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Kyera (8 KP) rated The Empress (The Diabolic, #2) in Books
Feb 1, 2018
The Empress is the second book in the Diabolic series, which is slated to be a three book series. The second book completely flips the story line on its head and I wasn't entirely sure how to feel. The pacing lagged at the beginning, but the final quarter of the book was so gripping that I couldn't put it down. Since this is a sequel, anything beyond this could be a spoiler so I would recommend proceeding with caution.
Despite having not re-read the previous book prior to reading the Empress, it did not take me long to fall back into the world. The sprawling and complex system created in the Diabolic is still as present and nefarious as it was in the first book. I enjoyed watching Nemesis and Tyrus battle the Grandiloquy with their wits and attempt to better the galaxy.
It was nice to see some of the main characters develop and feel like more three-dimensional characters than they were. Even though Nemesis is a Diabolic, she is learning that she can be more than what she was created to be and struggles to be more "human". It was fascinating to watch her development, see her attempt to be more empathetic and not immediately jump to the violent solution.
The plot made me so sad, but also need to know what the conclusion to this series will be - alas it will not be released until fall of 2018. I would recommend this series to young adult/teen readers who enjoy science fiction, battles of wits and intrigue, as well as a dash of violence and mass-murder.
Despite having not re-read the previous book prior to reading the Empress, it did not take me long to fall back into the world. The sprawling and complex system created in the Diabolic is still as present and nefarious as it was in the first book. I enjoyed watching Nemesis and Tyrus battle the Grandiloquy with their wits and attempt to better the galaxy.
It was nice to see some of the main characters develop and feel like more three-dimensional characters than they were. Even though Nemesis is a Diabolic, she is learning that she can be more than what she was created to be and struggles to be more "human". It was fascinating to watch her development, see her attempt to be more empathetic and not immediately jump to the violent solution.
The plot made me so sad, but also need to know what the conclusion to this series will be - alas it will not be released until fall of 2018. I would recommend this series to young adult/teen readers who enjoy science fiction, battles of wits and intrigue, as well as a dash of violence and mass-murder.
Merissa (12934 KP) rated Before I Let Go in Books
Feb 15, 2018
Before I Let Go by Marieke Nijkamp
Before I Let Go is the second book by Marieke Nijkamp I have read, albeit a very different story to the first. In this one, we travel with Corey back to her home village, where she had lived until a few months ago. We find out about her best friend, the one who never quite fitted in, Kyra. Now it is Corey who doesn't fit in, and she works hard to find out what happened to Kyra, who seems to have turned into the town's Oracle.
This is a great story, with an original storyline, and intrigue enough to delight anyone. It is also very sad, as we learn about Kyra, and what happened to her. Corey has to deal with a lot, the least of which knowing that she let her best friend down when she needed her the most. The town is not one that I would want to be visiting!
Well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed, I was nonetheless confused by the script that appeared in the middle for no apparent reason. I couldn't see any reason for needing it like that, unless it was to just discombobulate the reader even more - in which case, it worked.
If you are looking for a mystery, with a hint of the supernatural, then I can definitely recommend this book.
* 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!
This is a great story, with an original storyline, and intrigue enough to delight anyone. It is also very sad, as we learn about Kyra, and what happened to her. Corey has to deal with a lot, the least of which knowing that she let her best friend down when she needed her the most. The town is not one that I would want to be visiting!
Well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed, I was nonetheless confused by the script that appeared in the middle for no apparent reason. I couldn't see any reason for needing it like that, unless it was to just discombobulate the reader even more - in which case, it worked.
If you are looking for a mystery, with a hint of the supernatural, then I can definitely recommend this book.
* 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!
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Lila and the Crow in Books
Jun 18, 2018
<a href="https://awindowintobooks.wordpress.com">Full Review</a>
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Lila and the Crow by Gabrielle Grimard is a beautiful story dealing with and sad and very
real issue. Lila arrives at her neScreen Shot 2016-06-21 at 9.04.55 PMw school with the hopes of making new friends; however, instead of being welcomed with open arms she is welcomed with a mean comment. It only takes that one comment to destroy her confidence.
The first day with the first comment was the start of ruining her confidence. The comment came from one student but there are other students who either stand by and allow the comments to come or join in laughing. Eventually, Lila decides not to let the differences defy her but to embrace the differences. This book will show children that there will be situations where other children will hurt of mock them but that they should stand up and not allow the situation to ruin their day, month or year.
