Search
Search results
ClareR (5779 KP) rated End of Story in Books
Apr 14, 2023
End of Story had me on the edge of my seat, desperate to know what would happen next - and completely bewildered.
It’s 2035, fiction has been banned for the last five years, and even owning a work of fiction is a criminal act. Fern Dostoy had won a prestigious book award before the laws came in to force, and now she isn’t allowed to write. She has random home checks by frightening men in suits, is threatened by imprisonment - or worse.
I found this a very disturbing read - I mean, I would be among the first to be booked in to a stay at His Majesty’s Pleasure (aka, prison). And is this so very far from the truth right now?
Some aspects of the pandemic are referred to, especially the isolation that so many people struggled through.
This is a pretty bleak read, but I just loved it. It’s touching, too, and gave me a lot to think about. This isn’t a book to race through (or it at least needs a second read), because it throws up so many questions with regards to fiction, the arts and society in general.
As Fern says: “if you tell a story we’ll enough, it’s true”. I honestly hope not in this case!
Highly recommended - and many thanks to The Pigeonhole and Louise for reading along with us.
It’s 2035, fiction has been banned for the last five years, and even owning a work of fiction is a criminal act. Fern Dostoy had won a prestigious book award before the laws came in to force, and now she isn’t allowed to write. She has random home checks by frightening men in suits, is threatened by imprisonment - or worse.
I found this a very disturbing read - I mean, I would be among the first to be booked in to a stay at His Majesty’s Pleasure (aka, prison). And is this so very far from the truth right now?
Some aspects of the pandemic are referred to, especially the isolation that so many people struggled through.
This is a pretty bleak read, but I just loved it. It’s touching, too, and gave me a lot to think about. This isn’t a book to race through (or it at least needs a second read), because it throws up so many questions with regards to fiction, the arts and society in general.
As Fern says: “if you tell a story we’ll enough, it’s true”. I honestly hope not in this case!
Highly recommended - and many thanks to The Pigeonhole and Louise for reading along with us.
Debbiereadsbook (1303 KP) rated Patron Of Mercy (Lords of The Underworld #3) in Books
Aug 14, 2019
I was missing . . . .something!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Lords of The Underworld series, and it CAN be read as a stand alone. However, personally, I felt I was missing. . . something . . .that I can't quite put my finger on, for not having read books one and two YET. I have them, but I have not got round to them yet! I will do, now though!
Lach walked away from Thanatos a milennia ago, because now he was immortal, who wanted to hang aroudn the God of Death? But both Thanatos and Lach lusted after the other for all that time. When Lach discoveres a way to save the world from starvation, he knows he will need Thanatos. Can Lach win back the only man, the only GOD he would ever love?
I did enjoy this, apart from the previously mentioned . . .something . . . I really did!
All the major players get a say, and you don't see what fate has instore for Lach and his friend till all is made clear in the book.
It is HEAVY on the Greek gods history. I *sort of* managed to keep up, because I paid no attention to histoy at school, but I felt I was given enough to *sort of* keep up! Someone else will have paid far better attention, and followed it beautifully.
Thanatos and Lach's story, though, I had no trouble following!
It;s not overly explicit, but hot enough. There is some detailed descriptions when Lach is in major trouble, though.
It is the first book I've read of Sam Burns or WM Fawkes. I'd like to read more, as I said, I have books one and two to read. Their collaboration is really well written, and you really can't tell how they split the writing! (sometimes, it's very obvious!)
So, ONLY because of that . . .something . . .I (personally, me, myself, and no one else!) was missing. . .
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is book 3 in the Lords of The Underworld series, and it CAN be read as a stand alone. However, personally, I felt I was missing. . . something . . .that I can't quite put my finger on, for not having read books one and two YET. I have them, but I have not got round to them yet! I will do, now though!
Lach walked away from Thanatos a milennia ago, because now he was immortal, who wanted to hang aroudn the God of Death? But both Thanatos and Lach lusted after the other for all that time. When Lach discoveres a way to save the world from starvation, he knows he will need Thanatos. Can Lach win back the only man, the only GOD he would ever love?
I did enjoy this, apart from the previously mentioned . . .something . . . I really did!
All the major players get a say, and you don't see what fate has instore for Lach and his friend till all is made clear in the book.
It is HEAVY on the Greek gods history. I *sort of* managed to keep up, because I paid no attention to histoy at school, but I felt I was given enough to *sort of* keep up! Someone else will have paid far better attention, and followed it beautifully.
Thanatos and Lach's story, though, I had no trouble following!
