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Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Liar's Girl in Books
Aug 12, 2018
A slow burner
Not having read anything by this author before, I didn't know what to expect but the blurb intrigued me so I gave it a punt via Jellybooks and, to be honest, I'm glad I did as this is probably a book that would have passed me by.
I'm not going to go into the plot as this is covered in the blurb and, probably, other reviews but I will say that the story is a slow burner building in intensity as it moves on so that it becomes a pretty good thrilling read that kept me engaged until the end ... you just have to be prepared to invest a little time in the beginning to get there.
The characters are well developed and believable; the writing style I liked very much with the majority of the chapters being either from "Alison ... now" and "Alison ... then" with a few being from the killers perspective and it all comes together at the end in a nice little twist.
Overall, a pretty good read and one I would recommend to readers who enjoy a book that doesn't smack you in the face straight away but gently pokes you in the same place every time ... it has the same effect but takes longer to get there.
I'm not going to go into the plot as this is covered in the blurb and, probably, other reviews but I will say that the story is a slow burner building in intensity as it moves on so that it becomes a pretty good thrilling read that kept me engaged until the end ... you just have to be prepared to invest a little time in the beginning to get there.
The characters are well developed and believable; the writing style I liked very much with the majority of the chapters being either from "Alison ... now" and "Alison ... then" with a few being from the killers perspective and it all comes together at the end in a nice little twist.
Overall, a pretty good read and one I would recommend to readers who enjoy a book that doesn't smack you in the face straight away but gently pokes you in the same place every time ... it has the same effect but takes longer to get there.
David McK (3695 KP) rated The Three Musketeers in Books
Jan 18, 2020
Let me start by saying that this is (was) one of the few novels I had abandoned, finding it very hard going and plodding.
And, truth be told, I still haven't actually read it.
You might be wondering, then, why I'm reviewing it?
Because, thanks to a well-known Amazon-owned subsidiary, I've now listened to it!
The subject of a fair-few movies over the years (most noticeably the 1970s Michael York duo The Three/Four Musketeers), I have to admit to being somewhat surprised at just how closely that Michael York fronted film actually sticks to the source material, with the first half of the novel (The Queens Diamonds) virtually transposed straight to the screen. And, as a result, I found this portion not really all that engaging, perhaps due to (over)familiarity.
However, things picked up once we got past the halfway point, and into more unfamiliar territory, before (roughly) the final third of the novel, which obviously served as the inspiration for The Four Musketeers (where d'Artagnan actually becomes one such).
Full of swashbuckling romance and acts of derring do, this - like many other classics - is one of those novels that you read simply so that you can say you've read it!
And, truth be told, I still haven't actually read it.
You might be wondering, then, why I'm reviewing it?
Because, thanks to a well-known Amazon-owned subsidiary, I've now listened to it!
The subject of a fair-few movies over the years (most noticeably the 1970s Michael York duo The Three/Four Musketeers), I have to admit to being somewhat surprised at just how closely that Michael York fronted film actually sticks to the source material, with the first half of the novel (The Queens Diamonds) virtually transposed straight to the screen. And, as a result, I found this portion not really all that engaging, perhaps due to (over)familiarity.
However, things picked up once we got past the halfway point, and into more unfamiliar territory, before (roughly) the final third of the novel, which obviously served as the inspiration for The Four Musketeers (where d'Artagnan actually becomes one such).
Full of swashbuckling romance and acts of derring do, this - like many other classics - is one of those novels that you read simply so that you can say you've read it!
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Ivory Guard (The Guard Duet, #1) in Books
Jan 11, 2021
4.5 stars.
I've been Natalie's plot tester/beta reader with this, as well as it's proof reader, from early on and I really enjoyed it, now I've finally gotten to read it's ending.
The thing with Natalie is she always come up with something original. This is the first time I've read a book, or even heard of a book, about a team of half angels/half humans who are trained by angels to takeout demons. The same could be said about her Patroness series; once again, I've never read anything like it. That's what I like about her books: they're different.
