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Amanda (96 KP) rated Dreamland: A Ghost STory in Books
Apr 17, 2019
I would like to give a HUGE thank you to the author for giving me the chance to read his book and review it! I like quick reads, especially ones that make it difficult to put down. Why must I have to go back to reality? Can't I have my OWN dreamland? Without the demonic sirens?
Do you often remember your dreams? Most of the time, I don't and I always saw it as more of a blessing than anything. Who knows what my head concocted in my sleep. How about dreaming of someone whom you never really got to meet? Louie is twelve and never got the chance to know his father before he died of cancer. Now, he's dreaming of a man in a blue suit, who happens to look like his father and knows stuff about him and his mother.
Louie is dreaming of his father and they can talk and be together in a place called Dreamland. Sounds like a good thing, doesn't it? Don't be fooled! Everything has a price.
It's hard explain to his mother, however. Louie knows things his father told him that he couldn't possibly know from anybody else. So...what is this Dreamland and is it too good to be true?
This novel is the first one I've read from Nick Clausen and like I said, it was difficult to put down. I enjoyed the way the story was written. It's not told in any specific point of view from the characters, so you're able to know what's going on with this situation and the other without having to switch POVs.
Sirens are no joke! If you've read any bit of Mythology, you would know just how awful these creatures are. They are fun to read about, but damn, I don't want them in my dreams, not ever.
I would definitely categorize this as horror, but not going as far as to say Stephen King or watching an episode of the Twilight Zone. I think of it more as Goosebumps or Are You Afraid of the Dark? Don't knock that show. That was my show growing up in the 90s. I'm babbling, which is part of my charm.
I enjoyed reading this story and I felt bad for Louie and his mother, but I'm happy with how it ended and feel like there would have been no other way to do it. A quick read...but not in the dark.
Do you often remember your dreams? Most of the time, I don't and I always saw it as more of a blessing than anything. Who knows what my head concocted in my sleep. How about dreaming of someone whom you never really got to meet? Louie is twelve and never got the chance to know his father before he died of cancer. Now, he's dreaming of a man in a blue suit, who happens to look like his father and knows stuff about him and his mother.
Louie is dreaming of his father and they can talk and be together in a place called Dreamland. Sounds like a good thing, doesn't it? Don't be fooled! Everything has a price.
It's hard explain to his mother, however. Louie knows things his father told him that he couldn't possibly know from anybody else. So...what is this Dreamland and is it too good to be true?
This novel is the first one I've read from Nick Clausen and like I said, it was difficult to put down. I enjoyed the way the story was written. It's not told in any specific point of view from the characters, so you're able to know what's going on with this situation and the other without having to switch POVs.
Sirens are no joke! If you've read any bit of Mythology, you would know just how awful these creatures are. They are fun to read about, but damn, I don't want them in my dreams, not ever.
I would definitely categorize this as horror, but not going as far as to say Stephen King or watching an episode of the Twilight Zone. I think of it more as Goosebumps or Are You Afraid of the Dark? Don't knock that show. That was my show growing up in the 90s. I'm babbling, which is part of my charm.
I enjoyed reading this story and I felt bad for Louie and his mother, but I'm happy with how it ended and feel like there would have been no other way to do it. A quick read...but not in the dark.
Bookapotamus (289 KP) rated No Less Days in Books
May 29, 2018
I won a copy of this book and I didn't know it was Christian Fiction. Definitely not something I would grab for myself to read. I was not turned off by the religious aspects of it though, as most are subtle and not in your face. I tended to glaze over them, which makes me believe this book would have been just as good without them. I won't say they didn't add anything as that's not my place to judge, but I won't judge the book either on parts that I wasn't particularly interested in. I wouldn't judge a mystery on it being mysterious, or a romance for being romantic. So now that we're past that...
The premise of this story is really cool. I admit, it reminded me of that Blake Lively move, Age of Adeline, but WAY better. There was thought here, and it drew me in the second I started reading.
The main focus of the story is that David Galloway cannot die. It should have happened, many times. But nope. Still here... 100 some odd years later and still looking every bit a healthy 35 year old man. We learn a lot of David's history, as well as his present situation, and we wonder: How did he become this way? Are there others like him? Will he ever die? How does he live live without ever aging?
I read this book really fast as I honestly wanted to find out what would happen. Page after page, it kept me riveted. I would give it 5 Stars, but I had some issues with parts of the story. Particularly all the themes going on - some felt really unnecessary. There was a lot of mystery, racial stuff, domestic abuse, love stories, historical references, religion, murders, celebrity, books.... I'm probably missing more. I felt like too much was happening and a lot could be toned down or eliminated. And it's very obviously set up for a sequel, but the way this "strange character" just showed up and then left... felt really disjointed and out of place.
