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Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated Dont Look Now in Books
Mar 15, 2018
I think this book is very deserving of 4 stars rather than the 3 a lot of people have decided to give it. While I agree the last two books of the collection (The Way of The Cross and The Breakthrough) were disappointing in relation to the first three (Don't Look Now, Not After Midnight and A Border-Line Case) I don't think that knocked the book of a star as each story was well written and unique.
My favourite was, by far, A Border-Line Case. Du Maurier does a great job of building tension throughout and while people are complaining that it's twist ending is nothing new, you have to remember that this was originally published in the 70's and so the twist probably was something new and from that time since there have been repeats of the shock ending - meaning Du Maurier's story is unique and the others thereafter are not (though a lot of them are in other ways).
I haven't read any of Du Maurier's other stories and I'm glad of that because it seems like these short stories are being compared to her other works. So for me, having nothing to compare these stories with, it seems I found this a lot more enjoyable than other people seemed to!
Even though the last two stories weren't as fun and spooky they were still good stories and I would recommend this book to many of my friends and family.
My favourite was, by far, A Border-Line Case. Du Maurier does a great job of building tension throughout and while people are complaining that it's twist ending is nothing new, you have to remember that this was originally published in the 70's and so the twist probably was something new and from that time since there have been repeats of the shock ending - meaning Du Maurier's story is unique and the others thereafter are not (though a lot of them are in other ways).
I haven't read any of Du Maurier's other stories and I'm glad of that because it seems like these short stories are being compared to her other works. So for me, having nothing to compare these stories with, it seems I found this a lot more enjoyable than other people seemed to!
Even though the last two stories weren't as fun and spooky they were still good stories and I would recommend this book to many of my friends and family.
Deborah (162 KP) rated The Lost Kings: Lancaster, York and Tudor in Books
Jan 13, 2019
Riddled with Errors - Drove me to Despair!
The Lost Kings of Lancaster, York & Tudor by Amy Licence might be better as The Lost Copy Editor. There were so many mistakes it was just laughable. You're trying to read something and stopping really frequently as brain is telling you something doesn't add up. I got so frustrated that even in the first chapter I started writing in amendments with a pencil! In fact the first chapter is itself a massive blunder - it's entitled Edmund, Duke (Sic) of Rutland! How could the son of James I die in 1598 when Elizabeth I was still on the English throne and he wasn't James I? Well, he didn't die until 1612, as I ascertained within seconds - if only someone here had done the same!
The stuff about attitudes towards death and the impact of the deaths of these individuals was fairly interesting, but a lot of it was trying to squeeze complicated history into a relatively short space, which didn't do it justice. There are also rather large assumptions made without any particular evidence of reasoning. She goes on and on about Edward V being murdered, when in fact there isn't any evidence that would stand up in a court of law that he was killed by anyone. She apparently thinks that the Tyrell smothering story is 'most likely'. If she really believes that, there's a bridge I'd like to sell her......
The stuff about attitudes towards death and the impact of the deaths of these individuals was fairly interesting, but a lot of it was trying to squeeze complicated history into a relatively short space, which didn't do it justice. There are also rather large assumptions made without any particular evidence of reasoning. She goes on and on about Edward V being murdered, when in fact there isn't any evidence that would stand up in a court of law that he was killed by anyone. She apparently thinks that the Tyrell smothering story is 'most likely'. If she really believes that, there's a bridge I'd like to sell her......
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Atlas of Adventures: Wonders of the World in Books
Dec 11, 2018
beautifully illustrated pages (1 more)
"find and seek" at the end of the book
Latest in the best-selling "Atlas of Adventures" series
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
"Atlas of Adventures: Wonders of the World" is the latest in the best-selling "Atlas of Adventures" series by Ben Handicott with illustrations by Lucy Letherland. The series is a set of colorful atlases marketed for children. Each of the 96 beautifully illustrated pages contains short informative and fascinating statements about the wonder. The book is divided by continent "showcasing the globe's most impressive landscapes, iconic buildings and evocative antiquities from both the modern and ancient worlds". Many of the wonders are those you would expect to find but it includes a few surprising ones too.
At the end of the book, there is a cute and enjoyable "find and seek" of many of the pictures presented throughout the book.
This book is larger than a normal hardback book. Its dimensions are 11.2 x 15 inches which would help to be able to read the statements. The series is available as a hardback. Reading it as an e-book was difficult because the book needed to be shrunken to screen size.
