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Ross (3284 KP) rated Good Omens in Books
Jun 12, 2019
Fun, charming romp towards the end of the world
Good Omens is a strange one. If you're a fan of Pratchett's Discworld, I can see you not being overly keen on this book (while his trademark humour is there and his funny Billy Connolly-esque tangents are in the footnotes, there is less of the fantastic about it). And likewise Gaiman fans might be missing his usual gothic flair and be somewhat alarmed at the amount of silliness in the book.
This is probably what put me off reading this until now. I seem to recall trying to read it about 20 years ago, but for some reason I gave up inside a couple of pages. That was 17 year old me as a Pratchett fan, and I must have opted for the 20+ Discworld books I still had yet to read instead, and had no idea who Neil Gaiman was.
Sadly, that makes me your common or garden bandwagon-jumper as I have only now read this for the first time with the TV series on my to-be-watched list.
I cannot say why I never returned to the book. I love Pratchett, had the honour of meeting him at signings a few times in the 90s, and he got me into Robert Rankin, Douglas Adams, Tom Holt and Tom Sharpe. This book is so in line with the flavour of the books I have enjoyed most in my life that it beggars belief I never gave it another thought.
I am so glad I eventually did, and did so before watching the TV series.
While there are epic expectations of the quality of the book, from the hype and cult status, I always read with an open mind.
The story underlying the book is a Fawlty Towers-esque attempt at the end of days, where one bumbling fool's error in the early stages completely changes the plans for the end of the human race.
I won't go into the plot in detail, and will only say that the read is a thoroughly enjoyable ride. It isn't laugh-out-loud funny, it is smirk-I-know-what-you-mean funny. This may not appeal to non-British readers as much as it is written with a very British sense of humour. It is very silly quite a lot of the time, but there is a good, deep story in there if you take a moment to think about it.
My only criticism would be that there was a little too much silliness and while enjoyable this may have distracted from the book at times. But you know you'll get that with Pratchett, he takes his little tangents and he adds in nonsense dialogues for sheer entertainment value - he very much sees that not every word has to be vital to the overall story, you can have a little fun along the way.
Now, to get into the TV series ....
This is probably what put me off reading this until now. I seem to recall trying to read it about 20 years ago, but for some reason I gave up inside a couple of pages. That was 17 year old me as a Pratchett fan, and I must have opted for the 20+ Discworld books I still had yet to read instead, and had no idea who Neil Gaiman was.
Sadly, that makes me your common or garden bandwagon-jumper as I have only now read this for the first time with the TV series on my to-be-watched list.
I cannot say why I never returned to the book. I love Pratchett, had the honour of meeting him at signings a few times in the 90s, and he got me into Robert Rankin, Douglas Adams, Tom Holt and Tom Sharpe. This book is so in line with the flavour of the books I have enjoyed most in my life that it beggars belief I never gave it another thought.
I am so glad I eventually did, and did so before watching the TV series.
While there are epic expectations of the quality of the book, from the hype and cult status, I always read with an open mind.
The story underlying the book is a Fawlty Towers-esque attempt at the end of days, where one bumbling fool's error in the early stages completely changes the plans for the end of the human race.
I won't go into the plot in detail, and will only say that the read is a thoroughly enjoyable ride. It isn't laugh-out-loud funny, it is smirk-I-know-what-you-mean funny. This may not appeal to non-British readers as much as it is written with a very British sense of humour. It is very silly quite a lot of the time, but there is a good, deep story in there if you take a moment to think about it.
My only criticism would be that there was a little too much silliness and while enjoyable this may have distracted from the book at times. But you know you'll get that with Pratchett, he takes his little tangents and he adds in nonsense dialogues for sheer entertainment value - he very much sees that not every word has to be vital to the overall story, you can have a little fun along the way.
Now, to get into the TV series ....
Merissa (13555 KP) rated Mating Dance (Alien Blood Wars #5) in Books
Mar 29, 2019
Mating Dance (Alien Blood Wars #5) by Samantha Cayto
Mating Dance is the fifth book in the Alien Blood Wars series, although I didn't know this when I received the book to review. I have to say, it DID matter. This is a hybrid - it sort of stands alone, and yet, I also found myself missing out on what had gone before. For example, the relationships between the others, which also play a big part in this book; or the history with the 'big bad'. So... my recommendation? Read it as a series, and you'll be happy!!!
Now, onto the book itself. This was a great read, with plenty of action going on, and I don't necessarily mean between the sheets. Oh, don't get me wrong - there is tension aplenty, but Trey has his reasons, and you fully understand the why's and wherefore's of how he feels. I thought this was explained exceptionally well, giving the reader a deeper insight into one of the main characters.
With no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed, I did enjoy this book, but like I've said, I would like to read the previous books in this series, just so I understand all the other relationships properly. The story was intricate and intriguing, and the characters are fully dimensional. I haven't yet read a 'bad' book by Samantha Cayto, and this one was a page-turner from beginning to end.
I definitely recommend this book, on the proviso you have read the prior ones first.
