Search
Search results
Chloe (778 KP) rated Just My Luck in Books
Sep 4, 2021
Stupid characters (1 more)
Boring
Good premise. Poorly executed
Having now read this I am quite confused why it has such rave reviews on the back cover. I was quite excited for this, considering at easy read between a series I'm reading. The premise seemed promising and there was certainly some interesting characters including Toma.
The plot twist towards the end could have been much better in my opinion, Parks really missed a trick.
Lexi has absolutely no backbone and just rolls with whatever Jake feels like doing. I just found the winning couple to be so stupid, especially Jake.
I think a lot of the story was obvious once you know the premise. Overall, not as great as I anticipated.
Would I recommend it? Probably as a quick and easy read when you haven't got the brain cells for anything too difficult.
The plot twist towards the end could have been much better in my opinion, Parks really missed a trick.
Lexi has absolutely no backbone and just rolls with whatever Jake feels like doing. I just found the winning couple to be so stupid, especially Jake.
I think a lot of the story was obvious once you know the premise. Overall, not as great as I anticipated.
Would I recommend it? Probably as a quick and easy read when you haven't got the brain cells for anything too difficult.
Merissa (12330 KP) rated Hunt the Dragon Within (The Journals of Ravier #2) in Books
Apr 10, 2020
HUNT THE DRAGON WITHIN is the second book in The Journals of Muraine series and we continue where book one left off. Soren is causing chaos, Talok is stuck with a bracelet he doesn't want, and Tyler is just trying to make sense of it all AND cope with the powers he appears to have now.
Now, if you've read my review for book one, you will know I found the constant use of numbers confusing. (Numbers are a foreign language, after all!) I'm pleased to say this isn't such an issue here as the author concentrates more on things that are happening. I do love the 'Thirteen, Done' part of it though!
There is a love-triangle forming which I hope is sorted out soon! I know they are popular with a lot of people but I just find them irritating. đ This only takes up a small part of the story though. Mainly it is about what is going on around them and what they need to do to stop Talok turning into a monster.
I have to say - this is one heckuva ride! There are more twists and turns than you would find at a theme park and I loved every part of it. It certainly kept my interest from beginning to end. Because of this I would say you need to set aside a good amount of time to be able to read it. I don't think just spot-reading here and there would do you any favours.
Book one was very good, this one is great. I can't wait to read book three and see if the trend continues. I have high hopes! Absolutely 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. *
Now, if you've read my review for book one, you will know I found the constant use of numbers confusing. (Numbers are a foreign language, after all!) I'm pleased to say this isn't such an issue here as the author concentrates more on things that are happening. I do love the 'Thirteen, Done' part of it though!
There is a love-triangle forming which I hope is sorted out soon! I know they are popular with a lot of people but I just find them irritating. đ This only takes up a small part of the story though. Mainly it is about what is going on around them and what they need to do to stop Talok turning into a monster.
I have to say - this is one heckuva ride! There are more twists and turns than you would find at a theme park and I loved every part of it. It certainly kept my interest from beginning to end. Because of this I would say you need to set aside a good amount of time to be able to read it. I don't think just spot-reading here and there would do you any favours.
Book one was very good, this one is great. I can't wait to read book three and see if the trend continues. I have high hopes! Absolutely 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. *
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Crescendo (Hush, Hush, #2) in Books
Apr 27, 2018
Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
Genre: YA
ISBN: 9781416989431
Publication date: October 19th 2010 by Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Rating: 5
(No summary, to keep spoilers out!)
Ok. Crescendo definitely wasnât what I expected. I definitely liked itâmaybe loved it. But I canât say I enjoyed reading it. I wonât spoil it, but weâll just say there were times when I wanted to wring the characters necks. It was wonderful, and it was miserable.
And Patch. Oh Patch.
Ok. Canât say anything else about Patch.
I admire a book that surprises the crap out of me. Crescendo did that. I had absolutely no idea of who was the bad guy until the very last page, and it was nothing but wishful thinking that kept the hero in his position. Although the tension, both romantic and emotional, made it difficult to read at times, I tore through it and couldn't put it down.
So here are the things that made it wonderful:
1. The plot was woven perfectly, intricately, and complexly, and it surprised me. There was so much to it, that it might take a while for me to completely wrap my head around it. It did not have plot overkill, thank goodness, but it would have if it hadnât been organized and written so well.
