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Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated The 8th Doll (Alex Guidry, #1) in Books
Jun 7, 2018
(This review is also on my blog <a href="http://themisadventuresofatwentysomething.blogspot.co.uk/">The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl</a>).
I have to admit that I've never read a book about the Mayan Prophecy. However, when I saw the synopsis of this book, I was definitely intrigued. It's not something I'd normally pick up and read, but I decided to take a chance on it. I'm glad I did because it was such an amazing book!!!
Charlie Landry, a geologist, is found beheaded during a drilling project in Mexico. To help find out why he was murdered and who did it, Alex Guidry is called in to help. A doll is found near Landry's body with the number 8 written in blood on the front. This now throws a spanner in the works. What is Landry trying to tell him? Also, who keeps murdering everyone?
The title of this book, The 8th Doll, definitely suits the story. The story revolves mainly around trying to figure out what this eighth doll means. Fantastic title chosen by the author.
I love the cover of this book! The cover gives you a big hint about what the story is going to be about with the doll with the eight written on it and the Mayan temple of the Seven Dolls in the background. I think it's a fantastic cover!
The setting takes place in Mexico which makes sense as that's where the Mayans lived. The author does a great job of portraying how Mexico is, especially when it comes to the climate!
The pacing of this book was fantastic!! It is definitely a fast paced thriller. I found myself wanting to know what was going to happen next in the story. Many times, I stayed up late just to finish many chapters.
The dialogue was definitely easy to understand. There are a few Spanish words in there, but they are easy enough to figure out what they mean, or they are explained. I was really happy about this.
The characters were very well developed. Alex has a good head on his shoulders and is a great detective. I loved the character of Maria. I don't know why, but I guess it's because she brought a woman's touch to the story, lol. Jenkins was my favourite character though. He was perfect with his comic timing. He reminds me of a cross between Samuel L. Jackson and Will Smith. I also thought the baddie, Ah Pukuh, was written well. I also have to say that I loved the mayor. He's only a minor character, but I loved him nonetheless.
I loved the fact that this book used aspects of Mayan prophecy. I must admit that I don't know much about it, but after reading this book, it's clear that the author's done his homework on it. It's such a well written book!
The only fault I found with the book, and this is only a minor fault, is the insta-love between Maria and Alex. Lust I can believe in, but I'm not a believer of love at first sight. That's only a personal gripe though.
Definitely give The 8th Doll by Chris Rakunas a read even if this normally isn't your sort of book.
I'd recommend this book to everyone aged 16+. It's so good!
I have to admit that I've never read a book about the Mayan Prophecy. However, when I saw the synopsis of this book, I was definitely intrigued. It's not something I'd normally pick up and read, but I decided to take a chance on it. I'm glad I did because it was such an amazing book!!!
Charlie Landry, a geologist, is found beheaded during a drilling project in Mexico. To help find out why he was murdered and who did it, Alex Guidry is called in to help. A doll is found near Landry's body with the number 8 written in blood on the front. This now throws a spanner in the works. What is Landry trying to tell him? Also, who keeps murdering everyone?
The title of this book, The 8th Doll, definitely suits the story. The story revolves mainly around trying to figure out what this eighth doll means. Fantastic title chosen by the author.
I love the cover of this book! The cover gives you a big hint about what the story is going to be about with the doll with the eight written on it and the Mayan temple of the Seven Dolls in the background. I think it's a fantastic cover!
The setting takes place in Mexico which makes sense as that's where the Mayans lived. The author does a great job of portraying how Mexico is, especially when it comes to the climate!
The pacing of this book was fantastic!! It is definitely a fast paced thriller. I found myself wanting to know what was going to happen next in the story. Many times, I stayed up late just to finish many chapters.
The dialogue was definitely easy to understand. There are a few Spanish words in there, but they are easy enough to figure out what they mean, or they are explained. I was really happy about this.
The characters were very well developed. Alex has a good head on his shoulders and is a great detective. I loved the character of Maria. I don't know why, but I guess it's because she brought a woman's touch to the story, lol. Jenkins was my favourite character though. He was perfect with his comic timing. He reminds me of a cross between Samuel L. Jackson and Will Smith. I also thought the baddie, Ah Pukuh, was written well. I also have to say that I loved the mayor. He's only a minor character, but I loved him nonetheless.
I loved the fact that this book used aspects of Mayan prophecy. I must admit that I don't know much about it, but after reading this book, it's clear that the author's done his homework on it. It's such a well written book!
The only fault I found with the book, and this is only a minor fault, is the insta-love between Maria and Alex. Lust I can believe in, but I'm not a believer of love at first sight. That's only a personal gripe though.
Definitely give The 8th Doll by Chris Rakunas a read even if this normally isn't your sort of book.
I'd recommend this book to everyone aged 16+. It's so good!