It;s not overly explicit, but hot enough. There is some detailed descriptions when Lach is in major trouble, though.
It is the first book I've read of Sam Burns or WM Fawkes. I'd like to read more, as I said, I have books one and two to read. Their collaboration is really well written, and you really can't tell how they split the writing! (sometimes, it's very obvious!)
So, ONLY because of that . . .something . . .I (personally, me, myself, and no one else!) was missing. . .
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Balanced on the Blade's Edge (Dragon Blood #1) in Books
Jan 11, 2021
I am a huge fan of the author and have read all of the books in her Emperor’s Edge series and all in her Flash Gold Chronicles to date. I will read anything she write so when I saw her blog post about this book I was instantly thinking, “I need this now!”
Lindsay is a genius at blending action, steampunk and romance into her books and they are easy to read and very addictive. (I read the last four books in The Emperor’s Edge series back to back so I could find out how it all ended.)
This is set in a prison and centres around it’s new head, Ridge Zirkander, after he caused some political problems back in the city with his attitude. To me, he sounds like a laugh. The female lead, Sardelle, has just awoken after 300 years and finds herself within the prison walls. There is a sort of instant attraction between them which Ridge tries to ignore as he doesn’t believe it a good thing to get involved with inmates.
If you’re a fan of the author, this isn’t to be missed. If you’ve never read anything by her the first books in her Emperor’s Edge and Flash Gold Chronicles are free on Amazon.
Lindsay is a genius at blending action, steampunk and romance into her books and they are easy to read and very addictive. (I read the last four books in The Emperor’s Edge series back to back so I could find out how it all ended.)
This is set in a prison and centres around it’s new head, Ridge Zirkander, after he caused some political problems back in the city with his attitude. To me, he sounds like a laugh. The female lead, Sardelle, has just awoken after 300 years and finds herself within the prison walls. There is a sort of instant attraction between them which Ridge tries to ignore as he doesn’t believe it a good thing to get involved with inmates.
If you’re a fan of the author, this isn’t to be missed. If you’ve never read anything by her the first books in her Emperor’s Edge and Flash Gold Chronicles are free on Amazon.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Highlander Redeemed (Guardians of the Targe, #3) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
This is the third in the series, and it definitely shows. I did not know that it was part of a series until I started reading it, but I wish I had. While it is not necessary to read the first two to understand or enjoy Highlander Redeemed, I found myself wondering more often than not about what I had missed out on.
I wish I could find at least one negative comment to make about this novel to balance out all the good I can say, but I honestly cannot. It is your typical Scottish historical romance where the couple are facing the threat of the English. It had so much character, however, that it did not just fade into the background once I finished it with all the previous ones I have read. I also appreciate that the author actually has some background in Scottish heritage instead of just researching it. It made it much more authentic.
Mainly, however, I loved watching the couple grow both as a couple and as individuals. At first, Scotia irritated me with her behavior and thoughts, but I believe that was the point. To watch her grow and mature was both satisfying and relieving. She was believable as person instead of a made up character.
Overall, Highlander Redeemed is one of the best Scottish historical romances I have read as well as a coming of age story. I fell in love with the characters and became invested in their growth and story. Not only that, but the ending left me with warm satisfied feeling. Now, I am definitely planning on picking up copies of the first two.
I wish I could find at least one negative comment to make about this novel to balance out all the good I can say, but I honestly cannot. It is your typical Scottish historical romance where the couple are facing the threat of the English. It had so much character, however, that it did not just fade into the background once I finished it with all the previous ones I have read. I also appreciate that the author actually has some background in Scottish heritage instead of just researching it. It made it much more authentic.
Mainly, however, I loved watching the couple grow both as a couple and as individuals. At first, Scotia irritated me with her behavior and thoughts, but I believe that was the point. To watch her grow and mature was both satisfying and relieving. She was believable as person instead of a made up character.
Overall, Highlander Redeemed is one of the best Scottish historical romances I have read as well as a coming of age story. I fell in love with the characters and became invested in their growth and story. Not only that, but the ending left me with warm satisfied feeling. Now, I am definitely planning on picking up copies of the first two.