This book will open the floor to have a discussion about bullying and how it should not happen and if it is, that you should help the person instead of joining in the bullying or being a bystander. Everyone is different and this book can teach children to embrace and accept the differences.
The illustrations are wonderful, they show such great emotion in the characters as well as creating a mood that fits the story. Lila and the Crow will be a great asset to any home, classroom or library.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Lila and the Crow by Gabrielle Grimard is a beautiful story dealing with and sad and very
real issue. Lila arrives at her neScreen Shot 2016-06-21 at 9.04.55 PMw school with the hopes of making new friends; however, instead of being welcomed with open arms she is welcomed with a mean comment. It only takes that one comment to destroy her confidence.
The first day with the first comment was the start of ruining her confidence. The comment came from one student but there are other students who either stand by and allow the comments to come or join in laughing. Eventually, Lila decides not to let the differences defy her but to embrace the differences. This book will show children that there will be situations where other children will hurt of mock them but that they should stand up and not allow the situation to ruin their day, month or year.
This book will open the floor to have a discussion about bullying and how it should not happen and if it is, that you should help the person instead of joining in the bullying or being a bystander. Everyone is different and this book can teach children to embrace and accept the differences.
The illustrations are wonderful, they show such great emotion in the characters as well as creating a mood that fits the story. Lila and the Crow will be a great asset to any home, classroom or library.
Gail (4 KP) rated The Game (Carolina Connections, #4) in Books
Jun 4, 2018
The Game by Sylvie Stewart
Four Stars
I liked this story a lot. Gavin was too cute with his boyish charm and looks. I thought it was really funny that he was the youngest in his group and that they called him Junior. I admired the way that he putted himself up after drowning in self pity for two years. He was doing everything he could to better himself. He wasn’t big headed or egotistical. He was so patient through it all and I know I wouldn’t have done the same. I would’ve blew up at Emmy for the things she did. Emmy was so hard working and hard so much strength. I didn’t understand how her dad couldn’t be proud of her. It sucks because even in 2017 we still have people like Emmy's dad. They only see people in status and careers. They don’t see that these people work just as hard and most times harder then themselves. Judging them by their background not by their actions. It’s a very sad thing when a daughter can’t be proud to take her man in front of her dad and receive his approval. I did think Emmy tried to hard to please her father. She put so much in getting his smiles and approval that she lacked a life and knowledge of relationships. Through some of the earlier chapters I didn’t really like her. She was so indecisive not really knowing what she wanted but having Gavin along anyway. Je was very mature in handling her doubts and rejections. The author did a really good job on this story and I cant wait to get the next one.
Four Stars
I liked this story a lot. Gavin was too cute with his boyish charm and looks. I thought it was really funny that he was the youngest in his group and that they called him Junior. I admired the way that he putted himself up after drowning in self pity for two years. He was doing everything he could to better himself. He wasn’t big headed or egotistical. He was so patient through it all and I know I wouldn’t have done the same. I would’ve blew up at Emmy for the things she did. Emmy was so hard working and hard so much strength. I didn’t understand how her dad couldn’t be proud of her. It sucks because even in 2017 we still have people like Emmy's dad. They only see people in status and careers. They don’t see that these people work just as hard and most times harder then themselves. Judging them by their background not by their actions. It’s a very sad thing when a daughter can’t be proud to take her man in front of her dad and receive his approval. I did think Emmy tried to hard to please her father. She put so much in getting his smiles and approval that she lacked a life and knowledge of relationships. Through some of the earlier chapters I didn’t really like her. She was so indecisive not really knowing what she wanted but having Gavin along anyway. Je was very mature in handling her doubts and rejections. The author did a really good job on this story and I cant wait to get the next one.
Bookapotamus (289 KP) rated I Don't Know How She Does It: The Life of Kate Reddy, Working Mother in Books
May 29, 2018
So. Much. Anxiety. If I had kids, I would totally be Kate. Lost in between two worlds and failing miserable at balancing them both. I just cannot seem to grasp the high demand job + motherhood balance, and it gives me heart palpitations just thinking about it. EVERYTHING in this book just confirmed that motherhood is not for me! Don't get me wrong - I admire the people who can do it! I just have ZERO faith in myself that I'd ever be able to balance the two without buckets of Xanax and a therapist on speed dial.
