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Once Upon A (The Stained Duet #1)
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Alana Williams is three published authors. She has been for years, but now she wants to add another...
anti-hero bdsm contemporary dark erotic romance
Spy Sam Reading Book 1 - The big adventure with little words for kids to learn to read
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**To celebrate becoming universal apps, all 3 books are FREE for a limited time ** Created by a...
Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated The Horns of Elfland in Books
Mar 1, 2018
It took a while to track down this volume, as it has long been out of print. Interlibrary loan was, once again, my friend. But how odd to read an actual physical book again, when I've been reading ebooks almost exclusively lately!
Most of the stories were a bit darker than anticipated. 1997 was not such a depressing time to me, so I'm not sure why that would be the case.
I've had to send the book back to the library already, so I don't have it at hand despite finishing it last night.
The first standout story was "The Drummer and the Skins" by [a:John Brunner|23113|John Brunner|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1234623516p2/23113.jpg]. Finding a reference to a Yoruban peoples' tradition in a white British author's story was somewhat surprising, but go figure. I'm a white southern American woman, too. I suppose some people might argue that neither of us have no right to be interested/know about such things/whatever. I think of Brunner as a very hard SF writer, so that was especially surprising from him. His inclusion in a fantasy anthology was a surprise altogether. These surprises are some of the things I enjoy about anthologies - they challenge my assumptions.
I was rather bitter when I first thought I understood what [a:Terri Windling|46137|Terri Windling|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1235254340p2/46137.jpg]'s novelette "The Color of Angels was about. "Just what I need to read about," I told Sam. "A story about a woman gradually losing everything she loves to illness." MS, in the story (not one of my diagnoses, but it hit far too close to home, anyway). Suffice it to say that I was glad that I continued to read.
Even if I hadn't been happy with where the story went, I would not have been able to resist Windling's writing. She brings in so much of the world - colors, textures, music - so that I felt far more immersed in that one piece than I have in my own life at times. She is marvelously evocative. I haven't managed to put my hands on any of the Bordertown/Borderlands books, despite seeking them for a long time. Now I'm adding her solo works to to the "look for" list, and pushing them much higher on the priority scale.
"The Death of Raven" by [a:Ellen Kushner|11889|Ellen Kushner|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1243007888p2/11889.jpg] was unexpectedly comforting. Very brief, quite simply, but one I would love to see reprinted to increase its availability. (It may have been reprinted, for all I know. I certainly hope that it has been.) I've got Kushner's novels on my "to-read" shelf, but I think I'll move them up a bit.
Most of the stories were a bit darker than anticipated. 1997 was not such a depressing time to me, so I'm not sure why that would be the case.
I've had to send the book back to the library already, so I don't have it at hand despite finishing it last night.
The first standout story was "The Drummer and the Skins" by [a:John Brunner|23113|John Brunner|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1234623516p2/23113.jpg]. Finding a reference to a Yoruban peoples' tradition in a white British author's story was somewhat surprising, but go figure. I'm a white southern American woman, too. I suppose some people might argue that neither of us have no right to be interested/know about such things/whatever. I think of Brunner as a very hard SF writer, so that was especially surprising from him. His inclusion in a fantasy anthology was a surprise altogether. These surprises are some of the things I enjoy about anthologies - they challenge my assumptions.
I was rather bitter when I first thought I understood what [a:Terri Windling|46137|Terri Windling|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1235254340p2/46137.jpg]'s novelette "The Color of Angels was about. "Just what I need to read about," I told Sam. "A story about a woman gradually losing everything she loves to illness." MS, in the story (not one of my diagnoses, but it hit far too close to home, anyway). Suffice it to say that I was glad that I continued to read.
Even if I hadn't been happy with where the story went, I would not have been able to resist Windling's writing. She brings in so much of the world - colors, textures, music - so that I felt far more immersed in that one piece than I have in my own life at times. She is marvelously evocative. I haven't managed to put my hands on any of the Bordertown/Borderlands books, despite seeking them for a long time. Now I'm adding her solo works to to the "look for" list, and pushing them much higher on the priority scale.