Ok... so I feel kind of bad giving this one a rating when I didn't read the whole book, however I believe it's justified in the sense that I didn't read it all because I didn't like it...therefore, a one star rating from me. Now, I must admit that I have never read the original Pride and Prejudice novel and I have never had any interest in doing so, it just doesn't appeal to me. When I saw there had been an addition of Zombies I was sold, I love a bit of Zombie mayhem...plus I was getting to read one of the 'classics' at the same time. Well...at about 50 to 60 pages in I am sadly bored stiff, the language is such an effort to decipher sometimes, I often don't know what's going on or why and really...why Zombies? I'm not complaining that there's Zombies but there's nothing to them. It's the original story with some random Zombies and martial arts thrown in, unexplained and lacking. They are slain so easily and with haste in order to get back on with the original story. I was, at least, hoping for equal measures of Zombie action and original story but unfortunately it just didn't deliver, more zombie action please! Maybe I will pick this up again in the future to give it another go but as it stands I just can't bring myself to struggle through something I'm not enjoying. Back to the library you go!
ClareR (5779 KP) rated The Last Widow (Will Trent #9) in Books
Jun 14, 2019
This latest book in the Will Trent series is centred around far right extremists (Alt-right, Nazi ideology - there’s a lot of ‘Blood and Soil’ being shouted about). I have to hold my hands up here, and admit that I haven’t read the other 8 books in the series, but that didn’t stop me enjoying this. I LOVED it. If it wasn’t for the fact that I had to wait for each ‘stave’ to be released on The Pigeonhole for 12 days, I would have read it all in a couple of sittings. ‘Gripping’ is not the word to describe this - or rather it IS the word, but I’d add ‘exciting, ‘tense’ and ‘oh blimey, I really ought to breathe now!’.
Seriously, it’s a really very good book - loads of great detail about Alt-right/ Nazi groups, a great storyline explaining the relationship between Will and Sara (for those of us who need to catch up), and how the group Sara is kidnapped by operates.
I don’t want to say anymore, because spoiling a book is not on, but I should perhaps warn that it does go into details of rape, torture and paedophilia. If these subjects are not for you, then you’d best avoid this book. However, if these subjects don’t turn you away from a book, just do yourself a favour and read it!!
Seriously, it’s a really very good book - loads of great detail about Alt-right/ Nazi groups, a great storyline explaining the relationship between Will and Sara (for those of us who need to catch up), and how the group Sara is kidnapped by operates.
I don’t want to say anymore, because spoiling a book is not on, but I should perhaps warn that it does go into details of rape, torture and paedophilia. If these subjects are not for you, then you’d best avoid this book. However, if these subjects don’t turn you away from a book, just do yourself a favour and read it!!
Debbiereadsbook (1303 KP) rated The Dragon's Thief in Books
Jul 21, 2018
4 shiny stars!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
A magpie is hired to steal from a dragon's hoard. What could possibly go wrong??
Short! So very VERY short! That's my overwhelming thought on finishing this book, I wish it were longer.
It's told mostly from Chester, the magpie's point of view, but Michal, the dragon who hires Chester, gets some say, just not enough for my liking!
It's not overly complicated, nor is it explicit nor violent. It's well told, and well delivered. Some more could have been made of the feud between Michal and his brother James.
It was just too bloody short!
BUT!!!
I DID enjoy it, spending an hour sitting out in the sun on my day off. It's the first I've read of this author, but now she is firmly on my radar, my wish list is a little longer and hopefully I'll be able to read more soon.
Because I LIKED the way she tells her tales, and I LIKED that we get a magpie shifter, because I have never read a magpie shifter! And ya'll know I love them different!
So, because I found it too short ( I did NOT know it was a short going in!) and because I wanted more Michal...
4 shiny stars (because magpies love shiny things!)
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
A magpie is hired to steal from a dragon's hoard. What could possibly go wrong??
Short! So very VERY short! That's my overwhelming thought on finishing this book, I wish it were longer.
It's told mostly from Chester, the magpie's point of view, but Michal, the dragon who hires Chester, gets some say, just not enough for my liking!
It's not overly complicated, nor is it explicit nor violent. It's well told, and well delivered. Some more could have been made of the feud between Michal and his brother James.
It was just too bloody short!
BUT!!!
I DID enjoy it, spending an hour sitting out in the sun on my day off. It's the first I've read of this author, but now she is firmly on my radar, my wish list is a little longer and hopefully I'll be able to read more soon.
Because I LIKED the way she tells her tales, and I LIKED that we get a magpie shifter, because I have never read a magpie shifter! And ya'll know I love them different!
So, because I found it too short ( I did NOT know it was a short going in!) and because I wanted more Michal...
4 shiny stars (because magpies love shiny things!)
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Merissa (12330 KP) rated Magic Corrupts, Magic Conquers (Warrior of the Divine Sword #2) in Books
Apr 14, 2023
MAGIC CORRUPTS, MAGIC CONQUERS is the second book in the Warrior of the Divine Sword series and follows on from book one, so I really do recommend you read that one first. It's been a while since I read it and it took me some time to remember what had gone on in book one and how it was relevant to now.
