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A few years ago, there was an accident in Seelie and Isolde’s home village and ever since, they’ve been on the run. Seelie is an autistic changeling trying to understand and control her unpredictable magic - it doesn’t help that she finds it almost as difficult to fit in with the humans around her. Her sister Isolde, is an amazing pickpocketer and uses her skills to keep them alive. When a heist goes wrong, the twins find themselves in a larger mystery than they expected and discover secrets of the history of both faeries and humans. With new companions on their adventure can Seelie get control of her magic in time to protect her sister.
“The perfect start to any morning. Who needs coffee when you have the icy shock of mortal terror?”
I was pretty excited to read this book portraying an autistic main character written by someone who is on the spectrum themselves. It is a wonderful portrayal for children and young adults to see themselves represented, especially in a fantasy, magic filled world like we see in Unseelie. Seelie’s character is honest and true, and you see this world through her eyes - with and without overstimulating events.
Each of the four main characters were fun to meet and learn about - though I am hoping we get to see more flushed out history of both Raze and Olani in the next book.
The pacing of this novel was a bit slow in places, especially in the middle and then the ending kind of hit you fiercely. I didn’t realize this would be a duology until the last few pages, especially since nothing really wrapped up and you were kind of left with unexplained events and a cliffhanger. That being said though, I am super excited for the next book in the series and will for sure be waiting for that to hit the shelves.
*Thank you Inkyard Press for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review
“The perfect start to any morning. Who needs coffee when you have the icy shock of mortal terror?”
I was pretty excited to read this book portraying an autistic main character written by someone who is on the spectrum themselves. It is a wonderful portrayal for children and young adults to see themselves represented, especially in a fantasy, magic filled world like we see in Unseelie. Seelie’s character is honest and true, and you see this world through her eyes - with and without overstimulating events.
Each of the four main characters were fun to meet and learn about - though I am hoping we get to see more flushed out history of both Raze and Olani in the next book.
The pacing of this novel was a bit slow in places, especially in the middle and then the ending kind of hit you fiercely. I didn’t realize this would be a duology until the last few pages, especially since nothing really wrapped up and you were kind of left with unexplained events and a cliffhanger. That being said though, I am super excited for the next book in the series and will for sure be waiting for that to hit the shelves.
*Thank you Inkyard Press for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review
Jingled
Book
Matt Daughtry has always felt like he and his parents live in separate worlds—his shaped by the...
MM Speculative Fiction
Merissa (13915 KP) rated Knot That Pucker (Knotty Puckers, #3) in Books
Jan 16, 2026
KNOT THAT PUCKER is the first book in the Knotty Puckers series, and also the first book with a Deaf main character that I have read.
Okay, quick run down - Bayleigh is Deaf, working as the social media manager for the Krakens, and is the younger sister of one of their players, Benton. Her scent mate has rejected her for being Deaf, and she has been bullied on more than one occasion for her disability. Korbin plays for the Scorpions, mortal enemies of the Krakens, and has a bad history with Benton. Lincoln is Korbin's brother, and Milton is their brother in all but blood, who also plays for the Scorpions. With me? Good.
Now, I read this in one sitting, because I simply could NOT put it down! I loved that it was Lincoln first, rather than the hotshot hockey players, BUT I loved how they were with Bayleigh. It is slow build, as none of them are prepared to rush Bayleigh, but when it gets hot, get your fan ready. Bayleigh is a wonderful character, being both strong and yet fragile, which, given her past, makes perfect sense. I loved how they all learnt ASL for her, which is exactly how it should be.
I spent most of the book disliking Benton for his attitude, but he pulled through in the end. And now, I can't wait to read his story! I really hope we see his sister and her mates too, as I don't think I'm ready to leave them behind. I need a Lincoln in my life!!!
Absolutely adored this book, and I can't wait to continue with the series. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 16, 2026
Okay, quick run down - Bayleigh is Deaf, working as the social media manager for the Krakens, and is the younger sister of one of their players, Benton. Her scent mate has rejected her for being Deaf, and she has been bullied on more than one occasion for her disability. Korbin plays for the Scorpions, mortal enemies of the Krakens, and has a bad history with Benton. Lincoln is Korbin's brother, and Milton is their brother in all but blood, who also plays for the Scorpions. With me? Good.
Now, I read this in one sitting, because I simply could NOT put it down! I loved that it was Lincoln first, rather than the hotshot hockey players, BUT I loved how they were with Bayleigh. It is slow build, as none of them are prepared to rush Bayleigh, but when it gets hot, get your fan ready. Bayleigh is a wonderful character, being both strong and yet fragile, which, given her past, makes perfect sense. I loved how they all learnt ASL for her, which is exactly how it should be.
I spent most of the book disliking Benton for his attitude, but he pulled through in the end. And now, I can't wait to read his story! I really hope we see his sister and her mates too, as I don't think I'm ready to leave them behind. I need a Lincoln in my life!!!