I don't want to give too much away but this is a story of good (angels) versus evil (demons) to put it simply. The struggle of eighteen year old Lillian as she realises her life is about to change whether she wants it to or not and her journey from bookworm to fearless leader with the help of her Ivory Guard and Raz, the angel of secrets.
I really enjoyed it, like I did her Patroness series and I'm looking forward to reading the second book in the series, Ebony Fight, to see how everything works out for her and her team.
I've been Natalie's plot tester/beta reader with this, as well as it's proof reader, from early on and I really enjoyed it, now I've finally gotten to read it's ending.
The thing with Natalie is she always come up with something original. This is the first time I've read a book, or even heard of a book, about a team of half angels/half humans who are trained by angels to takeout demons. The same could be said about her Patroness series; once again, I've never read anything like it. That's what I like about her books: they're different.
I don't want to give too much away but this is a story of good (angels) versus evil (demons) to put it simply. The struggle of eighteen year old Lillian as she realises her life is about to change whether she wants it to or not and her journey from bookworm to fearless leader with the help of her Ivory Guard and Raz, the angel of secrets.
I really enjoyed it, like I did her Patroness series and I'm looking forward to reading the second book in the series, Ebony Fight, to see how everything works out for her and her team.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated One Funeral (No Weddings, #2) in Books
Sep 6, 2019
I read the first book [b:No Weddings|22052891|No Weddings (No Weddings, #1)|Kat Bastion|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1406701175s/22052891.jpg|41380159] back in 2014 and i really liked it then. Now, i dont read so many contemporary romances but i did want to see what happened next with these guys.
I do love Hannah and Cade together but the fact that their will-they/won't-they thing has been stretched into two books before they finally get around to doing the deed and then their story continues into two more stories...well, I'm not sure if I want to continue their tale.
I do love Hannah and Cade together but the fact that their will-they/won't-they thing has been stretched into two books before they finally get around to doing the deed and then their story continues into two more stories...well, I'm not sure if I want to continue their tale.
I haven't read anything by Ronald Malfi before and I do enjoy a good horror story every now and again and I'm pleased I did because out of the 5 short stories, there was only 1 I didn't particularly enjoy and that was The Separation but the other 4 more than made up for it.
Well written, great characters, a plethora of general creepiness, blood and gore ... what more could you want?
Mr Malfi is definitely an author I will look out for in the future and thank you to NetGalley and Titan Books for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of They Lurk.
Well written, great characters, a plethora of general creepiness, blood and gore ... what more could you want?
Mr Malfi is definitely an author I will look out for in the future and thank you to NetGalley and Titan Books for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of They Lurk.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated The Blood & Roses Series Box Set (Blood & Roses, #1-6) in Books
Jan 6, 2021
99p for books 1-6? YES, PLEASE! I loved the first two so I'm assuming I'll love the rest, too. Can't wait to get back to Zeth 😃
Okay.
So I've had this on the go for months now, the first few I read like they were nothing and then I started to lose interest. The story wasn't so much about Sloane and Zeth anymore and I just couldn't get into them. I left the box set alone and read other books between stories, sometimes between chapters, because it just wasn't doing anything for me anymore.
And finally I've just given up on any will to read the last part of this six-part series. I can't say I'm at all interested in them beating Charlie.
The fifth book wasn't a total let down for me, what with Zeth actually (finally) expressing a few feelings in words to Sloane but I think if it hadn't been for that, I wouldn't have finished that one either.
Okay.
So I've had this on the go for months now, the first few I read like they were nothing and then I started to lose interest. The story wasn't so much about Sloane and Zeth anymore and I just couldn't get into them. I left the box set alone and read other books between stories, sometimes between chapters, because it just wasn't doing anything for me anymore.
And finally I've just given up on any will to read the last part of this six-part series. I can't say I'm at all interested in them beating Charlie.
