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Alison Pink (7 KP) rated A Game of Thrones in Books
Jan 15, 2018
Let me say first that, this is not at all the kind of book that I usually find myself drawn too. I had seen previews for the series on HBO & thought it looked good. I hesitated for a long while on whether to read it or not & decided that while I was on vacation I would read it. (I was advised to wait because you need to concentrate on the book in order to keep all the characters straight, which is VERY true!)
Now I wish I'd read it when I first got the urge. It is SOOOO incredibly well written. The characters are all so different, but so well fleshed out that you can picture them without much trouble. There are a great deal of them & it does take a hundred pages or so to get a handle on them. But, if you stick with it I know you will be pleasantly surprised & glad that you toughed out the first few chapters.
The story is haunting & beautiful. I loathe reviews that spoil the plot so I will not even begin to tackle it here. I could go on all day about it with all its twists & turns. Suffice it to say, I will be picking up the 2nd in the series as soon as I'm done typing here!
Take the risk, don't let the sheer size of the book intimidate you! You will not be disappointed.
Now I wish I'd read it when I first got the urge. It is SOOOO incredibly well written. The characters are all so different, but so well fleshed out that you can picture them without much trouble. There are a great deal of them & it does take a hundred pages or so to get a handle on them. But, if you stick with it I know you will be pleasantly surprised & glad that you toughed out the first few chapters.
The story is haunting & beautiful. I loathe reviews that spoil the plot so I will not even begin to tackle it here. I could go on all day about it with all its twists & turns. Suffice it to say, I will be picking up the 2nd in the series as soon as I'm done typing here!
Take the risk, don't let the sheer size of the book intimidate you! You will not be disappointed.
Cynthia Armistead (17 KP) rated The Overseer in Books
Mar 1, 2018
I never had any interest in reading the Da Vinci Code, and if I'd heard about this, I might not have been interested in it, either. But somehow I picked up a damaged copy of it, and got terribly interested but it was in such bad shape that there was no way to go on reading. I found that I had to request it from the library, and as soon as it arrived I started over at the beginning. I've read it in chunks since then.
If I'd read this book when it was first released, back in 1998, I'm sure it would have been much more chilling. It was quite effective, even in 2011. I can easily remember the public figures who are echoed in Rabb's books - there are certainly similar ones in the news every day right now (some of them the same ones!)
I did, however, enjoy The Overseer for what it was. I didn't find myself chafing at the flaws other reviewers here have mentioned. Yes, government agents in such thrillers have to be nearly superhuman, and the protagonist, in order to survive, has to learn new rules very quickly. But the reader also has to suspend her disbelief, or she has no business reading such things. If the hero is an idiot, I'll accept that he's a slow learner and likely to die - but then he wouldn't be the hero, would he?
All in all, a decent read if you enjoy thrillers.
If I'd read this book when it was first released, back in 1998, I'm sure it would have been much more chilling. It was quite effective, even in 2011. I can easily remember the public figures who are echoed in Rabb's books - there are certainly similar ones in the news every day right now (some of them the same ones!)
I did, however, enjoy The Overseer for what it was. I didn't find myself chafing at the flaws other reviewers here have mentioned. Yes, government agents in such thrillers have to be nearly superhuman, and the protagonist, in order to survive, has to learn new rules very quickly. But the reader also has to suspend her disbelief, or she has no business reading such things. If the hero is an idiot, I'll accept that he's a slow learner and likely to die - but then he wouldn't be the hero, would he?
All in all, a decent read if you enjoy thrillers.
David McK (3649 KP) rated Murder on the Orient Express in Books
Dec 27, 2021
As a general rule, I'm not really big into murder mystery whodunnits, generally finding them boring, (sometimes) obvious and just, well, generally a little bit stale.
That may be why I'd never read perhaps Agatha Christie's most famous murder story before, or even had any interest in which any of the (numerous) films, TV series or plays based around the same.
Which is a long way of saying that I came into this 'cold', as it were, knowing little beyond the fact that it was a Hercule Poirot mystery (thanks to the 2017 Kenneth Branagh movie, which I hadn't seen), and that the murder was on a train (d'uh!) just as it ran into snow whilst on a journey.
Now that I've read it, I have to say: I found little to cause me to revise my opinion of murder mysteries in general.
That's not to say that it is bad, per se, just that it never really hooked me all that much: indeed, at times it felt more like a chore to read than something enjoyable. Indeed, I'm sorry to say, the reveal of just who carried out the crime also completely failed to elicit any form of surprise or emotion at all from me: not that I saw it coming but just that, well, it almost felt like a relief when it did.
All I can say is: sorry, any Poirot fans!
That may be why I'd never read perhaps Agatha Christie's most famous murder story before, or even had any interest in which any of the (numerous) films, TV series or plays based around the same.
Which is a long way of saying that I came into this 'cold', as it were, knowing little beyond the fact that it was a Hercule Poirot mystery (thanks to the 2017 Kenneth Branagh movie, which I hadn't seen), and that the murder was on a train (d'uh!) just as it ran into snow whilst on a journey.
