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Sam (74 KP) rated A Place Called Here in Books
Mar 27, 2019
I’m a massive fan of Cecelia Ahern and I hadn’t even heard of this one until I saw it at a charity book stall at the hospital. So, for 50p, I definitely couldn’t resist.
This is one of Ahern’s more abstract novels, based on the idea that all lost things that people have stopped looking for end up in the same place – a little village called ‘Here’.
Sandy is a private investigator who has always had to find missing things since a girl from school went missing when she was younger. She was always losing things but always made a task out of trying to find every single one, hardly ever giving up. She finds herself in a strange place, surrounded by missing people and objects, and no knowledge of how to get home.
Jack’s brother is missing, and he enlists on Sandy’s help to find him. Only, Sandy never shows up when they arrange to meet.
Sandy is the person to go after the missing people, so who will look for her when she goes missing?
I loved reading this and loved the question it raised over what really happened to Sandy when she went missing. The book is based on such a unique idea and made an interesting read and one of my favourite books of 2017.
This is one of Ahern’s more abstract novels, based on the idea that all lost things that people have stopped looking for end up in the same place – a little village called ‘Here’.
Sandy is a private investigator who has always had to find missing things since a girl from school went missing when she was younger. She was always losing things but always made a task out of trying to find every single one, hardly ever giving up. She finds herself in a strange place, surrounded by missing people and objects, and no knowledge of how to get home.
Jack’s brother is missing, and he enlists on Sandy’s help to find him. Only, Sandy never shows up when they arrange to meet.
Sandy is the person to go after the missing people, so who will look for her when she goes missing?
I loved reading this and loved the question it raised over what really happened to Sandy when she went missing. The book is based on such a unique idea and made an interesting read and one of my favourite books of 2017.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Manga Classics: Sense and Sensibility in Books
Jun 15, 2019
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
I have never been a big fan of Jane Austen or Manga books. However, combining the two made for an interesting and fun read. Manga Classics: Sense and Sensibility (Stacy King (Story Adaptation), Po Tse (Art by), Jane Austen (Original Story)) is part of the Manga Classics series. According to Goodreads, as of 6/13/2019, most of the 15 novels in the series have been adapted by Stacy King with artwork from Po Tse.
I attempted to read Sense and Sensibility several times but, I stop, put it down, and give up. I understand the time period in which it was written so it is not because of the way women behave or how they are treated that I have not finished.
Reading the Manga Classics version I found Austen's well-known classic easier to read and, for the first time, was able to finish reading the story.
I gave 5 stars to Manga Classics: Sense and Sensibility not for Austen's work. It is because of the superb way Stacy King was able to adapt the story into a Manga novel without losing the original story.
I feel this series would be a fun way to introduce Classics to "non-readers".
This review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 6/15/19
I have never been a big fan of Jane Austen or Manga books. However, combining the two made for an interesting and fun read. Manga Classics: Sense and Sensibility (Stacy King (Story Adaptation), Po Tse (Art by), Jane Austen (Original Story)) is part of the Manga Classics series. According to Goodreads, as of 6/13/2019, most of the 15 novels in the series have been adapted by Stacy King with artwork from Po Tse.
I attempted to read Sense and Sensibility several times but, I stop, put it down, and give up. I understand the time period in which it was written so it is not because of the way women behave or how they are treated that I have not finished.
Reading the Manga Classics version I found Austen's well-known classic easier to read and, for the first time, was able to finish reading the story.
I gave 5 stars to Manga Classics: Sense and Sensibility not for Austen's work. It is because of the superb way Stacy King was able to adapt the story into a Manga novel without losing the original story.
I feel this series would be a fun way to introduce Classics to "non-readers".
This review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 6/15/19
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Sleeping Giants (Themis Files #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
The title of this is what drew me. Sleeping Giants? Sounds right up my alley. It has been a long time since I read a sci-fi novel that wasn't heavy on the romance/erotica also. However, this novel was captivating. I know there are novels out there told through interviews and the like but I have never read them before. Therefore, it was something new and different. I honestly felt I would have enjoyed the novel more if it had been written more traditionally. That doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it. As someone who loves to thoroughly research things, I almost felt that I was the narrator going through all the relevant information I have collected to put the story together. It was appealing.
Style aside, it also has an interesting plot. Giant robots and recovered technologies are nothing new, but the author weaves a stories that grabs your attention and keeps you turning each page. I was hooked until the very last page. In fact, once I finished, I sat in a daze wrapping my mind around everything I had just taken in.
