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Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Last Wish in Books
Sep 25, 2021
157 of 250
Book
The Last Wish ( The Witcher book 1)
By Andrzej Sapkowski
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Geralt de Rivia is a witcher. A cunning sorcerer. A merciless assassin.
And a cold-blooded killer.
His sole purpose: to destroy the monsters that plague the world.
But not everything monstrous-looking is evil and not everything fair is good
. . . and in every fairy tale there is a grain of truth.
I’m so glad I decided to start these books! This is a selection of short stories to open up the wither world and Geralt. I loved them all and it made so much more sense matching these shorts to the Tv series. Looking forward to getting stuck into the next book. It also helps I now have Henry Cavil stuck in my head for Geralt!
Book
The Last Wish ( The Witcher book 1)
By Andrzej Sapkowski
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Geralt de Rivia is a witcher. A cunning sorcerer. A merciless assassin.
And a cold-blooded killer.
His sole purpose: to destroy the monsters that plague the world.
But not everything monstrous-looking is evil and not everything fair is good
. . . and in every fairy tale there is a grain of truth.
I’m so glad I decided to start these books! This is a selection of short stories to open up the wither world and Geralt. I loved them all and it made so much more sense matching these shorts to the Tv series. Looking forward to getting stuck into the next book. It also helps I now have Henry Cavil stuck in my head for Geralt!
Merissa (13600 KP) rated Vampire for Christmas in Books
Apr 10, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
OK, so I know October is the wrong month to be reading about Christmas but it was next on my list ;)
This is a novella so the storyline is fast-paced and moves along swiftly. Saying that, you will still find all the information you need to be engrossed in the story of how Rafe and Shannon came to be partners and what their histories are.
This is a wonderful story that I would recommend for a rainy evening or when you are curled up in front of a fire, who knows maybe even during the build-up to the season itself! Short, sweet and sexy.
* 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!
October 8, 2016
This is a novella so the storyline is fast-paced and moves along swiftly. Saying that, you will still find all the information you need to be engrossed in the story of how Rafe and Shannon came to be partners and what their histories are.
This is a wonderful story that I would recommend for a rainy evening or when you are curled up in front of a fire, who knows maybe even during the build-up to the season itself! Short, sweet and sexy.
* 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!
October 8, 2016
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Echo of the Dead (DSI William Lorimer #19) in Books
Apr 10, 2022
This is another entertaining outing for DSI Lorimer and whilst this is the 19th in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone.
Echo of the Dead if set in the Scottish Highlands and Alex Gray does an excellent job of 'selling' the area to the reader despite the darkness of the story.
Lorimer is on a break with his friend, Daniel, when they stumble upon a body. A short time later, another body is found and Lorimer returns with his Team to investigate. Are these connected and could they be related to an historical massacre?
With a great cast of characters, this is an intriguing mystery with twists and is a great edition to the series and one that I would recommend to lovers of this genre.
Thank you to Little, Brown Book Group and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Echo of the Dead if set in the Scottish Highlands and Alex Gray does an excellent job of 'selling' the area to the reader despite the darkness of the story.
Lorimer is on a break with his friend, Daniel, when they stumble upon a body. A short time later, another body is found and Lorimer returns with his Team to investigate. Are these connected and could they be related to an historical massacre?
With a great cast of characters, this is an intriguing mystery with twists and is a great edition to the series and one that I would recommend to lovers of this genre.
Thank you to Little, Brown Book Group and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Merissa (13600 KP) rated The Executioner in Books
Dec 17, 2018 (Updated May 26, 2023)
This short story briefly mentions a local myth and legend about The Executioner, but apart from that, the story is mainly a second-chance romance. On a team-building weekend, something goes wrong and they end up with two dead bodies. Maddie needs to keep it together as Team Leader to assist the police, whilst also figuring out if she will forgive her ex, Nick.
This is a fast-paced story that nevertheless manages to tell the complete story and give you a hint of the mysterious too. Well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found, this makes a perfect coffee break book. Recommended.
* 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!
Mar 8, 2016
This is a fast-paced story that nevertheless manages to tell the complete story and give you a hint of the mysterious too. Well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found, this makes a perfect coffee break book. Recommended.
* 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!
