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Sarah (7799 KP) rated Phantom (Harry Hole #9) (Oslo Sequence #7) in Books
Aug 6, 2020
Thrilling
Reading this book has made me realise why reading a book series out of order is a bad idea. I've already read the direct follow on sequel to this, the 10th book Police, plus the 11th book The Thirst. So reading this afterwards may have spoilt it a little, which is a shame as it's a very good read.
I like the Harry who's no longer a policeman, as he's allowed to breach the rules he's stepped over many times and it makes for a thrilling and entertaining story. The plot itself isn't as convoluted and farfetched as some of the other books in this series, yet it's full of twists and turns and it's very well written. The ending, had I not read the following books, would be a huge surprise and the twist about the murder I definitely didn't see this coming.
Whilst it's not quite as good as The Snowman, this is definitely one of the best books in the series. I just need to go and re-read the sequel now.
I like the Harry who's no longer a policeman, as he's allowed to breach the rules he's stepped over many times and it makes for a thrilling and entertaining story. The plot itself isn't as convoluted and farfetched as some of the other books in this series, yet it's full of twists and turns and it's very well written. The ending, had I not read the following books, would be a huge surprise and the twist about the murder I definitely didn't see this coming.
Whilst it's not quite as good as The Snowman, this is definitely one of the best books in the series. I just need to go and re-read the sequel now.
I think I might have first read this in the mid to late 90s. Anyway, there or thereabouts. Definitely before the resurgence of 'classic' fantasy brought about by the Lord of the Rings (and The Hobbit) movies of the early 21st century.
I recently decided to give it a re-read (in 2020). What is now clear(er) to me than to the just-becoming-a-teenager I was on my first read is just how heavily indebted this is to JRR Tolkien, and just how much it reads like someone-decided-to-play-a-game-of-D&D-and-write-down-what-their-characters-did.
That latter probably shouldn't come as a surprise, given that one of the authors of this actually helped design that game.
Here, in the first of the 'core' Dragonlance novels, we have your standard archetypes: Halfling (Kender), Warrior, Knight, Elf, Half-Elf, Wizard, Barbarian all going off on what becomes various quests that (surprise surprise!) involve delving in dungeons and various sundry other enclosed spaces ...
I'll probably re-read the sequels, just because.
I recently decided to give it a re-read (in 2020). What is now clear(er) to me than to the just-becoming-a-teenager I was on my first read is just how heavily indebted this is to JRR Tolkien, and just how much it reads like someone-decided-to-play-a-game-of-D&D-and-write-down-what-their-characters-did.
That latter probably shouldn't come as a surprise, given that one of the authors of this actually helped design that game.
Here, in the first of the 'core' Dragonlance novels, we have your standard archetypes: Halfling (Kender), Warrior, Knight, Elf, Half-Elf, Wizard, Barbarian all going off on what becomes various quests that (surprise surprise!) involve delving in dungeons and various sundry other enclosed spaces ...
I'll probably re-read the sequels, just because.
Merissa (12330 KP) rated Bury Me (Immortal Vices and Virtues: Her Monstrous Mates #6) in Books
Sep 18, 2023
BURY ME is the sixth book in the Immortal Vices and Virtues: Her Monstrous Mates series but it is the first one I have read. Now I've read this one, I want ALL of them!!!
Everything about this book was amazing - from the world-building to the character development. I loved it all. Most especially, although the men were drool-worthy, I adored Cira. She really has been to hell and back, and her so-called guardian got off very lightly in my book! The solution to her shifting problem was brilliant and not one I've read before.
Action-packed and with a multitude of different races, characters, and Houses, this was hot and steamy in a way relevant to the story. Absolutely brilliant, HIGHLY recommended by me, and I need all of the others!
** 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!
Sep 18, 2023
Everything about this book was amazing - from the world-building to the character development. I loved it all. Most especially, although the men were drool-worthy, I adored Cira. She really has been to hell and back, and her so-called guardian got off very lightly in my book! The solution to her shifting problem was brilliant and not one I've read before.