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Things You Save in a Fire in Books
Aug 5, 2019
Cassie Hanwell is a great firefighter. She loves her job in Austin, Texas and her friendly crew. Cassie's life is shaped by a series of events that occurred on her sixteenth birthday, including her mother leaving her and her father. Now she stays clearly in her comfort zone. That zone includes work, work, and more work. No relationships, no real attachments to anyone, a strong resistance to forgiving her mother, and definitely not love. But when her mom calls Cassie and asks her to move to Boston to help her--due to an illness--Cassie has to leave that comfort zone. Big time. She has to go live with her mother, whom she barely knows anymore. She has to leave behind her progressive Austin crew and work with a group of guys in Boston who are appalled at the thought of a "lady" on their crew. Except for one guy, the new rookie, who has no problem with Cassie. And Cassie doesn't mind being around him. At all. In fact she even likes it. But love isn't in Cassie's vocabulary, and even if it was, everyone knows firefighters don't date other firefighters. Right?
"I'd structured my life around routine, and safety, and order. Feelings were a lot of trouble. I avoided them as much as possible."
I really enjoyed Katherine Center's previous book, How to Walk Away, so I was excited to read this one. I didn't enjoy this one quite as much (though I enjoyed the little link between the two), but it is a cute read. I have to admit, there were times in this one when things seemed a little too saccharine for my cynical self. I know, I know, that's terrible, especially when things aren't always light and breezy for Cassie and friends in this book. I think it's something only sarcastic folks like myself will understand.
In fact, this book is a really interesting blend between dark and quite light and fluffy. Cassie has a dark past, as does the rookie, Owen, but a lot of the book is Cassie just repeating that she won't ever love anyone or date a firefighter. I think we all know where this is leading...
However, the book is really funny at times, and it's very easy to like Cassie. She's incredibly tough and brave, and she gives all the guys a run for their money. The book makes some great points on sexism, and I always enjoy a chance to watch a tough girl beat some boys at their own game. And I have to admit I enjoyed (okay, identified with) some of her anti-social tendencies.
"Human connection had its upsides, but it sure was a lot of work. The risk-reward ratio was low, at best."
There's also a good supporting cast from Cassie's mom and her mom's best friend. For me, this one picked up in the last fourth or so, when everything seemed to really come together. There's a moment when it all just clicks, and I found myself laughing and grinning a lot. That part made it all worth reading for me.
Overall, it took me some time to warm up to this book--much like it took Cassie a while to warm up to Massachusetts. But she's an engaging, tough character, and her story is one of resilience, even if there are a lot of really sweet, almost too-perfect moments too. You can pretty much tell how the story is going to play out, but it's a fun, cute read. 3.5 stars.
"I'd structured my life around routine, and safety, and order. Feelings were a lot of trouble. I avoided them as much as possible."
I really enjoyed Katherine Center's previous book, How to Walk Away, so I was excited to read this one. I didn't enjoy this one quite as much (though I enjoyed the little link between the two), but it is a cute read. I have to admit, there were times in this one when things seemed a little too saccharine for my cynical self. I know, I know, that's terrible, especially when things aren't always light and breezy for Cassie and friends in this book. I think it's something only sarcastic folks like myself will understand.
In fact, this book is a really interesting blend between dark and quite light and fluffy. Cassie has a dark past, as does the rookie, Owen, but a lot of the book is Cassie just repeating that she won't ever love anyone or date a firefighter. I think we all know where this is leading...
However, the book is really funny at times, and it's very easy to like Cassie. She's incredibly tough and brave, and she gives all the guys a run for their money. The book makes some great points on sexism, and I always enjoy a chance to watch a tough girl beat some boys at their own game. And I have to admit I enjoyed (okay, identified with) some of her anti-social tendencies.
"Human connection had its upsides, but it sure was a lot of work. The risk-reward ratio was low, at best."
There's also a good supporting cast from Cassie's mom and her mom's best friend. For me, this one picked up in the last fourth or so, when everything seemed to really come together. There's a moment when it all just clicks, and I found myself laughing and grinning a lot. That part made it all worth reading for me.
Overall, it took me some time to warm up to this book--much like it took Cassie a while to warm up to Massachusetts. But she's an engaging, tough character, and her story is one of resilience, even if there are a lot of really sweet, almost too-perfect moments too. You can pretty much tell how the story is going to play out, but it's a fun, cute read. 3.5 stars.
Debbiereadsbook (1653 KP) rated Rebuilding Year (Reconstruction #2) in Books
Jun 9, 2024
steamier than book one, but I loved it!
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Reconstruction series, and while not strictly necessary, I would personally recommend you read book 1, Leap Year, before this. It will give you a better view of Brian's relationship with his brother, Patrick, and it will also give you Angelo and Brian's first meeting! I really enjoyed book one, and I really enjoyed this one too!
Brian has served his sentence, and is knuckling down to get back into society and do all he needs to do to come off probation. Angelo, faced with a life changing stipulation to his mentor's will, names Brian as his significant other. Funny, really, since their one and only meeting resulted in Brian punching Angelo in the face! But Angelo is injured, and Brian offers to look after him, and after that? It's only a matter of time before they give into temptation. There are secrets between though, and it won't take long for them to come to light. Can they really survive their revelation?