Kate Reddy is having a hard time. She's got a high power job and some littles at home and she is struggling making it all work. She refuses to become a Pinterest mom, and doesn't really have the time anyway, plus, her job doesn't take her as serious as they should - because she's a ROCKSTAR, but she's a women, so... well, 'nuff said. Trying to find the time to be a good mom to her kids, wife to Richard, and give her job the attention it deserves - is not working out, and Kate needs to figure out her priorities - and fast!
I love Allison Pearson's writing - its quick, descriptive, and so witty. I get a bit lost in some of the British slang, but it's still fun pretending I understand it. Kate trying to figure out how to be a mother in a man's world, is equally sad and hilarious and I had fun reading this. Next up is How Hard Can it Be! I'm excited to read the follow up to this book and see where Kate has landed at 50!
Kate Reddy is having a hard time. She's got a high power job and some littles at home and she is struggling making it all work. She refuses to become a Pinterest mom, and doesn't really have the time anyway, plus, her job doesn't take her as serious as they should - because she's a ROCKSTAR, but she's a women, so... well, 'nuff said. Trying to find the time to be a good mom to her kids, wife to Richard, and give her job the attention it deserves - is not working out, and Kate needs to figure out her priorities - and fast!
I love Allison Pearson's writing - its quick, descriptive, and so witty. I get a bit lost in some of the British slang, but it's still fun pretending I understand it. Kate trying to figure out how to be a mother in a man's world, is equally sad and hilarious and I had fun reading this. Next up is How Hard Can it Be! I'm excited to read the follow up to this book and see where Kate has landed at 50!
Kristin (149 KP) rated 'Til Death Do Us Part (Fearless, #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an e-book copy of this book from the editor in exchange for an honest review.
When I read the synopsis for this book, I was intrigued by the prospect of "modernized mythology." The idea that the Greek gods and goddesses are around right now, during our time, working to change humans into immortals through a competition was extremely interesting, and I couldn't wait to see how it played out.
I wasn't disappointed, as the story held my interest throughout, and I found myself trying to figure out which character was which Green god/goddess before it was actually stated. I've always been a fan of mythology, and this brought it to a new level, especially with the competition for immortality. Mary Jane's backstory is extremely sad, but her and Lucas seem to make a great couple, and I look forward to reading more of their story as they move on at the end of the book.
The only criticism I have is I wish it was longer. I thought it was over 280 pages, according to the count on my Kindle app, but the story actually ended around 220, with chapters from two future works at the end. Although the plot is thoroughly developed, I wanted more of it, whether it was more of Lucas and Mary Jane, or information about her parents, or even more with her and her aunt, Eden. However, I know this is only the first in a series, so I'm sure those things will be carried into the next book, which I hope comes out soon. =)
When I read the synopsis for this book, I was intrigued by the prospect of "modernized mythology." The idea that the Greek gods and goddesses are around right now, during our time, working to change humans into immortals through a competition was extremely interesting, and I couldn't wait to see how it played out.
I wasn't disappointed, as the story held my interest throughout, and I found myself trying to figure out which character was which Green god/goddess before it was actually stated. I've always been a fan of mythology, and this brought it to a new level, especially with the competition for immortality. Mary Jane's backstory is extremely sad, but her and Lucas seem to make a great couple, and I look forward to reading more of their story as they move on at the end of the book.
The only criticism I have is I wish it was longer. I thought it was over 280 pages, according to the count on my Kindle app, but the story actually ended around 220, with chapters from two future works at the end. Although the plot is thoroughly developed, I wanted more of it, whether it was more of Lucas and Mary Jane, or information about her parents, or even more with her and her aunt, Eden. However, I know this is only the first in a series, so I'm sure those things will be carried into the next book, which I hope comes out soon. =)
Becs (244 KP) rated Bossing My Friend in Books
Sep 6, 2018
Good Contemporary Romance/ Erotica read.
