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Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated A Forest of Vanity and Valour ( Levanthria 1) in Books
Jun 14, 2023
76 of 235
Kindle
A Forest of Vanity and Valour ( Lavanthria 1)
By A.P. Beswick
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vireo Reinhold relishes collecting his monarch’s proper dues. Working hard to prolong and fund the king’s never-ending war, the self-centered official revels in the perks of luxury that come with his unorthodox role. But his world upends when he unearths an ancient spellbook that promises to unlock a shadowy, forgotten magic.
Embroiled in a secret affair with a fellow noble’s wife, Vireo is mortified when he’s forced to commit an unthinkable act. Driven into exile, no longer able to coerce the vulnerable, and with the powerful tome in his enemy’s hands, the fallen agent’s only shot at survival hangs on his skills at saving others.
Can Vireo redeem himself as the people’s champion before they all fall to a sinister fate?
I really enjoyed this! The world building now really good I love the whole Medieval theme to it. The characters and the storyline were very enjoyable to read. Can’t wait to see what other magical beings we encounter during the series. I really like this authors work so far.
Kindle
A Forest of Vanity and Valour ( Lavanthria 1)
By A.P. Beswick
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vireo Reinhold relishes collecting his monarch’s proper dues. Working hard to prolong and fund the king’s never-ending war, the self-centered official revels in the perks of luxury that come with his unorthodox role. But his world upends when he unearths an ancient spellbook that promises to unlock a shadowy, forgotten magic.
Embroiled in a secret affair with a fellow noble’s wife, Vireo is mortified when he’s forced to commit an unthinkable act. Driven into exile, no longer able to coerce the vulnerable, and with the powerful tome in his enemy’s hands, the fallen agent’s only shot at survival hangs on his skills at saving others.
Can Vireo redeem himself as the people’s champion before they all fall to a sinister fate?
I really enjoyed this! The world building now really good I love the whole Medieval theme to it. The characters and the storyline were very enjoyable to read. Can’t wait to see what other magical beings we encounter during the series. I really like this authors work so far.
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Ross (3284 KP) rated The Staircase in TV
Jun 28, 2018
The story of what happened to Kathleen Peterson is compelling. Her husband claims to have found her after a fall at the bottom of a narrow staircase bleeding to death.
The documentary follows the investigation from very early on, through the original trail and subsequent appeals. It still smacks of being quite one-sided (which is natural when the filmmakers are given access to one side of the legal battle and not the other). As with other similar programs, it is somewhat failed as an idea when the burden of formulating a story of what happened and of proof is on the estate, and the defence (by far the more vocal side in the program) only have to cast enough doubt on aspects of those stories to allow a jury to have "reasonable doubt" and therefore a conviction cannot be made.
Once again, this documentary shows that the state will do anything to convict, and once convicted it is very unlikely any appeals would be successful - they cast aspersions over the judge and prosecutors' professional ethics which they won't allow.
This one is rare in that the judge does appear to suggest there was a miscarriage of justice at the end of the final episode.
There is more closure in this story when compared to the likes of Evil Genius and Making a Murderer, but there still remains some doubt over what happened to Kathleen (I have now read there was a theory she was attacked by an owl on the way in to the house!).
Compelling but a little more drawn-out than its peers.
The documentary follows the investigation from very early on, through the original trail and subsequent appeals. It still smacks of being quite one-sided (which is natural when the filmmakers are given access to one side of the legal battle and not the other). As with other similar programs, it is somewhat failed as an idea when the burden of formulating a story of what happened and of proof is on the estate, and the defence (by far the more vocal side in the program) only have to cast enough doubt on aspects of those stories to allow a jury to have "reasonable doubt" and therefore a conviction cannot be made.
Once again, this documentary shows that the state will do anything to convict, and once convicted it is very unlikely any appeals would be successful - they cast aspersions over the judge and prosecutors' professional ethics which they won't allow.
This one is rare in that the judge does appear to suggest there was a miscarriage of justice at the end of the final episode.
There is more closure in this story when compared to the likes of Evil Genius and Making a Murderer, but there still remains some doubt over what happened to Kathleen (I have now read there was a theory she was attacked by an owl on the way in to the house!).
Compelling but a little more drawn-out than its peers.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated All Your Perfects in Books
Aug 18, 2018
Emotional & Heavy
I've read a few of Colleen Hoover's books back in college but I have yet to pick up one of her newer ones. I've enjoyed them but I have to be honest, many of her books are what I would consider emotional porn. They're made to bring you intense emotions and I swear they're made to make you cry.
Going into this book I only knew the bare minimum about this book. I saw a few quotes here and there and I knew that it was about a failing marriage. What I did know is that I wanted to finally pick up another Colleen Hoover book. When I saw this book on Netgalley as a "wish" I knew I needed to click that button. I was lucky enough to be approved for this book.