When I read Leap Year, I thought Angelo a fickle creature, but with a deep heart and a deep longing for something he wasn't sure what to do with. I was proven correct in that. Angelo wants what his best freind Russel has, and wants a HOME, not just somewhere he lays his head. He hasn't had a home in a long time, and seeing Russel happy with Patrick, and Frog, Patrick's son; Angelo is yearning for it. He just never expected that Brian, the man who punched him, would be that home. But I loved that, while he didn't immediately see that he was, he FELT at home in Brian's space, even if it was technically Angelo's house.
I loved how we got all of Brian's point of view for how Patrick came to be parent to Frog (again, loved Frog!) It's this issue that causes the only real tension between Angelo and Brian, and I loved that, once Angelo got over his shock, he comes back to talk to Brian and explain his hurt. He fully understands why it really isn't an issue for Brian anymore, once Brian explains: yes, Brian is Frog biological parent, but Patrick is his dad, in all the ways that matter and Brian knows he will always be Uncle Brian to Frog.
This book is on the steamier side and I loved that, while there was TALK about exhibionism, there wasn't any ACTUAL, expect that first time, when Angelo shows himself to Brian. I loved how Brian took control, with his words, but didn't venture into full Dom/sub mode. Angelo just needed to get out his head once in a while and Brian provided the words and actions to enable him to do so.
There were a couple of characters who pop up here and who I think might be next, maybe even together. I really can't wait to see if I'm right and I really hope I get to read it!
I wrote 4 stars at the top of the page, but now I'm typing up my review, I really can't find a single thing to knock that star off, so. . .
5 full and shiny stars!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Reading Progress
This is book 2 in the Reconstruction series, and while not strictly necessary, I would personally recommend you read book 1, Leap Year, before this. It will give you a better view of Brian's relationship with his brother, Patrick, and it will also give you Angelo and Brian's first meeting! I really enjoyed book one, and I really enjoyed this one too!
Brian has served his sentence, and is knuckling down to get back into society and do all he needs to do to come off probation. Angelo, faced with a life changing stipulation to his mentor's will, names Brian as his significant other. Funny, really, since their one and only meeting resulted in Brian punching Angelo in the face! But Angelo is injured, and Brian offers to look after him, and after that? It's only a matter of time before they give into temptation. There are secrets between though, and it won't take long for them to come to light. Can they really survive their revelation?
When I read Leap Year, I thought Angelo a fickle creature, but with a deep heart and a deep longing for something he wasn't sure what to do with. I was proven correct in that. Angelo wants what his best freind Russel has, and wants a HOME, not just somewhere he lays his head. He hasn't had a home in a long time, and seeing Russel happy with Patrick, and Frog, Patrick's son; Angelo is yearning for it. He just never expected that Brian, the man who punched him, would be that home. But I loved that, while he didn't immediately see that he was, he FELT at home in Brian's space, even if it was technically Angelo's house.
I loved how we got all of Brian's point of view for how Patrick came to be parent to Frog (again, loved Frog!) It's this issue that causes the only real tension between Angelo and Brian, and I loved that, once Angelo got over his shock, he comes back to talk to Brian and explain his hurt. He fully understands why it really isn't an issue for Brian anymore, once Brian explains: yes, Brian is Frog biological parent, but Patrick is his dad, in all the ways that matter and Brian knows he will always be Uncle Brian to Frog.
This book is on the steamier side and I loved that, while there was TALK about exhibionism, there wasn't any ACTUAL, expect that first time, when Angelo shows himself to Brian. I loved how Brian took control, with his words, but didn't venture into full Dom/sub mode. Angelo just needed to get out his head once in a while and Brian provided the words and actions to enable him to do so.
There were a couple of characters who pop up here and who I think might be next, maybe even together. I really can't wait to see if I'm right and I really hope I get to read it!
I wrote 4 stars at the top of the page, but now I'm typing up my review, I really can't find a single thing to knock that star off, so. . .
5 full and shiny stars!
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Reading Progress
Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated Unhinged (Splintered #2) in Books
Jan 23, 2020
<i>Unhinged</i>, the second book in the <i>Splintered</i> trilogy, is <b>set an entire year after the events in <i><a title="Splintered by A.G. Howard" href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/review-splintered-by-ag-howard/"; target="_blank" rel="noopener">Splintered</a></i></b>. With the curse broken, Alyssa finally hopes to have as much of a normal life as possible, despite the fact nothing is actually the same.
I personally thought that <b><i>Splintered</i> was better off a stand-alone</b> when A.G. Howard first takes us to her dark version of Wonderland. <b>The ending definitely could have taken two turns</b> – the book could have expanded into multiple books, or it could have been left alone.