I'm also not a big Speculative Fiction reader as well as the Christian Fiction genre. I would have never bought this book and read it on my own. But that is how you lose certain generalizations about things, and find some of the best stories. I took a chance, and I won :)
I'm happy to have read this book. And I'm pretty sure this is a sequel in the works, and I'll most likely seek that one out to read!
The premise of this story is really cool. I admit, it reminded me of that Blake Lively move, Age of Adeline, but WAY better. There was thought here, and it drew me in the second I started reading.
The main focus of the story is that David Galloway cannot die. It should have happened, many times. But nope. Still here... 100 some odd years later and still looking every bit a healthy 35 year old man. We learn a lot of David's history, as well as his present situation, and we wonder: How did he become this way? Are there others like him? Will he ever die? How does he live live without ever aging?
I read this book really fast as I honestly wanted to find out what would happen. Page after page, it kept me riveted. I would give it 5 Stars, but I had some issues with parts of the story. Particularly all the themes going on - some felt really unnecessary. There was a lot of mystery, racial stuff, domestic abuse, love stories, historical references, religion, murders, celebrity, books.... I'm probably missing more. I felt like too much was happening and a lot could be toned down or eliminated. And it's very obviously set up for a sequel, but the way this "strange character" just showed up and then left... felt really disjointed and out of place.
I'm also not a big Speculative Fiction reader as well as the Christian Fiction genre. I would have never bought this book and read it on my own. But that is how you lose certain generalizations about things, and find some of the best stories. I took a chance, and I won :)
I'm happy to have read this book. And I'm pretty sure this is a sequel in the works, and I'll most likely seek that one out to read!
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Paper Towns in Books
Apr 9, 2019
"I suppose I never found boredom very boring"
Quentin is a senior in high school. Graduation is right around the corner and then he's off to Duke. When his next door neighbor, Margo knocks on his bedroom window late one night, he's reminded of a time when they were younger and used to truly be friends. Margo is extremely upset about the current status of her relationship with her boyfriend and is looking for someone to help her pull of the ultimate revenge. When Margo goes "missing" the next day, Quentin will stop at nothing to use her breadcrumbs and find her.
I decided to read this book for two reasons. Reason 1: It was coming on HBO and of course I had to read the book before I could watch the movie. Reason 2: I loved The Fault in Our Stars and when I enjoy a book by a particular author, I like to read everything they have written. Now I'm looking forward to watching the movie.
This whole book is based around a group of high school seniors who are out searching for their quirky friend, Margo. I liked the book because it was a quick easy read. It kept my attention throughout and I had to know how it was going to end. The book brought me back to my high school years(especially with my 20 year reunion coming up) with the references to poetry and prose I read during that time. During my 11th grade year we read a lot of poetry and classic literature. Interpreting poetry either as the author intended or by your own life experiences. Also this book made me thing about how far I would go to help someone else. Quentin and Margo are neighbors, but as time has gone on and their lives have changed, they aren't close friends, more like acquaintances. So when she disappears for yet another time, why does he feel it's his duty to be the one to find her?
This is a good YA book that may make some more interested in the poetry and classic literature featured in this and other John Green books.
Quentin is a senior in high school. Graduation is right around the corner and then he's off to Duke. When his next door neighbor, Margo knocks on his bedroom window late one night, he's reminded of a time when they were younger and used to truly be friends. Margo is extremely upset about the current status of her relationship with her boyfriend and is looking for someone to help her pull of the ultimate revenge. When Margo goes "missing" the next day, Quentin will stop at nothing to use her breadcrumbs and find her.
I decided to read this book for two reasons. Reason 1: It was coming on HBO and of course I had to read the book before I could watch the movie. Reason 2: I loved The Fault in Our Stars and when I enjoy a book by a particular author, I like to read everything they have written. Now I'm looking forward to watching the movie.
This whole book is based around a group of high school seniors who are out searching for their quirky friend, Margo. I liked the book because it was a quick easy read. It kept my attention throughout and I had to know how it was going to end. The book brought me back to my high school years(especially with my 20 year reunion coming up) with the references to poetry and prose I read during that time. During my 11th grade year we read a lot of poetry and classic literature. Interpreting poetry either as the author intended or by your own life experiences. Also this book made me thing about how far I would go to help someone else. Quentin and Margo are neighbors, but as time has gone on and their lives have changed, they aren't close friends, more like acquaintances. So when she disappears for yet another time, why does he feel it's his duty to be the one to find her?
