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Sarah (7800 KP) rated Disjointed Lives in Books
Jul 20, 2018
An unexpected gem
I won a copy of this in a Smashbomb giveaway (thank you @Smashbomb!) and am now giving my entirely honest and unbiased review.
This is the first time ive read any of Morgan Sheppard’s work, and I can safely say that I will be doing again going forwards. I read this in its entirety on a very long and tedious train journey for work, and I can honestly say it really brightened up my commute!
This is only a short story, but it is very well written with a surprisingly simple premise. On the surface the premise seems almost too basic, but it really works. It’s surprising how effective and interesting a story about someone reciting their past can be. The two main characters are likeable and relatable and I’m sure most readers would recognise parts of themselves in this. The situation and story itself has a lot of relevance to relationships and today’s society.
I do have a couple of criticisms but these are pretty minor. One issue is some of the dialogue comes across as a little stilted and awkward and doesn’t flow quite as well as a normal real life conversation would. My other criticism actually has a massive compliment wrapped up in it - this story is far too short! I enjoyed reading this very much and wasn’t happy when it ended as I wanted more and would happily have read more. I feel like this could have been made into a much longer and more detailed story and it still could’ve been just as good. There’s a lot of potential here!
This is the first time ive read any of Morgan Sheppard’s work, and I can safely say that I will be doing again going forwards. I read this in its entirety on a very long and tedious train journey for work, and I can honestly say it really brightened up my commute!
This is only a short story, but it is very well written with a surprisingly simple premise. On the surface the premise seems almost too basic, but it really works. It’s surprising how effective and interesting a story about someone reciting their past can be. The two main characters are likeable and relatable and I’m sure most readers would recognise parts of themselves in this. The situation and story itself has a lot of relevance to relationships and today’s society.
I do have a couple of criticisms but these are pretty minor. One issue is some of the dialogue comes across as a little stilted and awkward and doesn’t flow quite as well as a normal real life conversation would. My other criticism actually has a massive compliment wrapped up in it - this story is far too short! I enjoyed reading this very much and wasn’t happy when it ended as I wanted more and would happily have read more. I feel like this could have been made into a much longer and more detailed story and it still could’ve been just as good. There’s a lot of potential here!
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated Frankenstein in Baghdad in Books
Jul 23, 2019
This book won at least two awards; the International Prize for Arabic Fiction and France's Grand Prize for Fantasy, and the author had previously been named one of the 39 best Arab authors under the age of 39. I picked it up to read for the Year of the Asian Reading Challenge, since the Middle East is all-too-often neglected in regional groupings like that. People don't think of it as Europe or Asia. I also try to read translated books on occasion, in an effort to diversify my reading. So this hit a number of my interests - I wish I had actually liked the book more!
It's an interesting retelling of Frankenstein - which I haven't actually read, and now feel like I really should. But it bounces around between several viewpoints. It's not too many to keep straight, but it's definitely too many to truly care about. And it suffers from an unreliable narrator - it's written as several stories told to an author from multiple people that he's woven together into a single narrative, and while he does that well, it suffers from contradictions between how different characters recall things, scenes that don't play a part in furthering the plot but the characters thought they were important, and no authoritative "this is what REALLY happened" to draw it all together.
And I very much dislike unreliable narrators, so that alone is enough to make me dislike the book. If you like ambiguous narratives and vigilante stories, however, you might enjoy this, and the writing style itself was quite engrossing.
You can find all my reviews and more at http://goddessinthestacks.com
It's an interesting retelling of Frankenstein - which I haven't actually read, and now feel like I really should. But it bounces around between several viewpoints. It's not too many to keep straight, but it's definitely too many to truly care about. And it suffers from an unreliable narrator - it's written as several stories told to an author from multiple people that he's woven together into a single narrative, and while he does that well, it suffers from contradictions between how different characters recall things, scenes that don't play a part in furthering the plot but the characters thought they were important, and no authoritative "this is what REALLY happened" to draw it all together.
And I very much dislike unreliable narrators, so that alone is enough to make me dislike the book. If you like ambiguous narratives and vigilante stories, however, you might enjoy this, and the writing style itself was quite engrossing.
