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BTPBookclub (18 KP) rated The Woman in the Window in Books
May 14, 2019
Messes with your head
This is a story that will mess with your head over and over… One revelation after another. I loved it. The Woman in the Window is set out in days and short chapters making it an easy to read story which can be devoured easily.
At first I thought hmm this woman (Anna) is a bit strange maybe she is just one of those nosy neighbours we all hate, boy was I wrong. Readers are in for a treat with this story. I must admit I thought with the story being based in just one specific location that it was going to be dull and dragged out, yet again I was wrong.
I awarded four stars for this story as I found it took a while to get to the good bits but it still turned out to be a brilliant brain twister of a story to dive into. Highly recommend!
At first I thought hmm this woman (Anna) is a bit strange maybe she is just one of those nosy neighbours we all hate, boy was I wrong. Readers are in for a treat with this story. I must admit I thought with the story being based in just one specific location that it was going to be dull and dragged out, yet again I was wrong.
I awarded four stars for this story as I found it took a while to get to the good bits but it still turned out to be a brilliant brain twister of a story to dive into. Highly recommend!
ArecRain (8 KP) rated The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall in Books
Jan 18, 2018
By far one of my favorites by Ms Hahn. This is one of her classic ghost stories where someone, in this case Sophia, meets their tragic end and is unable to rest.
This novel read quickly, however, I feel there was a lot of build up to a short climax. It wasnt necessarily bad, I had just hoped for more ghost interaction with Sophia. Once she is introduced, the novel seems to fly by. This could be because I was so enthralled with it. I would like to say the rather abrupt ending left me wanting more, but I felt content with the story as a whole. I only real issue I have with this novel is that I wasnt sure it was over until I turned the page and there was no more text. Hahn is known for providing closure in her stories, but, for once, I wasnt 100% sure it was over.
This novel read quickly, however, I feel there was a lot of build up to a short climax. It wasnt necessarily bad, I had just hoped for more ghost interaction with Sophia. Once she is introduced, the novel seems to fly by. This could be because I was so enthralled with it. I would like to say the rather abrupt ending left me wanting more, but I felt content with the story as a whole. I only real issue I have with this novel is that I wasnt sure it was over until I turned the page and there was no more text. Hahn is known for providing closure in her stories, but, for once, I wasnt 100% sure it was over.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Where She Went (If I Stay, #2) in Books
Feb 1, 2018
This is a sequel, of sorts, to "If I Stay" and picks up three years after Mia leaves Adam to start a new life at Juilliard. We learn that Mia has become a star in her own right, while Adam is rock star: the main focus of his band, Shooting Star. He has a celebrity girlfriend, a major tour, and a crazy life. But is he happy? And is Mia content with the choice she made to walk away from Adam?
This book is told from Adam's point of view and we learn about how Mia's decision has left him devastated. It's another rather short book, but it's also lovely. I am not sure exactly how to describe it. I liked "If I Stay," but I truly loved "Where She Went" -- it was beautiful and poignant and touching. Even though Adam (and Mia) could be a bit frustrating at times, it was certainly a worthwhile read.
This book is told from Adam's point of view and we learn about how Mia's decision has left him devastated. It's another rather short book, but it's also lovely. I am not sure exactly how to describe it. I liked "If I Stay," but I truly loved "Where She Went" -- it was beautiful and poignant and touching. Even though Adam (and Mia) could be a bit frustrating at times, it was certainly a worthwhile read.
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated Elantris: Tenth Anniversary Author's Definitive Edition in Books
Feb 1, 2018
I've enjoyed every Brandon Sanderson book I've read, and Elantris was certainly no exception. This was a beautiful mix of religious and political intrigue, magical mystery, and just a touch of romance. The ultimate answer to the mystery was so elegantly simple, but discovered so late, that consequences still had to be faced even when the main problem was fixed. (I'm trying to be vague so I don't spoil it!) I loved both Raoden and Sarene, and in a way, Hrathen too. He was a wonderfully written villain - one of those villains whose motivations you get to see and understand, so you end up sympathizing with him even as you don't want to see him succeed. Sanderson definitely has a talent for unusual fantasy novels, with elaborate plots and complex, well thought-out worlds.
In short, yet another amazing book from Brandon Sanderson.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
In short, yet another amazing book from Brandon Sanderson.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated Rogue (Shifters, #2) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
I am officially annoyed. I want some kind of law, or at least an industry standard, that requires publishers to label any novel that doesn't tie up all its little plot threads in ONE volume. This is one that would definitely have that label, as we're left waiting Important Things on the very last page. Blech.
It takes a lot of talent to write good poetry, to compress meaning into those few, perfect words. Writing short stories is, again, something that requires skill, talent, and discipline. Novels give the author more leeway, and the best, in my opinion, are those that are pared down to the essentials. More and more, I see the serial novel as the mark of a very undisciplined writer. I like series, certainly—as long as each volume can stand on its own merits, enjoyable without having to read several other books. Ms. Vincent is nowhere near that level of professionalism.