This is a good YA book that may make some more interested in the poetry and classic literature featured in this and other John Green books.
Debbiereadsbook (1437 KP) rated Magic Always Sings (Magic Series #2) in Books
Dec 19, 2023
loved what the magic did!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I wrote in a review for the first book I read of this author: First I've read of this author, I'd like to read a longer book, with more to get my teeth into. And this book delivers, big time!
This is the second book in the Magic Sings series, and I have not read book one, Magic Never Lies. I didn't feel I was missing anything, and I will go back, at some point, and read that book. Not because I need to, but because I want to.
Rowan is a rock star who cannot write songs, hasn't for some time. He NEEDS to, or he will be in trouble. Having someone else's songs shoved at him, and his magic goes haywire. Rowan loves these songs. Meeting Jesse sends him into a tailspin: he knows Jesse but can't recall from when. Once the penny drops, Rowan goes all out to settle his magic. But Rowan isn't out, and doesn't want to come out, not yet. Can they make this work?
What this is, right, is a wonderful tale of being true to yourself. Jesse has loved Rowan for a long time, and he will take him anyway he can get him, but Jesse knows Rowan is not being true to himself, regardless of what he said all those years ago. It's quite difficult reading, when Rowan tells Jesse why he won't come out, but the magic inside Rowan will not be denied.
I loved the magic thing, I really did. It just is, you know? You don't need a long winded explanation about it. Some people have it, and some don't, and I loved what the magic did to them both. Makes them kinda face their feelings, really!
I didn't think it overly explicit, but I liked that here, for these two. It's more about admitting your feelings, and letting them all out. Fairly low on the angst scale too.
A thoroughly enjoyable longer book by this author, and my to-read list is somewhat longer now too!
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I wrote in a review for the first book I read of this author: First I've read of this author, I'd like to read a longer book, with more to get my teeth into. And this book delivers, big time!
This is the second book in the Magic Sings series, and I have not read book one, Magic Never Lies. I didn't feel I was missing anything, and I will go back, at some point, and read that book. Not because I need to, but because I want to.
Rowan is a rock star who cannot write songs, hasn't for some time. He NEEDS to, or he will be in trouble. Having someone else's songs shoved at him, and his magic goes haywire. Rowan loves these songs. Meeting Jesse sends him into a tailspin: he knows Jesse but can't recall from when. Once the penny drops, Rowan goes all out to settle his magic. But Rowan isn't out, and doesn't want to come out, not yet. Can they make this work?
What this is, right, is a wonderful tale of being true to yourself. Jesse has loved Rowan for a long time, and he will take him anyway he can get him, but Jesse knows Rowan is not being true to himself, regardless of what he said all those years ago. It's quite difficult reading, when Rowan tells Jesse why he won't come out, but the magic inside Rowan will not be denied.
I loved the magic thing, I really did. It just is, you know? You don't need a long winded explanation about it. Some people have it, and some don't, and I loved what the magic did to them both. Makes them kinda face their feelings, really!
I didn't think it overly explicit, but I liked that here, for these two. It's more about admitting your feelings, and letting them all out. Fairly low on the angst scale too.
A thoroughly enjoyable longer book by this author, and my to-read list is somewhat longer now too!
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Jenny Bee (1 KP) rated Hardcore Twenty-Four: Stephanie Plum Book 24 in Books
Jan 6, 2018
Typical Stephanie
Contains spoilers, click to show
So I love Stephanie and I have ever since I read the first book. So the fact that her story hasn't progressed much over the last 24 books isn't too much of a deal breaker for me. If you're prepared for that, you'll like it. Its typical Stephanie and Lula show, with the usual nonsense and jokes.
I don't like that Joe is basically an afterthought in this book since I'm Team Joe all the way. And she already can't choose between him and Ranger and now you're throwing ANOTHER guy into her bed?
All in all, the story line wasn't bad, and the jokes were good. Much better than the last few books.
I don't like that Joe is basically an afterthought in this book since I'm Team Joe all the way. And she already can't choose between him and Ranger and now you're throwing ANOTHER guy into her bed?
All in all, the story line wasn't bad, and the jokes were good. Much better than the last few books.
