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gouge my eyes out with a spork. please.
This godforsaken book. It took everything in me to finish this book. I had to read it for a class - Intro to American Studies: The 1920s and I thought it was going to be great. I was really looking forward to it. And then I started. The first couple of chapters are great. The introduction? Amazing! And then it just takes a turn for the worse.
I think this was the most poorly constructed book I've read in a long time. The chapters didn't have any sort of fluidity whatsoever and it felt like it was all over the place. I was reading about so many different people in really different orders and then 3 chapters later, we'd find ourselves back to those people and it just made no sense. Literally none.
I am almost proud of myself for finishing this book. It really was that hard. I had such high hopes and it just flopped. If my reviews mean anything to anyone, please don't read this book. Don't waste time.
I think this was the most poorly constructed book I've read in a long time. The chapters didn't have any sort of fluidity whatsoever and it felt like it was all over the place. I was reading about so many different people in really different orders and then 3 chapters later, we'd find ourselves back to those people and it just made no sense. Literally none.
I am almost proud of myself for finishing this book. It really was that hard. I had such high hopes and it just flopped. If my reviews mean anything to anyone, please don't read this book. Don't waste time.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Fire in Frost (Crystal Frost, #1) in Books
Mar 20, 2020 (Updated Mar 20, 2020)
"There's a fire growing inside of me. It's not the harmful kind that can kill a girl like Olivia. It's the kind that can save her."
CRYSTAL FROST tells herself she isn't crazy, but sane people don't see ghosts. As her psychic abilities manifest, Crystal discovers she can see into the future, witness the past, and speak with the dead. Add blackmail to the list of things she never thought would happen to her, and you basically have her sophomore year covered. After spotting her first ghost, secrets from her family, friends, and classmates begin to surface. Uncovering secrets can be dangerous, but giving up means someone will get hurt. Again.
What was refreshing with this YA was there was no teenage sexual tension drama!! It was a really well written story about a young girl discovering her special gift. It also raised awareness for domestic violence and that it's not acceptable at any age, Alicia Rades did this without coming across as preachy like some authors can. I was impressed with her style and looking forward to reading more by her.
CRYSTAL FROST tells herself she isn't crazy, but sane people don't see ghosts. As her psychic abilities manifest, Crystal discovers she can see into the future, witness the past, and speak with the dead. Add blackmail to the list of things she never thought would happen to her, and you basically have her sophomore year covered. After spotting her first ghost, secrets from her family, friends, and classmates begin to surface. Uncovering secrets can be dangerous, but giving up means someone will get hurt. Again.
What was refreshing with this YA was there was no teenage sexual tension drama!! It was a really well written story about a young girl discovering her special gift. It also raised awareness for domestic violence and that it's not acceptable at any age, Alicia Rades did this without coming across as preachy like some authors can. I was impressed with her style and looking forward to reading more by her.
Erika (17789 KP) rated Catch and Kill: Lies, Spies, and a Conspiracy to Protect Predators in Books
Mar 28, 2020 (Updated Mar 28, 2020)
Going into this book, I wasn't sure I was going to be able to get into it or not. I haven't actually read Ronan Farrow's articles in general, so I didn't know how his writing style was. Journalistic writing is sometimes hit or miss in book form.
Honestly, now I'll read his articles. This book encompassed the Weinstein scandal, and other creeps like him. It was thorough, and engaging throughout. In the author's note, it is stated that the violence these women were subjected to was presented exactly how they told it, with all the details. My stomach hurt after reading the descriptions, and I read very violent Nordic Noir novels. I like being presented with everything, so while it made my stomach hurt, I feel like it was all completely necessary as part of this story.
I also really liked his journey to get this published, and now... honestly, I don't even want to watch NBC News (as I sit here watching Dateline).
This is, by far, one of the best books that I've read this year.
Honestly, now I'll read his articles. This book encompassed the Weinstein scandal, and other creeps like him. It was thorough, and engaging throughout. In the author's note, it is stated that the violence these women were subjected to was presented exactly how they told it, with all the details. My stomach hurt after reading the descriptions, and I read very violent Nordic Noir novels. I like being presented with everything, so while it made my stomach hurt, I feel like it was all completely necessary as part of this story.
I also really liked his journey to get this published, and now... honestly, I don't even want to watch NBC News (as I sit here watching Dateline).
This is, by far, one of the best books that I've read this year.
James (0 KP) rated Soldier Spy in Books
Jul 29, 2019
Hooked from start to finish!