A bit fast paced in the prologue; it gave a quick background on the main characters but also continued to do that throughout the entirety of the novel. First off, why in the hell would you tell someone you have very strong feelings, that are damn near love feelings, while you are getting ready to leave?! Like seriously, what in the world is wrong with you. That's the most idiotic thing anybody can do, and guess what, Jared did it. *Red Foreman's voice* Dumbass. I really like how Elsie, the other MC works in charity and tries to be strong even though she's dying to jump Jared. The storyline gets better over time, turned into a contemporary romance with erotica scenes. Overall great plot and scenes.
Will I reread? You bet your ass if I'm craving a bad boy gone good erotica/contemporary romance I will be. Do I recommend? If you love erotica and cheesy scenes all mixed together with a bow on top.
○ interested in its physical book
● a continuous read / page-turner
○ diverse in any way
○ something’s lacking
● took me a long time to finish
○ an LMAO read
○ I laughed more than a few times
○ it’s j u s t awkward
○ gave me goosebumps
○ one of the best books I’ve read
○ painful & sad
○ tear-jerker
● a roller-coaster of emotions
○ thrilling
○ confusing
○ sooo relatable
○ it is kind of annoying
○ it has a lot of flashbacks
○ it moved me
● would recommend!
● great even for a reread
● definitely a YAY
○ I’m sorry it’s a NAY
○ it’s between YAY and NAY
Will I reread? You bet your ass if I'm craving a bad boy gone good erotica/contemporary romance I will be. Do I recommend? If you love erotica and cheesy scenes all mixed together with a bow on top.
○ interested in its physical book
● a continuous read / page-turner
○ diverse in any way
○ something’s lacking
● took me a long time to finish
○ an LMAO read
○ I laughed more than a few times
○ it’s j u s t awkward
○ gave me goosebumps
○ one of the best books I’ve read
○ painful & sad
○ tear-jerker
● a roller-coaster of emotions
○ thrilling
○ confusing
○ sooo relatable
○ it is kind of annoying
○ it has a lot of flashbacks
○ it moved me
● would recommend!
● great even for a reread
● definitely a YAY
○ I’m sorry it’s a NAY
○ it’s between YAY and NAY
Debbiereadsbook (1454 KP) rated A Hamiton Christmas (HIS #9) in Books
Nov 26, 2018
a very fitting end!!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book direct from the author, and I thank Ms Kell for that.
This book takes place a year after His Fantasy, Brad's story, and is like a catch up on what all the brothers and their wives have been up to. And they are been doing a LOT of baby making! So it was great to catch up with everyone, all in one place.
It's a bit different that the other HIS books, in that the story is told from Jesse's ten year old daughter, Reagan and her Poppy, Blake Hamilton's points of view. Reading such polar opposites was amusing at times: Reagan is determined to follow in her father's footsteps, even if she has to go against him to do it, and Blake is still a little in the dog house as far as I'm concerned! Oh, he redeemed himself in His Family, but maybe not as much as I thought he had!
There is a lot of love here, with every member of the Hamilton clan, their partners and babies all here along with a new member of the family that is introduced here. Reagan and her new cousin are a well matched pair and they pull their sleuthing off extremely well!
It was so lovely to catch up with everyone, it's always sad to say goodbye and this was a great little catch up, a little time after the main books ended.
Very well done, Ms Kell, I'm just not a great fan of holiday stories!
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This book takes place a year after His Fantasy, Brad's story, and is like a catch up on what all the brothers and their wives have been up to. And they are been doing a LOT of baby making! So it was great to catch up with everyone, all in one place.
It's a bit different that the other HIS books, in that the story is told from Jesse's ten year old daughter, Reagan and her Poppy, Blake Hamilton's points of view. Reading such polar opposites was amusing at times: Reagan is determined to follow in her father's footsteps, even if she has to go against him to do it, and Blake is still a little in the dog house as far as I'm concerned! Oh, he redeemed himself in His Family, but maybe not as much as I thought he had!
There is a lot of love here, with every member of the Hamilton clan, their partners and babies all here along with a new member of the family that is introduced here. Reagan and her new cousin are a well matched pair and they pull their sleuthing off extremely well!
It was so lovely to catch up with everyone, it's always sad to say goodbye and this was a great little catch up, a little time after the main books ended.
Very well done, Ms Kell, I'm just not a great fan of holiday stories!
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated The Walking Dead - Season 8 in TV
Dec 23, 2019
Season 8 of The Walking Dead is where the show completely lost me for a good while.
