time. But I suppose that's just nit-picking.
That being said, I'm not sure what it was about this book that made it less likable than the previous 6. I guess ti boils down to the fact that I didn't feel quite as caught up in the plot of this as I did in the others.
  
The Care and Feeding of Griffins
The Care and Feeding of Griffins
R. Lee smith | 2010 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Story flows really well (2 more)
Stories within stories within stories
Each character is unique and relatable; each has a distinct voice
Book one is a great start to a wonderful, well orchestrated 4 part series
The book blurb says it all. Great adventure read. This is part of a series and although there are no cliffhangers, it still gives that 'what happens next' feel. Also, as a side note, for those of you that distaste book sets, this series seems more like one big book that has been broken up rather than several shorter novels with lot of filler chapters to extend the length like some 3 or 4 part series seem to do. Unfortunately (or fortunately, if you're me) all 4 books equals approximately 2,530 pages. And still, I was sad when it all ended... so I read the series twice (so far). It's that good.
  
DC
Dearest Cousin Jane
4
4.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Rating: DNF

Dearest Cousin Jane is not about Jane Austen or a re-write of one of her novels, but rather about her extended family. It sounded interesting. If I'd gotten to the halfway mark, I may have found it interesting. However, I couldn't push myself past the first few chapters.

Dearest Cousin Jane was very hard to read. I found myself, even after several chapters, unable to understand who was speaking, and which characters were which. The writing was very formal and good, and matched the time period, so I'm not complaining about that. I just didn't like the fact that I didn't understand what I was reading, and had to go back and re-read several times.

Dearest Cousin Jane got higher ratings on Amazon and goodreads. Please check out some other reviews.

This review is copyright Haley Mathiot and Night Owl Reviews.