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MoMoBookDiary (20 KP) rated The Affair in Books
Oct 1, 2018
MoMo’s Book Diary recommends “The Affair” as a (better than) 5 star suspense novel.
Followers of my book blog (momobookdiary) will be aware of how highly I rate the author Sheryl Browne. Whilst I have enjoyed her romance / chicklit novels, I must admit I really do prefer her gripping psychological thrillers. I love the way that Sheryl’s mind works – so much suspense and you just never know what twist is coming next.
This book fantastically hooked me from the start and I had goosebumps return again and again throughout. The characters immediately come to life and I was left thinking about those who remain long after I finished the book. There are twists and surprises throughout the book which keep you guessing until the final twist.
Thanks to Sheryl Browne, Bookouture and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to publication.
As soon as I received the approval email from NetGalley and Bookouture I got myself settled and started to read. It took me less than 6 hours to read cover to cover. I can’t “do” life when I have a Sheryl Browne book on my kindle to read!
Followers of my book blog (momobookdiary) will be aware of how highly I rate the author Sheryl Browne. Whilst I have enjoyed her romance / chicklit novels, I must admit I really do prefer her gripping psychological thrillers. I love the way that Sheryl’s mind works – so much suspense and you just never know what twist is coming next.
This book fantastically hooked me from the start and I had goosebumps return again and again throughout. The characters immediately come to life and I was left thinking about those who remain long after I finished the book. There are twists and surprises throughout the book which keep you guessing until the final twist.
Thanks to Sheryl Browne, Bookouture and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to publication.
As soon as I received the approval email from NetGalley and Bookouture I got myself settled and started to read. It took me less than 6 hours to read cover to cover. I can’t “do” life when I have a Sheryl Browne book on my kindle to read!
Poor Cujo...
I’m sure I’m not the only one who read this book and felt tremendously sad and sorry for Cujo. A loving, yet huge, dog who just gets himself into the wrong place at the wrong time and then winds up on a murderous rabies fuelled killing spree.
What I really liked about this book is that King also tells some of it from Cujo’s point of view in addition to the human characters, it makes for a refreshing change and a story that isn’t all about the horror (even if there is a lot of horror in here). As with all King novels, it’s wonderfully written with some well thought out characters. The main issue is that there’s only so much you can throw into a book about a rabid dog, and it isn’t something that can be drawn out indefinitely and you can tell that at just over 300 pages, the story is really being stretched. But then the ending arrives far too quickly and is over in the space of a few pages. It’s a typically good King novel and definitely worth a read, just not one of his usual epic stories.
What I really liked about this book is that King also tells some of it from Cujo’s point of view in addition to the human characters, it makes for a refreshing change and a story that isn’t all about the horror (even if there is a lot of horror in here). As with all King novels, it’s wonderfully written with some well thought out characters. The main issue is that there’s only so much you can throw into a book about a rabid dog, and it isn’t something that can be drawn out indefinitely and you can tell that at just over 300 pages, the story is really being stretched. But then the ending arrives far too quickly and is over in the space of a few pages. It’s a typically good King novel and definitely worth a read, just not one of his usual epic stories.
Becs (244 KP) rated Cross Her Heart in Books
Oct 22, 2018
Page turning psychological read
OH MY GOD. This book had me flipping through pages like the Black Plague was coming for me and the only cure was to finish Cross Her Heart. I have never read anything by Sarah Pinborough until I picked this for my September Book of the Month box. I will say that Pinborough will be getting the rest of her novels added to my bookshelf as this is an author that needs to be watched, very closely.
I love how the different POV's worked within this little but punchy novel. It never caused any confusion with the other main character's stories and actually added a wonderful quality to the overall story. Cross Her Heart was such a psychological ride that I now don't know if I'll be able to read anything else that can even compare to this novel. Seriously, everyone needs to watch this author and read her books. This is what thrillers are supposed to be like!
You can find the full review on my blog at: bookingwayreads.wordpress.com
I love how the different POV's worked within this little but punchy novel. It never caused any confusion with the other main character's stories and actually added a wonderful quality to the overall story. Cross Her Heart was such a psychological ride that I now don't know if I'll be able to read anything else that can even compare to this novel. Seriously, everyone needs to watch this author and read her books. This is what thrillers are supposed to be like!
You can find the full review on my blog at: bookingwayreads.wordpress.com
Ross (3284 KP) rated Batman: The Killing Joke (2016) in Movies
Nov 9, 2018
The 2016 adaptation of one of the best-known, most iconic graphic novels of all time had massive shoes to fill. For me, it fell a little short, but was saved by the voice-acting and by, largely, sticking to the storyline it had to work with.
Before we get into the Killing Joke story proper, there is an added storyline following the relationship between Batman and Batgirl. This, plus the more cartoon-y style of the animation were a definite downer for a first 20 minutes. It doesn't really add anything to the overall piece, there is no apparent impact on Batman's actions as a result of their relationship.
That aside, this is a thrilling, gripping adaptation of the book, which sticks close to it. We learn about the Joker's backstory and first interaction with Batman, and we see that he has got into Batman's head as he always wanted.
