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Merissa (12069 KP) rated Disjointed Lives in Books
Mar 30, 2018
Disjointed Lives by Morgan Sheppard
Disjointed Lives is the first non-fantasy story from Morgan Sheppard. It is only a short story, based around two friends meeting for coffee, and one of them needing help. It does mention gas lighting and mental/emotional abuse, but without going into too much detail.
One of the things that is becoming clear is that Morgan Sheppard writes character based stories. The world building is very good, but what gives these stories the emotion behind them, is the characters. They are completely relate-able, with foibles and quirks that readers will recognise in themselves and those they know.
Whether you like fantasy or contemporary/women's fiction, I would definitely recommend this book, and others by this author.
* 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!
One of the things that is becoming clear is that Morgan Sheppard writes character based stories. The world building is very good, but what gives these stories the emotion behind them, is the characters. They are completely relate-able, with foibles and quirks that readers will recognise in themselves and those they know.
Whether you like fantasy or contemporary/women's fiction, I would definitely recommend this book, and others by this author.
* 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!
David McK (3425 KP) rated Star Wars, Vol. 1: Skywalker Strikes in Books
Jan 28, 2019
Flagship entry in Marvel's take-over of the Star Wars comics, this is set between the events of 'A New Hope' and 'The Empire Strikes Back' and, I have to say, is also a pretty enjoyable read!
It probably helps, of course, that the opening panels start with the iconic crawl, before moving to an expanse of space, with a spaceship then passing overhead - as close, in short, as you can get to the opening of the films in comic form! It also helps that all the main character - Luke, Leia, Han, Chewbacca, C3PO and R2D2 all make a return, all looking pretty much as they did on the screen back then
OK, it's not perfect, with the reveal of Han's secret past (in particular) for me falling a bit flat, and with the story losing it's pace after the somewhat spectacular early pyrotechnics, but if this is anything to go on? We're in good hands.
It probably helps, of course, that the opening panels start with the iconic crawl, before moving to an expanse of space, with a spaceship then passing overhead - as close, in short, as you can get to the opening of the films in comic form! It also helps that all the main character - Luke, Leia, Han, Chewbacca, C3PO and R2D2 all make a return, all looking pretty much as they did on the screen back then
OK, it's not perfect, with the reveal of Han's secret past (in particular) for me falling a bit flat, and with the story losing it's pace after the somewhat spectacular early pyrotechnics, but if this is anything to go on? We're in good hands.
David McK (3425 KP) rated Devil's Charge (Civil War Chronicles #2) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
The second book in Michael Arnold's planned <i>Captain Stryker</i> series of books, all set during the time of the English Civil War.
Despite being one of the defining period in English history, it's actually a subject rarely touched upon: when I was at school, we were taught more about the American Civil War than about the English counter-part! Short of this series, I can't - personally - think of any other novels set in and around the same period.
Like Cornwell's [i]Sharpe[/i] series of books, the events of this are all set in and around real historical events: in this case, the storming of Cirencester, the siege of Lichfield and the battle of Hopton Heath. If I'm honest, I wasn't familiar with any of these events, which is something I've always enjoyed about this type of book: a chance to learn some new history while also enjoying a good read! :)
Despite being one of the defining period in English history, it's actually a subject rarely touched upon: when I was at school, we were taught more about the American Civil War than about the English counter-part! Short of this series, I can't - personally - think of any other novels set in and around the same period.
Like Cornwell's [i]Sharpe[/i] series of books, the events of this are all set in and around real historical events: in this case, the storming of Cirencester, the siege of Lichfield and the battle of Hopton Heath. If I'm honest, I wasn't familiar with any of these events, which is something I've always enjoyed about this type of book: a chance to learn some new history while also enjoying a good read! :)
Emmy (14 KP) rated The Witcher in TV
Dec 31, 2019
Very entertaining!
I was very entertained watching the serie version of The Witcher. [Context: I have played the games and I haven't read the books.] I enjoyed discovering the "real" story, the first stories, that created the games later on. I really enjoyed the format because it was, to my opinion, an echo to the short stories format, while having a bigger plot line, and without falling into filler episodes. The choice they made in mixing the time lines was interesting and I personally liked it. However I can't imagine how someone who didn't have any knowledge of the universe understood anything as lots of the details and mechanics of the society and kind of people was barely explained; as someone who "knows how it works" I enjoyed not having too much exposition. I recommend!
Merissa (12069 KP) rated The Hawk's Shadow (Black Earth, Prequel) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
The idea of bridging one book to a new trilogy via a novella was, well, brilliant and 'novel' if you pardon the pun. I am not usually a big fan of novellas as I prefer to have more detail which is usually denied me due to the length. However, being as this dealt with characters from "Raven's Heart" so you have already been introduced to them and their lives and struggles. This story continues on perfectly with two of them - Hawkwing and his brother, The White Demon/Collin.
For such a short book there is a lot of detail which was fantastic to read. There is a reference (to Hawkwing and his health) which is a reference to Raven's Heart but this in no ways mars the general flow of the story.
Well paced, good characters, in-depth story told and a wonderful way to start a new trilogy. Really enjoyed this one.
For such a short book there is a lot of detail which was fantastic to read. There is a reference (to Hawkwing and his health) which is a reference to Raven's Heart but this in no ways mars the general flow of the story.
Well paced, good characters, in-depth story told and a wonderful way to start a new trilogy. Really enjoyed this one.