Penn and the others are all here, trying to move along in this new world. When Penn is attacked by a magical human tree (stick with me) it turns out her actions in book one have consequences. This girl never catches a break! And if that isn't bad enough, something happens with Gideon that no one expected, Toji is clinging on by his fingernails, and Callan finds out more of his mum's legacy. Phew!!! I'm exhausted just with that.
This book is non-stop action so make sure you are well-rested before diving in. It also comes with one helluva cliffhanger too, so consider yourself warned. It was an amazing follow-up to the previous book and definitely left me wanting more. Absolutely recommended by me.
** 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!
Apr 14, 2023
Penn and the others are all here, trying to move along in this new world. When Penn is attacked by a magical human tree (stick with me) it turns out her actions in book one have consequences. This girl never catches a break! And if that isn't bad enough, something happens with Gideon that no one expected, Toji is clinging on by his fingernails, and Callan finds out more of his mum's legacy. Phew!!! I'm exhausted just with that.
This book is non-stop action so make sure you are well-rested before diving in. It also comes with one helluva cliffhanger too, so consider yourself warned. It was an amazing follow-up to the previous book and definitely left me wanting more. Absolutely recommended by me.
** 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!
Apr 14, 2023
Dana (24 KP) rated The Whispering Skull: Lockwood & Co. #2 in Books
Sep 8, 2017
Good follow-up
This was the only one of the whole series (thus far) that I struggled with. It's not that it wasn't intriguing, but the pace was off. It was so slow. It could have been cut back maybe 50 pages.
However, the characters just make the whole series. I can't believe I ever disliked George as he's now a dear part of my heart. They all are to be honest. Lucy can be annoyingly stubborn, but that flaw makes her feel so real. She is a real kid with real issues.
The plot was a bit more convoluted than it needed to be, in my opinion. It was, of course, interesting and intricate, as I now expect from Jonathan Stroud. There are several seemingly unrelated storylines all leading to the grande finale in the end. It's a joy to read and solve with the agents.
It's hard to put into words, the magic of this series. I even got my mom hopelessly in love with the series. Sorry, not sorry, Mom.
However, the characters just make the whole series. I can't believe I ever disliked George as he's now a dear part of my heart. They all are to be honest. Lucy can be annoyingly stubborn, but that flaw makes her feel so real. She is a real kid with real issues.
The plot was a bit more convoluted than it needed to be, in my opinion. It was, of course, interesting and intricate, as I now expect from Jonathan Stroud. There are several seemingly unrelated storylines all leading to the grande finale in the end. It's a joy to read and solve with the agents.
It's hard to put into words, the magic of this series. I even got my mom hopelessly in love with the series. Sorry, not sorry, Mom.
Debbiereadsbook (1303 KP) rated The Accidental Baker in Books
May 30, 2019
pure sugar!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
A short review for a short book, only 5 chapters, 64 pages, took me about 40 minutes to read.
Some chocolate eggs and bunnies escape and find their way into the lives for four men, who each find love.
This book is PURE sugar! It's so bloody SWEET, your teeth will rot but I LOVED it!
I will usually say that I prefer my books on the more explicit/sexy side, but this particular book is almost clean, just some kissing and some talk about what one character wants to do. CLEAN and I loved that it was!
I've only read another short by London, and loved that too, but now I want to read something longer, more in depth book. I like the way she spins her tales, I really do.
This book landed on my kindle at 9am. It was read by 10am. I hadn't moved out my pit, I'm full of a cold but this book made me feel a little better, about myself and the world.
So, thank you Ms London, this dollop of sugar set me up for the day!
4 solid stars.
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
A short review for a short book, only 5 chapters, 64 pages, took me about 40 minutes to read.
Some chocolate eggs and bunnies escape and find their way into the lives for four men, who each find love.
This book is PURE sugar! It's so bloody SWEET, your teeth will rot but I LOVED it!
I will usually say that I prefer my books on the more explicit/sexy side, but this particular book is almost clean, just some kissing and some talk about what one character wants to do. CLEAN and I loved that it was!
I've only read another short by London, and loved that too, but now I want to read something longer, more in depth book. I like the way she spins her tales, I really do.
This book landed on my kindle at 9am. It was read by 10am. I hadn't moved out my pit, I'm full of a cold but this book made me feel a little better, about myself and the world.
So, thank you Ms London, this dollop of sugar set me up for the day!
4 solid stars.
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**