With <i>Unhinged</i>, <b>I just didn't feel as passionate as I was with the first book.</b> Though Alyssa believes she has left Wonderland behind, Morpheus and Wonderland eventually come back to haunt her through dreams and violent paintings – something bad is going on and Wonderland needs Alyssa back now that she's taken her place as the Red Queen. <b>The sequel isn't as adventurous or dark – it just felt like something I would normally see in a novel.</b>
I don't even know how to phrase it – <b><i>Unhinged</i> focuses a lot in the human world; Alyssa's conflicted feelings between Morpheus and Jeb, and where she actually belongs.</b> I hoped the book would bring us back to Wonderland, but <b>I don't even think we even entered Wonderland – it came to Alyssa and it just wasn't as exotic or enchanting or amazing as it was back in book one.</b> Am I sounding whiny now?
That's not including Morpheus and Jeb. <b>Much as I like Morpheus and his sassiness, I just don't like him for the life of me. I <em>still</em> don't like Jeb</b> [for the life of me]. If I really had to choose between the two, I would probably pick Morpheus simply because he just seems to have more personality than Jeb. (Have I mentioned Morpheus has sass?) <b>All Morpheus seems to really care about is Red and how to finally get her out of his wings.</b> Alyssa is just... convenient enough to be used and he ends up falling in love with her in the process of "using" her.
Now I don't know if that's true. I'm sure he actually cares about her greatly considering their history, and I'm sure Jeb cares about her as well, even though he is overprotective and it probably seems endearing. They don't fight as much as they did back in <i>Splintered</i>, but I just don't feel anything for the corners of the love triangle. I just don't. <b>I feel completely indifferent about <i>Unhinged</i> altogether and I'll read the last book simply for the feeling of closure.</b>
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/review-unhinged-by-ag-howard/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
I personally thought that <b><i>Splintered</i> was better off a stand-alone</b> when A.G. Howard first takes us to her dark version of Wonderland. <b>The ending definitely could have taken two turns</b> – the book could have expanded into multiple books, or it could have been left alone.
With <i>Unhinged</i>, <b>I just didn't feel as passionate as I was with the first book.</b> Though Alyssa believes she has left Wonderland behind, Morpheus and Wonderland eventually come back to haunt her through dreams and violent paintings – something bad is going on and Wonderland needs Alyssa back now that she's taken her place as the Red Queen. <b>The sequel isn't as adventurous or dark – it just felt like something I would normally see in a novel.</b>
I don't even know how to phrase it – <b><i>Unhinged</i> focuses a lot in the human world; Alyssa's conflicted feelings between Morpheus and Jeb, and where she actually belongs.</b> I hoped the book would bring us back to Wonderland, but <b>I don't even think we even entered Wonderland – it came to Alyssa and it just wasn't as exotic or enchanting or amazing as it was back in book one.</b> Am I sounding whiny now?
That's not including Morpheus and Jeb. <b>Much as I like Morpheus and his sassiness, I just don't like him for the life of me. I <em>still</em> don't like Jeb</b> [for the life of me]. If I really had to choose between the two, I would probably pick Morpheus simply because he just seems to have more personality than Jeb. (Have I mentioned Morpheus has sass?) <b>All Morpheus seems to really care about is Red and how to finally get her out of his wings.</b> Alyssa is just... convenient enough to be used and he ends up falling in love with her in the process of "using" her.
Now I don't know if that's true. I'm sure he actually cares about her greatly considering their history, and I'm sure Jeb cares about her as well, even though he is overprotective and it probably seems endearing. They don't fight as much as they did back in <i>Splintered</i>, but I just don't feel anything for the corners of the love triangle. I just don't. <b>I feel completely indifferent about <i>Unhinged</i> altogether and I'll read the last book simply for the feeling of closure.</b>
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/review-unhinged-by-ag-howard/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
Audrey Miller moves from New York City to Washington, DC after receiving a dream job offer at a museum--running their social media accounts. She rents an apartment sight unseen and finds herself in a creepy English basement unit, with a faulty lock and watched constantly by her landlord's sketchy nephew. She feels isolated, as she only knows two people in the city--her old college friend, Cat, now a busy lawyer, and her former boyfriend, Nick, whom she broke up with when she moved to New York. But on Audrey's Instagram, she presents a bright and perfect life. For that, she's rewarded with over a million followers, constant comments, and free items from brands. She shares everything with her fans--pictures, her locations, her thoughts, and more. Little does she know that there's someone out there who has been soaking up those thoughts for years, since Audrey started her first blog. And now that Audrey has moved to his city, he's determined it is fate. He's going to use advice garnered on the dark web to make Audrey his--no matter what.
The first word I can think of to describe this book is "menacing." It's definitely creepy at times, but it mostly projects a sinister feel, as Audrey's stalker--who tells bits and pieces of his side in a POV entitled "Him"--moves closer and closer into her private world. Our other two POVs are Audrey herself and her friend Cat, her socially inept lawyer friend, who begs Audrey to move in with her as Audrey's own apartment becomes increasingly unsafe.
"But the internet can reveal just as much as it can obfuscate."