Action-packed and with a multitude of different races, characters, and Houses, this was hot and steamy in a way relevant to the story. Absolutely brilliant, HIGHLY recommended by me, and I need all of the others!
** 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!
Sep 18, 2023
Ivana A. | Diary of Difference (1171 KP) rated Vampire Academy in Books
Dec 29, 2018
Vampire Academy - Richelle Mead [BOOK REVIEW]
Read this review and more on www.diaryofdifference.com
It happened, people. I finally did it. I have officially read Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead, and I have mixed feelings about it.
After years of you guys begging me to read this book, I have finally managed to dig into this vampire world with Lissa – the Moroi (mortal) vampire and Rose – her guardian, sworn to protect her.
These two best friends are on the run, after Lissa’s family has been killed. Now, they unwillingly return to the Vampire Academy, and try to live their normal lives, but danger is on their doorstep.
I loved the plot, and the idea of the world building, even though, I have to admit, I wish we had more pages of the Vampire Academy description. Or maybe this is just me screaming – ”I want a vampire Hogwarts description right here, right now!”
I loved their friendship, and I loved how both of them would sacrifice so much for each other. It is a character quality we rarely see, and it was so well delivered that it gave me shivers for a few scenes.
However, the characters themselves weren’t much likeable. Lissa, well, we hardly get to really know her. She is mostly a shadow of Rose’s opinions of herself. And as of Rose, as much as I admired her bravery and wisdom, sometimes she was just so dumb for her own good.
I loved the plot twists, and the cliffhangers, especially the few ones right at the very end, but it took so long for them to come. Despite that, this book was still such a fast read, and you can’t take your hands off it.
”For they (women) are strange and mysterious creatures,” he continued in his scholarly voice, ”and a man must be a mind reader if he ever wishes to make them happy.”
I wanted to not mention the romance bit of the novel, but I have to stay honest to myself and do it. Unrealistic romances will happen that will make you cringe. I won’t spoil it for you, but I happened to love these two people together, even though their so called love happened instantly.
”And sometimes, if I was really, really lucky, he’d smile at me. A real smile too – not the dry one that accompanied the sarcasm we tossed around so often.”
A typical high-school fantasy novel, with vampires included, this will be a great addition to your shelves if you love this genre. I greatly enjoyed it, but being older I think these things stuck a bit to me.
If you haven’t read this, I do recommend it. Even though it had a few weak points, I would definitely read the second book of the series.
Have you read Vampire Academy? Is it on your TBR? I would love to see what you think!
It happened, people. I finally did it. I have officially read Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead, and I have mixed feelings about it.
After years of you guys begging me to read this book, I have finally managed to dig into this vampire world with Lissa – the Moroi (mortal) vampire and Rose – her guardian, sworn to protect her.
These two best friends are on the run, after Lissa’s family has been killed. Now, they unwillingly return to the Vampire Academy, and try to live their normal lives, but danger is on their doorstep.
I loved the plot, and the idea of the world building, even though, I have to admit, I wish we had more pages of the Vampire Academy description. Or maybe this is just me screaming – ”I want a vampire Hogwarts description right here, right now!”
I loved their friendship, and I loved how both of them would sacrifice so much for each other. It is a character quality we rarely see, and it was so well delivered that it gave me shivers for a few scenes.
However, the characters themselves weren’t much likeable. Lissa, well, we hardly get to really know her. She is mostly a shadow of Rose’s opinions of herself. And as of Rose, as much as I admired her bravery and wisdom, sometimes she was just so dumb for her own good.
I loved the plot twists, and the cliffhangers, especially the few ones right at the very end, but it took so long for them to come. Despite that, this book was still such a fast read, and you can’t take your hands off it.
”For they (women) are strange and mysterious creatures,” he continued in his scholarly voice, ”and a man must be a mind reader if he ever wishes to make them happy.”