If the description interests you, I highly recommend that you read this novel. I understand it is not expected to be published until April 2016. It is definitely worth the wait.
The title of this is what drew me. Sleeping Giants? Sounds right up my alley. It has been a long time since I read a sci-fi novel that wasn't heavy on the romance/erotica also. However, this novel was captivating. I know there are novels out there told through interviews and the like but I have never read them before. Therefore, it was something new and different. I honestly felt I would have enjoyed the novel more if it had been written more traditionally. That doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it. As someone who loves to thoroughly research things, I almost felt that I was the narrator going through all the relevant information I have collected to put the story together. It was appealing.
Style aside, it also has an interesting plot. Giant robots and recovered technologies are nothing new, but the author weaves a stories that grabs your attention and keeps you turning each page. I was hooked until the very last page. In fact, once I finished, I sat in a daze wrapping my mind around everything I had just taken in.
If the description interests you, I highly recommend that you read this novel. I understand it is not expected to be published until April 2016. It is definitely worth the wait.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Cursed (Beholder, #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is not my normal read as lately I have been hitting the erotica/contemporary romance hard. However, it had to do with necromancy and that is something I simply cannot pass up. Necromancy is something I am highly interested not only because it is rarely written about (compared to vampires, shifters, etc.), but also because rarely is the hero/heroine ever the necromancer. Usually the necromancer is the villain/antagonist.
This story was refreshing, like a breath of fresh air from what I have been reading. Elea is such a powerful character, both in magic and personality. I could definitely get behind her and her ideals. The authors created world was also fascinating. I felt she not only created a marvelous world but also did a good job at explaining it. Sometimes in fantasy novels, I get lost concerning the authors created mythology, but I wasnt with this novel.
It definitely has a young adult feel to it though. Regardless, I loved it and cant wait to read more. If you are a fan of strong heroines with interesting magic, and a fascinating world beyond imagination, then you may enjoy this novel. Not to mention the young love that spurs main characters. I am all for young, dewy eyed love
This is not my normal read as lately I have been hitting the erotica/contemporary romance hard. However, it had to do with necromancy and that is something I simply cannot pass up. Necromancy is something I am highly interested not only because it is rarely written about (compared to vampires, shifters, etc.), but also because rarely is the hero/heroine ever the necromancer. Usually the necromancer is the villain/antagonist.
This story was refreshing, like a breath of fresh air from what I have been reading. Elea is such a powerful character, both in magic and personality. I could definitely get behind her and her ideals. The authors created world was also fascinating. I felt she not only created a marvelous world but also did a good job at explaining it. Sometimes in fantasy novels, I get lost concerning the authors created mythology, but I wasnt with this novel.
It definitely has a young adult feel to it though. Regardless, I loved it and cant wait to read more. If you are a fan of strong heroines with interesting magic, and a fascinating world beyond imagination, then you may enjoy this novel. Not to mention the young love that spurs main characters. I am all for young, dewy eyed love
ArecRain (8 KP) rated A Carnal Agreement (Regency Intrigue, #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I ordered this book off of Amazon when it recommended it with another purchase. I thought sure why not, and ended up with a permanent addition to my collections. If there is one thing I love more than erotic, is historical erotica, especially a well written on.
Before I gush over how much I fell in love with this novel, I will state the only thing that annoyed me about this novel which is Cassandras want of independence. First of all, I guess I can understand her in a sense, but for the time she lives in, she seems to be asking too much. Not to mention, at a certain point, she became annoying about it. We get it, you want your independence. Now please stop kicking the dead horse.
Beyond that, this was a really good a read. Very few erotic novels have such great plotlines to go along with their delicious erotic scenes. I loved that this novel had both. I also liked that the sex wasnt what the two fall in love. Like any normal human being, Mark worries for Cassandra when he realizes someone has tried to harm her. As they spend more and more time together, their feelings grow. You can actually watch the progression of them falling in love.
A must read for historical erotica readers everywhere.
Before I gush over how much I fell in love with this novel, I will state the only thing that annoyed me about this novel which is Cassandras want of independence. First of all, I guess I can understand her in a sense, but for the time she lives in, she seems to be asking too much. Not to mention, at a certain point, she became annoying about it. We get it, you want your independence. Now please stop kicking the dead horse.