It takes a lot of talent to write good poetry, to compress meaning into those few, perfect words. Writing short stories is, again, something that requires skill, talent, and discipline. Novels give the author more leeway, and the best, in my opinion, are those that are pared down to the essentials. More and more, I see the serial novel as the mark of a very undisciplined writer. I like series, certainly—as long as each volume can stand on its own merits, enjoyable without having to read several other books. Ms. Vincent is nowhere near that level of professionalism.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2206 KP) rated The Chocolate Bunny Brouhaha (A Chocoholic Mystery, #16) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Bunny Birdsong is the newest employee at TenHuis Chocolade, and she brings with her some baggage in the form of an almost ex-husband and an aunt-in-law that would like to get the two back together. When Bunny’s aunt is found in the construction zone next door, Bunny becomes the prime suspect. Can Lee Woodyard figure out what is really happening?
Like always, this book is a delight from start to finish. It’s on the short size, which is usual for the series, but the book still packs in plenty of twists and turns. We even get to see a bit more of some series regulars who usual have cameos, which I really enjoyed. This series continues to be as addicting as always, and I can’t wait for the next books.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/11/book-review-chocolate-bunny-brouhaha-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Like always, this book is a delight from start to finish. It’s on the short size, which is usual for the series, but the book still packs in plenty of twists and turns. We even get to see a bit more of some series regulars who usual have cameos, which I really enjoyed. This series continues to be as addicting as always, and I can’t wait for the next books.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/11/book-review-chocolate-bunny-brouhaha-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
After breaking her arm in a circus accident, Ophelia Flax finds herself in a fancy hospital in Switzerland. Another patient there, Imogen Melchor, has been asleep for 8 days. Her parents claim it is related to the Sleeping Beauty legend, which is strong in the area. Meanwhile, Professor Gabriel Penrose is in the area, officially to track down local legends, but really in hopes of finding Ophelia again. Will he succeed? What happened to Imogen?
This is a novella written specifically to wrap up loose ends after the series was canceled. As a result, it will appeal most to series fans. With only 100 pages to work with, the story is fast paces with something always happening to move it forward. The new characters are a bit short changed, but Ophelia and Gabriel are strong, and the plot kept me guessing until the end.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/08/book-review-sleeping-beauty-borrowed.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This is a novella written specifically to wrap up loose ends after the series was canceled. As a result, it will appeal most to series fans. With only 100 pages to work with, the story is fast paces with something always happening to move it forward. The new characters are a bit short changed, but Ophelia and Gabriel are strong, and the plot kept me guessing until the end.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/08/book-review-sleeping-beauty-borrowed.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2206 KP) rated The Fantastic Family Whipple in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Arthur is the only member of the Whipple family who hasn’t broken any world records. It’s not that he hasn’t tried, but he always comes up short. However, when the family birthday party is sabotaged, Arthur might be the only one who can uncover the truth.
I wanted to like this book. I really did. The various world records were outlandishly funny. The characters were good, although most of them don’t get that much development. Unfortunately, the plot was too unfocused and fairly uneven as a result. I really think there needed to be more focus on that in another rewrite to make this book better. Having said that, there are some dangling threads that make me curious enough to think about picking up the next book, but only if I can get it from the library.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/04/book-review-fantastic-family-whipple-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I wanted to like this book. I really did. The various world records were outlandishly funny. The characters were good, although most of them don’t get that much development. Unfortunately, the plot was too unfocused and fairly uneven as a result. I really think there needed to be more focus on that in another rewrite to make this book better. Having said that, there are some dangling threads that make me curious enough to think about picking up the next book, but only if I can get it from the library.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/04/book-review-fantastic-family-whipple-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Sean Farrell (9 KP) rated Artifice in Books
Mar 15, 2018
I had been meaning to read this graphic novel for a while, having heard good things about how it used a sci-fi / action story to talk about homophobia, racism, free will, first love, and self-acceptance; and in light of recent current events, it seemed like the perfect time. The artwork is absolutely wonderful, and perfectly captures all the nuances of the story, which is pretty great in itself. While it can occasionally feel a little predictable, the tale of Deacon and Jeff was sweetly romantic and contained many moments that I found very relatable, in spite of the science fiction setting and sporadic bursts of violence. In a way, this story is similar to recent British hit anthology show "Black Mirror", in that it uses its sci-fi setting to tell a deeply human story to great effect. While it may fall a little short of being a masterpiece, it is a great comic, and one I would love to see continued.
Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated Dog in Books
Mar 15, 2018
I enjoyed this short story more than it seems others did. I don't know anything about Mexican culture and so I cannot understand the inaccuracies in this book, but I wholeheartedly understand the difficulties people will have with this novella if they are aware of true Mexican culture. For me this was purely fictional, the comments about Mexico didn't settle in my head as correct or accurate, I'd only take things as true if this was non-fiction or a documentary, though I'm always still happy to be corrected and to learn!
A creepy novella that I found fun to read. I wasn't so keen on all the sudden turn of events. The beginning of the story was drawn out and really let you into the narrators life whereas it just seemed to get rushed towards the end.
Thrilling and different. It was a nice change to the things I'm used to reading.
A creepy novella that I found fun to read. I wasn't so keen on all the sudden turn of events. The beginning of the story was drawn out and really let you into the narrators life whereas it just seemed to get rushed towards the end.
Thrilling and different. It was a nice change to the things I'm used to reading.