* 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, onto the book itself. This was a great read, with plenty of action going on, and I don't necessarily mean between the sheets. Oh, don't get me wrong - there is tension aplenty, but Trey has his reasons, and you fully understand the why's and wherefore's of how he feels. I thought this was explained exceptionally well, giving the reader a deeper insight into one of the main characters.
With no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed, I did enjoy this book, but like I've said, I would like to read the previous books in this series, just so I understand all the other relationships properly. The story was intricate and intriguing, and the characters are fully dimensional. I haven't yet read a 'bad' book by Samantha Cayto, and this one was a page-turner from beginning to end.
I definitely recommend this book, on the proviso you have read the prior ones first.
* 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!
David McK (3649 KP) rated Batman: Nightwalker - DC Icons Book 2 in Books
Jan 28, 2019
I saw this in my local Eason's one day and, thought that, even though it was advertised as DC Icons #2 (and I hadn't read #1) that I would give it a shot.
Now that I've read it, I'm going to make two main points:
1) Strictly speaking, this should be called "Bruce Wayne: Nightwalkers rather than "Batman: Nightwalkers". I get it, the Batman name has more 'pull' than the Bruce Wayne name, but in this he's only just turned 18 and has yet to take up the mantle of the Bat (despite lots of heavy foreshadowing).
2) Tied somewhat, perhaps, to point number 1 number: I found it kind hard to disassociate a teenage Bruce Wayne (proto-Batman) from the character as portrayed in the TV series Gotham. I'm sure I'm not the only one, which (perhaps) goes further towards explaining why this titled as Batman ...
As for the plot: I must say, I did find this largely intriguing, with the character of Madeline laying further groundwork (as it were) for who Bruce Wayne would later become. It was also interesting to see the early friendship between Harvey Dent (the future Two-Face) and Bruce Wayne explored further: it's just a pity, I felt, that you could see the 'twist' coming from miles and miles away!
Now that I've read it, I'm going to make two main points:
1) Strictly speaking, this should be called "Bruce Wayne: Nightwalkers rather than "Batman: Nightwalkers". I get it, the Batman name has more 'pull' than the Bruce Wayne name, but in this he's only just turned 18 and has yet to take up the mantle of the Bat (despite lots of heavy foreshadowing).
2) Tied somewhat, perhaps, to point number 1 number: I found it kind hard to disassociate a teenage Bruce Wayne (proto-Batman) from the character as portrayed in the TV series Gotham. I'm sure I'm not the only one, which (perhaps) goes further towards explaining why this titled as Batman ...
As for the plot: I must say, I did find this largely intriguing, with the character of Madeline laying further groundwork (as it were) for who Bruce Wayne would later become. It was also interesting to see the early friendship between Harvey Dent (the future Two-Face) and Bruce Wayne explored further: it's just a pity, I felt, that you could see the 'twist' coming from miles and miles away!
J Elizabeth Klug (21 KP) rated I'm Not Cinderella in Books
Dec 14, 2019
I received this book as a gift from my best friend who insisted I read it. (Thanks, Krystal. Darn you!) I ended up enjoying it more than I thought I would.
The story follows Brinlee, a 17-year-old girl from Idaho, as she accidentally switches places with Cinderella after finding a secret door in her attic bedroom. While stuck in this fairytale world, Brinlee threatens the happily ever after of this beloved tale; now with new mysteries surrounding the characters, Brinlee is determined to uncover those secrets. Along the way, she meets some new friends and finds unexpected love.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. Especially given the fact that I almost gave up on it. It started out slow and didn’t really hold my attention until about halfway through, at which point the story took off including an unexpected twist that had me hooked and anxious to see how it would play out.
Once the story picked up, I found it hard to put down. However, I was slightly disappointed with the ending and the introduction or revelation of the identities of characters that were only vaguely introduced to begin with.
Overall, I found it to be a good clean read that I would recommend to any fan of Cinderella.
The story follows Brinlee, a 17-year-old girl from Idaho, as she accidentally switches places with Cinderella after finding a secret door in her attic bedroom. While stuck in this fairytale world, Brinlee threatens the happily ever after of this beloved tale; now with new mysteries surrounding the characters, Brinlee is determined to uncover those secrets. Along the way, she meets some new friends and finds unexpected love.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. Especially given the fact that I almost gave up on it. It started out slow and didn’t really hold my attention until about halfway through, at which point the story took off including an unexpected twist that had me hooked and anxious to see how it would play out.
Once the story picked up, I found it hard to put down. However, I was slightly disappointed with the ending and the introduction or revelation of the identities of characters that were only vaguely introduced to begin with.
Overall, I found it to be a good clean read that I would recommend to any fan of Cinderella.
Southern Today (21 KP) rated Ready Player One in Books
Nov 7, 2017
Ernest Cline has written something, alright.
If you are not into geeky things, just turn back now. I enjoyed this book for all the references, but the storyline itself was meh.
The writing was excellent as well, but, set in a dystopian not-so-distant future where everyone turns to OASIS, a simulation, to escape the reality of the world… Not a fan. Why don’t they try to fix it?
The main character, Wade, is on a quest (along with everyone else) to find the Easter egg that the creator of OASIS left in game after he died. The winner? Gets his fortune and the company that made the game.