Beyond that, this was a really good a read. Very few erotic novels have such great plotlines to go along with their delicious erotic scenes. I loved that this novel had both. I also liked that the sex wasnt what the two fall in love. Like any normal human being, Mark worries for Cassandra when he realizes someone has tried to harm her. As they spend more and more time together, their feelings grow. You can actually watch the progression of them falling in love.
A must read for historical erotica readers everywhere.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Jackson's Trust (Fourth Down, #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have not read any of the authors previous works, nor do I usually read sports romances. I requested this novel because I couldnt get over how hot the cover was. With a cover like that, it has to be good right? Right! I was definitely not disappointed.
First of all, I know nothing about sports so I was praying there wasnt a lot of terms I didnt understand. I was pleased that this was one of those novels that didnt leave nonsports fan in the dark. I loathe the trope of the man not liking commitment (for whatever reason), but I liked Jackson so much, I didnt even notice. Reading his interactions were both humorous and pleased the romantic in me.
Duke has an easy style that makes her writing a pleasure to read. I felt that I didnt have to force myself to be interested nor did I struggle to make it through. There were some twists, I guess, but I wasnt surprised by them. In fact, Leilas secret was kind of a joke.
If you are looking for a heart melting read that will have you both cursing and laughing out loud, then I suggest this novel to you.
I have not read any of the authors previous works, nor do I usually read sports romances. I requested this novel because I couldnt get over how hot the cover was. With a cover like that, it has to be good right? Right! I was definitely not disappointed.
First of all, I know nothing about sports so I was praying there wasnt a lot of terms I didnt understand. I was pleased that this was one of those novels that didnt leave nonsports fan in the dark. I loathe the trope of the man not liking commitment (for whatever reason), but I liked Jackson so much, I didnt even notice. Reading his interactions were both humorous and pleased the romantic in me.
Duke has an easy style that makes her writing a pleasure to read. I felt that I didnt have to force myself to be interested nor did I struggle to make it through. There were some twists, I guess, but I wasnt surprised by them. In fact, Leilas secret was kind of a joke.
If you are looking for a heart melting read that will have you both cursing and laughing out loud, then I suggest this novel to you.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Luckiest Girl Alive in Books
Feb 1, 2018
Ani FaNelli is engaged to a wealthy man, has a great job, and is finally about to lead the life she's always wanted. But Ani is hiding a secretive past - as a teen, she endured a traumatic event and she's kept her secrets hidden ever since. Now, as she's about to get married, Ani is struggling to contain her past and lead the life she's always wanted.
This was an interesting book - Ani is truly a despicable character in many ways, though as her past unfolds, you start to learn more about what has made Ani who she is. Her finance and her school-hood friends aren't much better. Perhaps the best thing about this book is Knoll's ability to eventually make Ani sympathetic, despite many of her faults. She's a complicated and multi-faceted character, which is a refreshing change from many novels.
The novel is suspenseful for sure, but because it was so consistently billed as the next "Gone Girl," I kept waiting for an even bigger twist, which was a bit of a letdown. I probably would have enjoyed the novel even more if I didn't have all these comparisons swirling in my head. In the end, it was a good read and certainly a fast one, but doesn't necessarily live up to its billing.
This was an interesting book - Ani is truly a despicable character in many ways, though as her past unfolds, you start to learn more about what has made Ani who she is. Her finance and her school-hood friends aren't much better. Perhaps the best thing about this book is Knoll's ability to eventually make Ani sympathetic, despite many of her faults. She's a complicated and multi-faceted character, which is a refreshing change from many novels.
The novel is suspenseful for sure, but because it was so consistently billed as the next "Gone Girl," I kept waiting for an even bigger twist, which was a bit of a letdown. I probably would have enjoyed the novel even more if I didn't have all these comparisons swirling in my head. In the end, it was a good read and certainly a fast one, but doesn't necessarily live up to its billing.
I recently picked up the new Legend of Korra comic, Turf Wars and was drawn back into the world wholeheartedly. I love the Avatar: The Last Airbender tv show and realized that I hadn't read all of the comics released after the show concluded. There is a set that includes lost stories from the time of the show, but these newer bind-ups are actually continuing the story beyond the show's plot. It was so nice to be able to see what was happening with our favourite characters and how they've grown.