"The Death of Raven" by [a:Ellen Kushner|11889|Ellen Kushner|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1243007888p2/11889.jpg] was unexpectedly comforting. Very brief, quite simply, but one I would love to see reprinted to increase its availability. (It may have been reprinted, for all I know. I certainly hope that it has been.) I've got Kushner's novels on my "to-read" shelf, but I think I'll move them up a bit.
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Indivisible in Books
Feb 27, 2019
As a former military brat, I love to read anything about the military. As a long time fan of Travis Thrasher's this book was a double bonus for me. I loved every second of this 5 star worthy novelization of true events.
PTSD is a very real, very scary thing for many folks. This story is about that. I felt every emotion of Heather and Darren as if it was my own. Every pain filled moment, every tear filled scene was my own. That is powerful when a novelization can do that to me. The beautiful story of Heather and Darren become a part of me and I won't soon forget them.
If you are looking to read a book that will fill you with hope, understanding, mercy and faith, then grab this book now. I haven't seen the movie yet, but I imagine it will be just as powerful as this book is. Five stars just doesn't seem like enough praises for this. Hats off to Travis Trasher for creating a beautiful, emotion filled novelization of Darren and Heather's story.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under not obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
PTSD is a very real, very scary thing for many folks. This story is about that. I felt every emotion of Heather and Darren as if it was my own. Every pain filled moment, every tear filled scene was my own. That is powerful when a novelization can do that to me. The beautiful story of Heather and Darren become a part of me and I won't soon forget them.
If you are looking to read a book that will fill you with hope, understanding, mercy and faith, then grab this book now. I haven't seen the movie yet, but I imagine it will be just as powerful as this book is. Five stars just doesn't seem like enough praises for this. Hats off to Travis Trasher for creating a beautiful, emotion filled novelization of Darren and Heather's story.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under not obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Sam (74 KP) rated The Carnivorous Carnival (ASOUE #9) in Books
Mar 27, 2019
When I picked this book up again the other day, I got straight back into it and read it all within a couple of hours.
The Baudelaire’s now find themselves in the boot of Olaf’s car, arriving at a carnival in the Hinterlands. They disguise themselves using his costumes so he won’t find them, and become an attraction at the carnival, alongside numerous other carnival ‘freaks’.
This is one of the few books where the Netflix adaptation was actually better. I felt that in the series Neil Patrick Harris really helped Olaf’s character become more sinister in this one than the book did.
I loved the character of Kevin, the ambidextrous ‘freak’. He was absolutely hilarious and was really entertaining. The way he thought he was more of a freak than everyone else because both of his hands were equally as strong had me giggling.
I also feel like the Netflix adaptation improved Madame Lulu as well by making her Olivia, which made some of the plot points later on a lot more shocking. Madame Lulu in the book felt a bit undeveloped and unexplained.
I sort of wish I’d have read the book before watching these particular episodes because then maybe my opinion would have been different on the characterisations.
The Baudelaire’s now find themselves in the boot of Olaf’s car, arriving at a carnival in the Hinterlands. They disguise themselves using his costumes so he won’t find them, and become an attraction at the carnival, alongside numerous other carnival ‘freaks’.
This is one of the few books where the Netflix adaptation was actually better. I felt that in the series Neil Patrick Harris really helped Olaf’s character become more sinister in this one than the book did.
I loved the character of Kevin, the ambidextrous ‘freak’. He was absolutely hilarious and was really entertaining. The way he thought he was more of a freak than everyone else because both of his hands were equally as strong had me giggling.
I also feel like the Netflix adaptation improved Madame Lulu as well by making her Olivia, which made some of the plot points later on a lot more shocking. Madame Lulu in the book felt a bit undeveloped and unexplained.
I sort of wish I’d have read the book before watching these particular episodes because then maybe my opinion would have been different on the characterisations.