Absolutely adored this book, and I can't wait to continue with the series. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 16, 2026
Ripeness by Sarah Moss was a pure pleasure to listen to. Flora Montgomery breathed life into the character of Edith and her memories of the year she turned 17 in 1967. This was the year that Edith’s mother sent her to Italy to help her older sister (a ballerina) as she prepared for the birth of her illegitimate child. Edith is most definitely a fish out of water - she has never been around her sisters friends before, and it’s a sad experience for both her and her sister.
Alongside the 1967 timeline is that of the modern day and the reason why Edith’s memories of that summer have been triggered. Edith now lives in Ireland, in her 70’s and happily divorced. She has her friends, a lover and her own space. Her best friend, Maebh, has been contacted by an American who claims to be her brother. A brother her mother had out of wedlock, and therefore put up for adoption. After many years of searching, he has found Maebh, and she must now decide if she wants to see him at all. She asks Edith to help her to decide.
There’s a melancholy air to this story that really appealed to me. I always enjoy Sarah Moss books, and I know that I’m diving in to a beautifully written novel every time. This is no exception. The themes of family, belonging and identity are ones I often look for in a book, and the descriptions of nature in both Italy and Ireland were the bits in between that really fleshed the book out for me. The thought of her now grown up nephew coming across Edith’s written down record of where he began (because that is what this actually is) was both touching and reassuring and, bearing in mind how he was really conceived, moving.
I know I’m going to enjoy a Sarah Moss novel before I’ve even opened to the front page (or in this case, pressed ‘play’), and I wasn’t disappointed at all with Ripeness. An exquisite novel.
Alongside the 1967 timeline is that of the modern day and the reason why Edith’s memories of that summer have been triggered. Edith now lives in Ireland, in her 70’s and happily divorced. She has her friends, a lover and her own space. Her best friend, Maebh, has been contacted by an American who claims to be her brother. A brother her mother had out of wedlock, and therefore put up for adoption. After many years of searching, he has found Maebh, and she must now decide if she wants to see him at all. She asks Edith to help her to decide.
There’s a melancholy air to this story that really appealed to me. I always enjoy Sarah Moss books, and I know that I’m diving in to a beautifully written novel every time. This is no exception. The themes of family, belonging and identity are ones I often look for in a book, and the descriptions of nature in both Italy and Ireland were the bits in between that really fleshed the book out for me. The thought of her now grown up nephew coming across Edith’s written down record of where he began (because that is what this actually is) was both touching and reassuring and, bearing in mind how he was really conceived, moving.
I know I’m going to enjoy a Sarah Moss novel before I’ve even opened to the front page (or in this case, pressed ‘play’), and I wasn’t disappointed at all with Ripeness. An exquisite novel.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Stranger Things - Season 2 in TV
Oct 28, 2017 (Updated Oct 28, 2017)
Still love the characters (4 more)
El's goth look
Lucas' mouthy little sister Erica!
Sean Astin is adorable as Bob
Dustin's cat call
Max's older brother (1 more)
Sad that it's already over
Waiting for season 3 already!
I binge-watched this over 24 hours and was still completely hooked. And of course, knowing what the Upside Down is, is a bit of a spoiler but there's so much more to add in this one.
For one we get more of a back story on Eleven, and get to know the wider circle of each family. And there are more characters to explore in this series. The kids have both matured and are dealing with their own issues and traumas, giving a little more depth to their roles. And Will is not as well as he seems.
And just two words: not Bob!
The worst part is that it's over and not knowing when the next one's out. A great comeback to this show.
For one we get more of a back story on Eleven, and get to know the wider circle of each family. And there are more characters to explore in this series. The kids have both matured and are dealing with their own issues and traumas, giving a little more depth to their roles. And Will is not as well as he seems.
And just two words: not Bob!
The worst part is that it's over and not knowing when the next one's out. A great comeback to this show.
Lindsay (1807 KP) rated The Tea Planter's Wife in Books
Dec 7, 2017
The Tea Planter's wife is a mysterious sweet, loving story. It starts out with Gwen coming to Ceylon to be with her husband.
You go allow with Gwen with her struggles and learning curves of being a mother and wife to her twins and what is going on with Ceylon culture.
When one of her children is colored she does not know if it was her husband or someone else's child. She fights with herself when she gives her daughter to a village. That is when she gives birth to her twins. She has a household servant named Naveena.
Gwen had to deal with not only decision to what she made but also her sister in law. She dealt with that and her raising her son. You are lean so much history and culture of Ceylon at that time as well. You meet Tamil and Sinhalese worker that were part of Tea Plantation.
You go allow with Gwen with her struggles and learning curves of being a mother and wife to her twins and what is going on with Ceylon culture.
When one of her children is colored she does not know if it was her husband or someone else's child. She fights with herself when she gives her daughter to a village. That is when she gives birth to her twins. She has a household servant named Naveena.
Gwen had to deal with not only decision to what she made but also her sister in law. She dealt with that and her raising her son. You are lean so much history and culture of Ceylon at that time as well. You meet Tamil and Sinhalese worker that were part of Tea Plantation.