It's hard not to compare this book to Caroline Kepnes' YOU. But the portions from "Him" are slim, and I just didn't find the narration as creepy and engaging as Joe's. When I read YOU, I literally felt watched, the book was so convincing. This book feels more like a cautionary tale about oversharing on social media.
And in that facet, it does a great job. Our friend Audrey: she shares it all. Instagram stories, photos, and more. Audrey getting her daily coffee? On insta. Her latest exercise class? Shared. And, of course, her move from New York City to Washington, DC is carefully catalogued. It's easy, we realize, to track Audrey's precise location and schedules. But Audrey seems blissfully unaware, living for the adoration the internet provides her. And it gets you thinking, wondering how much we all share across social media. And why...
"Comments from my followers were hands down my favorite part of living my life on the internet... With a million friends at the palm of your hand, how could anyone ever feel truly alone?"
Audrey goes through a lot in this book, but she's not always easy to like. There are no real likeable characters here. The power is in the escalating narrative. As incidents pile up against Audrey (remember: menacing!), you are kept guessing. There's a handful of characters who could be "Him," and Barber does a good job of letting you wonder who it could be. I would settle on someone and then something would happen, and I'd start to waver, changing my mind.
I really liked the commentary on social media and oversharing, combined with the need to be liked, even if virtually. And while the character of "Him" didn't have the personality I really wanted in his sections, they did capture his desperation and his seeming lack of understanding that what he was doing was wrong.
The ending for this one was rather bizarre and bit tough to swallow. I saw some of it coming and it all happened a little quickly after all the buildup. It was definitely twisty, though! Overall, this was a very captivating thriller--perhaps not as deep as I had hoped, but definitely worth a read. 3.5 stars, rounded up here.
The first word I can think of to describe this book is "menacing." It's definitely creepy at times, but it mostly projects a sinister feel, as Audrey's stalker--who tells bits and pieces of his side in a POV entitled "Him"--moves closer and closer into her private world. Our other two POVs are Audrey herself and her friend Cat, her socially inept lawyer friend, who begs Audrey to move in with her as Audrey's own apartment becomes increasingly unsafe.
"But the internet can reveal just as much as it can obfuscate."
It's hard not to compare this book to Caroline Kepnes' YOU. But the portions from "Him" are slim, and I just didn't find the narration as creepy and engaging as Joe's. When I read YOU, I literally felt watched, the book was so convincing. This book feels more like a cautionary tale about oversharing on social media.
And in that facet, it does a great job. Our friend Audrey: she shares it all. Instagram stories, photos, and more. Audrey getting her daily coffee? On insta. Her latest exercise class? Shared. And, of course, her move from New York City to Washington, DC is carefully catalogued. It's easy, we realize, to track Audrey's precise location and schedules. But Audrey seems blissfully unaware, living for the adoration the internet provides her. And it gets you thinking, wondering how much we all share across social media. And why...
"Comments from my followers were hands down my favorite part of living my life on the internet... With a million friends at the palm of your hand, how could anyone ever feel truly alone?"
Audrey goes through a lot in this book, but she's not always easy to like. There are no real likeable characters here. The power is in the escalating narrative. As incidents pile up against Audrey (remember: menacing!), you are kept guessing. There's a handful of characters who could be "Him," and Barber does a good job of letting you wonder who it could be. I would settle on someone and then something would happen, and I'd start to waver, changing my mind.
I really liked the commentary on social media and oversharing, combined with the need to be liked, even if virtually. And while the character of "Him" didn't have the personality I really wanted in his sections, they did capture his desperation and his seeming lack of understanding that what he was doing was wrong.
The ending for this one was rather bizarre and bit tough to swallow. I saw some of it coming and it all happened a little quickly after all the buildup. It was definitely twisty, though! Overall, this was a very captivating thriller--perhaps not as deep as I had hoped, but definitely worth a read. 3.5 stars, rounded up here.
Purple Phoenix Games (2266 KP) rated Paradox of Morality in Tabletop Games
Dec 17, 2020
Paradox of Morality. That’s a super cool name for a game. What do you think of when you read it? I immediately thought of questionable choices that could mean life or death, or having to choose between two ugly outcomes, or questioning one’s own value systems. This is a great premise for a game. Does this one deliver on its namesake and give the players these excruciating choices?
Paradox of Morality is a moderated scenario game between players (or teams of players) where one player will be the judge and the others will be convincing the judge to award them points based on their responses to scenario prompts.
DISCLAIMER: We were provided a prototype copy of this game for the purposes of this review. These are preview copy components, and I do not know for sure if the final components will be any different from these shown. You are invited to back the game through the Kickstarter campaign or through any retailers stocking it after fulfillment. -T
Setup is very easy: choose a judge, split up the remaining players into teams and choose the first scenario from the stack of large cards. The game may now begin!