I have to admit, I struggled with this book. I struggled with some of the actions of characters and honestly the characters themselves. I never truly felt connect with the characters. Now, Graham & Quinn were wonderful characters that were flawed and realistic, but I couldn't connect with them. Their story was tragic and beautiful at times and I can see why so many people have grabbed onto their story. Unfortunately, I just couldn't connect how I normally do.
As expected with any Colleen Hoover novel, it is well written. You are going to feel emotions and you're going to feel them very deeply. Colleen Hoover does emotions well, I may not have felt connected to the characters but I did feel emotions and even tear up a bit at moments.
All in all, it was a good book & well written.
Going into this book I only knew the bare minimum about this book. I saw a few quotes here and there and I knew that it was about a failing marriage. What I did know is that I wanted to finally pick up another Colleen Hoover book. When I saw this book on Netgalley as a "wish" I knew I needed to click that button. I was lucky enough to be approved for this book.
I have to admit, I struggled with this book. I struggled with some of the actions of characters and honestly the characters themselves. I never truly felt connect with the characters. Now, Graham & Quinn were wonderful characters that were flawed and realistic, but I couldn't connect with them. Their story was tragic and beautiful at times and I can see why so many people have grabbed onto their story. Unfortunately, I just couldn't connect how I normally do.
As expected with any Colleen Hoover novel, it is well written. You are going to feel emotions and you're going to feel them very deeply. Colleen Hoover does emotions well, I may not have felt connected to the characters but I did feel emotions and even tear up a bit at moments.
All in all, it was a good book & well written.
Merissa (13056 KP) rated Escaping Exile (Escape Trilogy #1) in Books
Oct 19, 2018
Escaping Exile (Escape Trilogy #1) by Sara Dobie Bauer
Escaping Exile is the first story in a planned trilogy. In this excerpt, we are introduced to Andrew and Edmund. Andrew is a vampire in exile on a tropical island, whereas Edmund is a ship-wrecked naturalist. We find out more about Andrew's life in a series of flashbacks, whilst Edmund recites his to Andrew. As well as a vampire to contend with, both men have to deal with sharing the island with cannibals, who are very interested in 'fresh' meat.
It is for books like this, that I wish I did half stars! I have swung from 3 to 4, and back again. Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and the backgrounds of those involved, I would have like a bit more detail of the era concerned. All that is really mentioned, all that is really needed to be mentioned on a tropical island mind you, is the clothing. However, I would like to know more about the era they both live in now, what their past home lives were like, things like that.
That being said, this was a thoroughly enjoyable story, with plenty of other details given, and plenty of chemistry between the two main characters. It was great to see Andrew's attitude changing, and the reasons for it. This finishes HFN, but don't panic, there are still two more installments to come.
A well paced story that is definitely recommended by me.
* 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!
It is for books like this, that I wish I did half stars! I have swung from 3 to 4, and back again. Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and the backgrounds of those involved, I would have like a bit more detail of the era concerned. All that is really mentioned, all that is really needed to be mentioned on a tropical island mind you, is the clothing. However, I would like to know more about the era they both live in now, what their past home lives were like, things like that.
That being said, this was a thoroughly enjoyable story, with plenty of other details given, and plenty of chemistry between the two main characters. It was great to see Andrew's attitude changing, and the reasons for it. This finishes HFN, but don't panic, there are still two more installments to come.
A well paced story that is definitely recommended by me.
* 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!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2377 KP) rated The Skeleton Makes a Friend in Books
Nov 9, 2018
Sid's Friends Draw Georgia to Murder
Dr. Georgia Thackery has landed a summer job teaching a high school enrichment program on the campus of Overfeld College. Even better, she's found a semi-private cabin on a nearby lake to rent, meaning that her daughter, Madison, and her best friend, Sid, are able to accompany her. Even better, they are isolated enough that Sid, who is a living skeleton, can get outside the house occasionally. Their solitude is interrupted when a teen shows up asking to meet Sid. She is a member of Sid's clan in an online game, and she thinks a third member of their clan has gone missing. Sid and Georgia haven't investigated for too long before they stumble over a dead body. Can they figure out what is going on?
Those who love this series are in for another treat. Drop everything and read this book now. If you haven't picked up the series yet, you really should do so. Yes, there is a slight paranormal element to the book, but it really is slight. The characters are so strong that you'd swear they were fully fleshed out, yes, even Sid. We don't have a large cast of recurring characters, but the new characters more than make up for it. The twists keep us guessing up until the very end, when everything comes together perfectly. But it is Georgia, Sid, and Madison that make up the heart of this book. Their relationship is wonderful, and the bone puns and other jokes kept me smiling. I truly enjoyed my time with the characters.