It is highly ranked on Amazon for sales in both the "Geography & Cultures > Travel" and "Science, Nature & How It Works > Mystery & Wonders" categories as of 12/11/18.
"Atlas of Adventures: Wonders of the World" is the latest in the best-selling "Atlas of Adventures" series by Ben Handicott with illustrations by Lucy Letherland. The series is a set of colorful atlases marketed for children. Each of the 96 beautifully illustrated pages contains short informative and fascinating statements about the wonder. The book is divided by continent "showcasing the globe's most impressive landscapes, iconic buildings and evocative antiquities from both the modern and ancient worlds". Many of the wonders are those you would expect to find but it includes a few surprising ones too.
At the end of the book, there is a cute and enjoyable "find and seek" of many of the pictures presented throughout the book.
This book is larger than a normal hardback book. Its dimensions are 11.2 x 15 inches which would help to be able to read the statements. The series is available as a hardback. Reading it as an e-book was difficult because the book needed to be shrunken to screen size.
It is highly ranked on Amazon for sales in both the "Geography & Cultures > Travel" and "Science, Nature & How It Works > Mystery & Wonders" categories as of 12/11/18.
Merissa (12066 KP) rated The Beginning in Books
Dec 17, 2018
For a prequel novella, this book packs in a lot of information in a relatively short amount of time. Cecily is a 'royal' Witch but she is royally fed up with her life. She wants to live like a human but is being hassled to be the one who gives birth the one long awaited, the one who will save the witches. Unfortunately, this means that she has suffered through nine miscarriages. I don't mean one or nine relationships though. She is there as a brood mare, along with the other royal witches, until the Tenth is born.
She meets up with her friend, only to find out that the meeting was just a ruse to try and get her to continue. Hurt by the betrayal, she leaves and finds her way to a bar where the music tempts her inside.
Like I said, there is a lot of information in here that will delight and tempt you, and definitely leave you wanting to know more - about Cecily, about James, about the situation they find themselves in, about their world in general.
With no spelling or grammatical errors that I found, this was an enjoyable and quick read, perfectly leading on to the next book in the series - A Late Summer Bloom. Definitely recommended.
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
She meets up with her friend, only to find out that the meeting was just a ruse to try and get her to continue. Hurt by the betrayal, she leaves and finds her way to a bar where the music tempts her inside.
Like I said, there is a lot of information in here that will delight and tempt you, and definitely leave you wanting to know more - about Cecily, about James, about the situation they find themselves in, about their world in general.
With no spelling or grammatical errors that I found, this was an enjoyable and quick read, perfectly leading on to the next book in the series - A Late Summer Bloom. Definitely recommended.
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
ClareR (5726 KP) rated Never Have I Ever in Books
Aug 8, 2019
Prepare for a pretty wild ride!
Never Have I Ever is a psychological thriller which had me completely hooked from the first chapter. Amy is a housewife who teaches diving and is currently on maternity leave. She helps her friend Char to run a book club, which the other mums in her neighbourhood also come to (I think more drinking than reading goes on, to be honest!). At one of these meetings, a new person arrives. Roux is renting a local house for a short period of time, and gatecrashes the club, taking over entirely. She starts a game of ‘Never Have I Ever’, uncovers some of the other mums secrets, and lets Amy know in no uncertain terms that she knows her deepest, darkest secret. And Roux wants to be paid to keep that secret. But Amy isn’t going to just hand over the money.
I loved this - Roux is a great villain, and Amy is an intriguing character. I loved how the lines between good and bad were blurred where Amy was concerned, but she always remains a good mum and Stepmother throughout.
My heart was in my mouth pretty much the whole time - I warn you, there is no let up at all in this book at all!
I will most definitely be looking for more books by Joshilyn Jackson!
Many thanks to NetGalley for my copy of this fabulous book, and to The Pigeonhole for giving me the incentive to read it!
I loved this - Roux is a great villain, and Amy is an intriguing character. I loved how the lines between good and bad were blurred where Amy was concerned, but she always remains a good mum and Stepmother throughout.
My heart was in my mouth pretty much the whole time - I warn you, there is no let up at all in this book at all!
I will most definitely be looking for more books by Joshilyn Jackson!
Many thanks to NetGalley for my copy of this fabulous book, and to The Pigeonhole for giving me the incentive to read it!
Amy Christmas (170 KP) rated Northern Lights in Books
Jan 14, 2019
A child's perspective written well (1 more)
Imaginative but believable world
Absolutely loved it!