Mar 8, 2016
ClareR (6054 KP) rated A Little Trickerie in Books
Nov 23, 2025
Was this on the Women’s Prize 2025 short list? Well if it wasn’t, it should have been. Top tier historical fiction, in my opinion. There’s a real sense of time and place – medieval times weren’t nice or easy to live in. Born a vagabond, orphaned and left to fend for herself, Tibb has an uncanny ability to fall in with people who will (largely) help her. Namely Ivo, who she meets shortly after the death of her mother, and some of the people in a travelling group of minstrels. Tibb is a truly wonderful character: she’s bold, adventurous and always makes the best of what she has. She hasn’t let the world turn her into a bitter, hateful person, and let’s just say that the world has had plenty of opportunities to do that! The narrative voice is so different from what I’ve read/ listened to before. Just perfect!
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated An American Family in Books
Jan 11, 2018
Amazing memoir
Like many people, I was inspired by the Khizr Khan's speech at the Democratic Convention last year, and appalled by Trump's reaction. As a Marine wife, the family members left behind when a service member dies get my utmost sympathy and compassion. That was my biggest fear while my husband was in the Marines, and it's still a very emotional memory to look back on. So when I heard that Khan was writing a book, I knew I HAD to read it. I put a hold request in at the library before the book was published, and I'm glad I did. The book is definitely one of my favorites of 2017. (One of my next posts will be a round up of my favorites from this year.)
An American Family follows the Khans' journey from Pakistan, to Dubai, to Texas, Maryland, and finally Virginia. And it's fascinating. He says in the beginning of the book that he wrote it to answer the question he's constantly asked: why do you love America? Why are you a Patriot? He couldn't answer it in a few short sentences. This book is his answer, and what an answer it is. It's impossible to summarize this book - it must be read.
It's a very easy read - it flows beautifully, and Khan tells a story well. It's easy, at least, until you get to the point where their son dies in action. Perhaps it wouldn't have such an emotional effect on someone else, but that, and its aftermath, was pretty hard for me to read about. The event is important, however. Its repercussions ripple out through the Khans' lives and affect everything they touch.
I can't recommend this book highly enough. Especially if you're American, and no matter where on the political spectrum you fall, this book is important. It might give you a different view on immigrants.
You can find all of my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
An American Family follows the Khans' journey from Pakistan, to Dubai, to Texas, Maryland, and finally Virginia. And it's fascinating. He says in the beginning of the book that he wrote it to answer the question he's constantly asked: why do you love America? Why are you a Patriot? He couldn't answer it in a few short sentences. This book is his answer, and what an answer it is. It's impossible to summarize this book - it must be read.
It's a very easy read - it flows beautifully, and Khan tells a story well. It's easy, at least, until you get to the point where their son dies in action. Perhaps it wouldn't have such an emotional effect on someone else, but that, and its aftermath, was pretty hard for me to read about. The event is important, however. Its repercussions ripple out through the Khans' lives and affect everything they touch.
I can't recommend this book highly enough. Especially if you're American, and no matter where on the political spectrum you fall, this book is important. It might give you a different view on immigrants.
You can find all of my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
Debbiereadsbook (1617 KP) rated Snowed In: Dane and Heath in Books
Mar 14, 2019
Dane needed a say!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Dane is a good boss, until he makes Heath stay late and they get caught in a snow storm of epic proportions. But after a few beers and some secrets, Dane and Heath find they have more in common that they thought, and neither can deny it any longer.
CUTE!! My first thoughts on finishing this book was, needs to go on the "too stinking cute" shelf!
It's rather sweet, with a little bit of sexy time, some secrets exposed, not overly emotional, but enough emotion comes across in the right places. All the descriptions of the weather, what's happening outside, when the car nearly crashes into the tree, they all came across beautifully, and I reacted verbally to some parts. I don't usually, when reading, but do when listening. But when the car went skidding?? I was like NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Phew, when it stopped!
Only Heath has a say, though, and I think that's why I gave it 4 stars and not 5. Even for such a short book, some 48 pages, if Dane had had a say, if we had gotten into his mind, I think this might have been a 5 star read. Dane has a lot to say here, and not all of it is voiced.
I have one teeny tiny comment about the editing though. In one particular place, Dane's is transposed for Heath's name. I carried on reading, not really noticing UNTIL something happen that DANE did to HEATH, which had happened where the names got mixed up. Just a comment, is all.
Really REALLY cute read, and the first I have read of this author. I'd like to read more, something longer with more bite, a bit more in depth.
