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An atmosphere that draws you in (2 more)
Beautiful prose
Interconnected short stories
Fairy tales for grown ups
This collection of short stories is set on the island of Neverness. All of the stories are interconnected and characters reoccur as adults after they were in a story as children. We see how an experience in one story then becomes a cautionary tale or a fairytale in another. I loved the atmosphere in this book: menacing, dreamlike, happy, sad - like a fairytale really.
The language used was really very poetic. If you're attracted to this as a Fantasy reader, the language is weighted more on the 'Literary Fiction' side. I like both, and this didn't even occur to me until I read another review on Goodreads! There are plenty of Fantasy writers out there whose prose can be lyrical!
I also liked how the beginning and the end of the book were connected. Very clever, original writing, this is a short story collection that didn't feel to me as though they were short stories. Well worth a read!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this gorgeous book!
The language used was really very poetic. If you're attracted to this as a Fantasy reader, the language is weighted more on the 'Literary Fiction' side. I like both, and this didn't even occur to me until I read another review on Goodreads! There are plenty of Fantasy writers out there whose prose can be lyrical!
I also liked how the beginning and the end of the book were connected. Very clever, original writing, this is a short story collection that didn't feel to me as though they were short stories. Well worth a read!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this gorgeous book!
Dana (24 KP) rated The Eleventh Plague in Books
Mar 23, 2018
I got this book in high school about six years ago and decided to finally give it a read. It was just starting at me from my shelf with it's sad eyes, so I had to give in.
This was a pretty interesting dystopia. I liked the world building and the idea of the eleven plagues to wipe out humanity. It was pretty well written and even though it was short, there was a lot of story involved in the pages. It felt like it was rushed. A lot of stuff happens in such a short amount of time that does not allow for the characters to really flourish in the book for me. I think that is the main problem I had with this book
It's been a while since I read it, so I don't remember much of the plot which is kind of a problem for me. I think I will look into more of what Jeff Hirsch has written because I want to try out another book of his to get a feel for the writing style.
Overall, not too bad of a book. I just wish I remembered more of it.
This was a pretty interesting dystopia. I liked the world building and the idea of the eleven plagues to wipe out humanity. It was pretty well written and even though it was short, there was a lot of story involved in the pages. It felt like it was rushed. A lot of stuff happens in such a short amount of time that does not allow for the characters to really flourish in the book for me. I think that is the main problem I had with this book
It's been a while since I read it, so I don't remember much of the plot which is kind of a problem for me. I think I will look into more of what Jeff Hirsch has written because I want to try out another book of his to get a feel for the writing style.
Overall, not too bad of a book. I just wish I remembered more of it.
Dana (24 KP) rated Ruin and Rising (The Grisha #3) in Books
Mar 23, 2018
This was such a great book. If you have yet to pick up this series, I highly recommend it. Leigh Bardugo does an excellent job in keeping the audience entertained throughout the series. Where there is normally a kind of slump in the second and third books in other series, there is no such thing in these novels. I am now trying to get all of my friends and family to read this series. What a great end to a great story. But, there are more stories to come out in this world. Super excited about that!!! Please READ THIS SERIES!!! YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!!!! There will be minor spoilers ahead, so be aware.
****MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD****
There were quite a few times where I just had to put down the book because of the stuff that went down. When there were too many sad parts, which there were a ton, I was devastated, so I couldn't read on. That's why it took me about a month to finish it. (well, also because of finals and other factors, but that was a main one)
****MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD****
There were quite a few times where I just had to put down the book because of the stuff that went down. When there were too many sad parts, which there were a ton, I was devastated, so I couldn't read on. That's why it took me about a month to finish it. (well, also because of finals and other factors, but that was a main one)
Sean Farrell (9 KP) rated Building Stories in Books
Mar 15, 2018
The unique presentation had me more than a little curious to get into this one, and I found it worked wonderfully for the material. Very well drawn, and with recurring themes and symbolism that are alternately beautiful and sad. This is decidedly not an uplifting work, with the harshness of life and the world around us seeming to be an even more universal theme throughout than the building around which the stories revolve. Luckily for me I suppose, the piece I randomly read last, while possibly being the saddest of all, also contained a really solid prospect of hope and one of the few truly uplifting portions found inside, thus making giving it the best ending I could have hoped for (for my tastes anyway). This is a truly incredible work of art that I cannot recommend highly enough.
As a side note, this could make a really interesting movie, especially in the hands of the right director. P.T. Anderson springs to mind for me. They could even allow you to watch segments in random order on the DVD, thus somewhat recreating the sensation of the "book". Could be interesting.