I loved this book, I have been meaning to read it for years and have finally gotten around to embracing all those childhood favourites.
We follow Lyra a girl from Oxford who is looked after by the scholars of Jordan college. We are introduced to her deamon 'Pan' (for short because I couldn't for the life of me work out how to say his name) and the workings of this world, of this child's world. Before being thrown as Lyra is into the politics and shenanigans of adults.
Lyra's character is a complex one she is a feisty intelligent girl but at times the way she behaved and is described to talk is unrealistic for a child her age, however these small things can be overlooked.
As I had only ever seen the movie before, which pales in comparison, I was shocked by the twist at the end of the book concerning Ms Coulter and Lord Asriel, and made me feel as if my journeying with Lyra through the north, meeting Iorek and the witches and the Gyptians had all been worth it and there was another adventure ahead, as it is not over at the end of this book rather it tells you loud and clear that you've barely begun... and I love it.
We follow Lyra a girl from Oxford who is looked after by the scholars of Jordan college. We are introduced to her deamon 'Pan' (for short because I couldn't for the life of me work out how to say his name) and the workings of this world, of this child's world. Before being thrown as Lyra is into the politics and shenanigans of adults.
Lyra's character is a complex one she is a feisty intelligent girl but at times the way she behaved and is described to talk is unrealistic for a child her age, however these small things can be overlooked.
As I had only ever seen the movie before, which pales in comparison, I was shocked by the twist at the end of the book concerning Ms Coulter and Lord Asriel, and made me feel as if my journeying with Lyra through the north, meeting Iorek and the witches and the Gyptians had all been worth it and there was another adventure ahead, as it is not over at the end of this book rather it tells you loud and clear that you've barely begun... and I love it.
Merissa (12066 KP) rated The Shadow of Loss-XLED in Books
Dec 17, 2018
I received this book from YA Bound Book Tours in return for a fair and honest review.
This story tells the tale of a teenager who has been through so much in her short time - more than some people will have to deal with all their lives. It's not been easy and it actually starts with her in a mental institution so you really feel her emotions as the story starts.
She moves to a new town but still has the same emotions and guilt to deal with as before. You learn what she has gone through at a gentle pace - it is not all dumped on you at once. She slowly deals with things and both makes changes and allows change to happen.
The characters in this book will delight you, even during the not so nice parts. Evelyn has a support network around her, she just has to learn to trust in it and accept it. The relationship she has with Matt and Brody works so well and I'm really pleased it is not a love triangle! Perhaps Matt's story will come to light at some point too. I can always hope.
Well written with attention to detail and pacing that is steady throughout. If you are looking for a YA read that isn't of the 'norm' then I can definitely recommend you give The Shadow of Loss your attention.
This story tells the tale of a teenager who has been through so much in her short time - more than some people will have to deal with all their lives. It's not been easy and it actually starts with her in a mental institution so you really feel her emotions as the story starts.
She moves to a new town but still has the same emotions and guilt to deal with as before. You learn what she has gone through at a gentle pace - it is not all dumped on you at once. She slowly deals with things and both makes changes and allows change to happen.
The characters in this book will delight you, even during the not so nice parts. Evelyn has a support network around her, she just has to learn to trust in it and accept it. The relationship she has with Matt and Brody works so well and I'm really pleased it is not a love triangle! Perhaps Matt's story will come to light at some point too. I can always hope.
Well written with attention to detail and pacing that is steady throughout. If you are looking for a YA read that isn't of the 'norm' then I can definitely recommend you give The Shadow of Loss your attention.
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated Captain Disaster: The Damaris Touch in Books
Nov 11, 2019
Captain Disaster, inept spacefaring star of video games and short stories gets his own novella. After answering a distress call, things become rather too exciting for our erstwhile hero. Be prepared for the series of unlikely comedic events that ensue as he faces (almost) certain death.
There are books that take themselves seriously and there are those that don't. This is as firmly in the second group as the author's tongue is in his cheek. Filled with throwaway jokes galore, terrible groan out loud puns and slapstick antics this is a story to read for a good laugh.
The style is best described as 'free', Seaman swerving off at tangents to deliver a simple gag before returning to the story at hand. And that is the charm - there will be no deep introspection for the reader into what motivates the characters, just a vain attempt to keep ahead of the flow of jokes. Okay, not all of them hit, but like a rapid fire comedy routine that doesn't matter because if you didn't like that one there will be another one along in a minute. And yes perhaps there could be some tightening of the prose or plot here and there but that would definitely alter its character, perhaps too far towards serious. And that would never do.
