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JennCc (14 KP) rated The Grim Company in Books
Aug 9, 2019
Pace (2 more)
Original ideas
Unexpected twists
This trilogy was a delight for me. I read a lot of fantasy sagas, so it's fairly unusual now to find something refreshingly different but these managed it.
Almost none of the characters are actually likeable, and yet it's impossible not to get drawn into the world they inhabit. There are times where you think it's collapsing into the same old stories, but the author manages to surprise far more often than not.
Really worth a read; I found them difficult to put down, and just a really enjoyable read.
Almost none of the characters are actually likeable, and yet it's impossible not to get drawn into the world they inhabit. There are times where you think it's collapsing into the same old stories, but the author manages to surprise far more often than not.
Really worth a read; I found them difficult to put down, and just a really enjoyable read.
Sam (74 KP) rated How Do You Like Me Now? in Books
Mar 27, 2019
Okay, so I think I’m the only person left who hasn’t read anything by Holly Bourne before this point. I didn’t even realise she was a YA author before checking out her twitter, and I’m definitely going to get some of her YA novels now.
Tori is an author of a self-help novel about how to survive your twenties. Now in her thirties, she’s lost, unhappy, and worried about where her life is going. On top of that, she has got another inspirational book about how brilliant and perfect her life is waiting to be written.
Only her life isn’t perfect. She’s falling out of love with ‘The One’, constantly worried about looking too old and not seeming perfect enough on social media for her fans, and she feels unsuccessful.
It was really nice to read an honest book for once that shows that someone’s persona on social media is not who they really are. Tori is constantly posting on social media about how perfect her relationship is and how successful she is, when really, her life is the exact opposite.
The novel focused on Tori trying to find her happiness again without hurting people around her, and trying to write her next novel that thousands of people are desparate for.
The whole book was a nice surprise, as it was brutally honest and still an entertaining read. I devoured it in a couple of days, never wanting to put it down.
I did feel that the plot was lacking a bit. It did just seem like the whole thing was a bit of a sub-plot, but that did make it a nice, easy, and quick read.
I will definitely be checking out more of Holly Bourne’s books now.
Tori is an author of a self-help novel about how to survive your twenties. Now in her thirties, she’s lost, unhappy, and worried about where her life is going. On top of that, she has got another inspirational book about how brilliant and perfect her life is waiting to be written.
Only her life isn’t perfect. She’s falling out of love with ‘The One’, constantly worried about looking too old and not seeming perfect enough on social media for her fans, and she feels unsuccessful.
It was really nice to read an honest book for once that shows that someone’s persona on social media is not who they really are. Tori is constantly posting on social media about how perfect her relationship is and how successful she is, when really, her life is the exact opposite.
The novel focused on Tori trying to find her happiness again without hurting people around her, and trying to write her next novel that thousands of people are desparate for.
The whole book was a nice surprise, as it was brutally honest and still an entertaining read. I devoured it in a couple of days, never wanting to put it down.
I did feel that the plot was lacking a bit. It did just seem like the whole thing was a bit of a sub-plot, but that did make it a nice, easy, and quick read.
I will definitely be checking out more of Holly Bourne’s books now.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. Unfortunately I didn't read it in time so I finally just went out and got the book instead.
I am a huge fan of Tim Burton & The Nightmare Before Christmas is one of my all time favorite movies. When I saw this up for review on Netgalley, I just knew I had to read it. The best thing about Mangas are the fact that you read it backwards. It's pretty fun to go the opposite way and experience something different.
When reading this book, I realized just how much I love the movie and I'm now thinking that I haven't spent nearly enough time watching or listening to this movie. The artwork that Jun Asuka did was spectacular. It was extremely well done and did honor to the movie. The only thing that drove me a little crazy was that the entire songs were missing. I know, I shouldn't need to read them all but it just felt like something was missing every time a song would come up and then be glossed over.
Ultimately, this was a lot of fun, the artwork was beautiful and it was a fun way to go back to one of my favorite movies.
I am a huge fan of Tim Burton & The Nightmare Before Christmas is one of my all time favorite movies. When I saw this up for review on Netgalley, I just knew I had to read it. The best thing about Mangas are the fact that you read it backwards. It's pretty fun to go the opposite way and experience something different.
