Sign up
Search
Advanced search settings

Search only in certain items:

Search results
All (4425)
Content
People
Apps
Books
Orbs
Movies
Music
Podcasts
Shows
Tabletop Games
Tech
TV
Video Games
YouTube Channels
Videos
40x40

ClareR (5879 KP) rated The Road Trip in Books

Aug 4, 2021  
The Road Trip
The Road Trip
Beth O'Leary | 2021 | Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I loved this book. The Road Trip has a different feel to it compared to Beth O’Leary’s previous two novels, and whatever direction she’ll take next, I’m going along for the ride (see what I did there!🤭)

I just love the way that O’Leary writes characters: in this book they’re funny, flawed and feel like genuine, real people. There are those with mental health problems, dysfunctional families and strong sibling relationships.

We see the contrast of the carefree student on holiday, and the way that real life has a habit of sticking its oar in - and not always in a good way.

The road trip element was hilarious though. Deliciously awkward, thanks to Addie, Dylan and Dylan’s friend Marcus, with the devil-may-care attitude of Addie’s sister, Debs. And than there’s Rodney (I’l leave him right here - I don’t want to spoil THIS character for you!).

This book is a little darker in places in comparison to her other books, but I absolutely loved every page. I can’t wait to see what’s next from Beth O’Leary. Oh, and you should definitely read this book!!

Many thanks to Quercus for my copy via NetGalley.
  
40x40

Eleanor Luhar (47 KP) rated The Other Wind: An Earthsea Novel in Books

Jun 24, 2019  
The Other Wind: An Earthsea Novel
The Other Wind: An Earthsea Novel
Ursula K. Le Guin | 2001
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I think this has been my favourite of the Earthsea novels. It tied all the previous stories together, and included two of my favourite characters - Tenar and Tehanu.

Again, there were times where I felt a little bored or lost, but when I was able to sit and really focus on reading it, I really did enjoy this book. I guess it's not really a "light" read.

This story focused more on dragons, and how humans had broken an ancient promise by seeking immortality. Women - who were previously seen as lesser than men - are invited to Roke, and help to bring peace amongst dragon and mankind.

The history of dragons and men being one species was a really interesting concept, as was the "other wind" that Irian and Tehanu long for. The ending was pretty sad, too - the bond between Tenar and Tehanu was so strong, but they knew that they would have to let each other go.

I definitely found this the most interesting out of the series. The writing is lovely (if a little archaic, but that fits the universe Le Guin has created) and I love some of the characters. 3.5 stars.
  
40x40

Awix (3310 KP) rated The Day of the Triffids in Books

Sep 5, 2019  
The Day of the Triffids
The Day of the Triffids
John Wyndham | 1951 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
7.6 (8 Ratings)
Book Rating
Famous and highly influential British catastrophe novel. The collapse of global civilisation, after what appears to be an encounter with a comet blinds the majority of the world's population, is made even worse by the existence of sentient, mobile, lethal carnivorous plants, genetically engineered before the disaster. It sounds schlocky written down like that - and most screen adaptations end up that way - but Wyndham's dry, cultured, understated voice means this is a chillingly plausible and deeply affecting depiction of the end of the world.

In some ways this is very much of its time, but in others it is a remarkably prescient book, touching on issues such as the weaponisation of satellites and genetically-modified foodstuffs. It is also a vehicle for Wyndham to explore some of the key issues of his novels - the moral decisions faced by survivors, and the conflict between the individual and the collective. The structure of the plot is somewhat idiosyncratic, and accusations that this is the kind of catastrophe where the really bad stuff just happens to other people may have some weight to them, but this is an immensely readable and thought-provoking book which still feels relevant today.
  
40x40

Ari Augustine (10 KP) rated Catherine House in Books

May 4, 2020  
Catherine House
Catherine House
Elisabeth Thomas | 2020 | Fiction & Poetry, Mystery, Romance, Thriller
6
5.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
To be honest, this book sounded like a beautiful nightmare to me. Not to mention, it was compared to NEVER LET ME GO, one of my absolute favorite novels. I definitely give it props for the premise, which was amazing, and the suspense, which did keep me intrigued for a time. The whole concept of Catherine House and its secrets really drew me in.

On the flip side, the main character --Ines--did little for me. I struggled to connect with her. The dialogue was a bit clunky, the style a bit sparse, and the flow just didn't exist for me. It was actually hard for me to follow, which is odd because I love complicated plots! I live for them and have read them for years, but from page one, I found myself wondering what was going on. The story felt...disjointed. This made it hard to keep my interest, to be honest. I think this book would be GREAT for readers who enjoy a slower pace and have the time to get lost while waiting for loose ends to tie. Unfortunately, I am not one of those readers.