So kick back, relax, set the lighting to 'mood' and the ship to autopilot. You've got some laughing to do
There are books that take themselves seriously and there are those that don't. This is as firmly in the second group as the author's tongue is in his cheek. Filled with throwaway jokes galore, terrible groan out loud puns and slapstick antics this is a story to read for a good laugh.
The style is best described as 'free', Seaman swerving off at tangents to deliver a simple gag before returning to the story at hand. And that is the charm - there will be no deep introspection for the reader into what motivates the characters, just a vain attempt to keep ahead of the flow of jokes. Okay, not all of them hit, but like a rapid fire comedy routine that doesn't matter because if you didn't like that one there will be another one along in a minute. And yes perhaps there could be some tightening of the prose or plot here and there but that would definitely alter its character, perhaps too far towards serious. And that would never do.
So kick back, relax, set the lighting to 'mood' and the ship to autopilot. You've got some laughing to do
Ronnie (304 KP) rated See How They Lie in Books
Jan 26, 2020
Welcome to Hummingbird Creek, an elite wellness retreat for teens. Here they follow a strict regime and their every move is tracked by their watches, not that they have much spare time between all the exercising and tight curfews. To people spending a short amount of time here it is bliss but when you’ve spent all your life here, with no knowledge of the normal world, you start to hate it. Mae is one of the people that has lived here their whole life and has never questioned any of it. But she starts to notice that some things aren’t quite right, then one particularly strange turn of events urges Mae start to start investigating. As she starts to dig deeper she risks putting herself, her mum and all her very few friends in danger.
I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down. It was so exciting, with many amazing unexpected turns. I can not tell you how many times I gasped with the shock of some of the things happening.
I find that books often have bad endings but I was not at all disappointed by the ending of ‘see how they lie.’
I have now read all of Sue Wallman’s books and I can not tell you how much I love them. I am so shocked that her books are not more popular. I always find myself unable to put her books down.
I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down. It was so exciting, with many amazing unexpected turns. I can not tell you how many times I gasped with the shock of some of the things happening.
I find that books often have bad endings but I was not at all disappointed by the ending of ‘see how they lie.’
I have now read all of Sue Wallman’s books and I can not tell you how much I love them. I am so shocked that her books are not more popular. I always find myself unable to put her books down.
Debbiereadsbook (1202 KP) rated Never Date a Doctor: A Life Lessons Novel in Books
Mar 2, 2020
I didn't like Sasha!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
*insert sigh*
*insert another sigh*
I wanted to love, to even LIKE this book but I struggled, to be honest.
Mostly, because of two things.
Only Sasha has a say, and she grated on me, she really did. I can't say WHY, and I'm more annoyed that I cannot voice WHY she got my back up and got on my nerves, but she did. And because Caleb isn't given a voice, I very nearly dumped it, because she drove me nuts at points!
AND
First person/present tense. Even if caleb had been given a voice, with the book written this way, I would have enjoyed it a bit more, I think.
You could see the "situation" developing at the hospital, with the other nurse, coming at ay like a train wreck, and you can't stop, but it is nice for everything to be laid out for you once in a while. There were SOME surprises though, so i enjoyed that.
I'm sorry, a short review, but I really am struggling to make sense.
I finished it, though, and I promised myself that I would give a book 3 stars if I finished it, even if I didn't really like so.
Will I read other books in the series? Probably not, no. By this author? I'll give Ms Smith another try, certainly.
3 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
*insert sigh*
*insert another sigh*
I wanted to love, to even LIKE this book but I struggled, to be honest.
Mostly, because of two things.
Only Sasha has a say, and she grated on me, she really did. I can't say WHY, and I'm more annoyed that I cannot voice WHY she got my back up and got on my nerves, but she did. And because Caleb isn't given a voice, I very nearly dumped it, because she drove me nuts at points!
AND
First person/present tense. Even if caleb had been given a voice, with the book written this way, I would have enjoyed it a bit more, I think.
You could see the "situation" developing at the hospital, with the other nurse, coming at ay like a train wreck, and you can't stop, but it is nice for everything to be laid out for you once in a while. There were SOME surprises though, so i enjoyed that.
I'm sorry, a short review, but I really am struggling to make sense.
I finished it, though, and I promised myself that I would give a book 3 stars if I finished it, even if I didn't really like so.
Will I read other books in the series? Probably not, no. By this author? I'll give Ms Smith another try, certainly.
3 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**