Those who love this series are in for another treat. Drop everything and read this book now. If you haven't picked up the series yet, you really should do so. Yes, there is a slight paranormal element to the book, but it really is slight. The characters are so strong that you'd swear they were fully fleshed out, yes, even Sid. We don't have a large cast of recurring characters, but the new characters more than make up for it. The twists keep us guessing up until the very end, when everything comes together perfectly. But it is Georgia, Sid, and Madison that make up the heart of this book. Their relationship is wonderful, and the bone puns and other jokes kept me smiling. I truly enjoyed my time with the characters.
Carma (21 KP) rated Don't Open Till Christmas (Santori Stories #3) in Books
Jun 17, 2019
Noelle is trying to forget all about Christmas, both the holiday and the town. Currently in a dressing room she hears noises coming from the room next door. Oh great now she gets to hear a couple going at it, she truly needs a life. After hearing some commotion outside her door it flies open and a very hot man literally ends up in her almost naked lap. After one very scorching kiss he leaves her room so she can get dressed again. She hightails it out of there hoping no one sees her.
Mark waits a minute and returns to the dressing room area to get the name of the woman who just blew his mind with a single kiss. She is no where to be found, great. Work calls then, as he is needed at the station to get information on the latest robbery in town. A business was targeted and their Christmas funds stolen. Heading to the location he asks to see the owner to get more information on the theft and runs smack into his mystery kisser.
Noelle and Mark do all they can to avoid each other but the universe has other ideas for them. When Mark heads to the town of Christmas, Noelles hometown, to follow up on some leads on the thefts he sees exactly the life she is trying hard to leave behind. Pretending to be her boyfriend to stop the town gossip mill has him falling even harder for her.
Holiday themed romance with light mystery, was a good read for the holiday season for me. Part of the Santori Stories series, this is book #3
Mark waits a minute and returns to the dressing room area to get the name of the woman who just blew his mind with a single kiss. She is no where to be found, great. Work calls then, as he is needed at the station to get information on the latest robbery in town. A business was targeted and their Christmas funds stolen. Heading to the location he asks to see the owner to get more information on the theft and runs smack into his mystery kisser.
Noelle and Mark do all they can to avoid each other but the universe has other ideas for them. When Mark heads to the town of Christmas, Noelles hometown, to follow up on some leads on the thefts he sees exactly the life she is trying hard to leave behind. Pretending to be her boyfriend to stop the town gossip mill has him falling even harder for her.
Holiday themed romance with light mystery, was a good read for the holiday season for me. Part of the Santori Stories series, this is book #3
Natari (73 KP) rated Hunt the Moon (Cassandra Palmer, #5) in Books
Jul 19, 2019
Hunt the Moon is a great addition to the series because it takes us Deeper than ever before. Prepare to light up the dark side of the moon, because this book is a super-bright flashlight on the mysteries and mythologies that fuel the Cassandra Palmer world and the overall plot of the series. But be ready for some shadows and more questions to be thrown in as unexpected twists and turns take us on a whole new, thrilling angle.
I really enjoyed Hunt the Moon. Karen Chance onces again nails the pace of action, romance and deepening our understanding of the loveable characters she has created. In Hunt the Moon we learn a lot about the big three, Cassie, Pritkin and Mircea which puts their behaviour and way of reacting to life in a whole new light. It's a work of art.
In Hunt the Moon, Cassie finds herself a brand new enemy, because rogue vampires, black wizards and gods were't enough. Now she gets to throw in the fae and demi-gods too. Who bring with them a whole new bag of tricks. And while you shouldn't laugh at someone who always seems to find herself and her bodyguards in the midst of explosions, but, well, it's damn funny when a stoned pythia is glaring at a possessed fridge. Karen is able to be serious and cover some unsettling topics like war, politics and childhood trauma (of all varieties) and balance it with pleasant prose and just straight-up fun. That's the best word for the Cassie Palmer series, it is fun to read.
I really enjoyed Hunt the Moon. Karen Chance onces again nails the pace of action, romance and deepening our understanding of the loveable characters she has created. In Hunt the Moon we learn a lot about the big three, Cassie, Pritkin and Mircea which puts their behaviour and way of reacting to life in a whole new light. It's a work of art.
In Hunt the Moon, Cassie finds herself a brand new enemy, because rogue vampires, black wizards and gods were't enough. Now she gets to throw in the fae and demi-gods too. Who bring with them a whole new bag of tricks. And while you shouldn't laugh at someone who always seems to find herself and her bodyguards in the midst of explosions, but, well, it's damn funny when a stoned pythia is glaring at a possessed fridge. Karen is able to be serious and cover some unsettling topics like war, politics and childhood trauma (of all varieties) and balance it with pleasant prose and just straight-up fun. That's the best word for the Cassie Palmer series, it is fun to read.
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Making an Elephant
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FROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF LAST ORDERS AND MOTHERING SUNDAY, and reissued for the first time in...
Blaine Harrison recommended track The Whole Of The Moon by The Waterboys in This Is the Sea by The Waterboys in Music (curated)
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