4 solid stars (but really only cos Dane doesn't have his say)
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Dane is a good boss, until he makes Heath stay late and they get caught in a snow storm of epic proportions. But after a few beers and some secrets, Dane and Heath find they have more in common that they thought, and neither can deny it any longer.
CUTE!! My first thoughts on finishing this book was, needs to go on the "too stinking cute" shelf!
It's rather sweet, with a little bit of sexy time, some secrets exposed, not overly emotional, but enough emotion comes across in the right places. All the descriptions of the weather, what's happening outside, when the car nearly crashes into the tree, they all came across beautifully, and I reacted verbally to some parts. I don't usually, when reading, but do when listening. But when the car went skidding?? I was like NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Phew, when it stopped!
Only Heath has a say, though, and I think that's why I gave it 4 stars and not 5. Even for such a short book, some 48 pages, if Dane had had a say, if we had gotten into his mind, I think this might have been a 5 star read. Dane has a lot to say here, and not all of it is voiced.
I have one teeny tiny comment about the editing though. In one particular place, Dane's is transposed for Heath's name. I carried on reading, not really noticing UNTIL something happen that DANE did to HEATH, which had happened where the names got mixed up. Just a comment, is all.
Really REALLY cute read, and the first I have read of this author. I'd like to read more, something longer with more bite, a bit more in depth.
4 solid stars (but really only cos Dane doesn't have his say)
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
I was ensnared by the man's look on the front of this cover that I had to buy it. I don't know why, but I was just fascinated by his expression. After reading the description, I was so taken by this book that I immediately had to read it. I actually expected the female protagonist, Sierra, to be a whore with prisoners. The description led me to believe. It also made me think that she was some week female under the influence of her enemy.
I was so completely wrong. Not only does Sierra only have sex with three people the entire novel --two because she wanted to and one because she is pretty much forced--, but she is one of the strongest heroines I have ever read. She watched her mother, who had the gift of sight, being forced to work for the enemy Saxons, who later murders her for hiding Sierra's brother. Sierra and her brother, Torin, are then forced apart. It is thought that Torin is left for dead, while Sierra takes up her mother's job as the Saxon king's Seer. Her entire life, Sierra never loses her fire, her hope, or her determination. When she sees Dryston, she sees her chance to escape and doesn't hesitate to snatch it.
I was so completely enraptured by this novel: by Sierra's life and emotions, by Dryston's mission, determination, and tenderness when taking care of Sierra, and by the entire nations hope of being free from the Saxons. McIntyre weaves such a compelling story that one cannot help but be tangled up in. I actually completely forgot that this was meant to be an erotic novel because I was so caught up in the storyline. I am glad, however, that I did not read this book for the erotica. Honestly, the erotic scenes fizzled. They were short, lacked description, and were actually passable.
One of the best novels I've read in a long time.
I was so completely wrong. Not only does Sierra only have sex with three people the entire novel --two because she wanted to and one because she is pretty much forced--, but she is one of the strongest heroines I have ever read. She watched her mother, who had the gift of sight, being forced to work for the enemy Saxons, who later murders her for hiding Sierra's brother. Sierra and her brother, Torin, are then forced apart. It is thought that Torin is left for dead, while Sierra takes up her mother's job as the Saxon king's Seer. Her entire life, Sierra never loses her fire, her hope, or her determination. When she sees Dryston, she sees her chance to escape and doesn't hesitate to snatch it.
I was so completely enraptured by this novel: by Sierra's life and emotions, by Dryston's mission, determination, and tenderness when taking care of Sierra, and by the entire nations hope of being free from the Saxons. McIntyre weaves such a compelling story that one cannot help but be tangled up in. I actually completely forgot that this was meant to be an erotic novel because I was so caught up in the storyline. I am glad, however, that I did not read this book for the erotica. Honestly, the erotic scenes fizzled. They were short, lacked description, and were actually passable.
One of the best novels I've read in a long time.
Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated A Stranger in the House in Books
Mar 15, 2018
I really wish I had loved this book more! I have heard so many good things about her debut (which I still need to read!) so I was expecting great things from this one too. Dont get me wrong, this wasnt awful but I guessed the different twists straight away and I wasnt so keen on the writing style, although more on that later because Im conflicted!
I thought the characters in this one were quite well developed. You definitely got a feel for them and their lives, but none of them were particularly enthralling characters to read about. I didnt find myself rushing to get back to the book to know what Tom was going to do next, or how Brigid felt in the next part. They were fine, but not great. Nor, were any particularly likeable, in my opinion.
