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The Man in the High Castle
The Man in the High Castle
Philip K. Dick, Eric Brown | 1962 | Fiction & Poetry
6
7.5 (10 Ratings)
Book Rating
Great idea, not very well executed
I was sorely disappointed on this book. I’ve never seen the tv show either, so had nothing whatsoever to bias my views. On paper this is a fantastic idea for a dystopian future, I just felt that it wasn’t very well excecuted or, I’m ashamed to say, very well written either.

I found that I cared very little for the characters, and the plot itself seemed very plodding and boring at times. I read to the end as it was only short and I kept hoping for more, but it never delivered. Yes the ending was good, but could’ve been so more much more. I’m actually very frustrated as this is such a great idea, i love dystopian future novels and this could’ve been so much better than it is. I like Philip K Dick, but I keep imagining how differently this story could’ve been told in the hands of another author.
  
Dead Man’s Gift: Today (Part 3)
Dead Man’s Gift: Today (Part 3)
Simon Kernick | 2014 | Fiction & Poetry, Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Well, what can I say? It started where Part 2 left off ... full on and although I loved it, it did seem to be over way too quickly and I would have liked it to be a little longer - at least as long as the previous 2 parts. Having said that, I think it was an excellent story and will read all 3 parts again but all at once next time. I really like Scope's character and am looking forward to getting to know him more in future books.

I think releasing this in 3 parts was genius and a great idea. It was like a really good tv series that you really look forward to watching each week BUT, if this is going to become a regular thing, each part needs to be of similar length.

I would definitely recommend this to others and other Simon Kernick novels, he hasn't let me down yet.
  
The Fault in Our Stars
The Fault in Our Stars
John Green | 2012 | Children
7
8.2 (185 Ratings)
Book Rating
Bittersweet, but quite similar to others in the genre
There seems to be rave reviews for this book and its counterpart film, and while I understand that it is tragic I just feel I've read similar novels in the past.

The tone resembles My Sister's Keeper in many ways, written in the perspective of teenagers suffering from cancer and attempting to lead as normal a life as possible. And while it's sweet and sad, I just don't feel it was written that spectacularly. The story content is important, but the writing falls a little short - but I'm assuming that as this is more for young adults, it is geared in this way as well.

And I may sound completely heartless but the build-up to the reveal was overdone, and the ending was drawn out for far too long that it was an anti-climax. That could be the author's intention to make death seem as if a passing ship. A little disappointed overall.
  
Yellow Brick War
Yellow Brick War
Danielle Paige | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
6
6.7 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
The continuing development and interactions of Lulu and Ozma (0 more)
The new villain in this book seemed to be added to the story to continue the series rather than being relevant to the plot (1 more)
A lot of time is spent in Kansas rather than in Oz but still the Kansas plot line seems underdeveloped and clouded
'War'
I'm uncertain on how I actually feel about this novel. To me, there was a lot left un-clarified, with there being certain chapters and scenes that could have been better utilised by developing backstory and deepening knowledge of particular characters and their histories. Although there was some action in this novel it did not feel enough for a novel with the word 'war' in its title. It was good to see characters that had small roles in the first and second novels become more pertinent and important in the series throughout this instalment. I valued this as it provided some variety from the depictions of Amy and the 'Wicked' ones.
  
The Rebel Killer
The Rebel Killer
Paul Fraser Collard | 2019 | Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The latest (at the time of reviewing) of Paul Fraser Collard's Jack Lark series, which I see is still being advertised as 'Sharpe meets The Talented Mt Ripley': while that may have been true of the early novels, I feel - now - that Jack Lark has more of his own identity.

Which is, perhaps, ironic in a series where the central conceit is the main character is an imposter.

In this one Jack is not the only imposter: without giving away too much, he sets himself on a trail of revenge whilst wearing the uniform of a Confederate Officer (as opposed to that of a Union officer he wore in the last novel) during the American Civil War. I say wearing, as that is all it really is to him: simply a means towards an end.

Culminating in the battle of Shiloh, Jack definitely seems to have a knack for finding himself caught up in all the great military happenings of his time!
  
The Stonekeeper (Amulet, #1)
The Stonekeeper (Amulet, #1)
Kazu Kibuishi | 2008 | Fiction & Poetry
8
7.0 (5 Ratings)
Book Rating
Beautiful graphics & engaging plot
I have been waiting forever for the library copy of this book to finally be available! I am so glad I waited. I first learned of the Amulet series when I worked in a bookstore. I just started to get into graphic novels and it was always a book I passed by and thought "I should read that." When my niece came to my house toating the book around like precious cargo, I knew it was time to finally read it!

The Stonekeeper is the first book in the series and it really does a great job of setting up the story. The graphics were breathtakingly good & I loved how it was just the perfect amount of dark. I will say, it surprised me how dark it was but that isn't a bad thing. I tend to like grittier things so it was a pleasant surprise. The plot kept my interest and I will definitely need to keep reading the series!
  
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Smashbomb (4687 KP) created a post in Smashbomb AMA

Jun 12, 2019  
AMA: SANDHYA MENON (AUTHOR)
We are excited to announce that our first AMA 'ask me anything' session will be with author @Sandhya Menon who has agreed to answer a number of 'Ask me anything (AMA)' questions for Smashbombers.

Sandhya is a New York Times bestselling author and has written 4 novels, and has 3 on the way! Her books have been featured in several cool places, including on The Today Show, Teen Vogue, NPR Book Review, Buzzfeed, and Seventeen.

Sandhya is probably best-known for her bestseller @When Dimple Met Rishi - which is currently rated a 7.8 on Smashbomb :)

Joanne's other works include:

      @From Twinkle, with Love

      @There's Something About Sweetie
      @Dear Heartbreak: YA Authors and Teens on the Dark Side of Love

Please leave your questions in the comments below, all of which will be sent over to Sandhya for her responses. Please remember to be inventive and original in your questions ?

(Image credit: sandhyamenon.com)
  
Despite being the second in the series, you don’t need to read the first to enjoy this novel.

Overall, the novel wasn’t terrible. I am not a fan of insta-lust nor people contradicting their morals with their actions. While there was chemistry between the leads, the insta-lust factor put me off. The erotic scenes were also a bit tame for my tastes. Filled with innuendos instead of being straightforward, I feel the erotic scenes would be more suited for someone who is put off but more vulgar language.

I also wasn’t a fan of the author’s writing style in general. Some part seems too long, dragging out unnecessarily or was just too flowery.

Bottom line, this is a historical romance meant for those who want a tamer historical romance. Honestly, it reminds of the novels that my grandma used to read, like Kathleen Woodiwiss and older Jude Deveraux.