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Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Killer Inside (Joe Stark #3) in Books
Jul 20, 2021
Loved it - proper rollercoaster of a ride that I didn't want to get off!
At first, I didn't realise this was the third in the series starring Joe Stark as I have never read anything by Matthew Frank before but first the title and then the blurb enticed me and had I not read some other reviews first, I wouldn't have known. So, I can safely say that this can be read as a standalone because although I have probably missed a lot of backstory and character development, for me it didn't detract from my enjoyment one little bit.
I absolutely love the character of Joe Stark - yes, he is a bit of a cliché being ex-military with a troubled history now working within the police but, for me, this made him an interesting and complex character. The supporting cast were equally well developed and I think Julian Sinclair was a great "baddie".
At first, you think the plot is going to be pretty simple and straightforward but as the book progresses, it becomes more complex; the police investigation plays this out really well with them struggling to put the pieces of the puzzle together with many of their leads ending in dead ends. The politics within the police also provide an interesting side story as does Joe's complicated life.
This is fast paced with plenty of twists and action. It is also a dark read with some scenes that some might find disturbing so if you are easily shocked, I would give this a miss but I would definitely recommend this to others who enjoy this genre and eagerly await the next instalment.
Thank you to Penguin Michael Joseph UK and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.
At first, I didn't realise this was the third in the series starring Joe Stark as I have never read anything by Matthew Frank before but first the title and then the blurb enticed me and had I not read some other reviews first, I wouldn't have known. So, I can safely say that this can be read as a standalone because although I have probably missed a lot of backstory and character development, for me it didn't detract from my enjoyment one little bit.
I absolutely love the character of Joe Stark - yes, he is a bit of a cliché being ex-military with a troubled history now working within the police but, for me, this made him an interesting and complex character. The supporting cast were equally well developed and I think Julian Sinclair was a great "baddie".
At first, you think the plot is going to be pretty simple and straightforward but as the book progresses, it becomes more complex; the police investigation plays this out really well with them struggling to put the pieces of the puzzle together with many of their leads ending in dead ends. The politics within the police also provide an interesting side story as does Joe's complicated life.
This is fast paced with plenty of twists and action. It is also a dark read with some scenes that some might find disturbing so if you are easily shocked, I would give this a miss but I would definitely recommend this to others who enjoy this genre and eagerly await the next instalment.
Thank you to Penguin Michael Joseph UK and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.
ClareR (6144 KP) rated This One Sky Day in Books
May 11, 2021
This One Sky Day is packed full of magical realism and beautiful descriptions of what appears on the surface to be a tropical paradise.
Popisho is a magical land where everyone is born with a special gift or ‘cors’ Some are healers, some have speed or strength, and some, namely Xavier Redchoose, has the gift of cooking the perfect meal for everyone. He is the macaenus of his generation. He has the ability at his fingertips to make food taste delicious, and to cook just what his guest loves and needs the most. All cors are given by the gods.
It’s a story that tells you to use your gifts to make you happy, it talks about politics and how they can be twisted to serve the needs of those who are supposed to who are supposed to serve others, and it’s a story that shows that change is inevitable.
I’m not so sure that I understood everything, but it’s a beautifully written, entertaining story. I never knew what was going to happen next, in a world where literally anything could happen!
I WILL say that I’ve read enough about pum-pums to last me a lifetime. I may even be a little bit traumatised! 🤭
I think the best word to describe this book is “gleeful”. Whilst I was reading it, it felt like the author had enjoyed writing it (whether that’s true or not, I have no idea!), and it was a book that just made me feel happy! 🤷🏼♀️
So, whether I’ve managed to grasp the finer details of this novel is immaterial to me - I just really very much enjoyed reading it.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for another great serialisation.
Popisho is a magical land where everyone is born with a special gift or ‘cors’ Some are healers, some have speed or strength, and some, namely Xavier Redchoose, has the gift of cooking the perfect meal for everyone. He is the macaenus of his generation. He has the ability at his fingertips to make food taste delicious, and to cook just what his guest loves and needs the most. All cors are given by the gods.
It’s a story that tells you to use your gifts to make you happy, it talks about politics and how they can be twisted to serve the needs of those who are supposed to who are supposed to serve others, and it’s a story that shows that change is inevitable.
I’m not so sure that I understood everything, but it’s a beautifully written, entertaining story. I never knew what was going to happen next, in a world where literally anything could happen!
I WILL say that I’ve read enough about pum-pums to last me a lifetime. I may even be a little bit traumatised! 🤭
I think the best word to describe this book is “gleeful”. Whilst I was reading it, it felt like the author had enjoyed writing it (whether that’s true or not, I have no idea!), and it was a book that just made me feel happy! 🤷🏼♀️
So, whether I’ve managed to grasp the finer details of this novel is immaterial to me - I just really very much enjoyed reading it.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for another great serialisation.