Playing a round is similar to playing a company-mandated icebreaker activity where each team is given the same prompt by the judge to be discussed in their groups. Once the judge has called time for the scenario each team will need one or more spokespeople to deliver their arguments for what they have discussed. The judge then listens to all teams’ spokespeople and awards points based on responses given. The first team to reach 200 points is the winner.
Components. Again, this is a prototype and I do not know if the components will be any different once the game is officially produced. That said, this game is just a large stack of large prompt cards. The rules are printed on the inside of the box cover. There is minimal art in the game and it only resides on the box and on the card backs. I can describe the art as photos of trippy scantily-clad quasi-Egyptian masquerade attendees with the females wearing what appears to be only body paint. It certainly does not connect to the gameplay in any fashion, and I question its usage. Additionally, the verbiage throughout the game (and maybe it’s just for the prototype) uses abbreviated text-speech. So a prompt could read similar to, “u c a man walking down the street n he has 2 call out 2 u 2 ask a question.” I must be getting old because that is not at all endearing to me.
Similarly, the game as a whole just does not speak to me. The prompts are strange and almost railroad players and teams down paths of just grossness or straight up ridiculousness. I will admit, there are a few good scenarios in the box, but it is really hard to get past the delivery style and presentation of the game (at least in this format). Perhaps cleaning up the verbiage would help, and paring down the number of scenarios given to truly enhance the game’s offerings would be better. I don’t know, I’m not a designer.
All in all, if you are someone who lusts for those staff meetings like this, then Paradox of Morality is for you. If you dread those activities, I would stay away this time. Perhaps the game will change by the time it reaches Kickstarter or full production, and if so I would like to take another look at it. However, as it is presented now, I would be passing on this. Perhaps it is not targeting 41-year-old married men, but for me it has missed my bullseye.
Paradox of Morality is a moderated scenario game between players (or teams of players) where one player will be the judge and the others will be convincing the judge to award them points based on their responses to scenario prompts.
DISCLAIMER: We were provided a prototype copy of this game for the purposes of this review. These are preview copy components, and I do not know for sure if the final components will be any different from these shown. You are invited to back the game through the Kickstarter campaign or through any retailers stocking it after fulfillment. -T
Setup is very easy: choose a judge, split up the remaining players into teams and choose the first scenario from the stack of large cards. The game may now begin!
Playing a round is similar to playing a company-mandated icebreaker activity where each team is given the same prompt by the judge to be discussed in their groups. Once the judge has called time for the scenario each team will need one or more spokespeople to deliver their arguments for what they have discussed. The judge then listens to all teams’ spokespeople and awards points based on responses given. The first team to reach 200 points is the winner.
Components. Again, this is a prototype and I do not know if the components will be any different once the game is officially produced. That said, this game is just a large stack of large prompt cards. The rules are printed on the inside of the box cover. There is minimal art in the game and it only resides on the box and on the card backs. I can describe the art as photos of trippy scantily-clad quasi-Egyptian masquerade attendees with the females wearing what appears to be only body paint. It certainly does not connect to the gameplay in any fashion, and I question its usage. Additionally, the verbiage throughout the game (and maybe it’s just for the prototype) uses abbreviated text-speech. So a prompt could read similar to, “u c a man walking down the street n he has 2 call out 2 u 2 ask a question.” I must be getting old because that is not at all endearing to me.
Similarly, the game as a whole just does not speak to me. The prompts are strange and almost railroad players and teams down paths of just grossness or straight up ridiculousness. I will admit, there are a few good scenarios in the box, but it is really hard to get past the delivery style and presentation of the game (at least in this format). Perhaps cleaning up the verbiage would help, and paring down the number of scenarios given to truly enhance the game’s offerings would be better. I don’t know, I’m not a designer.
All in all, if you are someone who lusts for those staff meetings like this, then Paradox of Morality is for you. If you dread those activities, I would stay away this time. Perhaps the game will change by the time it reaches Kickstarter or full production, and if so I would like to take another look at it. However, as it is presented now, I would be passing on this. Perhaps it is not targeting 41-year-old married men, but for me it has missed my bullseye.
Merissa (13765 KP) rated Twell and the Uprising (Como Chronicles #3) in Books
Jun 21, 2017
Twell and the Uprising (Como Chronicles #3) by Kate O'Leary
ARRRRGGGGHHHHH - that's how I feel about Twell and the Uprising, the final book in the Como Chronicles so far. I say so far because I'm really hoping for an epilogue type story, just because I'm greedy and I really don't want to leave Twell, Jonaz, and co. Once again, this book starts where the last book finished. Twell is held captive by the Abwarzians, and they are not treating her gently! Not only have they put a chip in her head which causes her untold pain, but she is dehydrated and forced to fight. Now, one of the things that I have loved about Twell is that she is NOT a damsel in distress. So when she hallucinated near the beginning of the book, I was wondering what was going on! She'd never been rescued before! Of course, it turned out that she wasn't being rescued, which strangely made me sigh with relief. Even in these circumstances, Twell makes friends with those that you would think she would hate. No, Twell is able to look past things that others can't, which is in part what makes her so dangerous to the G.B. Also, Shanna makes a reappearance.
