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David McK (3734 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 (7800 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 Haig’s personal struggles and I found it absolutely fascinating. It isn’t 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 I’ve 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 isn’t a long book, but it’s 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 we’re all in at the moment with Coronavirus and lockdowns, I don’t doubt that we’re all feeling a little low right now and whilst this book isn’t an instant fix all pick me up, it might really help.
This isn’t a long book, but it’s 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 we’re all in at the moment with Coronavirus and lockdowns, I don’t doubt that we’re all feeling a little low right now and whilst this book isn’t 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
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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 wasn’t reading it, to the point I’ve talked my husband into reading it and he doesn’t read. I’ve 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. It’s super graphic but put in a way that you actually feel it happening to this family. So entertaining but don’t 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
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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 wasn’t reading it, to the point I’ve talked my husband into reading it and he doesn’t read. I’ve 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. It’s super graphic but put in a way that you actually feel it happening to this family. So entertaining but don’t 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 (3734 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 (13878 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
Sarah (7800 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 (13878 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