The characters we've grown to love are still apparent in this graphic novel, despite the fact that over a year has passed. Each has their own unique voice, which is familiar from the tv show and makes you feel like you're inhabiting the world once more. Toph's voice was the easiest to image as she has such a unique tone and outlook on life. It was interesting to see the progression of Katara and Aang's relationship in the aftermath of the war.
For any people concerned about reading the comics and not having them live up to the show you love, I hope that I can erase any fears. I loved reading this storyline and feeling the struggles that the characters were going through. I cannot wait to continue with these graphic novels and see how the story progresses.
The characters we've grown to love are still apparent in this graphic novel, despite the fact that over a year has passed. Each has their own unique voice, which is familiar from the tv show and makes you feel like you're inhabiting the world once more. Toph's voice was the easiest to image as she has such a unique tone and outlook on life. It was interesting to see the progression of Katara and Aang's relationship in the aftermath of the war.
For any people concerned about reading the comics and not having them live up to the show you love, I hope that I can erase any fears. I loved reading this storyline and feeling the struggles that the characters were going through. I cannot wait to continue with these graphic novels and see how the story progresses.
Dana (24 KP) rated Illuminae: The Illuminae Files: Book 1 in Books
Mar 23, 2018
This book has an interesting way it was written in the way that it is more like documents compiled together rather than being all prose. I enjoyed seeing this different style of writing, plus it made for a very quick read.
Even though we were never truly in Kady or Ezra's complete point of view, we still get their feelings in the way the characters are inhabited. They jump off the page at the readers.
The plot moved at a great pace, neither too fast or too slow. I read this book very quickly (we're talking a couple of hours here) but I felt very immersed in the story.
The way each character was introduced was very interesting as well. A lot of it was similar to an investigation log or script from an interrogation room. Even though we don't get much in the way of physical description, we still get the big picture of the characters.
The AI (AIDAN) was quite interesting itself. Even thought it was not a human, there were so many intricate parts to it that I thought it was at some point.
I don't normally enjoy or read space operas or science fiction novels much, but this book made me want to read more.
There is an awesome set up for the rest of the books, as well.
Even though we were never truly in Kady or Ezra's complete point of view, we still get their feelings in the way the characters are inhabited. They jump off the page at the readers.
The plot moved at a great pace, neither too fast or too slow. I read this book very quickly (we're talking a couple of hours here) but I felt very immersed in the story.
The way each character was introduced was very interesting as well. A lot of it was similar to an investigation log or script from an interrogation room. Even though we don't get much in the way of physical description, we still get the big picture of the characters.
The AI (AIDAN) was quite interesting itself. Even thought it was not a human, there were so many intricate parts to it that I thought it was at some point.
I don't normally enjoy or read space operas or science fiction novels much, but this book made me want to read more.
There is an awesome set up for the rest of the books, as well.
HOLY CRAP!!! THAT TWIST THOUGH!!!!
I really enjoyed the writing style of this novel. The way that Victoria Aveyard crafted the story made it very easy to get into the world. The rules of the world were set up really early on and there weren't too many of the usual YA tropes in it. I loved reading the character interactions in this story. They just felt really organic and lively. Mare was very well written. She was created with care and not condescended to in the writing. I felt like she, along with the other characters, were taken care of with the highest respect. That being said, it was really easy to start hating characters that I had previously loved. Thanks, Victoria. Like I didn't need my heart broken. I actually wasn't supposed to start reading this until after I finished my finals, but that is not what happened. It was too enticing and then I didn't want to put it down. The only reason I did was because I noticed that I actually had important assignments that I had to do.
I really recommend this novel to anyone who likes Fantasy and Dystopian novels. It is a perfect blend of the two and a really fun read. You will not want to stop until you finish!
I really enjoyed the writing style of this novel. The way that Victoria Aveyard crafted the story made it very easy to get into the world. The rules of the world were set up really early on and there weren't too many of the usual YA tropes in it. I loved reading the character interactions in this story. They just felt really organic and lively. Mare was very well written. She was created with care and not condescended to in the writing. I felt like she, along with the other characters, were taken care of with the highest respect. That being said, it was really easy to start hating characters that I had previously loved. Thanks, Victoria. Like I didn't need my heart broken. I actually wasn't supposed to start reading this until after I finished my finals, but that is not what happened. It was too enticing and then I didn't want to put it down. The only reason I did was because I noticed that I actually had important assignments that I had to do.
I really recommend this novel to anyone who likes Fantasy and Dystopian novels. It is a perfect blend of the two and a really fun read. You will not want to stop until you finish!