Merissa (12069 KP) rated Brothers In Arms in Books
Dec 17, 2018
Brothers in Arms Anthology has a military streak running through it, to no ones' surprise! Most of them are in a contemporary setting, but one has a distinctive Science Fiction feel to it. They aren't just M/M either, there are Ménage Moments too.
All of the stories are very well written, considering the scope of a short story. I would love to see some of them expanded into full-length stories! Some of these authors were already known to me, but some were new and I will definitely be reading more.
I enjoyed all the stories, but if I had to pick a favourite, it would be either One Night With You or Would You Wait For Me? Definitely recommended by me.
* 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!
All of the stories are very well written, considering the scope of a short story. I would love to see some of them expanded into full-length stories! Some of these authors were already known to me, but some were new and I will definitely be reading more.
I enjoyed all the stories, but if I had to pick a favourite, it would be either One Night With You or Would You Wait For Me? Definitely recommended by me.
* 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!
Eilidh G Clark (177 KP) rated The Diving-bell and the Butterfly in Books
Jul 2, 2019
Emotional
Contains spoilers, click to show
This is a short memoir with snip-bits of chapters. The late Bauby had locked in syndrome, this is one of the reasons that makes this book remarkable. Being unable to speak or move, his story is captured by a friend through the authors blinking with his left eye. He finds a way to rearrange the alphabet in order of letter usage in French. This is not a heart rendering account of a man trapped in (as he calls it) a cocoon, but rather a snap shot of the way he copes, the way his memory allows him to heighten his imagination, the way he separates his existence from the outside world and the way his mind saves him from boredom.
Beautifully written with a conversational tone, this is a wonderful glimpse into the mind of a person whose body no longer works.
Beautifully written with a conversational tone, this is a wonderful glimpse into the mind of a person whose body no longer works.
Leah Lopez (7 KP) rated Meredith: Our Daughter's Murder and the Heartbreaking Quest for the Truth in Books
Nov 6, 2019
When the news first came out I thought, like most people, it would be a short trial before the murderers go to jail for a very long time. Yet, this is one of the most baffling cases I have tried to get my head around. Meredith Kercher was a beautiful and talented young girl that had so much to live for. Her photographs show her personality and loving nature. Yet, like her father says, the attention has always been on Amanda Knox. Why? I have no idea...she seems so boisterous and cunning. She acts naive but she isn't. It is like a game to her. Although the recent court case has, once again, let them off I strongly believe another case will be brought forward. It has too. Too much mystery to let it go. The amount of evidence that pins all suspects has to have an ending. An emotional read. May you rest in peace, Meredith Kercher!
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Maggie for Hire (Maggie MacKay #1) in Books
Mar 31, 2020
My name is Maggie MacKay. When monsters show up in Los Angeles, I get the call to haul 'em back to the dimension where they belong.
It's a living.
But I just got word my uncle has teamed up with the forces of darkness to ruin my life. Actually, everyone's lives. Everyone's gonna die if I don't find a magical object before the coming apocalypse. This is going to make the next family reunion a little awkward.
Come along with me, my sidekick elf Killian, and my crazy family for a snarky urban fantasy adventure with attitude.
WARNING: This book contains cussing, brawling, and unladylike behavior. Proceed with caution.
Well I really enjoyed this book it was a quick read,fast paced and well written! I loved Maggie and her whole kickass attitude. Although there was a bit of sexual tension between her and Killian it didn't take over the whole book. Loved how balanced it was. Short chapters that kept you reading!
It's a living.
But I just got word my uncle has teamed up with the forces of darkness to ruin my life. Actually, everyone's lives. Everyone's gonna die if I don't find a magical object before the coming apocalypse. This is going to make the next family reunion a little awkward.
Come along with me, my sidekick elf Killian, and my crazy family for a snarky urban fantasy adventure with attitude.
WARNING: This book contains cussing, brawling, and unladylike behavior. Proceed with caution.
Well I really enjoyed this book it was a quick read,fast paced and well written! I loved Maggie and her whole kickass attitude. Although there was a bit of sexual tension between her and Killian it didn't take over the whole book. Loved how balanced it was. Short chapters that kept you reading!
AJaneClark (3975 KP) rated A Witch Awakens in Books
Apr 27, 2020 (Updated Apr 27, 2020)
I came across this lovely little book in a charity shop a while back, and it lingered in the TBR pile for a long while.
A relatively short read, coming in at less than 200 pages. This slow starter rapidly became one of those books that I struggled to put down.
Scarlett has felt different for a long while, but seems to develop her magick powers naturally without any guidance. Scarlett is your typical 21 year old, enjoying living away from home, in the big city, looking for love, finding a job after finishing school, managing finances and having fun with friends, oh and being a witch! That was until the night of the break in. After that Scarlett started to notice odd little things, would lose train of thought, or moments in time. Until one day when it all came together in an intriguing climax.
The first in this series, I would happily purchases the rest.
A relatively short read, coming in at less than 200 pages. This slow starter rapidly became one of those books that I struggled to put down.
Scarlett has felt different for a long while, but seems to develop her magick powers naturally without any guidance. Scarlett is your typical 21 year old, enjoying living away from home, in the big city, looking for love, finding a job after finishing school, managing finances and having fun with friends, oh and being a witch! That was until the night of the break in. After that Scarlett started to notice odd little things, would lose train of thought, or moments in time. Until one day when it all came together in an intriguing climax.
The first in this series, I would happily purchases the rest.