Merissa (12894 KP) rated Chasing Butterflies (Bad Girls #1) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
Chasing Butterflies (Bad Girls #1) by Jennifer Labelle
Chasing Butterflies is the first novella in the Bad Girls series. In it, we meet Sawyer. She left her home town with her big sister and never looked back. Now, due to the death of her sister, she returns there, needing a fresh start. Her first night in town, and she bumps into the one memory she was hoping to avoid.
This is a very fast-paced novella, although it is an easy read. Unfortunately for me, I didn't really connect with Carley before she died, so the impact on Sawyer was pretty much lost. And while I understood Sawyer's reasons for selling her parents' home, actually moving back there to work didn't make a lot of sense. Not exactly a fresh start.
Still, this was written very well, with love a foregone conclusion so the declarations that came thick and fast actually didn't seem that premature. For a quick coffee break book, then I would recommend this.
* 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!
This is a very fast-paced novella, although it is an easy read. Unfortunately for me, I didn't really connect with Carley before she died, so the impact on Sawyer was pretty much lost. And while I understood Sawyer's reasons for selling her parents' home, actually moving back there to work didn't make a lot of sense. Not exactly a fresh start.
Still, this was written very well, with love a foregone conclusion so the declarations that came thick and fast actually didn't seem that premature. For a quick coffee break book, then I would recommend this.
* 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!
Jessica - Where the Book Ends (15 KP) rated Cherishing Destiny (A Dangerous Destiny, #1) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Cherishing Destiny is the story of Destiny who is a Vamphyr who is laying injured in a cave. While she is healing she is remembering how she came to be. Her mother transferred her memories to Destiny when she died. The night of Destiny's conception was the night a solar storm hit earth. As a result of said storm Vampires are now able to walk in the sunlight and reproduce. They offspring are referred to as Vamphyr. The world as they knew it was gone. Tsunamis destroyed cities, earthquakes broke open the earth, and various types of communication were destroyed.After the solar storm mercenary hunters have taken over the human and Were population and are on a hunt to wipe out all vampires.
This book sounded interesting when I first read the synopsis via goodreads, but once I started reading, I had so much trouble getting through it. The main idea of the book is great, I just think that the spelling and grammatical errors took so much away from the story. Also, I noticed that there were several spots within the book that the author meant to reference Alex and she wrote Ryan instead, and I had to go back and re-read several sections and make sure I understood what was going on.
This book sounded interesting when I first read the synopsis via goodreads, but once I started reading, I had so much trouble getting through it. The main idea of the book is great, I just think that the spelling and grammatical errors took so much away from the story. Also, I noticed that there were several spots within the book that the author meant to reference Alex and she wrote Ryan instead, and I had to go back and re-read several sections and make sure I understood what was going on.
ClareR (5879 KP) rated Platform Seven in Books
Sep 1, 2019 (Updated Sep 2, 2019)
A beautiful, sad story.
If I could give more than 10/10 for Platform Seven, I would. The main character, and I’m giving nothing away here, is a ghost. She doesn’t know her name or why she’s there, but she knows that she’s dead, and she knows that she can’t leave the confines of Peterborough train station. However, two things trigger the return of her memories: a suicide on Platform Seven, and the appearance of a (living) young man in the station. We then learn her name, and the sequence of events that resulted in her death and afterlife at Peterborough train station.
This was a beautifully told story, and I’ll warn you now that you’ll need to read it with tissues at hand. I cried, and I cried quite a lot! This isn’t an action packed thriller. It’s thoughtful, emotional, and at times it’s frustrating. It’s easy to read a story and say to yourself that you won’t make the same mistakes as the lead character, that that character should have made different choices, but this book explains so well a manipulative, emotionally abusive relationship.
I would recommend this story - it really is well worth reading.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this outstanding book.
This was a beautifully told story, and I’ll warn you now that you’ll need to read it with tissues at hand. I cried, and I cried quite a lot! This isn’t an action packed thriller. It’s thoughtful, emotional, and at times it’s frustrating. It’s easy to read a story and say to yourself that you won’t make the same mistakes as the lead character, that that character should have made different choices, but this book explains so well a manipulative, emotionally abusive relationship.