When reading this book, I realized just how much I love the movie and I'm now thinking that I haven't spent nearly enough time watching or listening to this movie. The artwork that Jun Asuka did was spectacular. It was extremely well done and did honor to the movie. The only thing that drove me a little crazy was that the entire songs were missing. I know, I shouldn't need to read them all but it just felt like something was missing every time a song would come up and then be glossed over.
Ultimately, this was a lot of fun, the artwork was beautiful and it was a fun way to go back to one of my favorite movies.
Cynthia Armistead (17 KP) rated Crimes by Moonlight: Mysteries from the Dark Side in Books
Mar 1, 2018
I should have written the review as soon as I finished the book. All I remember now is that this anthology tended to be much, much darker than most of the ones I read! I'd classify this volume as horror rather than dark fantasy, and paranormal romance fans should probably just skip it altogether even if they do see familiar authors' names. I should have skipped it, and I wasn't reading for any romance. I'm still shivering!
Erika (17789 KP) rated Conversations With A Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes in TV
Jan 29, 2019 (Updated Jan 29, 2019)
Serial killer/true crime documentaries are my favorite things to watch. I recently read The Stranger Beside Me, which is by Ann Rule, who worked with Ted Bundy, and, with the hype surrounding Zac Efron playing Bundy, it makes sense that Netflix would drop this now.
Sadly, it was boring, and offered very little, if any new information. If you don't really know a ton about Bundy, it's a good introduction to his ego and crimes.
Sadly, it was boring, and offered very little, if any new information. If you don't really know a ton about Bundy, it's a good introduction to his ego and crimes.
Cori June (3033 KP) rated The Suicide Tree in Books
Nov 25, 2019
characters (1 more)
descriptions
Knox Kevel is a unique character. A hacker with asthma and who have been trying to get past his parent's reputation. Set in both Florida and Italy. This sci-fi adventure thriller with a bit of romance is hard to label but a pleasure to read. It starts off a bit slow but hard to put down once it starts going.
Now I need to some how find my way to the Amalfi Coast.
Now I need to some how find my way to the Amalfi Coast.
David McK (3731 KP) rated Stormrider (Rigante #4) in Books
May 19, 2024
<2024 update>
It's been a few years since I last read this, with the added time between now adding (to me) additional depth to the character of The Moidart and to Gaise Macon's often fractured relationship with him.
<original review>
The final book in the Rigante series and, while it may not be as good as the others, it still nicely round off the series. The blurb on the back of the book is a bit misleading, though ...
It's been a few years since I last read this, with the added time between now adding (to me) additional depth to the character of The Moidart and to Gaise Macon's often fractured relationship with him.
<original review>
The final book in the Rigante series and, while it may not be as good as the others, it still nicely round off the series. The blurb on the back of the book is a bit misleading, though ...
James Koppert (2698 KP) rated Starve Acre in Books
Nov 24, 2019
His others were good. This is exceptional
I have enjoyed Andrew Michael Hurley's previous books very much but he has surpassed himself with Starve Acre. This is a dark and suturing read that gives you the same feels as Iain Banks' masterpiece The Wasp Factory. Anyone who was fans of the exceptional read as well as possibly Neil Gaimen's folk horror will find pleasure in this read.
I love it when you are so into a book you sprint upstairs when you get in from work to read a few pages before starting the evenings cooking etc, as I did with Starve Acre.
It's hard to tell you what happens in the story without giving away plot twists but this is a book of the supernatural, of a future dictated to by the past and of a family grieving trying to rationalise feelings and hurt. It is a place where they will remain outsiders and a tree that holds the mystery of it all.
Everything about this book should make it a classic. Its presentation and cover is beautiful. Michael-Hurley's writing is beautiful capturing the darkness in a way that is delicate and sweet which only makes the horror more shocking. The Lonely and Devil's Day were very good, but the writing here is some f the best I have ever read and the story is incredible. He has now become of a level that the next book he releases I standing outside the book shop at 9am and taking a day off work to read it, he is simply that good.
Miss this book at your peril, this is better than Stephen King and the rest. Andrew Michael-Hurley is now the true king!
I love it when you are so into a book you sprint upstairs when you get in from work to read a few pages before starting the evenings cooking etc, as I did with Starve Acre.
