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TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated The Sowing Season in Books
Feb 24, 2021
The Sowing Season by Katie Powner was like getting that first taste of fresh hot chocolate, you want to go slow to savor it, but you also want to drink it all down Because it tastes so good. That is what this book felt like for me, it was so good I wanted to savor it, but I also wanted to see the ending. A book theme this year has been books that make you think, and I have been LOVING it. The Sowing Season fits right in, but also stand out from the crowd.
This story was deep and thought-provoking in ways many books are not. It touched my mind and heart and I loved how Katie Powner showed the characters through real life, the ups and downs, and everything in between. I also enjoyed how the characters lived out their faith. A fantastic debut novel. Now I am looking forward to what other deep thought-provoking books that Katie Powner has in store.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
This story was deep and thought-provoking in ways many books are not. It touched my mind and heart and I loved how Katie Powner showed the characters through real life, the ups and downs, and everything in between. I also enjoyed how the characters lived out their faith. A fantastic debut novel. Now I am looking forward to what other deep thought-provoking books that Katie Powner has in store.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Bubblesreview (110 KP) rated Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde in Books
Mar 25, 2019 (Updated Mar 25, 2019)
Pros:
▪ Unique story
▪ Short Story
▪ Extra short story at the back
Cons:
▪ Boring start
▪ Constructed poorly
▪ Not much to offer if you know the plot twist (who doesn't right?)
Ok so for as long as I can remember I've always known the basis of the story of Jekyll and Hyde, particularly when someone would have a mood swing another would note that they're acting like Jekyll and Hyde, for example.
However, I've never actually read the story.
A quick read it was, less than 100 pages, it's the shortest story I've read yet. Considering the amount of tv/film recreations of this story I was shocked to find its so short and it's really not very descriptive on terms of Mr Hydes character in particular, which is what the author was aiming for.
If you already know the twist in this story then the book won't really get you revved up, I found it very dry and bland. I can however imagine that back in the 1880s this book would've been an incredible read and very different and creative.
I'm not going to conclude by saying this book was awful because it's far from it, it does have good parts.
The last chapter in particular, Henry Jekylls full statement, was the best part of this book, it's the only part that kept me intrigued, it's just getting there that's the problem.
Aside from the boring background story of the lawyer and the will, the actual story of Jekyll and Hyde and the way Jekyll comes about finding Hyde is actually something of a mind blowing creation, and very original.
This particular print had an extra short story afterwards, the bottle and the imp, now this story I did find intriguing, it captivated me. I found it similar to Aladdin with a magic lamp, but in a much shorter story and a magic bottle and an imp instead of a lamp and genie.
▪ Unique story
▪ Short Story
▪ Extra short story at the back
Cons:
▪ Boring start
▪ Constructed poorly
▪ Not much to offer if you know the plot twist (who doesn't right?)
Ok so for as long as I can remember I've always known the basis of the story of Jekyll and Hyde, particularly when someone would have a mood swing another would note that they're acting like Jekyll and Hyde, for example.
However, I've never actually read the story.
A quick read it was, less than 100 pages, it's the shortest story I've read yet. Considering the amount of tv/film recreations of this story I was shocked to find its so short and it's really not very descriptive on terms of Mr Hydes character in particular, which is what the author was aiming for.
If you already know the twist in this story then the book won't really get you revved up, I found it very dry and bland. I can however imagine that back in the 1880s this book would've been an incredible read and very different and creative.
I'm not going to conclude by saying this book was awful because it's far from it, it does have good parts.
The last chapter in particular, Henry Jekylls full statement, was the best part of this book, it's the only part that kept me intrigued, it's just getting there that's the problem.
Aside from the boring background story of the lawyer and the will, the actual story of Jekyll and Hyde and the way Jekyll comes about finding Hyde is actually something of a mind blowing creation, and very original.
This particular print had an extra short story afterwards, the bottle and the imp, now this story I did find intriguing, it captivated me. I found it similar to Aladdin with a magic lamp, but in a much shorter story and a magic bottle and an imp instead of a lamp and genie.
Merissa (12351 KP) rated Sassing Saul (Coletti Warlords #10) in Books
Jun 14, 2019
Sassing Saul (Coletti Warlords #10) by Gail Koger
Sassing Saul is the tenth book in the Coletti Warlords series, and whilst I don't think it completely necessary to have read all of the previous books, it would probably help.