2. The emotional turmoil was very real⌠reading it was almost depressing⌠if I hadnât had so much faith in Patch⌠Wow. Having faith in Patch isnât a good thing, is it?
3. Not only was the plot complicated, but it was fast paced the entire time. There was no down-time, there was nothing simple.
As far as the writing, I have nothing great to say about it. It was every-day satisfyingly mediocre writing style and vocabulary, but it wasnât bad.
And of course, the characters⌠well they donât have that many redeeming qualities, do they? I mean, really. Name five things about Patch that make him a worth-while guy, besides being sexy and smelling delicious. And yes, sometimes I wanted to yell at Nora to forget about her pride and just âdo it!â (no not that! youâll understand when you read it!)
Now for my favorite part: The end. It was good and bad: Good because I got the end that I wanted in the first place (!!!) and bad because at the very end, the last paragraph, I read it and freaked out⌠SERIOUSLY? BECCA, THATâS NOT AN ENDING! It was worse than Catching Fire. But the rest was wonderful! *swoons*
So. I absolutely recommend Crescendo. I recommend reading it when you have all day to devote to it, because you wonât want to stop and leave yourself feeling angry and depressed. Because really, the whole mood of this book is angry, sad, and depressing. But it was ok that way.
Then again⌠you may want to wait to read it until book 3 comes out. Because there will definitely be a book 3. And I definitely want it right now.
And thatâs all I have to say about that.
Content/recommendation: Ages 16+ for some sensuality. And you have to read Hush, Hush first or none of it will make any sense.
By the way, I got my ARC of Hush Hush at ARC swap. So head over there to see if there are any goodies youâd like to swap for. Last I checked, there was an ARC of Fallout, Tyger Tyger, Party, Perchance to Dream, and quite a few more. http://arcswap.webs.com
Genre: YA
ISBN: 9781416989431
Publication date: October 19th 2010 by Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Rating: 5
(No summary, to keep spoilers out!)
Ok. Crescendo definitely wasnât what I expected. I definitely liked itâmaybe loved it. But I canât say I enjoyed reading it. I wonât spoil it, but weâll just say there were times when I wanted to wring the characters necks. It was wonderful, and it was miserable.
And Patch. Oh Patch.
Ok. Canât say anything else about Patch.
I admire a book that surprises the crap out of me. Crescendo did that. I had absolutely no idea of who was the bad guy until the very last page, and it was nothing but wishful thinking that kept the hero in his position. Although the tension, both romantic and emotional, made it difficult to read at times, I tore through it and couldn't put it down.
So here are the things that made it wonderful:
1. The plot was woven perfectly, intricately, and complexly, and it surprised me. There was so much to it, that it might take a while for me to completely wrap my head around it. It did not have plot overkill, thank goodness, but it would have if it hadnât been organized and written so well.
2. The emotional turmoil was very real⌠reading it was almost depressing⌠if I hadnât had so much faith in Patch⌠Wow. Having faith in Patch isnât a good thing, is it?
3. Not only was the plot complicated, but it was fast paced the entire time. There was no down-time, there was nothing simple.
As far as the writing, I have nothing great to say about it. It was every-day satisfyingly mediocre writing style and vocabulary, but it wasnât bad.
And of course, the characters⌠well they donât have that many redeeming qualities, do they? I mean, really. Name five things about Patch that make him a worth-while guy, besides being sexy and smelling delicious. And yes, sometimes I wanted to yell at Nora to forget about her pride and just âdo it!â (no not that! youâll understand when you read it!)
Now for my favorite part: The end. It was good and bad: Good because I got the end that I wanted in the first place (!!!) and bad because at the very end, the last paragraph, I read it and freaked out⌠SERIOUSLY? BECCA, THATâS NOT AN ENDING! It was worse than Catching Fire. But the rest was wonderful! *swoons*
So. I absolutely recommend Crescendo. I recommend reading it when you have all day to devote to it, because you wonât want to stop and leave yourself feeling angry and depressed. Because really, the whole mood of this book is angry, sad, and depressing. But it was ok that way.
Then again⌠you may want to wait to read it until book 3 comes out. Because there will definitely be a book 3. And I definitely want it right now.