Ross (3284 KP) rated Feed (Newsflesh Trilogy #1) in Books
Sep 4, 2017
Great premise for a zombie series, the usual man-made virus trope dusted off again, but this time thee action happens quite some time after the breakout and society is fairly stable and safe now. Or at least it would be if those ruddy journalists (the protagonists) didn't go poking sticks where they shouldn't.
This is something of a zombie version of Hunter S Thompson's campaign trail with the hired journalists documenting a presidential candidate's campaign trail, with various implausible (staged) accidents.
The action rolls along well, the characters are a little irritating and some of the dialogue really got on my nerves.
Overall an enjoyable read with something of a message to it, and I did carry on with the series.
This is something of a zombie version of Hunter S Thompson's campaign trail with the hired journalists documenting a presidential candidate's campaign trail, with various implausible (staged) accidents.
The action rolls along well, the characters are a little irritating and some of the dialogue really got on my nerves.
Overall an enjoyable read with something of a message to it, and I did carry on with the series.
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Prudence (The Custard Protocol, #1) in Books
Apr 27, 2018
I absolutely adore Prudence, both the book and the girl. I don’t have a single bad thing to say about it other than I wish I had the next book in the series right now, because I’m quite unhappy to leave her world.
Gail Carriger has a knack for making incredible characters full of life and wit and hilarity. Every story I’ve ever read by her has made me want to jump right into the book and live there. It doesn’t even matter which character I’d be, as long as I was there. Added to that is her eloquent, witty, and distinct writing style. I wholeheartedly recommend Prudence to any fan of YA fiction, drama, romance, adventure, or supernatural adventures in an air ship.
Gail Carriger has a knack for making incredible characters full of life and wit and hilarity. Every story I’ve ever read by her has made me want to jump right into the book and live there. It doesn’t even matter which character I’d be, as long as I was there. Added to that is her eloquent, witty, and distinct writing style. I wholeheartedly recommend Prudence to any fan of YA fiction, drama, romance, adventure, or supernatural adventures in an air ship.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated A Very Ruby Christmas (Bound and Determined, #4.5) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
Everything Lavinia Kent writes is gold. From her characters to her story, it is easy to read the love and work she puts into every word. I am enamored with her complex characters who stories grab you from the very beginning and keep you hooked until the end. She has the ability to make her erotic scenes both intimate and tantalizing.
I have been waiting for Rubys story for a while now. As one of my favorite secondary characters, I was interested in story and HEA. Kent did not disappoint. A Very Ruby Christmas was everything I wanted and more, everything I didnt know I was asking for. I couldnt be happier with the story and how it ended.
I have been waiting for Rubys story for a while now. As one of my favorite secondary characters, I was interested in story and HEA. Kent did not disappoint. A Very Ruby Christmas was everything I wanted and more, everything I didnt know I was asking for. I couldnt be happier with the story and how it ended.
Myst (0 KP) rated Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses in Books
Feb 8, 2018
Loved this book, caught me at the first page that I forgotten to take note of what town it is placed in for my map. Feels a little cookie-cutter along the lines of Trading Christmas/When Christmas Comes and a few of Debbie Macomber's other holiday books. If you enjoy Debbie Macomber's holiday books you will definitely like this one! I find it funny that in this book and another series I read they both use the last name Sinclair for grouchy millionaires. Have to keep an eye out for more books by Jenny Hale, already signed up for her newsletter.
~Crossposted at <a href="http://detetiv.wordpress.com">What's Detetiv Doing now?</a>
[I do not get paid for this arc review]
~Crossposted at <a href="http://detetiv.wordpress.com">What's Detetiv Doing now?</a>
[I do not get paid for this arc review]
Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated Heir of Novron (The Riyria Revelations, #5-6) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
Oh my, that was wonderful! I spent the last hundred pages or so both wanting to get to the end, and being reluctant to finish because I didn't want it to be over.
Don't start this series without having all the books on hand, or you will kick yourself. They are simply so engaging that you will find it necessary to know what happens next. The plot is simply incredible.
Royce and Hadrian are wonderful. I couldn't stand Arista at first, but she certainly grew on me. Molina is a little two-dimensional, but that makes sense in some respects.
Now I have to go find the prequels and read them, because I don't want to leave Sullivan's world just yet.
Don't start this series without having all the books on hand, or you will kick yourself. They are simply so engaging that you will find it necessary to know what happens next. The plot is simply incredible.
Royce and Hadrian are wonderful. I couldn't stand Arista at first, but she certainly grew on me. Molina is a little two-dimensional, but that makes sense in some respects.
Now I have to go find the prequels and read them, because I don't want to leave Sullivan's world just yet.