As a side note, this could make a really interesting movie, especially in the hands of the right director. P.T. Anderson springs to mind for me. They could even allow you to watch segments in random order on the DVD, thus somewhat recreating the sensation of the "book". Could be interesting.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Redemption Point (Crimson Lake #2) in Books
Mar 11, 2018
This is a sequel to Crimson Lake; a book I gave 4 stars; this one also gets 4 stars. I really recommend you read Crimson Lake before reading this otherwise you will not get the really important background to the 2 main characters, Ted and Amanda and, I feel, that is essential to get everything out of this story and an understanding of these 2 very different and intriguing characters.
The story has 2 main facets. The first being the murder of two young people and the second of Ted's attempts to clear his name of the violent attack on a young girl. Both parts fit together really well as does the unlikely partnership of Ted and Amanda and the relationship between Ted and his geese!
Well written; funny and sad with a story that will make you shout at it at times and laugh out loud at others, Redemption Point and its predecessor are books I'm glad I didn't miss out on and I would highly recommend.
Thanks go to Ellie Gibbons, Marketing Manager at Cornerstone - Penguin Random House UK and the author, Candice Fox for my copy in return for an honest review.
The story has 2 main facets. The first being the murder of two young people and the second of Ted's attempts to clear his name of the violent attack on a young girl. Both parts fit together really well as does the unlikely partnership of Ted and Amanda and the relationship between Ted and his geese!
Well written; funny and sad with a story that will make you shout at it at times and laugh out loud at others, Redemption Point and its predecessor are books I'm glad I didn't miss out on and I would highly recommend.
Thanks go to Ellie Gibbons, Marketing Manager at Cornerstone - Penguin Random House UK and the author, Candice Fox for my copy in return for an honest review.
ClareR (5906 KP) rated Love Will Tear Us Apart in Books
Jun 8, 2018 (Updated Aug 14, 2018)
More communication needed!!
This book seems to be based around a couples inability to communicate with one another and the problems that goes on to cause. The couple are Kate and Paul, and they have been best friends since they were seven years old. This continues through their teenaged years and into adulthood. They have a pact at 15, that if they aren't married by 30, they'll marry each other. Kate is brought up pretty much by Paul's parents. Hers are too busy initially, and then Kate's mother dies. Her father is too busy and too detached from her by this point. She seems to live a lonely life and the only relief is Paul and his family. We meet them on holiday with their children in the lead up to their 10th wedding anniversary. They seem very distant from one another.
The story follows their childhood, teens, twenties and present day, all in the form of flashback chapters.
I really enjoyed this book: it's melancholy and just plain sad at times, but a well-written, thoughtful novel.
Many thanks to the author and The Pigeonhole (a social reading platform) for my copy of this book.
The story follows their childhood, teens, twenties and present day, all in the form of flashback chapters.
I really enjoyed this book: it's melancholy and just plain sad at times, but a well-written, thoughtful novel.
Many thanks to the author and The Pigeonhole (a social reading platform) for my copy of this book.
Gail (4 KP) rated Havoc (A Silent Sons MC #2) in Books
Jun 4, 2018
Havoc by Ambere Sabo
Five Stars
Havoc was an intriguing read. I found myself sad and ready to defend him at every turn. Angel was so feisty and stubborn. They made an interesting pair. I felt bad for Havoc when his sister turned to Gunner over him. But on the other hand he left on a man hunt to find their father not thinking of the other people who cared about him. Bikers always fascinated me the loyalty they have for each other and the lengths they go to protect their families. The visuals the author gave painted a clear picture of a young man wishing to free his family from the pain and stress his father brought upon them. You get a clear picture of how fierce and scared Angel was through out the whole story. Their relationship was hot and short but I guess once you know what you want you go for it and don’t let it go. Havoc was really just a soft teddy bear inside with the means to kill and protect all those he loved. The perfect blend of alpha male and sensitive.
Five Stars
Havoc was an intriguing read. I found myself sad and ready to defend him at every turn. Angel was so feisty and stubborn. They made an interesting pair. I felt bad for Havoc when his sister turned to Gunner over him. But on the other hand he left on a man hunt to find their father not thinking of the other people who cared about him. Bikers always fascinated me the loyalty they have for each other and the lengths they go to protect their families. The visuals the author gave painted a clear picture of a young man wishing to free his family from the pain and stress his father brought upon them. You get a clear picture of how fierce and scared Angel was through out the whole story. Their relationship was hot and short but I guess once you know what you want you go for it and don’t let it go. Havoc was really just a soft teddy bear inside with the means to kill and protect all those he loved. The perfect blend of alpha male and sensitive.