I would recommend this story - it really is well worth reading.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this outstanding book.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Hunter (The Realm #2) in Books
Jun 7, 2020
100 of 200
Halfway!!
Kindle
The Hunter ( The Realm book 2)
By Eve Langlais
Suzie and her twins tired of running from a violent ex, decide to settle down in sweet suburbia. But forget the quiet life, meet Hunter, Suzie's hot next door neighbor. Masquerading as a private eye, in truth he's a tracker from a magical realm on a quest to keep his world's existence secret. Little does he know that love has its sight on him. To survive a threat from Suzie's past and a predatory shapeshifter from the Realm, they will rely on the special skills that only the Hunter possesses. But will the Hunter allow himself to be caught for the sake of love?
I think everyone need a neighbour like a hunter oh my gosh was he a bit yummy! Yes I used the word yummy! I enjoyed getting a bit more from the realm but they never spend long enough in it! The kids were just so bloody adorable and I now need two dragon babies! This was a easy quick read and I really enjoyed it. Think more could have been made with the hunting and demise of the dragon but still a decent read.
Halfway!!
Kindle
The Hunter ( The Realm book 2)
By Eve Langlais
Suzie and her twins tired of running from a violent ex, decide to settle down in sweet suburbia. But forget the quiet life, meet Hunter, Suzie's hot next door neighbor. Masquerading as a private eye, in truth he's a tracker from a magical realm on a quest to keep his world's existence secret. Little does he know that love has its sight on him. To survive a threat from Suzie's past and a predatory shapeshifter from the Realm, they will rely on the special skills that only the Hunter possesses. But will the Hunter allow himself to be caught for the sake of love?
I think everyone need a neighbour like a hunter oh my gosh was he a bit yummy! Yes I used the word yummy! I enjoyed getting a bit more from the realm but they never spend long enough in it! The kids were just so bloody adorable and I now need two dragon babies! This was a easy quick read and I really enjoyed it. Think more could have been made with the hunting and demise of the dragon but still a decent read.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Diary of a Reformed Mean Girl (Reformed 1) in Books
Dec 10, 2023
191 of 235
Kindle
Diary of a Reformed Mean Girl (Reformed 1)
By CY Jones
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dear Diary
Petty, cruel, mean, and a well known curse word that starts with a B.
Those are words used to describe me.
Now I’m trying to do better.
I want to be a better person, but the forces of evil aren’t making this venture to reform myself easy.
What do you do when your past catches up to you, in the form of hot twins that you used to torment?
Then let’s add in an equally hot best friend, and a jealous Alpha’s daughter to the mix.
How does one reform herself when said past is looking for its own payback?
Do I turn a blind eye, or do I fight back?
The path to reform myself won’t be easy, but I have never been one to back down from a challenge.
I really enjoyed this and read it within an hour and a half. It was easy to read and kept you engrossed. Aspen is definitely an alpha and I’m looking forward to seeing this series play out. CY Jones is one of those writers that has you wanting more. I thought 3⭐️ was too low so went for the 4.
Kindle
Diary of a Reformed Mean Girl (Reformed 1)
By CY Jones
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dear Diary
Petty, cruel, mean, and a well known curse word that starts with a B.
Those are words used to describe me.
Now I’m trying to do better.
I want to be a better person, but the forces of evil aren’t making this venture to reform myself easy.
What do you do when your past catches up to you, in the form of hot twins that you used to torment?
Then let’s add in an equally hot best friend, and a jealous Alpha’s daughter to the mix.
How does one reform herself when said past is looking for its own payback?
Do I turn a blind eye, or do I fight back?
The path to reform myself won’t be easy, but I have never been one to back down from a challenge.
I really enjoyed this and read it within an hour and a half. It was easy to read and kept you engrossed. Aspen is definitely an alpha and I’m looking forward to seeing this series play out. CY Jones is one of those writers that has you wanting more. I thought 3⭐️ was too low so went for the 4.