And thatâs all I have to say about that.
Content/recommendation: Ages 16+ for some sensuality. And you have to read Hush, Hush first or none of it will make any sense.
By the way, I got my ARC of Hush Hush at ARC swap. So head over there to see if there are any goodies youâd like to swap for. Last I checked, there was an ARC of Fallout, Tyger Tyger, Party, Perchance to Dream, and quite a few more. http://arcswap.webs.com
David McK (3495 KP) rated The Book of Ultimate Truths in Books
Jan 30, 2019
When reading books, I go through phases of genres, where I might read 3 or 4 of one type before switching to another. Recently, I'd been reading a lot of historical fiction and felt it was time to switch it up, moving on to comedy instead, hoping this would prove to be a hit.
Unfortunately, it wasn't. :(
Perhaps I should have known: I had read some Robert Rankin before and had found him (generally) to be more miss than hit, with this novel only serving to reinforce that opinion. IMO, I found this rather surreal and just not that funny with it rarely raising a smile, never mind a laugh! Indeed, what humour there is I found to be rather childish, almost infantile. Doubt I'll be looking for any more in this series: the only reasons this doesn't get 1 star is because A) a book has to be really, REALLY bad for me to give it that and B) because it was free (but now I know why!) from Amazon.
Unfortunately, it wasn't. :(
Perhaps I should have known: I had read some Robert Rankin before and had found him (generally) to be more miss than hit, with this novel only serving to reinforce that opinion. IMO, I found this rather surreal and just not that funny with it rarely raising a smile, never mind a laugh! Indeed, what humour there is I found to be rather childish, almost infantile. Doubt I'll be looking for any more in this series: the only reasons this doesn't get 1 star is because A) a book has to be really, REALLY bad for me to give it that and B) because it was free (but now I know why!) from Amazon.
Sarah (7799 KP) rated Reasons to Stay Alive in Books
Apr 10, 2020
Refreshingly frank
Considering the subject matter of this book, I came away from it feeling a lot better than I thought I would. This is a rather honest and frank insight into depression and anxiety, told around Matt Haigâs personal struggles and I found it absolutely fascinating. It isnât a pleasant read at times especially when he starts to talk about suicidal and the very dark sides of depression, but it was still interesting to read about something that Iâve never experienced myself and there were a lot of lighter chapters in which Haig depicts his periods of recovery and the things that helped him get better.
This isnât a long book, but itâs still one that I found hugely informative and interesting and it helps that Haig has such an engaging style of writing. Considering the rather strange times weâre all in at the moment with Coronavirus and lockdowns, I donât doubt that weâre all feeling a little low right now and whilst this book isnât an instant fix all pick me up, it might really help.
This isnât a long book, but itâs still one that I found hugely informative and interesting and it helps that Haig has such an engaging style of writing. Considering the rather strange times weâre all in at the moment with Coronavirus and lockdowns, I donât doubt that weâre all feeling a little low right now and whilst this book isnât an instant fix all pick me up, it might really help.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Maggots Screaming in Books
May 25, 2024
104 of 220
Booksirens Arc
Maggots Screaming
By Max Booth III
âď¸âď¸âď¸âď¸âď¸
THE FAMILY THAT DECAYS TOGETHER, STAYS TOGETHER
On a hot summer weekend in San Antonio, Texas, a father and son bond after discovering three impossible corpses buried in their back yard.
This book had me thinking about it even when I wasnât reading it, to the point Iâve talked my husband into reading it and he doesnât read. Iâve given it the full 5 stars simply because my god this had me never wanting to dig up the garden and to never watch the Simpsons again in the same way. The writing was so good it had my skin itching and crawling, I now have a new phobia decomposing while alive. Itâs super graphic but put in a way that you actually feel it happening to this family. So entertaining but donât read while eating or if you have a weak stomach!!
I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Booksirens Arc
Maggots Screaming
By Max Booth III
âď¸âď¸âď¸âď¸âď¸
THE FAMILY THAT DECAYS TOGETHER, STAYS TOGETHER
On a hot summer weekend in San Antonio, Texas, a father and son bond after discovering three impossible corpses buried in their back yard.