Gail (4 KP) rated The Impossible Art of Falling in Books
Jun 4, 2018
Wow! The raw emotions that are written in this book is incredible. I felt Jena's pain through the pages. I didn’t grow up with a dad but her lose made me feel what I had missed. The betrayal she felt was unbelievably sad. How any one can just leave a child no matter their age is incomprehensible to me. Luke was amazing he was strong and caring. The pain he hides behind those blue eyes is just heart breaking. To blame yourself for every wrong step.
These two met each other at the right moment. To find your pain in someone else’s eyes and want to protect them. I was with the author at every word and every moment. There wasn’t a time when I didn’t feel something. Bravo! This is the second book I have read and it has made me cry.
Finding your way in a sea of ever changing emotions is so hard. To live everyday knowing you can’t bring them back or that you couldn’t save them. I felt their pain and then their happiness.
THIS IS A MUST READ!!!!
These two met each other at the right moment. To find your pain in someone else’s eyes and want to protect them. I was with the author at every word and every moment. There wasn’t a time when I didn’t feel something. Bravo! This is the second book I have read and it has made me cry.
Finding your way in a sea of ever changing emotions is so hard. To live everyday knowing you can’t bring them back or that you couldn’t save them. I felt their pain and then their happiness.
THIS IS A MUST READ!!!!
Jeannine Geise (0 KP) rated The Marvelous Mrs Maisel in TV
Jun 1, 2018
Okay...now I’m angry!!
I just started binge watching this show tonight and I couldn’t stop!! Now, it’s 2:30 in the morning and I’m sad and grumpy it’s over...mostly because I just know my kids will wake my butt up early tomorrow. But let’s be honest, it was worth it for my crazy Mrs. Maisel!!
I came because Gilmore Girls is right up there with my favorite shows of all time. I love Gilmore Girls for the wittiness, pop references, and girl power and Mrs. Maisel definitely delivered in many of the same ways. The characters are well-developed and sympathetic—I even felt for her “evil” husband. The only criticisms I had were that it bugged me that as a mom, she basically never took care of her own children, but I get that the show wasn’t really about that at all.
I highly recommend this series. Hilarious and charming. I can’t wait for more episodes! Just watch it!
Then, once you’re done with that, find Bunheads (same writers) and watch that. Then, come see me and we’ll bitch about how that show deserved more episodes, too!!
I came because Gilmore Girls is right up there with my favorite shows of all time. I love Gilmore Girls for the wittiness, pop references, and girl power and Mrs. Maisel definitely delivered in many of the same ways. The characters are well-developed and sympathetic—I even felt for her “evil” husband. The only criticisms I had were that it bugged me that as a mom, she basically never took care of her own children, but I get that the show wasn’t really about that at all.
I highly recommend this series. Hilarious and charming. I can’t wait for more episodes! Just watch it!
Then, once you’re done with that, find Bunheads (same writers) and watch that. Then, come see me and we’ll bitch about how that show deserved more episodes, too!!
Awix (3310 KP) rated On Chesil Beach (2018) in Movies
Jun 1, 2018
Bleak British Repressed Sexuality a Go Go!
Handsomely mounted BBC film starts off looking like many another period-set literary adaptation, then turns into something rather different. Newlyweds Edward and Florence are on the brink of their wedding night; both are nervous, and struggling with the expectations society and their upbringing has placed upon them. (The fact that society hasn't bothered to educate them in the slightest about what can, or should, go on in the bedroom really doesn't help on this voyage into, or possibly out of, virgin territory.) Not all goes to plan; a small but genuine tragedy unfolds.
Not the kind of film you walk home from whistling, unless you're some kind of militant celibacy advocate, but an undeniably fine one (or so it seems to me): very good performances from the young stars, and well-judged direction. Initially the film seems like a slightly dark comedy-drama of manners (the excruciating scenes of people failing to have sex are very awkward to watch), but it develops into something profoundly moving and deeply sad before the end. Thank God for the permissive society.
Not the kind of film you walk home from whistling, unless you're some kind of militant celibacy advocate, but an undeniably fine one (or so it seems to me): very good performances from the young stars, and well-judged direction. Initially the film seems like a slightly dark comedy-drama of manners (the excruciating scenes of people failing to have sex are very awkward to watch), but it develops into something profoundly moving and deeply sad before the end. Thank God for the permissive society.