Scott Tostik (389 KP) rated Graduation Day (1981) in Movies
Jun 21, 2017
Horrible acting (2 more)
Terrible ending
Shitty special effects
Stay in School kids, so you don't end up in a shitty movie like this
Midvale High, 1981.
Point form version. Track star wins the race. Track star drops dead
Sister comes for funeral
Students drop dead
The coach is a suspect
More students drop dead
Coach gets killed by real killer
Real killer digs up and poses dead girl in grad gown
Real killer gets bumped out a window with girl corpse on top of him
THIS MOVIE STINKS TO HIGH HEAVEN!!!! Only reason it got two bombs is Vanna White was in it. And the always reliable Linnea Quigley makes an appearance...
Horrible script, even more horrible acting and a shitty ending made this movie the worst thing I've ever seen... Next to the Brittany Spears movie, Crossroads... And the Spice Girls flick... Which both stunk up the place... But this movie, from a genre I love, ranks down there amongst the shittiest of the shitty.
Point form version. Track star wins the race. Track star drops dead
Sister comes for funeral
Students drop dead
The coach is a suspect
More students drop dead
Coach gets killed by real killer
Real killer digs up and poses dead girl in grad gown
Real killer gets bumped out a window with girl corpse on top of him
THIS MOVIE STINKS TO HIGH HEAVEN!!!! Only reason it got two bombs is Vanna White was in it. And the always reliable Linnea Quigley makes an appearance...
Horrible script, even more horrible acting and a shitty ending made this movie the worst thing I've ever seen... Next to the Brittany Spears movie, Crossroads... And the Spice Girls flick... Which both stunk up the place... But this movie, from a genre I love, ranks down there amongst the shittiest of the shitty.
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated Nora & Kettle (Paper Stars, #1) in Books
Jan 12, 2018
This book is set after World War II and broaches a subject that is not often talked about, The Japanese Internment. Kettle is a young refugee from the internment camps who takes care of a small group of children like him. He insist they earn it honestly so life is hard but they have each other.
Nora is the child of a famous lawyer fighting for the rights of the Japanese but he has a dark side that only his family knows. She is determined to protect her younger sister from the harm that can come within their own house.
The two main characters are well written and the perceptions they have of each other before meeting speaks truth. The time and place setting is very well developed, it puts you there. I love that Taylor used the Japanese Internment as a base of her story. Perhaps more will learn about this tragic time in America.
Nora is the child of a famous lawyer fighting for the rights of the Japanese but he has a dark side that only his family knows. She is determined to protect her younger sister from the harm that can come within their own house.
The two main characters are well written and the perceptions they have of each other before meeting speaks truth. The time and place setting is very well developed, it puts you there. I love that Taylor used the Japanese Internment as a base of her story. Perhaps more will learn about this tragic time in America.
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Hard Eight (Stephanie Plum, #8) in Books
Jan 15, 2018
After my disappointment with the last installment in the Stephanie Plum series, I was happy to see Evanovich bring it in Hard Eight. This book was much more engaging than the last. I couldn't put it down.
The sexual tension between Ranger & Stephanie finally came to a head (no pum intended). But of course there's still Morelli popping up when least expected & always managing to find his way into her heart or her pants in no particular order.
The plot of this book was fast paced. I am really enjoying that Stephanie's sister Valerie is back in Jersey & figured rather prominently into the story line. This particular plot was a bit more developed than that of the other books in the series. There were more twists & turns in this one which made it a more engaging read in my eyes. I like not being sure what's coming & Evanovich defintely didn't disappoint in that aspect!
The sexual tension between Ranger & Stephanie finally came to a head (no pum intended). But of course there's still Morelli popping up when least expected & always managing to find his way into her heart or her pants in no particular order.
The plot of this book was fast paced. I am really enjoying that Stephanie's sister Valerie is back in Jersey & figured rather prominently into the story line. This particular plot was a bit more developed than that of the other books in the series. There were more twists & turns in this one which made it a more engaging read in my eyes. I like not being sure what's coming & Evanovich defintely didn't disappoint in that aspect!
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated The Visionist in Books
Jan 15, 2018
This was without a doubt a much different book than what I am used to reading. That is not a bad thing at all. This book tells the story of how 3 lives that seemed so separate suddenly crash together in very unexpected ways. The first is Polly a young girl with the weight of the world on her shoulders. She is a worker & protector within her small, dysfunctional family. The next is Sister Charity. A young Shaker girl who holds a high esteem within her community until circumstances change & that changes in an instant. The last is Simon Pryor. A man who was forced into a position because he had tried to help out.
One quote stands out to me as a good summary of the story as a whole. Urquhart wrote, "But this, this love lifted from the ashes, abused, abandoned, afraid, misread, discarded, half-dead - like those who enter into it, it is broken. Yet beautiful, so very beautiful."
One quote stands out to me as a good summary of the story as a whole. Urquhart wrote, "But this, this love lifted from the ashes, abused, abandoned, afraid, misread, discarded, half-dead - like those who enter into it, it is broken. Yet beautiful, so very beautiful."