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Merissa (13911 KP) rated The Curse of Lord Stanstead (The Order of the MUSE #1) in Books
Apr 14, 2023
This is one of Entangled's Select Historical novels and my first introduction to both them and this author. I have to say that I am in no way disappointed!
The Order of the M.U.S.E. is a secret society that you learn about as you go on. They have various members who are capable in various ways. The latest 'recruit' is Cassie, an emergent fire mage who needs help controlling her element. But this is also during the time of the 'mad King George' and it is the Order's job to protect royalty against any who would harm them. Where there is yin, there is yang and although it is only mentioned in passing, you are left with the impression that there is another Order there who seeks to harm, not help.
This is very well written and gives you a good insight on the ton and the rules and regulations that would need to be followed to be part of Polite Society. The plot is smoothly written and moves along at a fair pace, never slumping.
A warm-hearted story with a hint of mystery, a dash of the paranormal and more than a tinge of hot romance. Definitely recommended.
* 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!
Jul 28, 2015
The Order of the M.U.S.E. is a secret society that you learn about as you go on. They have various members who are capable in various ways. The latest 'recruit' is Cassie, an emergent fire mage who needs help controlling her element. But this is also during the time of the 'mad King George' and it is the Order's job to protect royalty against any who would harm them. Where there is yin, there is yang and although it is only mentioned in passing, you are left with the impression that there is another Order there who seeks to harm, not help.
This is very well written and gives you a good insight on the ton and the rules and regulations that would need to be followed to be part of Polite Society. The plot is smoothly written and moves along at a fair pace, never slumping.
A warm-hearted story with a hint of mystery, a dash of the paranormal and more than a tinge of hot romance. Definitely recommended.
* 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!
Jul 28, 2015
Aftermath: Life in the Fallout of the Third Reich, 1945-1955
10.0
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Germany, 1945: a country in ruins. Cities have been reduced to rubble and more than half of the...
History Non-Fiction Germany World War 2 Politics 20th Century
Murder on Wall Street
10.0
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Midwife Sarah Brandt Malloy and her detective husband, Frank, must discover who killed a...
ClareR (6118 KP) rated Love Orange in Books
Jan 23, 2023
Love Orange is a scathing look at the state of society in the modern age. Technology rules all. Jenny and Hanks Smart House is in charge of everyone in the house, and listens in to everything. Jenny’s children are obsessed with video games, and internet porn makes an appearance as well.
I can see why Jenny becomes increasingly frustrated with Hank - from his constant references to his Viking heritage, to his Mindfulness - he has little time for her.
Jenny hates her job, and decides to do something meaningful by writing to a prison inmate. She looks forward to receiving his letters that smell of oranges and taste rather too nice when she licks them. To be fair, it seems reasonable to lick an envelope (yes, I know how this sounds!) if it helps her though the daily drudgery and having to put up with in-laws who clearly dislike her.
Jenny’s life may look perfect on the outside, but it’s anything but that.
There’s a rather sizeable reference to the opioid crisis in the US that I found interesting, but what I found MOST interesting was how Jenny appeared to be completely hollowed out by her boring life, the lack of attention and care she gets from her husband and children, and what’s expected of her from society. I’d want to escape her life too.
There’s some seriously dark humour in this, and it does come across as bleak. But I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I can see why Jenny becomes increasingly frustrated with Hank - from his constant references to his Viking heritage, to his Mindfulness - he has little time for her.
Jenny hates her job, and decides to do something meaningful by writing to a prison inmate. She looks forward to receiving his letters that smell of oranges and taste rather too nice when she licks them. To be fair, it seems reasonable to lick an envelope (yes, I know how this sounds!) if it helps her though the daily drudgery and having to put up with in-laws who clearly dislike her.
Jenny’s life may look perfect on the outside, but it’s anything but that.
There’s a rather sizeable reference to the opioid crisis in the US that I found interesting, but what I found MOST interesting was how Jenny appeared to be completely hollowed out by her boring life, the lack of attention and care she gets from her husband and children, and what’s expected of her from society. I’d want to escape her life too.