Yeah, there is a prize for you! If you enjoyed Monty Python, read this book. If you are into all the geeky things, read this book. It is an interesting journey and one that I did enjoy.
If you are not into geeky things, just turn back now. I enjoyed this book for all the references, but the storyline itself was meh.
The writing was excellent as well, but, set in a dystopian not-so-distant future where everyone turns to OASIS, a simulation, to escape the reality of the world… Not a fan. Why don’t they try to fix it?
The main character, Wade, is on a quest (along with everyone else) to find the Easter egg that the creator of OASIS left in game after he died. The winner? Gets his fortune and the company that made the game.
Yeah, there is a prize for you! If you enjoyed Monty Python, read this book. If you are into all the geeky things, read this book. It is an interesting journey and one that I did enjoy.
ashezbookz (32 KP) rated Turtles All The Way Down in Books
Jul 5, 2018
This book was great - I love a good mental health illness book! I think that aspect of the book was interesting to read and the description toward the mid-end there was amazing in the description. I think the aspect of the, lets track down this missing person was a bit of a wildcard in the book - cool concept but very random. And was not a very "all there" part of the book.
I liked where the title of the book came in too, I was like, why the heck is this book called that? ohk now I get it hah. Overall a great read, but taking a 1 star away for the overall cohesiveness of the concept working together, and it was a bit slow in a few places especially the beginning, but then I powered through the last 186 pages pretty quickly!
I liked where the title of the book came in too, I was like, why the heck is this book called that? ohk now I get it hah. Overall a great read, but taking a 1 star away for the overall cohesiveness of the concept working together, and it was a bit slow in a few places especially the beginning, but then I powered through the last 186 pages pretty quickly!
Roxanne (13 KP) rated The God Delusion in Books
Nov 14, 2018
_____ 5 stars
This was an intense and very thought provoking read. It's anything but light and Dawkins certainly likes to pack a punch.
I imagine with this one that Dawkins is perhaps already preaching to the converted though as I think they are the only ones that would consider picking this one up.
I was not raised in a religious family but I did attend a Church of England school, looking back on it now after reading this book I can see the brainwashing in full force.
Dawkins makes numerous fantastic arguments against the existence of God and why religion is ultimately 'evil' and at times truly 'laughable'.
If you are sitting on the fence and not sure which way to go when it comes to your faith then definitely read this book.
<img src="http://www.relativelyinteresting.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/atheist-meme-mysterious-ways.jpg"; width="250" height="250"/>
This was an intense and very thought provoking read. It's anything but light and Dawkins certainly likes to pack a punch.
I imagine with this one that Dawkins is perhaps already preaching to the converted though as I think they are the only ones that would consider picking this one up.
I was not raised in a religious family but I did attend a Church of England school, looking back on it now after reading this book I can see the brainwashing in full force.
Dawkins makes numerous fantastic arguments against the existence of God and why religion is ultimately 'evil' and at times truly 'laughable'.
If you are sitting on the fence and not sure which way to go when it comes to your faith then definitely read this book.
<img src="http://www.relativelyinteresting.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/atheist-meme-mysterious-ways.jpg"; width="250" height="250"/>
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ashezbookz (32 KP) rated They Both Die At The End in Books
Jul 5, 2018
I loved how each of the stories intertwined together! This was my first Silvera book and I was not disappointed, now I'm reading all of them, of course.
I kept waiting for them to die, how morbid, but that's the point of the book right? I think it would both be a pleasure and a horror to know what day you're going to die but not exactly how or when in the day, like imagine that torture!
I thought the difference in Mateo and Rufus was awesomely written too, each personality was unique and a pleasure to read, and mad cool ;)
I did not cry - perhaps I have no soul..............maybe the next book. Thanks for an amazing read though!!!!!!!
I kept waiting for them to die, how morbid, but that's the point of the book right? I think it would both be a pleasure and a horror to know what day you're going to die but not exactly how or when in the day, like imagine that torture!
I thought the difference in Mateo and Rufus was awesomely written too, each personality was unique and a pleasure to read, and mad cool ;)
I did not cry - perhaps I have no soul..............maybe the next book. Thanks for an amazing read though!!!!!!!
KatyShubo (75 KP) rated Happy: Finding Joy in Every Day and Letting Go of Perfect in Books
Jan 4, 2019
Disappointingly not Happy
I’m glad I picked this up at a Charity Shop and didn’t pay full price (I now understand why I see this a lot in Charity Shops though)
I found this to be full of surface anecdotal bites filled with colourful pages.
I was expecting a journal, with spaces for the reader to explore notes within the texts but they were few and far between.
If you are genuinely looking for a guide on how to find or discover happiness then this is not the read for you.
I’m saddened that I had bought this for many people before I read this
I found this to be full of surface anecdotal bites filled with colourful pages.
I was expecting a journal, with spaces for the reader to explore notes within the texts but they were few and far between.
If you are genuinely looking for a guide on how to find or discover happiness then this is not the read for you.
I’m saddened that I had bought this for many people before I read this