Now that I've read it, I have to say: I found little to cause me to revise my opinion of murder mysteries in general.
That's not to say that it is bad, per se, just that it never really hooked me all that much: indeed, at times it felt more like a chore to read than something enjoyable. Indeed, I'm sorry to say, the reveal of just who carried out the crime also completely failed to elicit any form of surprise or emotion at all from me: not that I saw it coming but just that, well, it almost felt like a relief when it did.
All I can say is: sorry, any Poirot fans!
ClareR (6037 KP) rated Mrs Dalloway in Books
Sep 6, 2020
I’ve been trying to read this book for the best part of 20 years. It moved with me from my childhood home, through university, to the house I live in now. It’s a well travelled book. Thanks to The Pigeonhole, they’ve removed the one hurdle to the reason why I haven’t read it: sections, chapters, staves - call it what you will. I have a mental block when it comes to reading something without a break, and now I have learnt what I need to do - create sections or breaks myself (Ducks, Newburyport may well be on the cards soon).
I’m so glad that The Pigeonhole serialised this, because I’ve been missing out on a true classic. A day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway in the lead up to her party, and all of the people who intersect her life(directly and indirectly). It’s a beautiful story. The peripheral stories are just as interesting and important, giving us a look in to the lives of those living at the time. In particular the story of Septimus Smith stays with me, and the lack of understanding of both Shell Shock and mental health problems. But life seems to go on for all of the others.
This is a book that I’m glad to have read, and it’s not hard to see why it’s considered to be a classic.
I’m so glad that The Pigeonhole serialised this, because I’ve been missing out on a true classic. A day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway in the lead up to her party, and all of the people who intersect her life(directly and indirectly). It’s a beautiful story. The peripheral stories are just as interesting and important, giving us a look in to the lives of those living at the time. In particular the story of Septimus Smith stays with me, and the lack of understanding of both Shell Shock and mental health problems. But life seems to go on for all of the others.
This is a book that I’m glad to have read, and it’s not hard to see why it’s considered to be a classic.
Merissa (13585 KP) rated Hunted (Dragonlands #2) in Books
Apr 6, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
WOW! The first book in this series, Hidden, is really good but this book blows that one out of the water. It is an excellent follow up although I warn you that it has a killer cliffhanger ending.
This story does follow on from Hidden so I definitely recommend you read that first or you simply won't have a clue what is happening here. For those that have read it, I can say that the story continues to move forward in such a way that will amaze and astound. The characters are growing and changing whilst the plot thickens. I especially loved the character development of Tressa and Bastian. This felt completely natural considering that they are meeting new people for the first time in their lives.
So many twists and turns in this story and I won't even try to explain any of them. Suffice it to say that I now have lots of questions that were answered from book 1 but I now have more from book 2 that are still unanswered. I'm waiting for book 3 very impatiently!
Recommended for all Fantasy lovers out there.
* 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!
September 3, 2016
This story does follow on from Hidden so I definitely recommend you read that first or you simply won't have a clue what is happening here. For those that have read it, I can say that the story continues to move forward in such a way that will amaze and astound. The characters are growing and changing whilst the plot thickens. I especially loved the character development of Tressa and Bastian. This felt completely natural considering that they are meeting new people for the first time in their lives.
So many twists and turns in this story and I won't even try to explain any of them. Suffice it to say that I now have lots of questions that were answered from book 1 but I now have more from book 2 that are still unanswered. I'm waiting for book 3 very impatiently!
Recommended for all Fantasy lovers out there.
* 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!
September 3, 2016
Alicia S (193 KP) rated Beyond the Consequences (Consequences, #5) in Books
Sep 28, 2018
What more can I say about this incredible series? Im SO sad its over... Ive loved Claire & Tony's story, no matter how painful it was to read and go through at times. The connection, the passion and the perfect fit of these two are just amazing.. I've been rooting for Tony & Claire for books now and am so beyond happy to see them end up in their "happily ever after." Now we an all just sit around and hope that someday Aleatha changes her mind and continues this story! (although Im sure she's tired of hearing that!?) ;-) LOVE LOVE LOVE this series...
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Dark Soul Vol. 1 (Dark Soul, #1) in Books
Jan 6, 2021
I finished this about two hours ago on my break at work and wanted to scream because I didn't have the other volumes to finish the series.
I'd been wanting to read a book by this author for a while now after seeing all my Goodreads friends giving his books good rating so when I saw this free on Amazon I got a little giddy.
I wasn't sure at the start whether I'd like it but boy did I get drawn in quick! I really need to see what happens next with these two!
Off to check the price right now :-)
I'd been wanting to read a book by this author for a while now after seeing all my Goodreads friends giving his books good rating so when I saw this free on Amazon I got a little giddy.
I wasn't sure at the start whether I'd like it but boy did I get drawn in quick! I really need to see what happens next with these two!