The use of Mark Hamill as Mr J is excellent, his voice totally captures the Joker's madness, softness and violence.
A great spend of an hour, but something of a let-down from the book.
Before we get into the Killing Joke story proper, there is an added storyline following the relationship between Batman and Batgirl. This, plus the more cartoon-y style of the animation were a definite downer for a first 20 minutes. It doesn't really add anything to the overall piece, there is no apparent impact on Batman's actions as a result of their relationship.
That aside, this is a thrilling, gripping adaptation of the book, which sticks close to it. We learn about the Joker's backstory and first interaction with Batman, and we see that he has got into Batman's head as he always wanted.
The use of Mark Hamill as Mr J is excellent, his voice totally captures the Joker's madness, softness and violence.
A great spend of an hour, but something of a let-down from the book.
Roxanne (13 KP) rated Flu (Flu, #1) in Books
Nov 14, 2018
I thought this was an excellent book. A selection of stories that came together as it went along. I got completely hooked just before half way into the book and couldn't put it down. When I started this book I wasn't sure as there are so many Zombie novels out there I thought this one would be nothing new, but i was so wrong. A great read that just kept me asking for more. The story is very descriptive and gruesome but I thought this was great, not recommended for those with a weak stomach. The characters were very interesting and likable and the story kept running at a nice fast pace. Highly recommended for Zombie fans and fans of gore! I would have given this book 5 stars, however I thought the ending was a bit abrupt, it left me feeling like there should have been more and that not everything was really explained, it's like the story has been left open for a sequel...I hope so anyway, if not then the ending is a bit annoying. A part from that this was a great read!
LynetteMcC (0 KP) rated Trickery (Curse of the Gods, #1) in Books
Nov 17, 2018
Character development (2 more)
Good female protagonist
World development
What a refreshing take on the reverse harem genre
Well this was a nice surprise. I’ve only recently started enjoying reading reverse harem novels and find they can be a bit on the cringe side of things. Either there’s too much mushy sentiments or it’s straight into the sex talk right off the bat. While there is some of this here, there’s actually some nice development of both Willa, the gods, sols and worlds.
The abcurses are well fleshed out as individuals even without having full knowledge about them straight away. You don’t grind your teeth or blush everytime they appear on the page, which is a plus.
I’d say if you liked hearing about the Greek gods when you were younger (or now even) and enjoy a kind of hunger games type world then this could be the book for you.
It’s a book I felt comfortable reading in public and I’d say to an extant older teens would be fine reading this as it’s not overtly sexual, at least in this first book ?
The abcurses are well fleshed out as individuals even without having full knowledge about them straight away. You don’t grind your teeth or blush everytime they appear on the page, which is a plus.
I’d say if you liked hearing about the Greek gods when you were younger (or now even) and enjoy a kind of hunger games type world then this could be the book for you.
It’s a book I felt comfortable reading in public and I’d say to an extant older teens would be fine reading this as it’s not overtly sexual, at least in this first book ?
David McK (3576 KP) rated Aftermath (Star Wars: Aftermath, #1) in Books
Jan 28, 2019
It must be strange being in [a: Chuck Wendig|17152|Chuck Wendig|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1294919586p2/17152.jpg]'s shoes when he was given the green-light to write this novel.
Not so much for what the novel is (a Star Wars book), but for what it isn't (the first in the 'new' non-EU canon).
I imagine there would have been both a feeling of freedom in that he is no longer tied down to making sure everything 'fits', as well as a feeling of responsibility as some of that old EU stuff was quite well regarded.
Regardless, this is set after the events of 'Return of the Jedi', but before the new 'The Force Awakens', and is the first in a series of novels leading up to that movie that should (hopefully) fill in the gaps in that movie. While Luke didn't make an appearance in this, there are some old returning characters: most noticeably Wedge Antilles, who provides the MacGuffin that gets the whole plot rolling!
It may not be the best Star Wars book I've read (sorry), but it does do a serviceable job in getting the ball rolling again.
Not so much for what the novel is (a Star Wars book), but for what it isn't (the first in the 'new' non-EU canon).
I imagine there would have been both a feeling of freedom in that he is no longer tied down to making sure everything 'fits', as well as a feeling of responsibility as some of that old EU stuff was quite well regarded.
Regardless, this is set after the events of 'Return of the Jedi', but before the new 'The Force Awakens', and is the first in a series of novels leading up to that movie that should (hopefully) fill in the gaps in that movie. While Luke didn't make an appearance in this, there are some old returning characters: most noticeably Wedge Antilles, who provides the MacGuffin that gets the whole plot rolling!
It may not be the best Star Wars book I've read (sorry), but it does do a serviceable job in getting the ball rolling again.
David McK (3576 KP) rated Batman: Year One in Books
Jan 28, 2019
Not all that long ago, I watched the cartoon movie version of this graphic novel, and did quite enjoy it. I'd also heard, but couldn't verify, that it was actually pretty close to its source material: well, now I can co firm that that is indeed the case!