There’s some seriously dark humour in this, and it does come across as bleak. But I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Yours and Mine: A Serrulata Saga Romance Novella
8.0
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She told a lie. He confirmed it. Now they’re secretly betrothed against their families’...
Adult Historical Romance Novella
John Watson (4 KP) rated The Dark Side in Books
Oct 3, 2017
Solid Sci-Fi Muder Mystery
I received this novel via my BookCase Club subscription and am pleased to say that it was one of the better novels that I have received in my short time with the club.
The moon has been colonized by the dregs of society from Earth, with the entire population controlled by an enigmatic megalomaniac. It's a murder mystery, complete with a psychotic android, with a sci-fi bent, and it all works, for the most part.
I did see the ending coming, but it did little to dull my enjoyment of the book. A quick read, perfect for a plane trip or vacation.
The moon has been colonized by the dregs of society from Earth, with the entire population controlled by an enigmatic megalomaniac. It's a murder mystery, complete with a psychotic android, with a sci-fi bent, and it all works, for the most part.
I did see the ending coming, but it did little to dull my enjoyment of the book. A quick read, perfect for a plane trip or vacation.
Samantha (67 KP) rated Taking God to School in Books
Jul 7, 2017
Provides a great depth of research on the current educational system in Australia (1 more)
Acknowledges the validity of a plethora of religious traditions rather than just the prominent Christianity
Deepening understanding can never hurt
Overall, I found this book to be insightful not only in relation to the nations current educational situation but also in the way that we, as a society, tend to treat religion. I believe that this is a book that is better read a chapter or two at a time rather than in one sitting due to the depth of research contained within its pages.
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World in Books
Apr 27, 2018
I didn't finish this book. I found Deep Work very redundant and obvious. Yes, it is clear we have a problem in our society of being able to focus. Anyone who works with or has their own kids will be able to tell you that, and how it’s related to technology. I’m happy you’ve done some research to back it up, but I found the book very dry.
Not only that, the kinds of people who will be reading (or listening) to this genre is already totaly aware of the problem, so again, I found it redundant. Not only that, the book itself was very dry and dull to listen to. Sadly it’s not on my top list.
Not only that, the kinds of people who will be reading (or listening) to this genre is already totaly aware of the problem, so again, I found it redundant. Not only that, the book itself was very dry and dull to listen to. Sadly it’s not on my top list.
Dana (24 KP) rated Oryx and Crake (Madd Addam #1) in Books
Mar 23, 2018
So, again, I can't say I am a huge fan of Atwood's writing style. I read this book for my book club and did not enjoy it in the slightest. Yes, it made me uncomfortable, especially with the child pornography mentions throughout. There were interesting ideas, like with the new society inside the bubble, but those ideas were not strong enough to make me enjoy the book.
The characters were unlikable, not in a good way that makes them interesting. I just wanted to finish the book to finish it. I didn't really have any strong feeling for any of the story.
I wouldn't say I was bored, but I just didn't enjoy it.
The characters were unlikable, not in a good way that makes them interesting. I just wanted to finish the book to finish it. I didn't really have any strong feeling for any of the story.
I wouldn't say I was bored, but I just didn't enjoy it.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Shaun the Sheep Movie (2015) in Movies
Feb 12, 2018
Fifty Shades of Grazing
Profoundly beautiful and thoughtful film that seeks to address a number of deep philosophical issues in a comparatively brief running time - the boundary between person and animal, the importance of being in harmony with nature, and the dehumanising effect of living in modern western society.
Or, if you prefer, just another technically brilliant and very, very clever animation from Aardman, managing to tell a witty and satisfying story with virtually no dialogue required. Very funny and utterly charming at the same time (and it really does touch on the stuff I mentioned at the top of the page, too). I tell you, films like this are wasted on kids.
Or, if you prefer, just another technically brilliant and very, very clever animation from Aardman, managing to tell a witty and satisfying story with virtually no dialogue required. Very funny and utterly charming at the same time (and it really does touch on the stuff I mentioned at the top of the page, too). I tell you, films like this are wasted on kids.