Off to check the price right now :-)
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Baby Proof in Books
May 10, 2018
Claudia Par has decided that she doesn't want to have children, ever. Ben Davenport has decided the same thing. They are perfect for each other. Until their best friends have a baby, and one of them changes their mind. How will this affect their relationship?
When I started reading this book, I thought that it was going to be a continuation of the Darcy/Rachel drama. But I guess that is all done now. This book wasn't as good as the previous books I have read by Ms. Giffin, but I will continue to read her writing.
I remember there was a time in my life when I didn't want children so I could related to Claudia on this level. It wasn't until I actually had a child that my opinion on this matter had changed. Well, it actually didn't change, I just learned to accept it.
When I started reading this book, I thought that it was going to be a continuation of the Darcy/Rachel drama. But I guess that is all done now. This book wasn't as good as the previous books I have read by Ms. Giffin, but I will continue to read her writing.
I remember there was a time in my life when I didn't want children so I could related to Claudia on this level. It wasn't until I actually had a child that my opinion on this matter had changed. Well, it actually didn't change, I just learned to accept it.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Shattered Promises in Books
Nov 18, 2019
This is now the earliest bought book on my Kindle, coming from March 2014 and since that's nearly 6 years ago, I think it's high time I read it, so here goes.
I struggled with this from the start. I just wasn't connecting with the story at all. My interest heightened a little at the introduction of Alex but then it started to wane again at their antagonistic behaviour. But i realised they had some sort of history that she couldn't remember.
It seemed to take forever for her to piece it all together (view spoiler) I even figured out who the bad guy was going to turn out to be after that vision she fell into.
I also wasn't interested in the thing she had going on with Alex and that's the stuff i read book for, the romance.
I won't be continuing the series.
I struggled with this from the start. I just wasn't connecting with the story at all. My interest heightened a little at the introduction of Alex but then it started to wane again at their antagonistic behaviour. But i realised they had some sort of history that she couldn't remember.
It seemed to take forever for her to piece it all together (view spoiler) I even figured out who the bad guy was going to turn out to be after that vision she fell into.
I also wasn't interested in the thing she had going on with Alex and that's the stuff i read book for, the romance.
I won't be continuing the series.
Debbiereadsbook (1611 KP) rated Mr March (Calendar Men #3) in Books
Mar 6, 2018
fabulous sexy read.
Independent reviewer for Divine Magazine, I was gifted my copy of this book .
It's only a matter a time, you know, before a book in a series tips you one way or the other. It tips you up to that five star read, or down to three and you really don't want to read any more.
This one?? 5 star read people!
I said in my review for February, that I liked that the shifter element was just sort of there, it wasn't a major part of the story. But here, the shifter part is a MASSIVE part of the story! Go figure, huh!
Jason is Mr March, and they have just finished up shooting on Arturo's land. There is a bit of an overlap between February and March's books. Waking up in someone else's bed, Jason can't remember how he got there, but he CAN remember the vet who looked after his lion form. Casey is a vet at the refuge that Jason's cat is bought to, but there is something bigger going on, and it will take some digging to get to just what.
I loved Jason's sisters, and their teasing of Jason. Loved Jessica too. Jason and Casey have a huge network of support and they need it, especially when they find out what is really going on!
It's not an overly complicated book, nor is it graphic or explicit, but I really LOVED that it wasn't! It's a really great read, and I read this in one sitting, at 1130 at night. Good job I did not have work this morning!
The shoot is now slowly shifting from single nekkid guys for each month, to a couple for each month. Still not sure it will get published, but it's great fun watching it, either way.
I would like to know more about how Perry's dad is, since he was the original photographer. He;s dealing with some heavy stuff and it would be nice to catch up with him, even if it's just a bit more than we get here.
Fabulous, sexy, read
5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
It's only a matter a time, you know, before a book in a series tips you one way or the other. It tips you up to that five star read, or down to three and you really don't want to read any more.
This one?? 5 star read people!
I said in my review for February, that I liked that the shifter element was just sort of there, it wasn't a major part of the story. But here, the shifter part is a MASSIVE part of the story! Go figure, huh!
Jason is Mr March, and they have just finished up shooting on Arturo's land. There is a bit of an overlap between February and March's books. Waking up in someone else's bed, Jason can't remember how he got there, but he CAN remember the vet who looked after his lion form. Casey is a vet at the refuge that Jason's cat is bought to, but there is something bigger going on, and it will take some digging to get to just what.
I loved Jason's sisters, and their teasing of Jason. Loved Jessica too. Jason and Casey have a huge network of support and they need it, especially when they find out what is really going on!
It's not an overly complicated book, nor is it graphic or explicit, but I really LOVED that it wasn't! It's a really great read, and I read this in one sitting, at 1130 at night. Good job I did not have work this morning!
The shoot is now slowly shifting from single nekkid guys for each month, to a couple for each month. Still not sure it will get published, but it's great fun watching it, either way.
I would like to know more about how Perry's dad is, since he was the original photographer. He;s dealing with some heavy stuff and it would be nice to catch up with him, even if it's just a bit more than we get here.
Fabulous, sexy, read
5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**