BookInspector (124 KP) rated A Throne of Swans in Books
Sep 24, 2020
The protagonist in this book is Aderyn, and the book is told from her perspective. I liked her naivety and inexperience in the politics of the court. It was quite cute to watch her struggle to make decisions, that could change not only her life but the life of her whole dominion as well. I really liked the romantic tension in this novel as well, it was interesting to see, which of the boys Aderyn will choose. I liked all the characters the authors picked for this book, they are all diverse and intriguing. That is why I would’ve liked more perspectives, especially Lucien’s, he is such a mysterious guy, and I would’ve loved to read all his secret endeavours.
The plot was pretty slow, at least for half of the book. I liked the twists and plots the authors brought to this book, but I don’t think it was enough. Until the end Aderyn was quite weak and helpless, only at the end, she has done some surprising changes, that I loved. I think for this book, the chapters were too long. The plot was not very eventful, and I was quite bored sometimes, counting the pages to the next chapter.
The writing style was easy to read, and I can see where the authors are steering the plot, I have very high expectations for the second part. The setting of this book doesn’t change much, but I liked the detailed descriptions of the places, I think they looked stunning. The ending was a true gem, I really loved Aderyn’s choices and the intrigue created. So, to conclude, it was quite a long introduction to the upcoming book. I liked the characters and the world it was set in, but I am expecting more perspectives, more action and deceit, as well as shorter chapters in the upcoming part.
The plot was pretty slow, at least for half of the book. I liked the twists and plots the authors brought to this book, but I don’t think it was enough. Until the end Aderyn was quite weak and helpless, only at the end, she has done some surprising changes, that I loved. I think for this book, the chapters were too long. The plot was not very eventful, and I was quite bored sometimes, counting the pages to the next chapter.
The writing style was easy to read, and I can see where the authors are steering the plot, I have very high expectations for the second part. The setting of this book doesn’t change much, but I liked the detailed descriptions of the places, I think they looked stunning. The ending was a true gem, I really loved Aderyn’s choices and the intrigue created. So, to conclude, it was quite a long introduction to the upcoming book. I liked the characters and the world it was set in, but I am expecting more perspectives, more action and deceit, as well as shorter chapters in the upcoming part.
ClareR (6144 KP) rated Shield of the Rising Sun (Path of Nemesis #3) in Books
Sep 8, 2020
This is the third book in a series of historical fiction novels set in the Roman era. Even though I haven’t read the first two books, I had no problem at all in understanding what was going on in the Shield of the Rising Sun. Although that now doesn’t stop me from wanting to read the first two books!
The story is told by three characters: Albinus, his son Faustus, and Faustus’ uncle, Calvus. The battle scenes, mainly from Albinus’ point of view, were gory (I like this - I know, probably a bit odd!) and the politics with all the infighting and back-stabbing was fascinating. How did anyone ever feel safe at this time? I’ll answer that: if they were clever, they NEVER felt safe!
This story shows the true reach of the Roman Empire - there are scenes in Britain, Germany and Egypt, as well as in Rome. It frankly amazed me how quickly Roman soldiers seemed to be able to travel - and mostly (if not solely) on foot!
The main characters were all three very likeable men, who had me rooting for them throughout - even though it was pretty obvious what would happen to one of them from the start )I’m giving nothing away here!).
I enjoy reading a lot of historical fiction, and it’s not often that I read books set in the Roman period. I don’t know why, there’s no reason I can think of, and this makes me realise that I really should read more! If, like me, you’re a fan of historical fiction, then you’ll enjoy the rich descriptions and history packed story within the pages of this book.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this book, and to Adam Lofthouse for joining in and commenting in the margins!
The story is told by three characters: Albinus, his son Faustus, and Faustus’ uncle, Calvus. The battle scenes, mainly from Albinus’ point of view, were gory (I like this - I know, probably a bit odd!) and the politics with all the infighting and back-stabbing was fascinating. How did anyone ever feel safe at this time? I’ll answer that: if they were clever, they NEVER felt safe!
This story shows the true reach of the Roman Empire - there are scenes in Britain, Germany and Egypt, as well as in Rome. It frankly amazed me how quickly Roman soldiers seemed to be able to travel - and mostly (if not solely) on foot!
The main characters were all three very likeable men, who had me rooting for them throughout - even though it was pretty obvious what would happen to one of them from the start )I’m giving nothing away here!).
I enjoy reading a lot of historical fiction, and it’s not often that I read books set in the Roman period. I don’t know why, there’s no reason I can think of, and this makes me realise that I really should read more! If, like me, you’re a fan of historical fiction, then you’ll enjoy the rich descriptions and history packed story within the pages of this book.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this book, and to Adam Lofthouse for joining in and commenting in the margins!
Erika (17789 KP) created a post in Dear Smashbomb....
Aug 31, 2019
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