Written shortly after The Dark Knight Returns (which concerns an ageing Batman, and is set towards the end of his career), this takes the opposite approach and is instead set during his first year back in Gotham (after travelling abroad for 12(?) years in the wake of his parents murder), which is also coincidentally Jim Gordon's first year working for the corrupt Gotham P.D.
If anybody has also seen the recent(ish) live action movie Batman Begins, it's also pretty obvious where a large chunk of that movie gets it's influence from, with one sequence in particular almost a straight riff from the pages of this graphic novel.
All in all, and while it is true that I've only read a few of the Batman graphic novels so far, this is a strong contender for the best of those I've read.
Written shortly after The Dark Knight Returns (which concerns an ageing Batman, and is set towards the end of his career), this takes the opposite approach and is instead set during his first year back in Gotham (after travelling abroad for 12(?) years in the wake of his parents murder), which is also coincidentally Jim Gordon's first year working for the corrupt Gotham P.D.
If anybody has also seen the recent(ish) live action movie Batman Begins, it's also pretty obvious where a large chunk of that movie gets it's influence from, with one sequence in particular almost a straight riff from the pages of this graphic novel.
All in all, and while it is true that I've only read a few of the Batman graphic novels so far, this is a strong contender for the best of those I've read.
David McK (3576 KP) rated The Grimoire of the Lamb (The Iron Druid Chronicles, #0.4) in Books
Jan 28, 2019
Released after book #5 in Kevin Hearne's 'Iron Druid Chronicles' (i.e. after [b:Trapped|8428140|Trapped|Michael Northrop|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1395769555s/8428140.jpg|13291342]), this is actually somewhat unusual in that it does not take place after or during the events of the previous but before those of the next: i.e. this is NOT book 5.5.
Rather, this joins both [b:Clan Rathskeller|10324651|Clan Rathskeller (The Iron Druid Chronicles, #0.5)|Kevin Hearne|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1323223194s/10324651.jpg|15227090] and [b:Kaibab Unbound|11950840|Kaibab Unbound (The Iron Druid Chronicles , #0.6)|Kevin Hearne|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1323225105s/11950840.jpg|16912742] in being set before the first novel (i.e. before [b:Hounded|18404329|Hounded|David Rosenfelt|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1382758931s/18404329.jpg|26038191]), set even before either of those two novels. As such, there's no Granuaile (sp?) in this one, with Atticus still living in Tempe and still in charge of his shop. Indeed, it's an item in that shop - the Grimoire of the title - that acts as the catalyst for this tale, which sees Atticus (and Oberon!) traveling to Egypt when said item is stolen from him for nefarious purposes.
Rather, this joins both [b:Clan Rathskeller|10324651|Clan Rathskeller (The Iron Druid Chronicles, #0.5)|Kevin Hearne|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1323223194s/10324651.jpg|15227090] and [b:Kaibab Unbound|11950840|Kaibab Unbound (The Iron Druid Chronicles , #0.6)|Kevin Hearne|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1323225105s/11950840.jpg|16912742] in being set before the first novel (i.e. before [b:Hounded|18404329|Hounded|David Rosenfelt|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1382758931s/18404329.jpg|26038191]), set even before either of those two novels. As such, there's no Granuaile (sp?) in this one, with Atticus still living in Tempe and still in charge of his shop. Indeed, it's an item in that shop - the Grimoire of the title - that acts as the catalyst for this tale, which sees Atticus (and Oberon!) traveling to Egypt when said item is stolen from him for nefarious purposes.
David McK (3576 KP) rated The King's Assassin (The Outlaw Chronicles, #7) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
This, I believe, is the penultimate entry in [a: Angus Donald|584064|Angus Donald|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]'s 'Outlaw' series of novels dealing with the legend of Robin Hood.
If I'm honest, I also have to say that I read the title as meaning 'an assassin belonging to a King' rather than what proves to be the actual meaning: a (failed) attempt to assassinate the King (who, at this stage, is John).
As before, this is presented as the elderly Alan a Dale (now in a monastery as he has been since the opening of [b: Outlaw|17333533|Outlaw|Ted Dekker|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1364009572s/17333533.jpg|24064806], and by this stage dictating rather than writing himself) recalling his earlier life in the company of Robin and his men.
The main 'hook' of this particular entry in the series is the events leading up to the signing of Magna Carta, with King John proving to be an unpopular and failing ruler, especially compared to his older brother Richard ('the Lionheart'), and with Robin instrumental in bringing about the famous document.
If I'm honest, I also have to say that I read the title as meaning 'an assassin belonging to a King' rather than what proves to be the actual meaning: a (failed) attempt to assassinate the King (who, at this stage, is John).
As before, this is presented as the elderly Alan a Dale (now in a monastery as he has been since the opening of [b: Outlaw|17333533|Outlaw|Ted Dekker|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1364009572s/17333533.jpg|24064806], and by this stage dictating rather than writing himself) recalling his earlier life in the company of Robin and his men.
The main 'hook' of this particular entry in the series is the events leading up to the signing of Magna Carta, with King John proving to be an unpopular and failing ruler, especially compared to his older brother Richard ('the Lionheart'), and with Robin instrumental in bringing about the famous document.