The fifth book wasn't a total let down for me, what with Zeth actually (finally) expressing a few feelings in words to Sloane but I think if it hadn't been for that, I wouldn't have finished that one either.
Roxanne (13 KP) rated The Turtle Boy (Timmy Quinn #1) in Books
Nov 9, 2018
<b>5 STARS TO YOU</b>
Now THIS is an author that you need to keep your eye on!
I would just like to say first that I know the whole 'back from the dead to seek revenge for my death' story has been done and done...and done again, however, that doesn't stop this book from being a fantastic read. It is a novella, so expect a very short read in the sense you may be disappointed that you're just starting to get into it and then BAM! The End! On the other hand, this book is the first in a series so you'll be able to satisfy your cravings for the next installment.
At the time of purchase this book was free to download for Kindle...I am not sure if it still free as it's such a quality read.
The themes of this story may seem as if they are being somewhat retold again but I believe the author breathes new life into this story-line and makes you hang on for dear life and really want to complete the book, it never crossed my mind to stop reading at any point because I have read similar plot lines before.
It is a very creepy story, so I recommend it to fans of the horror genre and perhaps to those who enjoy murder mysteries and thrillers too due to the nice quick pace and the acts of revenge brought down upon unsuspecting characters.
I found the story had a really nice flow to it, sometimes nothing annoys me more than when i'm enjoying a book and suddenly a 'hiccup' of some sort appears within the pages which makes me want to throw it at a wall...interest lost...may return to it...maybe not...will take a while to read and get back into again. I am so glad that didn't happen to me with this book, the pace was too fast and the atmosphere too creepy.
Well done!
Now THIS is an author that you need to keep your eye on!
I would just like to say first that I know the whole 'back from the dead to seek revenge for my death' story has been done and done...and done again, however, that doesn't stop this book from being a fantastic read. It is a novella, so expect a very short read in the sense you may be disappointed that you're just starting to get into it and then BAM! The End! On the other hand, this book is the first in a series so you'll be able to satisfy your cravings for the next installment.
At the time of purchase this book was free to download for Kindle...I am not sure if it still free as it's such a quality read.
The themes of this story may seem as if they are being somewhat retold again but I believe the author breathes new life into this story-line and makes you hang on for dear life and really want to complete the book, it never crossed my mind to stop reading at any point because I have read similar plot lines before.
It is a very creepy story, so I recommend it to fans of the horror genre and perhaps to those who enjoy murder mysteries and thrillers too due to the nice quick pace and the acts of revenge brought down upon unsuspecting characters.
I found the story had a really nice flow to it, sometimes nothing annoys me more than when i'm enjoying a book and suddenly a 'hiccup' of some sort appears within the pages which makes me want to throw it at a wall...interest lost...may return to it...maybe not...will take a while to read and get back into again. I am so glad that didn't happen to me with this book, the pace was too fast and the atmosphere too creepy.
Well done!
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Android Karenina in Books
Apr 27, 2018
Android Karenina was definitely a faster read than the original classic. Where before there was a lot of tension, now—thought the tension is still there—there is a lot of comic relief with the robots. Android Karenina is equally as enthralling as Tolstoy's "first novel," but the images of robots running around definitely make it lighter. The 2-inch wide novel isn't quite as… intimidating… with high-tech machinery involved.
The writing, in general, was witty. Tolstoy's words were still clearly seen and recognized, but Winters was able to make his own "quirks" in the story without them sticking out like a sore thumb. They blended right in nicely and made for a very entertaining read.
I loved Android Karenina and I definitely look forward to a re-read.
The writing, in general, was witty. Tolstoy's words were still clearly seen and recognized, but Winters was able to make his own "quirks" in the story without them sticking out like a sore thumb. They blended right in nicely and made for a very entertaining read.
I loved Android Karenina and I definitely look forward to a re-read.