When i saw this book at a service station i remembered the title for future refrence. A few months later i picked the book up for a new read . Now being ex forces myself i found that i tend to stay away from these types of military biography books as they seem full of bravado and people portaying themselves at the big "i am".
However, from start to finish i could not put it down and read the book in 2 sittings. He brushes over his military carear and exlapined how he got involved in the secret service, once hisntraining was complete he explains various actions and what the secret service does in and aroumd the UK, i must admit it was an eye opener as things happen under our noses and the extent that these operators go through. Even to the point of havimg false names, even with their colleagues throughout their carear. Above all a very intresting read and would looking forward to reading other books on the secret service
However, from start to finish i could not put it down and read the book in 2 sittings. He brushes over his military carear and exlapined how he got involved in the secret service, once hisntraining was complete he explains various actions and what the secret service does in and aroumd the UK, i must admit it was an eye opener as things happen under our noses and the extent that these operators go through. Even to the point of havimg false names, even with their colleagues throughout their carear. Above all a very intresting read and would looking forward to reading other books on the secret service
ClareR (5884 KP) rated The Middle Years in Books
Apr 17, 2020
The Middle Years is a handbook to surviving life as the parent of teenagers. The first half of the book is funny and engaging, telling it how it really is (hormones etc) to be the parent to preteens and teens, and I really enjoyed it. It was lighthearted, and more serious where it needed to be.
However in the second half of the book, it takes a darker turn, and talks about the authors divorce, mental health issues, guilt of divorcing and the effects this hound have had on her children. To be honest, if I’d known it was going to take this turn, there’s a high possibility that I wouldn’t have read it at all. I’ve had enough personal experience of parents divorcing to last me a lifetime without reading about it. It just seemed very bitter.
I DID enjoy the first half though, which is why I’ve given it a 3/5 (or 6/10, however you want to look at it!).
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this book.
However in the second half of the book, it takes a darker turn, and talks about the authors divorce, mental health issues, guilt of divorcing and the effects this hound have had on her children. To be honest, if I’d known it was going to take this turn, there’s a high possibility that I wouldn’t have read it at all. I’ve had enough personal experience of parents divorcing to last me a lifetime without reading about it. It just seemed very bitter.
I DID enjoy the first half though, which is why I’ve given it a 3/5 (or 6/10, however you want to look at it!).
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this book.
Emma (519 KP) rated Pet Sematary in Books
Feb 23, 2020
I've wanted to read this book for years, and searched for it in charity shops with no luck. Finally I got a chance to buy a batch of Stephen King books from a lady I knew and this was in them.
I enjoyed the book, and yet again with Stephen King his descriptive use really elevates the sense of suspense youfeel when you're reading his stories. However i did find it a chore to carry on with this one. I'm not sure if it was because I expected too much from it.
When you really cool the book down the excitement and suspense only happens in the last three chaptersif that. And by the time i got to that point i was a bit bored of it. When he finally does get you to that point in the book, it is so rushed you finish it with a kind of 'is that it?!' Feeling.
All in all a good Stephen King book, but I think I maybe hyped it up too much for myself before I read it and therefore was slightly disappointed.
I enjoyed the book, and yet again with Stephen King his descriptive use really elevates the sense of suspense youfeel when you're reading his stories. However i did find it a chore to carry on with this one. I'm not sure if it was because I expected too much from it.
When you really cool the book down the excitement and suspense only happens in the last three chaptersif that. And by the time i got to that point i was a bit bored of it. When he finally does get you to that point in the book, it is so rushed you finish it with a kind of 'is that it?!' Feeling.
All in all a good Stephen King book, but I think I maybe hyped it up too much for myself before I read it and therefore was slightly disappointed.
Sara Cox (1845 KP) rated The Jabberwocky Princess in Books
Feb 23, 2020
I read this book not realising that it was the second of a series. And all I can say is that I will definitely be finding the first and reading it!