This book is a quick and easy read with plenty of action. Not all aliens are good guys, and Annie is involved in fighting the bad guys as much as she can. With her psychic powers, she is very good at what she does, and gets herself a reputation as the Grim Reaper. Unfortunately, this allows her husband to track her down and try to sell her. She makes her escape and finds her way to a different town, where she gets a new job. This has the knock-on effect of bring her to General Saul Jones' attention.
Now, this is where it lost me. Saul and Annie spend most of the book apart, and he does insist on treating her like a defenseless female, when he knows first-hand just how capable she is. There was no attraction between them either before or after the mind-wipe (which I didn't like at all.) A lot of new (to me) characters are introduced to Annie in quick succession and she immediately has an amazing bond with all of them. This was okay, but it all happened so quickly I was unable to fully 'get to know' these new females before the action kicked off again. This is where reading the previous books would help!
All in all, it was a good read that kept my attention throughout. I have no hesitation in recommending it, but I would also go to the next step and say to start from the very beginning of the series, as I think this will only help with your enjoyment.
* 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!
This book is a quick and easy read with plenty of action. Not all aliens are good guys, and Annie is involved in fighting the bad guys as much as she can. With her psychic powers, she is very good at what she does, and gets herself a reputation as the Grim Reaper. Unfortunately, this allows her husband to track her down and try to sell her. She makes her escape and finds her way to a different town, where she gets a new job. This has the knock-on effect of bring her to General Saul Jones' attention.
Now, this is where it lost me. Saul and Annie spend most of the book apart, and he does insist on treating her like a defenseless female, when he knows first-hand just how capable she is. There was no attraction between them either before or after the mind-wipe (which I didn't like at all.) A lot of new (to me) characters are introduced to Annie in quick succession and she immediately has an amazing bond with all of them. This was okay, but it all happened so quickly I was unable to fully 'get to know' these new females before the action kicked off again. This is where reading the previous books would help!
All in all, it was a good read that kept my attention throughout. I have no hesitation in recommending it, but I would also go to the next step and say to start from the very beginning of the series, as I think this will only help with your enjoyment.
* 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!
Angelicalynnn (21 KP) rated Spotify Music in Apps
Jun 15, 2018 (Updated Jul 3, 2018)
Worst app update ever.
Seriously confused on why you “updated” this app only to make it worse? This update took away many features that users were used to having. Plus it just looks bad.
- The Premium tab is completely unnecessary! It is just there taking up space. You should have at least made it possible to purchase Premium in the tab solely dedicated to Premium.
- I am disappointed that I no longer have my saved songs. Where did these go? I had over 300 songs saved now they are no longer on my account.
- The new playlist set up is of poor design. Now when you click on a playlist you can only see some of your songs, you have to click in further to actually see the hole playlist adding an unnecessary step. Also Spotify now adds many unwanted songs to your playlist. Plus you can no longer edit your playlist ie. changing the order of the songs.
- When viewing albums again extra steps were added before you can actually reach the information you want. You can no longer add a whole album to a playlist in one step you must now add each individual song to the playlist again taking up more time.
- When viewing an Artists page there is no longer any information about the artist on their page. I like to read about a new artist before I add them and I can no longer do this.
- Design fails include: clumped together songs on playlists and albums instead of neatly listing them. The giant create button is unnecessary. The location of the heart for liking an album/artist/song.
These just list a few of the problems I now have with this app.
It almost seems like these updates were made to discourage the free users of Spotify and point out all of the cool features you could have if you purchase Premium. Unfortunately all it does is discourage users in general, if I am disappointed with the free version of the app why would I ever pay to get more bad features? Paying for Premium is not going to fix the issues I have with the app. Sorry not sorry.
- The Premium tab is completely unnecessary! It is just there taking up space. You should have at least made it possible to purchase Premium in the tab solely dedicated to Premium.
- I am disappointed that I no longer have my saved songs. Where did these go? I had over 300 songs saved now they are no longer on my account.
- The new playlist set up is of poor design. Now when you click on a playlist you can only see some of your songs, you have to click in further to actually see the hole playlist adding an unnecessary step. Also Spotify now adds many unwanted songs to your playlist. Plus you can no longer edit your playlist ie. changing the order of the songs.
- When viewing albums again extra steps were added before you can actually reach the information you want. You can no longer add a whole album to a playlist in one step you must now add each individual song to the playlist again taking up more time.
- When viewing an Artists page there is no longer any information about the artist on their page. I like to read about a new artist before I add them and I can no longer do this.
- Design fails include: clumped together songs on playlists and albums instead of neatly listing them. The giant create button is unnecessary. The location of the heart for liking an album/artist/song.