Merissa (13749 KP) rated Outcast Girl vs Pretty Boy (Forever Love #4) in Books
Dec 20, 2019
Outcast Girl vs. Pretty Boy is a continuation of Bianca and Cam's story. This is the fourth book in the series and I definitely recommend reading them together or the story just won't make sense.
Cam and Bianca are perfect for each other, yet they keep secrets. Not just tiny, insignificant secrets, but big, HUGE, ones that have a direct impact on their relationship. We also get snippets of Stacey and Hayden in here too.
Just like the others in this series, I was engrossed in the story and never noticed how close I was to finishing it until there were no more pages to read. One thing I had to google was 'Milo'. I was intrigued before but now I know what it is, I'm oh so tempted! Now to find somewhere here in Germany that stocks it!
I loved how this story worked out, with both Cam and Bianca dealing with their issues. I look forward to seeing how their relationship progresses as the story continues. I thoroughly enjoy hearing how Tane and Harper are getting on, so I'm hopeful we will get the same here.
Absolutely need to be read in order and definitely worth it! As 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!
Cam and Bianca are perfect for each other, yet they keep secrets. Not just tiny, insignificant secrets, but big, HUGE, ones that have a direct impact on their relationship. We also get snippets of Stacey and Hayden in here too.
Just like the others in this series, I was engrossed in the story and never noticed how close I was to finishing it until there were no more pages to read. One thing I had to google was 'Milo'. I was intrigued before but now I know what it is, I'm oh so tempted! Now to find somewhere here in Germany that stocks it!
I loved how this story worked out, with both Cam and Bianca dealing with their issues. I look forward to seeing how their relationship progresses as the story continues. I thoroughly enjoy hearing how Tane and Harper are getting on, so I'm hopeful we will get the same here.
Absolutely need to be read in order and definitely worth it! As 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!
Debbiereadsbook (1650 KP) rated Pieces of Eight (Lost Souls' Treasure #1) in Books
Jul 13, 2021
wonderfully easy read
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Griffin returns to Florida to help his old mentor to strike gold, literally. He just never realised he’d find his own pot of gold: in the form of a former circus performer called Bug. Bug never told Griff how she felt about him, and she won’t now, not if he’s leaving again. But a trip to Martinique changes everything, and could end it all before it really begins.
This is a delightfully easy read, with just enough of everything to keep you engaged.
There enough of the past, of Bug and Griff but mostly Griff. Enough of now of them both (they both get a say) Enough drama, both with these two and with the team. Some wonderful characters in the team, and when Hannah (Griff’s ex) turns up, I’m sure she’s ruffled a few feathers! Enough steam to make it smexy, but not overly explicit. Enough emotions from both of them, and you understand why Bug is so angry with Griff in the beginning, once those emotions are fully explained.
It’s well written, and well delivered. I saw no spelling or editing errors to spoil my reading.
It’s a really GOOD book, it just doesn’t blow me away. And I’m sorry about that! Will I read future books in the series? Possibly.
3 good solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Griffin returns to Florida to help his old mentor to strike gold, literally. He just never realised he’d find his own pot of gold: in the form of a former circus performer called Bug. Bug never told Griff how she felt about him, and she won’t now, not if he’s leaving again. But a trip to Martinique changes everything, and could end it all before it really begins.
This is a delightfully easy read, with just enough of everything to keep you engaged.
There enough of the past, of Bug and Griff but mostly Griff. Enough of now of them both (they both get a say) Enough drama, both with these two and with the team. Some wonderful characters in the team, and when Hannah (Griff’s ex) turns up, I’m sure she’s ruffled a few feathers! Enough steam to make it smexy, but not overly explicit. Enough emotions from both of them, and you understand why Bug is so angry with Griff in the beginning, once those emotions are fully explained.
It’s well written, and well delivered. I saw no spelling or editing errors to spoil my reading.
It’s a really GOOD book, it just doesn’t blow me away. And I’m sorry about that! Will I read future books in the series? Possibly.
3 good solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**