I won't say anything else about the book as I really don't want to give away any spoilers. Suffice it to say, that I have loved all three of these books, but especially this one. Maybe it's because everything is coming to a conclusion? Maybe it's because I see more of Jonaz in this book? Maybe it's because Maza gets her comeuppance? Maybe it's because Brazin turns into Papa Bear? Or maybe it's because this book/series is simply outstanding and I thoroughly loved every word? Why not read it for yourself and make your own mind up. You won't regret it, I can promise you that. And if you don't? Well, there's always a long walk in the wetlands!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
I won't say anything else about the book as I really don't want to give away any spoilers. Suffice it to say, that I have loved all three of these books, but especially this one. Maybe it's because everything is coming to a conclusion? Maybe it's because I see more of Jonaz in this book? Maybe it's because Maza gets her comeuppance? Maybe it's because Brazin turns into Papa Bear? Or maybe it's because this book/series is simply outstanding and I thoroughly loved every word? Why not read it for yourself and make your own mind up. You won't regret it, I can promise you that. And if you don't? Well, there's always a long walk in the wetlands!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated The Heights in Books
Apr 27, 2018
The Heights—a contemporary imagining of Wuthering Heights
by Brian James
Genre: YA Fiction, Romance
Rating: 4, DNF
Ah. Again. A high rated book that I did not finish. “Haley what is wrong with you?” Haley stop talking to yourself.
Let me start with the positive: This book is all about the characters. James has taken characters that were only mildly relatable in Wuthering Heights and made them so realistic that you feel everything they feel. This is a mark of a good writer… but also a very painful book. The viewpoint alternates between Henry and Cathy, but it’s not distracting. It’s so easy to get inside their heads and live their lives. Almost too easy.
The negative: It was too painful to finish. I know what’s going to happen because I know the story of Wuthering Heights… and I don’t think I want to live through that. Because I know if I read it, it will feel 110% real. And I don’t think I could handle that.
This book has taken me two days to read… and each time I could only get a little bit farther before I had to stop because I was so angry at the characters for being stupid and prideful and selfish and mean and hateful, that I threw the book across the room. Twice.
I guess this sad love story is just not my kind of love story. Let’s hope I’m not jinxing myself (Haley you know you don’t believe in such things). If you love sad romance stories or love Wuthering Heights, you’ll love this—because this one hurt. I’ll save it for a rainy day when I need to force myself to break down and cry…
Content: Henry has a dirty mouth, but it’s not overdone. No sexual content, and all romance is appropriate
Recommendation: Anyone who wants a good cry… ages 13+
Cover: I know I usually don’t say anything about the cover… but really they could have done better. Henry (Heathcliff) is supposed to be dark skinned with dark hair. The guy on the cover looks nothing like him.
*angry and sad Haley now goes to the corner and pouts and finds a lighter romance to cheer herself up*
by Brian James
Genre: YA Fiction, Romance
Rating: 4, DNF
Ah. Again. A high rated book that I did not finish. “Haley what is wrong with you?” Haley stop talking to yourself.
Let me start with the positive: This book is all about the characters. James has taken characters that were only mildly relatable in Wuthering Heights and made them so realistic that you feel everything they feel. This is a mark of a good writer… but also a very painful book. The viewpoint alternates between Henry and Cathy, but it’s not distracting. It’s so easy to get inside their heads and live their lives. Almost too easy.
The negative: It was too painful to finish. I know what’s going to happen because I know the story of Wuthering Heights… and I don’t think I want to live through that. Because I know if I read it, it will feel 110% real. And I don’t think I could handle that.
This book has taken me two days to read… and each time I could only get a little bit farther before I had to stop because I was so angry at the characters for being stupid and prideful and selfish and mean and hateful, that I threw the book across the room. Twice.
I guess this sad love story is just not my kind of love story. Let’s hope I’m not jinxing myself (Haley you know you don’t believe in such things). If you love sad romance stories or love Wuthering Heights, you’ll love this—because this one hurt. I’ll save it for a rainy day when I need to force myself to break down and cry…
Content: Henry has a dirty mouth, but it’s not overdone. No sexual content, and all romance is appropriate
Recommendation: Anyone who wants a good cry… ages 13+
Cover: I know I usually don’t say anything about the cover… but really they could have done better. Henry (Heathcliff) is supposed to be dark skinned with dark hair. The guy on the cover looks nothing like him.
*angry and sad Haley now goes to the corner and pouts and finds a lighter romance to cheer herself up*
Kyera (8 KP) rated Blue Lily, Lily Blue (The Raven Cycle, #3) in Books
Jan 31, 2018
Blue Lily, Lily Blue is the third book in the Raven Cycle series. The series started off slowly, but the second book was a huge improvement over the first. I chose to listen to the series via audiobook, which is different from the way I normally read books. The third was not quite as good as the second, but it still managed to be engaging and I finished it in two days. Of course, it would be best if you had read the first two books in the series before diving into this review.