When it comes to the writing, Im a little conflicted. I said earlier I wasnt so keen on it, but it did add some suspense to the novel, which is always good. I guess what I didnt like so much was the repetition of my wife / my husband or using someones name about 3 times in a sentence.
I cant think of much more to say about this one I enjoyed it enough to continue reading it, and reasonably quickly. It only took me a few days to get through (which may seen like a lot for a short book, but I was in the middle of leaving and starting a new job)!
Even though this hasnt been my favourite book of the year, I still want to read Lapenas debut, and depending on if I like that, I will read her next book too. I always find second books slip in quality, ever so slightly? Not all the time, but thats how I find it a lot of the time.
I thought the characters in this one were quite well developed. You definitely got a feel for them and their lives, but none of them were particularly enthralling characters to read about. I didnt find myself rushing to get back to the book to know what Tom was going to do next, or how Brigid felt in the next part. They were fine, but not great. Nor, were any particularly likeable, in my opinion.
When it comes to the writing, Im a little conflicted. I said earlier I wasnt so keen on it, but it did add some suspense to the novel, which is always good. I guess what I didnt like so much was the repetition of my wife / my husband or using someones name about 3 times in a sentence.
I cant think of much more to say about this one I enjoyed it enough to continue reading it, and reasonably quickly. It only took me a few days to get through (which may seen like a lot for a short book, but I was in the middle of leaving and starting a new job)!
Even though this hasnt been my favourite book of the year, I still want to read Lapenas debut, and depending on if I like that, I will read her next book too. I always find second books slip in quality, ever so slightly? Not all the time, but thats how I find it a lot of the time.
T.N. Nova (30 KP) rated Bought: A Ripples in the Status Quo Story in Books
Jun 26, 2018
Bought (The Fate Of The Fallen Series Book 1) by R. Phoenix is a short, 68 page dark paranormal fiction. In this dystopian world where supernaturals are at the top of the food chain and humans are second class citizens at best, the status quo is not to be messed with. There are those supes though who help the band of human Rebellion gain their rights back. Or at least try to survive another day while living in poverty.
Jace, A werewolf, takes the fall for his pack leader’s attempts to help the Rebellion. His thoughts were that he would end up being executed in a gladiator type fight to the death with his own death being expected. Instead, he was put in chains geared to restrain even the most powerful werewolves and sold on the slave market.
Enter Elias Ivers. A witch from a powerful family. Jace gets bought by Elias and subjected to the witch’s depraved games. Jace tries desperately to withhold out and handle anything his new master can dish out. That is until he realizes his own pride has no place in his life and succumbs to the life he now lives as a witch’s pet.
Classified as a dark paranormal fiction, Bought is a book that I quickly and eagerly picked up to read. Even more so because it was written by R. Phoenix. Having already read Spoiled by her and her co-author Morgan Noel, I was glad to have been given the opportunity to read Bought. I found myself wanting to beat Ivers upside the head while protecting Jace. My only problem is that I wanted more. I wasn’t ready for this story to be over as soon as it was. I guess that really isn’t much of a problem though given it drew me in so thoroughly that I was lost until I finished it.
A must read for everyone who loves dark paranormal and puppy play
Jace, A werewolf, takes the fall for his pack leader’s attempts to help the Rebellion. His thoughts were that he would end up being executed in a gladiator type fight to the death with his own death being expected. Instead, he was put in chains geared to restrain even the most powerful werewolves and sold on the slave market.
Enter Elias Ivers. A witch from a powerful family. Jace gets bought by Elias and subjected to the witch’s depraved games. Jace tries desperately to withhold out and handle anything his new master can dish out. That is until he realizes his own pride has no place in his life and succumbs to the life he now lives as a witch’s pet.
Classified as a dark paranormal fiction, Bought is a book that I quickly and eagerly picked up to read. Even more so because it was written by R. Phoenix. Having already read Spoiled by her and her co-author Morgan Noel, I was glad to have been given the opportunity to read Bought. I found myself wanting to beat Ivers upside the head while protecting Jace. My only problem is that I wanted more. I wasn’t ready for this story to be over as soon as it was. I guess that really isn’t much of a problem though given it drew me in so thoroughly that I was lost until I finished it.
A must read for everyone who loves dark paranormal and puppy play