I slowly limped through the first half of it, and had to literally talk myself into watching the next episode.
The main reason for this is just how painfully boring it's all is.
The much anticipated 'All Out War' storyline from the comic series is in full swing, after being set up through season 7, and every episode feels like it's just uninspired gun fight after uninspired gun fight. Any episodes in the past seasons that featured this kind of action felt exciting and tense. It happened rarely so was impactful when they came along.
Here, it just feels a lot like dead weight.
I also felt the writers saw TWD as a much artier project than it actually is at this point - there only so much of main characters staring deeply into the horizon, or at the sun that I care to watch.
Even character deaths feel dragged out and testing and so many
of the gory practical effects have been replaced by sub par CGI now, that it just doesn't even warrant a reaction. It's a sad state of affairs.
It's not all bad, I guess? All of the acting talent are still stellar, they're just not being given much to do. Although the Negan storyline failed to light up the small screen for me, I still enjoy him as a character, and JDM as an actor. There are still some entertaining set pieces strewn throughout, but the overall experience is a shadow of it's former self.
I slowly limped through the first half of it, and had to literally talk myself into watching the next episode.
The main reason for this is just how painfully boring it's all is.
The much anticipated 'All Out War' storyline from the comic series is in full swing, after being set up through season 7, and every episode feels like it's just uninspired gun fight after uninspired gun fight. Any episodes in the past seasons that featured this kind of action felt exciting and tense. It happened rarely so was impactful when they came along.
Here, it just feels a lot like dead weight.
I also felt the writers saw TWD as a much artier project than it actually is at this point - there only so much of main characters staring deeply into the horizon, or at the sun that I care to watch.
Even character deaths feel dragged out and testing and so many
of the gory practical effects have been replaced by sub par CGI now, that it just doesn't even warrant a reaction. It's a sad state of affairs.
It's not all bad, I guess? All of the acting talent are still stellar, they're just not being given much to do. Although the Negan storyline failed to light up the small screen for me, I still enjoy him as a character, and JDM as an actor. There are still some entertaining set pieces strewn throughout, but the overall experience is a shadow of it's former self.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated The Witcher in TV
Dec 29, 2019
Better than expected
I know nothing about The Witcher books or games, so I went into this Netflix series with an open mind and overall I was pleasantly surprised at how this turned out.
Henry Cavill is a great choice as Geralt, charming and witty yet threatening, and let's just say I also wasnt complaining about the amount of time he spends with his top off. The effects in this are very good and the action and fight scenes are well choreographed and wonderfully gory and bloody. The whole show just looks great, from the costumes to the scenery. I did find the diverging timelines of the three main characters a little confusing to begin with and I had to really pay attention to figure out where everything was up to. The lives of Ciri and Yennefer are interesting and Yennefer especially is a wonderfully smart and intriguing character, however I did feel a little frustrated that we spend so much time across the episodes with both of them. Whilst they both tie into the main plot, for me Geralt was the most engaging thing about this show. His monster hunting and interactions with other characters, especially his rather funny relationship with Jaskier, were what really kept me entertained and I may have rated this a little higher had he featured a lot more.
Oh and the ending was just ridiculously frustrating and such an anticlimax. Overall though this is a surprisingly good watch and I'll be interested to watch the second series, I'm just sad this won't be for a few years yet!
Henry Cavill is a great choice as Geralt, charming and witty yet threatening, and let's just say I also wasnt complaining about the amount of time he spends with his top off. The effects in this are very good and the action and fight scenes are well choreographed and wonderfully gory and bloody. The whole show just looks great, from the costumes to the scenery. I did find the diverging timelines of the three main characters a little confusing to begin with and I had to really pay attention to figure out where everything was up to. The lives of Ciri and Yennefer are interesting and Yennefer especially is a wonderfully smart and intriguing character, however I did feel a little frustrated that we spend so much time across the episodes with both of them. Whilst they both tie into the main plot, for me Geralt was the most engaging thing about this show. His monster hunting and interactions with other characters, especially his rather funny relationship with Jaskier, were what really kept me entertained and I may have rated this a little higher had he featured a lot more.
Oh and the ending was just ridiculously frustrating and such an anticlimax. Overall though this is a surprisingly good watch and I'll be interested to watch the second series, I'm just sad this won't be for a few years yet!