This was a great concept and it was written very well. I especially liked the "Easter eggs" within the story (I won't say more because I don't want to give them away, but I found three). I loved how the poem was used within the story and for the first time the poem has given me the chills. I had always read it differently. The characters were written really well, the relationship outcome a bit predictable, but how else could it end? You leave a lot about the protagonist's past really quickly without it impeding the present story and this makes it really easy to relate to her. The writing was very easy to read and the story telling was excellent. Love love love!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a great concept and it was written very well. I especially liked the "Easter eggs" within the story (I won't say more because I don't want to give them away, but I found three). I loved how the poem was used within the story and for the first time the poem has given me the chills. I had always read it differently. The characters were written really well, the relationship outcome a bit predictable, but how else could it end? You leave a lot about the protagonist's past really quickly without it impeding the present story and this makes it really easy to relate to her. The writing was very easy to read and the story telling was excellent. Love love love!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
BookwormLea (3034 KP) rated My Lovely Wife in Books
Jun 18, 2020 (Updated Jun 18, 2020)
I wouldn't say I loved this book but it is definitely a fantastic thriller. It's full of twists and is a rollercoaster of emotions the whole way through. The reason I say I didn't love it is simply because I had an idea of the big twist soon into the book but that may be because I read a lot of thriller books and enjoy puzzles.
There is also no real explanation into their decision to become homicidal weirdos disguised as a regular married couple.
However, I did enjoy reading it. I still found myself hanging onto every word, holding my breath trying to guess what was happening next. There is many twists throughout the book that I didn't see coming aswell. I couldn't put it down!!! Despite knowing I should give myself a break to collect my thoughts and calm my nerves.
It was very well written and I will be buying her new book which I believe was released last week! Thank you Smashbomb for the giveaway and allowing me to find this hidden gem!
There is also no real explanation into their decision to become homicidal weirdos disguised as a regular married couple.
However, I did enjoy reading it. I still found myself hanging onto every word, holding my breath trying to guess what was happening next. There is many twists throughout the book that I didn't see coming aswell. I couldn't put it down!!! Despite knowing I should give myself a break to collect my thoughts and calm my nerves.
It was very well written and I will be buying her new book which I believe was released last week! Thank you Smashbomb for the giveaway and allowing me to find this hidden gem!
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Blood Contract Trilogy in Books
Jun 24, 2020
111 of 200
Kindle
Blood contract
By Jon Ripley
Signed over two hundred years ago, the Blood Contract ensured the sanctity of the Blood lands. In return, the Blood family dedicated their lives, and their deaths to the protection of the town of Thorne.For many years, the town of Thorne was nothing more than a picturesque New England village. But in modern day, the town is enjoying a boom in real estate development. To satisfy the developers with enough land, the town has decided to break the Blood Contract.And the Bloods are not pleased.Not at all.Now, as Autumn moves ever on towards winter, the Aldermen and the people of Thorne are going to learn that there is a price for ignorance.And it's higher than they could have ever imagined.
I absolutely loved this book! Full of gruesome deaths and horror plus the fey too what more could you ask for? It was just brilliant to read. I loved his style and the characters were brilliant! Looking forward to reading more from Ron Ripley!
Kindle
Blood contract
By Jon Ripley
Signed over two hundred years ago, the Blood Contract ensured the sanctity of the Blood lands. In return, the Blood family dedicated their lives, and their deaths to the protection of the town of Thorne.For many years, the town of Thorne was nothing more than a picturesque New England village. But in modern day, the town is enjoying a boom in real estate development. To satisfy the developers with enough land, the town has decided to break the Blood Contract.And the Bloods are not pleased.Not at all.Now, as Autumn moves ever on towards winter, the Aldermen and the people of Thorne are going to learn that there is a price for ignorance.And it's higher than they could have ever imagined.
I absolutely loved this book! Full of gruesome deaths and horror plus the fey too what more could you ask for? It was just brilliant to read. I loved his style and the characters were brilliant! Looking forward to reading more from Ron Ripley!
Ruth Frampton (577 KP) rated Helix in Books
Jun 25, 2020
Change of style but still a good read.
In this instalment of the story, we hear from both main characters point of view and to begin with, this was quite disconcerting, however, with already having an emotional investment in the characters I carried on and found it really works. A rewrite of book one to also be in the style would be great or the next book making it clearer why the story is told in this way. In this volume I found the ending to be left in a very uncomfortable place, so if you don't like being left hanging, perhaps you should make sure book 3 is next to you before reading this one.
The character's adventures continue here, with the advancement of the back story as well as adding intriguing additional stories which drive the story forward well, keeping me engaged throughout.
I would recommend this as a good read for all. Just remember my warning about the ending.
Reviewed honestly after receiving a copy as ARC.
The character's adventures continue here, with the advancement of the back story as well as adding intriguing additional stories which drive the story forward well, keeping me engaged throughout.
I would recommend this as a good read for all. Just remember my warning about the ending.
Reviewed honestly after receiving a copy as ARC.