You can find all my reviews and more at http://goddessinthestacks.com
Merissa (13373 KP) rated Trapped (Reflections, #6) in Books
Apr 4, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
My feelings were mixed as I started reading this book. On the one hand, I was excited to read about different characters within the same world. On the other hand, I was seriously needing an Alec/Adri fix. Yes... my name is Merissa and I'm a Reflections addict. Ahem, back to the review.
This story follows Kristin and Ash as they meet in sort of normal circumstances that quickly go downhill and fast. Kristin is a strong female lead in this book, although she is only human so please bear with her! 😉 Ash is exactly right for her, but I will let him tell his story. Needless to say, I found it completely enthralling, involving yet another late night because I couldn't put it down.
And then, just to complete it, Alec and the Sanctuary pack make an appearance. Wow! Alec is losing it and my heart breaks for him. The scenes are intense with people learning things on all sides, especially Kristin. This story may seem separate at the start but it is completely necessary to fill in the blanks and to see how the pack is coping, from eyes other than Pack eyes.
I think this series just keeps on getting better and better and I can't wait to read the next one and see the Pack dynamic now that Kristin and Ash are part of it. Highly recommended!
* 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!
December 19, 2018
This story follows Kristin and Ash as they meet in sort of normal circumstances that quickly go downhill and fast. Kristin is a strong female lead in this book, although she is only human so please bear with her! 😉 Ash is exactly right for her, but I will let him tell his story. Needless to say, I found it completely enthralling, involving yet another late night because I couldn't put it down.
And then, just to complete it, Alec and the Sanctuary pack make an appearance. Wow! Alec is losing it and my heart breaks for him. The scenes are intense with people learning things on all sides, especially Kristin. This story may seem separate at the start but it is completely necessary to fill in the blanks and to see how the pack is coping, from eyes other than Pack eyes.
I think this series just keeps on getting better and better and I can't wait to read the next one and see the Pack dynamic now that Kristin and Ash are part of it. Highly recommended!
* 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!
December 19, 2018
Debbiereadsbook (1551 KP) rated A River of Crows in Books
Apr 18, 2023
Being kept on my toes here was a very good thing!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Once in a rare while, I step out of my comfort zone and read something that isn't romance of any description. And once in an even rarer while, that step is a very good thing.
Because THIS surprised me, and I can't pinpoint why!
For a long time, I could not see where this was going, and the path it did take was very much how I did NOT see it going! Being kept on my toes here is a very VERY good thing!
What happened to Slaon's brother all those years ago is made perfectly clear, just not for a time, and something one of the minor characters said pinged my radar. Wrongly, as it turns out, but still.
I can't go into too much detail, because it would spoil this for you and I really don't want to do that!
I really enjoyed the way it all came together, both then and now. I liked hearing from all the important characters, even the bad guys, before, during and after.
I really enjoyed the way this was written, told in 1988 and 2008. Each time change is clearly headed, and titled with the person it is talking about.
This appears to be the author's second book. At some point I'd like to go back and read their first book. I shall certainly read MORE of this author in due course.
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Once in a rare while, I step out of my comfort zone and read something that isn't romance of any description. And once in an even rarer while, that step is a very good thing.
Because THIS surprised me, and I can't pinpoint why!
For a long time, I could not see where this was going, and the path it did take was very much how I did NOT see it going! Being kept on my toes here is a very VERY good thing!
What happened to Slaon's brother all those years ago is made perfectly clear, just not for a time, and something one of the minor characters said pinged my radar. Wrongly, as it turns out, but still.
I can't go into too much detail, because it would spoil this for you and I really don't want to do that!
I really enjoyed the way it all came together, both then and now. I liked hearing from all the important characters, even the bad guys, before, during and after.
I really enjoyed the way this was written, told in 1988 and 2008. Each time change is clearly headed, and titled with the person it is talking about.
This appears to be the author's second book. At some point I'd like to go back and read their first book. I shall certainly read MORE of this author in due course.
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Merissa (13373 KP) rated Collar Me (My Kinky Housemate #3) by Colette Davison in Books
May 18, 2022 (Updated Jun 19, 2023)
COLLAR ME is the third book in the My Kinky Housemate series and definitely best read as part of the series, although you could read it as a standalone.