This book had me thinking about it even when I wasnât reading it, to the point Iâve talked my husband into reading it and he doesnât read. Iâve given it the full 5 stars simply because my god this had me never wanting to dig up the garden and to never watch the Simpsons again in the same way. The writing was so good it had my skin itching and crawling, I now have a new phobia decomposing while alive. Itâs super graphic but put in a way that you actually feel it happening to this family. So entertaining but donât read while eating or if you have a weak stomach!!
I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Hard Hitting
I read this story when I was a teenager and the story has stayed with me even now in my 30's.
It was hard hitting and the last half has to be the best part of the book. It is the revenge that the friends get and the court case after that I enjoyed. Just goes to show how four friends can still be close after everything they went through. The film was good and had an all star cast but for me the book was remarkable.
It was hard hitting and the last half has to be the best part of the book. It is the revenge that the friends get and the court case after that I enjoyed. Just goes to show how four friends can still be close after everything they went through. The film was good and had an all star cast but for me the book was remarkable.
David McK (3495 KP) rated The Good, The Bad and The Undead (The Hollows, #2) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
The second of Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan books, I actually found this to be a better and more enjoyable read than the first (Dead Witch Walking): perhaps because it is now free of the constraints of needing to set up the world and characters?
In any case, and like previously, the majority of the book (the first 2/3rds or so) deals with the setup of the plot, tying it all up in the latter portion: I sometimes wish she'd get to the point a lot faster than she does!
In any case, and like previously, the majority of the book (the first 2/3rds or so) deals with the setup of the plot, tying it all up in the latter portion: I sometimes wish she'd get to the point a lot faster than she does!
Merissa (12330 KP) rated The Snow Wolf (Wolves Ever After #1) in Books
Jul 10, 2023
THE SNOW WOLF is the first book in the Wolves Ever After series. Now, apparently, this is a spin-off from Ms Holland's Dragons series which I haven't read. I personally don't believe it necessary to have read those to enjoy this, but I will now be reading those anyway, as I love the world they are set in.
Myra hasn't had it easy and has isolated herself from everyone, living her life as a weaver in solitude. Sterling is looking for someone though, and thinks she can help. Being wolf-kin gives him an advantage because he can pick up on signs Myra tries so hard to hide from everyone else. What follows is a story full of action and adventure, with the slow blossoming of love along the way. I loved that neither of them tried to hide how they felt, which could have led to unnecessary arguments or drama. Instead, they are both there for each other, content to see where it goes.
Full of interesting characters and a storyline that will leave you wanting the next book, this was a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending. Another winner by this author!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 10, 2023
Myra hasn't had it easy and has isolated herself from everyone, living her life as a weaver in solitude. Sterling is looking for someone though, and thinks she can help. Being wolf-kin gives him an advantage because he can pick up on signs Myra tries so hard to hide from everyone else. What follows is a story full of action and adventure, with the slow blossoming of love along the way. I loved that neither of them tried to hide how they felt, which could have led to unnecessary arguments or drama. Instead, they are both there for each other, content to see where it goes.
Full of interesting characters and a storyline that will leave you wanting the next book, this was a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending. Another winner by this author!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 10, 2023
James (0 KP) rated Soldier Spy in Books
Jul 29, 2019
Hooked from start to finish!
When i saw this book at a service station i remembered the title for future refrence. A few months later i picked the book up for a new read . Now being ex forces myself i found that i tend to stay away from these types of military biography books as they seem full of bravado and people portaying themselves at the big "i am".
However, from start to finish i could not put it down and read the book in 2 sittings. He brushes over his military carear and exlapined how he got involved in the secret service, once hisntraining was complete he explains various actions and what the secret service does in and aroumd the UK, i must admit it was an eye opener as things happen under our noses and the extent that these operators go through. Even to the point of havimg false names, even with their colleagues throughout their carear. Above all a very intresting read and would looking forward to reading other books on the secret service
However, from start to finish i could not put it down and read the book in 2 sittings. He brushes over his military carear and exlapined how he got involved in the secret service, once hisntraining was complete he explains various actions and what the secret service does in and aroumd the UK, i must admit it was an eye opener as things happen under our noses and the extent that these operators go through. Even to the point of havimg false names, even with their colleagues throughout their carear. Above all a very intresting read and would looking forward to reading other books on the secret service