Search
Search results
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated A State of Freedom in Books
Jul 30, 2017
A wonderful array of short stories set in India
An intriguing network of short stories set in modern India with a backdrop of traditional culture. The stories have a vague link with one another, usually focusing on one particular character's narrative. And the nature of each story varies from magical realism to politics. While there were some stories I liked more than others, the animal cruelty of one specific tale was a little gratuitous to my liking. And while I know this happens in India it didn't seem to go anywhere. Other than that a well written cyclical novel.
Joanna Louise (7 KP) rated Wide Sargasso Sea in Books
Jun 7, 2019
Not what I expected
I was recommended this book by a friend as I enjoyed Jane Eyre. Was not sure what I was expecting when I started this but I have to say I was disappointed. Whereas the premis was good and it was an interesting thought to explore 'Mrs Rochester' the bok was far too short and I felt what could have been a great exploration of a character fell way short. The narrative was all over the place using first and third perspectives. Worth a read if you want something quick to pass the time.
Ruth Frampton (577 KP) rated Inside Out Ancient Egypt in Books
Mar 11, 2018
Inside out...
With beautiful illustrations and interesting subject matter, this book is a win-win with curious children. and although it is quite short, it fills a child with wonder and lets them take in what they want before progressing to more challenging reading material. With appropriate technical language used, this book would be good in a school library and would work well for project work as well as curious individuals.
I am reviewing this book for Luann Columbo, Quarto Publishing, and NetGalley who gave me a copy of their book for an honest review.
I am reviewing this book for Luann Columbo, Quarto Publishing, and NetGalley who gave me a copy of their book for an honest review.
<b>2 Star Rating</b>
Unfortunately I was quite disappointed with this one as it could have been so much better. I knew it was going to be a short read but definitely not as short as that! Most of the pages weren't anything to do with the main 'story'.
This was just one scene (yummy but not very exciting) which left a lot to be desired. There wasn't much of a story, little to no depth to the characters and ultimately a poor climax.
This would have great potential as a full length novel though.
Unfortunately I was quite disappointed with this one as it could have been so much better. I knew it was going to be a short read but definitely not as short as that! Most of the pages weren't anything to do with the main 'story'.
This was just one scene (yummy but not very exciting) which left a lot to be desired. There wasn't much of a story, little to no depth to the characters and ultimately a poor climax.
This would have great potential as a full length novel though.
Merissa (13654 KP) rated Witch Flame (Keepers of the Stones, #0.5) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
This is a short but very sweet prelude to the world of the Keepers of the Stones and is followed by Curse of the Ice Dragon.
You are immediately swept away into the world of Feira and the village in which she lives. You are given an incredible amount of knowledge in a short time but in no way overloaded. She has the power to heal but also to harm as there must be balance in all things.
Absolutely brilliant and also loved Curse of the Ice Dragon. Looking forward to reading more of this series as soon as it's available.
You are immediately swept away into the world of Feira and the village in which she lives. You are given an incredible amount of knowledge in a short time but in no way overloaded. She has the power to heal but also to harm as there must be balance in all things.
Absolutely brilliant and also loved Curse of the Ice Dragon. Looking forward to reading more of this series as soon as it's available.
AJaneClark (3975 KP) rated His Woman In Command in Books
Dec 2, 2019
Short Read
Captain Nike Alexander is in Afghanistan for one reason only - to use her pilot skills. She doesn’t have time for men, especially military men. Playing hard to get with Captain Gavin Jackson comes as naturally to Nike as flying one of her Apaches. But Gavin’s sexy-as-sin smile is making it harder and harder to say no. Nicely written short read, touches on the hardships of war and the tolls that this has on all involved. It would have been nice to tie up some of the unfinished parts touched upon throughout the book. The characters were very likeable!
Eleanor (1463 KP) rated Small Wars (Jack Reacher #19.5) in Books
Jan 13, 2020
Nice Quick Reacher Fix
Another Reacher short audio for me narrated by Kerry Shale and with a run-time of around 1hr 15 mins it was an enjoyable quick fix.
Set back in 1989 while Reacher is still in the military it’s a fairly standard investigation set-up following the murder of young lieutenant colonel.
It’s what you expect from Reacher with his no-nonsense style and observing nature all in the form of a quick hit. I enjoyed this short more than the previous Reacher shorts I’ve come across; it kept things simple and to the point.
Set back in 1989 while Reacher is still in the military it’s a fairly standard investigation set-up following the murder of young lieutenant colonel.
It’s what you expect from Reacher with his no-nonsense style and observing nature all in the form of a quick hit. I enjoyed this short more than the previous Reacher shorts I’ve come across; it kept things simple and to the point.
Refreshingly different voices (1 more)
Short, easy to digest stories
Listen to the call!
A solid anthology, there were some weaker tales in there but no more than a Stephen King short story collection.
Really interesting mix of different perspectives and writing styles. I was impressed at how they were all given the same prompt and yet did such vastly different things with it.
Some of them really stuck with me. 'Forest Man' definitely got me the most. It drew me in wonderfully and successfully creeped me out.
------------------
Thank you to Book Sirens and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Really interesting mix of different perspectives and writing styles. I was impressed at how they were all given the same prompt and yet did such vastly different things with it.
Some of them really stuck with me. 'Forest Man' definitely got me the most. It drew me in wonderfully and successfully creeped me out.
------------------
Thank you to Book Sirens and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The Essential Tales & Poems of Edgar Allan Poe
Edgar Allan Poe and Daniel Stashower
Book
Revel in the sumptuous language of Edgar Allan Poe's best works. The Essential Tales & Poems of...
The Chocolate Lady (94 KP) rated The I.O.U. in Books
Oct 5, 2020
I'm actually giving this short story 4.5 stars, since I was a touch confused by the ending. Nevertheless, I have to say that this previously undiscovered short story is simply delightful, and thank you so much The New Yorker for publishing it (which you can find here http://bit.ly/2mLpQvP). This is Fitzgerald at his best and most cynical. He takes an untenable situation and finds the humor in it, while allowing the sadness to dissolve into the background, like the very last lingerings of a slightly unpleasant scent. This very quick read is highly recommended!