We've already met both Theo and Preston but now it's their time to shine. Preston swoops in like a superhero when Theo's trainer dumps him just before a show. Preston knows nothing about being a trainer but, for Theo, will do whatever it takes. Theo thinks the world of Preston but mistakenly thinks that Preston only sees him as a little brother. So hold onto your hats when Preston puts him straight!
I think I may have more than a handful of cavities after reading this one. They are cute/adorable/all the warm and fuzzy words. I would class this as low-angst as Theo does have to deal with some harassment but has the full support of Preston and his housemates. It's pretty clear who's doing it, but that isn't the main point. It is also hot, hot, hot! Theo's fantasy? Phew! Down, boy! And the thing I loved about it most of all is that it wasn't without 'issues'. Not that Theo seemed disappointed about more practice! Nor was Preston, for that matter.
I am loving this series. Hendrix is the house brat but he has a heart of gold. I can't wait for his story. 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!
May 13 2022
We've already met both Theo and Preston but now it's their time to shine. Preston swoops in like a superhero when Theo's trainer dumps him just before a show. Preston knows nothing about being a trainer but, for Theo, will do whatever it takes. Theo thinks the world of Preston but mistakenly thinks that Preston only sees him as a little brother. So hold onto your hats when Preston puts him straight!
I think I may have more than a handful of cavities after reading this one. They are cute/adorable/all the warm and fuzzy words. I would class this as low-angst as Theo does have to deal with some harassment but has the full support of Preston and his housemates. It's pretty clear who's doing it, but that isn't the main point. It is also hot, hot, hot! Theo's fantasy? Phew! Down, boy! And the thing I loved about it most of all is that it wasn't without 'issues'. Not that Theo seemed disappointed about more practice! Nor was Preston, for that matter.
I am loving this series. Hendrix is the house brat but he has a heart of gold. I can't wait for his story. 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!
May 13 2022
Sarah (7800 KP) rated A Boy Called Christmas in Books
Dec 8, 2019
A wonderfully festive story
Until now, I don't think I've ever read a specifically Christmas themed book and especially not one based around the origin of Father Christmas. Until now that is, and what a wonderfully festive book to choose.
This is ultimately a kids book, so it's nothing fancy language-wise but it's still very well written and engaging. Nikolas is an endearing and lovable main character, although I think him and the rest of the characters in this book are not as well developed as they could be (probably because it's a kids book). The story itself is such fun and heartwarming and quite amusing at times, and it's a great idea for the origin of Father Christmas. It has definitely helped me to get into the festive spirit!
This is ultimately a kids book, so it's nothing fancy language-wise but it's still very well written and engaging. Nikolas is an endearing and lovable main character, although I think him and the rest of the characters in this book are not as well developed as they could be (probably because it's a kids book). The story itself is such fun and heartwarming and quite amusing at times, and it's a great idea for the origin of Father Christmas. It has definitely helped me to get into the festive spirit!
Merissa (13373 KP) rated Kindred Spirits (Spirits of Nature #2) in Books
Sep 8, 2017
Kindred Spirits (Spirits of Nature #2) by Michelle Post
Kindred Spirits is the second book in the Spirits of Nature series, and I couldn't wait to read it as I had loved the first book. Now, due to the ending of the first book, I knew that this book would be about different characters, but I was also hoping that The Mourning Dove and Running Wolf would also pay a visit. Is this cryptic enough for you? I certainly hope so, because these two books are simply amazing.
Kindred Spirits is about the children and grandchildren of The Mourning Dove and Running Wolf, with some hard-hitting history thrown in too. There is nothing 'soft' about this book, it paints a harsh reality. At times, you will be gasping for breath amidst the sorrow as the story unfolds. And yet..., there is still hope. There are characters that still have a part to play. There is love so deep, so pure, it transcends death. And yet, not everyone gets a guaranteed HEA. This may be a fictional story, but there are so many elements of truth in it, it may just break your heart before it slowly stitches it back together again.