I wanted to not mention the romance bit of the novel, but I have to stay honest to myself and do it. Unrealistic romances will happen that will make you cringe. I won’t spoil it for you, but I happened to love these two people together, even though their so called love happened instantly.
”And sometimes, if I was really, really lucky, he’d smile at me. A real smile too – not the dry one that accompanied the sarcasm we tossed around so often.”
A typical high-school fantasy novel, with vampires included, this will be a great addition to your shelves if you love this genre. I greatly enjoyed it, but being older I think these things stuck a bit to me.
If you haven’t read this, I do recommend it. Even though it had a few weak points, I would definitely read the second book of the series.
Have you read Vampire Academy? Is it on your TBR? I would love to see what you think!
Merissa (12330 KP) rated In Safe Arms (My Truth #2) in Books
Sep 23, 2019
In Safe Arms is the second book in the My Truth series, and we get to have Trent and Angelo's story. You could read this as a standalone, but in all honesty, why? Read book one (All He Needs) and get the bigger, better, fuller picture involving these characters!
Now, Trent was never my favourite, but don't you just love it when an author spins you on your head and you actually end up rooting for the guy?!?!? This is what happened with Trent. I will say I am surprised how many times Angelo actually stayed with him. That man is a saint!!! Yes, the reasons are all there, and trust me, you will certainly feel for Trent by the end of it. His was a hard, rocky path to follow, and luckily for him, Angelo DID stick by him.
This is a moving story, that is exceptionally well-written. I was fully invested with the characters and the storyline, which flowed amazingly well. Now, you may be wondering why I've only given this four stars if I'm raving about it. It is simply some parts of the story disappeared. They are not major parts of the story by any means, but I was left with a nagging toothache, wondering just what had happened to... well, it's not for me to say. I would suggest you read this for yourself, and then you might see what I mean, or you might be that blown away by the rest of the story, that it doesn't matter. It doesn't affect the whole story, I promise you that.
With no editing or grammatical errors, this book was a hard but satisfying read, and 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!
Now, Trent was never my favourite, but don't you just love it when an author spins you on your head and you actually end up rooting for the guy?!?!? This is what happened with Trent. I will say I am surprised how many times Angelo actually stayed with him. That man is a saint!!! Yes, the reasons are all there, and trust me, you will certainly feel for Trent by the end of it. His was a hard, rocky path to follow, and luckily for him, Angelo DID stick by him.
This is a moving story, that is exceptionally well-written. I was fully invested with the characters and the storyline, which flowed amazingly well. Now, you may be wondering why I've only given this four stars if I'm raving about it. It is simply some parts of the story disappeared. They are not major parts of the story by any means, but I was left with a nagging toothache, wondering just what had happened to... well, it's not for me to say. I would suggest you read this for yourself, and then you might see what I mean, or you might be that blown away by the rest of the story, that it doesn't matter. It doesn't affect the whole story, I promise you that.
With no editing or grammatical errors, this book was a hard but satisfying read, and 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!
Merissa (12330 KP) rated Envy (Seven Princes of Sin #5) in Books
May 31, 2023
Please read the TWs!
ENVY is the fifth book in the Seven Princes of Sin series and, in my opinion, you really need to have read the others to receive the full benefit of this one. Also, and it's a biggie, you really need to read the Trigger Warnings for this series. It is hella dark and disturbing in places. Now, moving on…
Aedin is the Prince of Envy. And Becca is Aedin's soul mate. Becca is… troubled, to say the least, and it's not surprising at all when you consider her past. I know all of the soul mates were to be reincarnated into pain and sorrow each time but, oh man, this one was a doozy.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, dark as it was, and loved the snippets of information we got about Wrath and Luci. I honestly can't wait for their books! The overall story arc is moving along with each book, and the previous pairs show up in each new one, so it really does help to read them in order.
A fantastic addition to the series and definitely recommended by me. Just, again, please read the TWs!