Blue and her Raven Boys are drawing ever closer to the secret of the Raven King. It was nice to see continued main character development in this novel as it's important for me to connect with the characters when reading. I do wish that there had been more development of some of the supporting characters. There were events that occurred during this book that I feel would have had a stronger impact had readers developed more of a connection to the side characters. That being said, some of my favourite characters in this series are not the leads. They steal the scenes and make the story more enjoyable. (If you're curious, Chainsaw is probably my favourite character.)
The third book continues the trend of the inclusion of one side story and character that inevitably weaves its way into the narrative and plot. As I felt in the first book, this was the least enjoyable aspect of the plot. At times these scenes plodded along and slowed down the narrative, perhaps their importance will be seen further down the road but in this novel at least, I felt that this entire character's more prominent feature in the story was unnecessary. There should have been another way to set the final chapter's events in motion without them.
I am now completely invested in the story, although I still feel that things in the world and magic system have not been adequately explained. I've come to care about what happens to (some of) these characters and can't wait to find out what happens in the conclusion of this series.
Blue and her Raven Boys are drawing ever closer to the secret of the Raven King. It was nice to see continued main character development in this novel as it's important for me to connect with the characters when reading. I do wish that there had been more development of some of the supporting characters. There were events that occurred during this book that I feel would have had a stronger impact had readers developed more of a connection to the side characters. That being said, some of my favourite characters in this series are not the leads. They steal the scenes and make the story more enjoyable. (If you're curious, Chainsaw is probably my favourite character.)
The third book continues the trend of the inclusion of one side story and character that inevitably weaves its way into the narrative and plot. As I felt in the first book, this was the least enjoyable aspect of the plot. At times these scenes plodded along and slowed down the narrative, perhaps their importance will be seen further down the road but in this novel at least, I felt that this entire character's more prominent feature in the story was unnecessary. There should have been another way to set the final chapter's events in motion without them.
I am now completely invested in the story, although I still feel that things in the world and magic system have not been adequately explained. I've come to care about what happens to (some of) these characters and can't wait to find out what happens in the conclusion of this series.
Bookapotamus (289 KP) rated All We Ever Wanted in Books
May 29, 2018
Wow. Just wow. This book is SO relevant right now with the #metoo movement and #timesup. It breaks my heart to realize how often stories like this happen, to anyone, of any age or social/financial status - there is no discrimination, and sadly there just isn't enough conversation about these topics. I applaud Emily Giffin for writing this book.
I had no idea in detail what this story was about when I requested it from NetGalley. I like to be surprised with Emily's books, and I've never read one I didn't like. And I sure was surprised by this one! It's almost like, "If you could walk in someone's shoes" - I felt like i was dropped into this book, as if I was in on a secret, and I just sat back and watched the secrets unravel and unfold.
Something happened to Lyla. Something not good at all. It started with a bunch of elite private high school kids (and some not-so-privileged) at a party, with a lot of alcohol... and you can just imagine it from there. Something happens. Accusations fly, lies are told, people unravel, secrets come out, and trusts are broken.
This books tells the story from several angles and I found myself so attached to them all. They are so well written I honestly felt as if I was in a mother's head, a father's mind and in the thoughts of a 16 year old girl.
I sailed through this, as I do most of Emily's books because I love her writing style and how easily I can just jump into her stories. I wanted to find out more, I wanted justice, and I craved a neat and tidy resolution, but we all know these types things are never neat and tidy.
This book is important. I wish everyone would read this. Although every #metoo story is different, this casts a glimpse into how each and every incident causes so, so much pain, to so many people - and ultimately how getting these types of stories out in the world, can hopefully ease some of that pain by helping and educating others.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the opportunity to review this amazing book.
I had no idea in detail what this story was about when I requested it from NetGalley. I like to be surprised with Emily's books, and I've never read one I didn't like. And I sure was surprised by this one! It's almost like, "If you could walk in someone's shoes" - I felt like i was dropped into this book, as if I was in on a secret, and I just sat back and watched the secrets unravel and unfold.
Something happened to Lyla. Something not good at all. It started with a bunch of elite private high school kids (and some not-so-privileged) at a party, with a lot of alcohol... and you can just imagine it from there. Something happens. Accusations fly, lies are told, people unravel, secrets come out, and trusts are broken.
This books tells the story from several angles and I found myself so attached to them all. They are so well written I honestly felt as if I was in a mother's head, a father's mind and in the thoughts of a 16 year old girl.
I sailed through this, as I do most of Emily's books because I love her writing style and how easily I can just jump into her stories. I wanted to find out more, I wanted justice, and I craved a neat and tidy resolution, but we all know these types things are never neat and tidy.
This book is important. I wish everyone would read this. Although every #metoo story is different, this casts a glimpse into how each and every incident causes so, so much pain, to so many people - and ultimately how getting these types of stories out in the world, can hopefully ease some of that pain by helping and educating others.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the opportunity to review this amazing book.