There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. The pace is gentle and smooth where necessary, with a brilliant story that tells its own tale at its own speed. The only thing I would say, which isn't negative by any means, is that I wish I had re-read Spirits of Nature, just so I could immerse myself for longer. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Kindred Spirits is about the children and grandchildren of The Mourning Dove and Running Wolf, with some hard-hitting history thrown in too. There is nothing 'soft' about this book, it paints a harsh reality. At times, you will be gasping for breath amidst the sorrow as the story unfolds. And yet..., there is still hope. There are characters that still have a part to play. There is love so deep, so pure, it transcends death. And yet, not everyone gets a guaranteed HEA. This may be a fictional story, but there are so many elements of truth in it, it may just break your heart before it slowly stitches it back together again.
There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. The pace is gentle and smooth where necessary, with a brilliant story that tells its own tale at its own speed. The only thing I would say, which isn't negative by any means, is that I wish I had re-read Spirits of Nature, just so I could immerse myself for longer. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Trainspotting in Books
Mar 28, 2020
Bleak yet ultimately rather good
When I first started this book, I didn't think I'd manage to get all the way through it. The entire book, aside from a few sections, are written completely in Scottish. I have nothing against the Scottish, however trying to read a book that is written and spelt in a Scottish accent is a rather trying experience. Fortunately after a couple of chapters I managed to settle into a decent rhythm and began to enjoy the story for what it really was.
My biggest criticism of this book is the Scottish. It's a great idea and actually works well with the story, but it is a little difficult to decipher at times although it does add to the realism. Once you learn to accept the Scottish, what you get is a rather bleak and depressing story of a group of drug addicts, alcoholics and general all round bad people from Edinburgh. This isn't a happy story and virtually every character featured isn't particularly likeable (and some are downright despicable), but for me this is why I enjoyed the book so much. There is a slight issue with the passage of time, it seems to jump around quite a lot and whilst i think it took place over the period of a few months, it was a little confusing at times. I do think as well that now having read the book, that the film actually stays fairly close to the source material.
This isn't a book to read if you're looking for something happy and upbeat. However if you're looking for a starkly realistic dark story yet is still enjoyable, you can't go wrong with this.
My biggest criticism of this book is the Scottish. It's a great idea and actually works well with the story, but it is a little difficult to decipher at times although it does add to the realism. Once you learn to accept the Scottish, what you get is a rather bleak and depressing story of a group of drug addicts, alcoholics and general all round bad people from Edinburgh. This isn't a happy story and virtually every character featured isn't particularly likeable (and some are downright despicable), but for me this is why I enjoyed the book so much. There is a slight issue with the passage of time, it seems to jump around quite a lot and whilst i think it took place over the period of a few months, it was a little confusing at times. I do think as well that now having read the book, that the film actually stays fairly close to the source material.
This isn't a book to read if you're looking for something happy and upbeat. However if you're looking for a starkly realistic dark story yet is still enjoyable, you can't go wrong with this.
Eating Animals
Book
Eating Animals is Jonathan Safran Foer's eye-opening account of where meat comes from 'I simply...
Merissa (13373 KP) rated The Shadow Throne (The Ice Queen #3) in Books
May 23, 2018
The Shadow Throne (The Ice Queen #3) by Rebecca Bauer
The Shadow Throne is the third and final instalment of The Ice Queen trilogy. I loved meeting back up with Cas and Aria, and finding out just what they had been up to. You can expect the same sarcasm that has been so prevalent in the previous two books, as well as more political machinations. However, this time, you will also have more emotions running through you than you will know what to do with them. There are not many books that have me crying by 25%, but this one managed it.
These characters are so well developed, so well rounded, it is a delight to read. Every situation seems thought about, from numerous angles, just to ensure it reads correctly. And situations that might have a warp on them, somehow seem to be right when done for these characters.
If there were any editing or grammatical errors, then I missed them. I don't think there were, but I honestly don't really care. I was that engrossed with the story, I was completely unable to put it down. So sad to finish this trilogy, but at least I can re-read them from the beginning now.
Absolutely and utterly recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
These characters are so well developed, so well rounded, it is a delight to read. Every situation seems thought about, from numerous angles, just to ensure it reads correctly. And situations that might have a warp on them, somehow seem to be right when done for these characters.
If there were any editing or grammatical errors, then I missed them. I don't think there were, but I honestly don't really care. I was that engrossed with the story, I was completely unable to put it down. So sad to finish this trilogy, but at least I can re-read them from the beginning now.
Absolutely and utterly recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!