It's hard to tell you what happens in the story without giving away plot twists but this is a book of the supernatural, of a future dictated to by the past and of a family grieving trying to rationalise feelings and hurt. It is a place where they will remain outsiders and a tree that holds the mystery of it all.
Everything about this book should make it a classic. Its presentation and cover is beautiful. Michael-Hurley's writing is beautiful capturing the darkness in a way that is delicate and sweet which only makes the horror more shocking. The Lonely and Devil's Day were very good, but the writing here is some f the best I have ever read and the story is incredible. He has now become of a level that the next book he releases I standing outside the book shop at 9am and taking a day off work to read it, he is simply that good.
Miss this book at your peril, this is better than Stephen King and the rest. Andrew Michael-Hurley is now the true king!
Debbiereadsbook (1681 KP) rated Heartbeat Girl in Books
Dec 8, 2021
Fabulous vampire read!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
When Jayne's boss disappears, the band she was working with hires her as their PA. But something is off about The Oppressors and Jayne can't figure it out. She also can't keep her attraction to one of them hidden if she's sharing their bus.
It's been a while since I had a good vampire read, and I have to say, this proper hit the spot!
I loved that there was history between Jayne and Liam, but we don't get the full story till much later in the story. And indeed, that it was well past half way before they give into their desires for each other. Loved the sire aspect of this vampire lore.
Liam knew all that time ago, that Jayne was special to him, but it wasn't til he fully opened his soul to her, that he realised just HOW special she was.
I loved all the guys, but now I think Pete has a place in my heart. He does something here that was incredibly brave, and could have cost him his life, but his love for Jayne, even if she wasn't his, pulled him through. Steve too, but to a lesser extent. I want them both to have a story, they need one!
There's a bit on the blurb that says this can be read as a standalone, but that characters from Soul Food are mentioned. And it can, it is totally stand alone, BUT now I WANT to go back and read that book, I really do. Ruth is Jayne's boss and where she ends up? I need to know what happened to her.
First I've read of this author too, I need more!
A very, very enjoyable 4 star read
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
When Jayne's boss disappears, the band she was working with hires her as their PA. But something is off about The Oppressors and Jayne can't figure it out. She also can't keep her attraction to one of them hidden if she's sharing their bus.
It's been a while since I had a good vampire read, and I have to say, this proper hit the spot!
I loved that there was history between Jayne and Liam, but we don't get the full story till much later in the story. And indeed, that it was well past half way before they give into their desires for each other. Loved the sire aspect of this vampire lore.
Liam knew all that time ago, that Jayne was special to him, but it wasn't til he fully opened his soul to her, that he realised just HOW special she was.
I loved all the guys, but now I think Pete has a place in my heart. He does something here that was incredibly brave, and could have cost him his life, but his love for Jayne, even if she wasn't his, pulled him through. Steve too, but to a lesser extent. I want them both to have a story, they need one!
There's a bit on the blurb that says this can be read as a standalone, but that characters from Soul Food are mentioned. And it can, it is totally stand alone, BUT now I WANT to go back and read that book, I really do. Ruth is Jayne's boss and where she ends up? I need to know what happened to her.
First I've read of this author too, I need more!
A very, very enjoyable 4 star read
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Erika (17789 KP) rated Ready Player One in Books
May 7, 2018
So, I saw the movie before I read this. After I read through the second chapter, I decided to evaluate it completely separate from the movie.
The nostalgia was high in this, it was a 80s/90s fest. I liked it, because that's my jam, but I can see why some people saw it as forced. The writing wasn't anything to write home about (pun unintended), and I know why Ernie changed some things around for his screenplay of the novel. Some of the scenes would have been really boring to watch.
My one issue with the differences between the book and movie... Seriously, you cast Simon Pegg, then don't use him as much as the book? Lame.
Anyway, I liked the book, and I'm strongly considering reading Armada now.
The nostalgia was high in this, it was a 80s/90s fest. I liked it, because that's my jam, but I can see why some people saw it as forced. The writing wasn't anything to write home about (pun unintended), and I know why Ernie changed some things around for his screenplay of the novel. Some of the scenes would have been really boring to watch.
My one issue with the differences between the book and movie... Seriously, you cast Simon Pegg, then don't use him as much as the book? Lame.
Anyway, I liked the book, and I'm strongly considering reading Armada now.