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    The New York Review of Books

    The New York Review of Books

    Magazines & Newspapers and Education

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    For over 50 years, The New York Review of Books has been the place where the world's leading...

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Merissa (12995 KP) rated Thawed Fortunes (Guadel Chronicles #2) in Books

Apr 7, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)  
Thawed Fortunes (Guadel Chronicles #2)
Thawed Fortunes (Guadel Chronicles #2)
Dean Murray | 2013 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is the second book in a fantastic Fantasy series that is getting better and better. I gave Frozen Prospects 4 out of 5 stars but Thawed Fortunes is definitely worth a 5!

The story continues where it left off and Va'del is still trying to find his niche. He has Javin, Mar'li and On'li in his corner but their hands are being increasingly tied by political manoeuvrings. Jain is still with him and their relationship is becoming stronger as they both accept each other, flaws and all. They think that their time may be limited though as both are aware that the council will have the ultimate say in whether they can be married or not. If Va'del doesn't become a Candidate then it isn't even an option.

There is a lot more political wrangling and power plays in this book and unfortunately, Va'del is always smack in the middle of it. The politicians are playing with his life, hopes and dreams and he doesn't know how much more he can take.

This book is action-packed, both physically and mentally. Va'del as a character is a delight to read as he is very complex and you never know how he will react to a given situation. Jain is solid and stronger than she thinks. I really hope that these two are able to marry at some point!

A brilliant book that takes the series to the next level. Can't wait for the next one.
 
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
 
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
August 11, 2016
  
Home Fire
Home Fire
Kamila Shamsie | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
9
9.0 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
Not quite Antigone, interesting take on modern Islamophobia
There are two very distinctive opinions on this book about how British Muslims are treated in a western society, split between being seen as subservient and loyal as well as dangerous and dogmatic. It is absolutely relevant to the current political climate hence it is an intriguing read. At times it borders on satirical because some of the elements appear very far fetched. From a Romeo and Juliet style love story played out in the media, to the extreme Islamophobic views of a Muslim politician. While there are definite elements of truths planted in this book, the extreme nature of the funeral scene just bordered on slightly ridiculous especially when there are real examples in the public eye. It is a gripping and engaging read with something lacking.
  
Three Daughters of Eve
Three Daughters of Eve
Elif Shafak | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Wonderfully weaved story of past and present life
Elik Shafak has a beautiful way of writing very delicate narratives. In this case, it's a story about an indecisive Turkish woman reminiscing about her past mistakes and confusions, attempting to reconcile her faith and her disbelief at every given turn.

She is now a housewife with children, when she vowed never to be such, and she has issues with her religion and questioning her belief after living between a devoutly Muslim mother and a secular father. These issues rise up again when she studies a "God" seminar at Oxford and she is pitted against her atheist Iranian friend, her Muslim housemate and her enigmatic older professor.

It is a remarkably contemporary story, weaving political attributes and current affairs. Intriguing but could have a been a little shorter.
  
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Deano Arnott (28 KP) rated Peaky Blinders in TV

Jan 29, 2018  
Peaky Blinders
Peaky Blinders
2013 | Crime, Drama
Fantastic cast (1 more)
Great story
Terrible accents (0 more)
Netflix continues to rule...
Your television set has been taken over by order of the Peeky F****** Blinders. Birmingham 1919 and this family want to rule the world. When ambitious head of the family, Thomas Shelby, returns home from the war, he wants the world to know that he intends to take charge. Wanting to get the family business into a legitimate bookmaking empire, Thomas finds himself locking horns with gangs up and down the country, all the time being pursued by a straighter than thou police officer who enforces the law with an iron fist. Clashing gang wars, street fights and some very colourful characters, this show is set for superstardom as it continues to keep audiences captivated with brute force and a strong political presence. Great show and keeps getting better.
  
TY
Thank You for Smoking
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This book was an ok read, it took me quite a while to get into it as the writing style is very different to what i'm used to. I found the story to be quite jumbled and sometimes I just had no idea which of the characters were speaking, I had to sometimes read a page a couple of times in order for it to sink in. Some of it a found quite funny but other bits I didn't really understand. The novel is very political, which probably explains why I kept losing interest (not to say it wasn't interesting at all- which is why I gave it 3 stars, I did like it, mainly because it was just different). The story had some good twists but I do believe that the ending was very unrealistic.
  
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Milleen (47 KP) rated Birdcage Walk in Books

Nov 14, 2018 (Updated Nov 14, 2018)  
Birdcage Walk
Birdcage Walk
Helen Dunmore | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This period drama has a dark, gothic uneasiness to it, but the tightly drawn characters, descriptive backdrop and Dunmoreƕs powerful prose keep you reading. Lizzie Fawkes has been raised by a feisty mother, Julia an early advocate of women's rights and her stepfather Augustus who writes rousing political pamphlets. Lizzie has chosen to marry a sober, stoic gentleman, John Diner Tredevant, a property developer who has invested heavily in the construction of a terrace in Bristol and the entire household has moved to the Avon gorge to maintain their supportive, close-knit relationship. As the French Revolution rolls across the Channel, the house full of radicals await news from afar and the disruption echoes through their homes. Secrets and suspicions keep you interested in the story but it's the characters that provide the entertainment and emotional pull.
  
Criminal Minds  - Season 1
Criminal Minds - Season 1
2005 | Drama
It's so weird to rewatch this series and have seen all these episodes before, but now, watching as a college student, studying criminal justice, history, and political science, along with legal studies and American studies, everything just clicks a little more.

It's so fun to see all the baby characters, the original team, the various plot lines that they pursued. I think this will always be one of my favorite seasons to watch and I don't think there's anything I don't like about the show. Other than the small inaccuracy they had when Haley first gave birth. They called her a girl in the first episode the baby is in and most everyone knows that Hotch ends up having a son named Jack. Small story discrepancies really get me like nothing else.

Other than that, great season. Baby Reid is so cute.
  
    PLAYBOY Thailand

    PLAYBOY Thailand

    Lifestyle and Magazines & Newspapers

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