These just list a few of the problems I now have with this app.
It almost seems like these updates were made to discourage the free users of Spotify and point out all of the cool features you could have if you purchase Premium. Unfortunately all it does is discourage users in general, if I am disappointed with the free version of the app why would I ever pay to get more bad features? Paying for Premium is not going to fix the issues I have with the app. Sorry not sorry.
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Circus of the Damned (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, #3) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
I picked up reading the third story sometime this summer, read a decent bit, put it down, and haven't been able to resume reading. I think the main reason is that the writing is poor. Not to mention I enjoy the majority of newer books in this genre better. Even though LKH might have been the first (or at least one of the first) to write an urban fantasy book featuring a kick-ass female protagonist, she is one of the worst writers. I think I'll stop while I'm ahead. I'm kinda sorry I bought so many in this series now.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2271 KP) rated The Heist (Fox and O'Hare, #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
FBI Kate O'Hare has been chasing conman Nick Fox for years. But when she finally catches him, her life is turned upside down. Now she finds herself teamed up with him to try to catch another criminal.
To me, this book felt like a melding of the TV shows White Collar and Castle, both of which I love. It was funny and a wild ride. The pace was just a little off at times, but for the most part I enjoyed this romp.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/07/book-review-heist-by-janet-evanovich.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
To me, this book felt like a melding of the TV shows White Collar and Castle, both of which I love. It was funny and a wild ride. The pace was just a little off at times, but for the most part I enjoyed this romp.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/07/book-review-heist-by-janet-evanovich.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Kristin (149 KP) rated Forbidden Territory in Books
Dec 7, 2018
What can I say but this is yet another win for Melissa Pearl?!? She is honestly one of my favorite authors, and I have yet to read of book of hers where a) it didn't warrant far more than 5 stars, and b) I didn't contemplate forgoing work/sleep/etc to keep reading! Now, we have a tag-team authorship in the works, and I have to say it's been great so far!
Kudos to a bright start to what will definitely be another wonderful series, and I'm already anxiously awaiting these girls' next adventure. =D
5 stars (of course)
Kudos to a bright start to what will definitely be another wonderful series, and I'm already anxiously awaiting these girls' next adventure. =D
5 stars (of course)
Teeny (11 KP) rated Reading Glasses in Podcasts
Jul 4, 2018 (Updated Jul 4, 2018)
Reading Glasses has inspired me to get back into reading. I stopped reading for a whole because my anxiety made it hard for me to concentrate, but Brea and Mallory's infectious enthusiasm for all things books has dunked me right back in at the deep end.
Ihave got so many good recommendations to add to my TBR pile from this podcast that is now bigger than the total number of books I have read in my whole life. I get so excited when a new episode is coming up on my playlist. Can recommend 10/10
Ihave got so many good recommendations to add to my TBR pile from this podcast that is now bigger than the total number of books I have read in my whole life. I get so excited when a new episode is coming up on my playlist. Can recommend 10/10
KatyShubo (75 KP) rated Baker’s Dozen in Books
Jan 4, 2019
When fanfic become real fic
This story started life as a Once Upon A Time fan fiction celebrating the love story that was Robin & Regina and now it’s has transcended the world of fanfic and made it to the pages of a real live book.
Be warned this story may give you cravings for more than baked good.
For anyone that ships Out Law Queen then you need to read this to celebrate the dedication of one of their most gifted fanfic shippers
Be warned this story may give you cravings for more than baked good.
For anyone that ships Out Law Queen then you need to read this to celebrate the dedication of one of their most gifted fanfic shippers
David McK (3496 KP) rated The Deeds of the Disturber (Amelia Peabody, #5) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
The fifth <i>Amelia Peabody</i> novel which, in a change of setting, actually takes place in and around London rather than Egypt (even though it still deals with Egyptology).
There's also a 2001 film called 'The Mummy Returns': having now read this, I can see more than a few parallels between that movie and this! British museum? Check. Historical(ish) setting? Check. Husband and wife team? Check. Precocious son? Check. Attempted Egyptian ritual/curse? Check (yet again).
OK, so the novel doesn't have the undead wandering around, nor a hot-air balloon, but still enough ...
There's also a 2001 film called 'The Mummy Returns': having now read this, I can see more than a few parallels between that movie and this! British museum? Check. Historical(ish) setting? Check. Husband and wife team? Check. Precocious son? Check. Attempted Egyptian ritual/curse? Check (yet again).
OK, so the novel doesn't have the undead wandering around, nor a hot-air balloon, but still enough ...