** 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!
May 31, 2023
Aedin is the Prince of Envy. And Becca is Aedin's soul mate. Becca is… troubled, to say the least, and it's not surprising at all when you consider her past. I know all of the soul mates were to be reincarnated into pain and sorrow each time but, oh man, this one was a doozy.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, dark as it was, and loved the snippets of information we got about Wrath and Luci. I honestly can't wait for their books! The overall story arc is moving along with each book, and the previous pairs show up in each new one, so it really does help to read them in order.
A fantastic addition to the series and definitely recommended by me. Just, again, please read the TWs!
** 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!
May 31, 2023
Book Divas (227 KP) rated Three Dark Crowns in Books
Dec 12, 2017
Please don't let the fact that it took me forever to finish reading this fool you. I had other commitments that kept me from finishing this some time ago.
This is a well written and captivating story line and the characters are all simply beautiful and unique. I can't say that I have a favorite sister yet as Katharine, Arsinoe and Mirabella all have their own strengths and weaknesses that I am drawn to.
I truly did not see the cliffhanger ending coming and I now ask; how long do I and others need to wait until book two is released?!!
Readers of all ages will find themselves quickly falling for this amazing read and I highly recommend that you read it as soon as possible.
This is a well written and captivating story line and the characters are all simply beautiful and unique. I can't say that I have a favorite sister yet as Katharine, Arsinoe and Mirabella all have their own strengths and weaknesses that I am drawn to.
I truly did not see the cliffhanger ending coming and I now ask; how long do I and others need to wait until book two is released?!!
Readers of all ages will find themselves quickly falling for this amazing read and I highly recommend that you read it as soon as possible.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Sam (Damienverse #1) in Books
Nov 28, 2019
Not his best :(
I am a fan of this author's work having read and enjoyed several of his other books but have to admit that this one just didn't do it for me.
Now don't get me wrong, it's not a bad story, it's just a bit cliché and I really struggled to connect with any of the characters although having said that, they were well developed and I did think "Sam" was well done and suitably creepy. There were some good twists but, unfortunately, I didn't find it particularly scary and although there are some tense moments, there just wasn't enough for me.
Overall, a pretty good read for readers who are of a nervous disposition and don't like to be too scared or freaked out.
Now don't get me wrong, it's not a bad story, it's just a bit cliché and I really struggled to connect with any of the characters although having said that, they were well developed and I did think "Sam" was well done and suitably creepy. There were some good twists but, unfortunately, I didn't find it particularly scary and although there are some tense moments, there just wasn't enough for me.
Overall, a pretty good read for readers who are of a nervous disposition and don't like to be too scared or freaked out.
Lindsay (1727 KP) rated Reckless Heart in Books
Feb 15, 2018 (Updated Apr 9, 2019)
I truly fell that his it a good read. You learn about Lydia youngest sister Ruthie and Lydia struggles. You may to start crying while reading this book. I now I did. I felt like i was a part of the story myself. We also meet the Kauffman's Family.
We meet some of the Kauffman Family member from the Kauffman's Amish Bakery series. This story is about the Elizabeth and Eli granddaughter Lydia Bontrager.
We meet some of the Kauffman Family member from the Kauffman's Amish Bakery series. This story is about the Elizabeth and Eli granddaughter Lydia Bontrager.
Sarah Betts (103 KP) rated We Came First: Relationship Advice from Women Who Have Been There in Books
Dec 31, 2019
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book was funny, poignant, and fiercely feminist.
What if you could go and ask the women of history for advice? Well, now you know! From Wallis to Pocahontas to Josephine questions about relationships are asked an answered.
This book was so much fun to read that my only complaint was that it didn't last longer!
This book was funny, poignant, and fiercely feminist.
What if you could go and ask the women of history for advice? Well, now you know! From Wallis to Pocahontas to Josephine questions about relationships are asked an answered.
This book was so much fun to read that my only complaint was that it didn't last longer!