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Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated The Long Drop in Books
Mar 15, 2018
This is the first book I've read by Denise Mina, but it won't be the last! I found this novel instantly exciting and by the time I got to 30% I was hooked and couldn't put it down, finally finishing it at 1:30 in the morning. This novel drips with menace and chills you to the bone in some parts, it's really a fantastic and quick thriller read.
This book tells the story of Peter Manuel, real life Scottish serial killer. Like with so many other books on the market nowadays, this is a non-fic-fiction novel. It's based its contents on real events but the author has weaved a story around it too.
What's so striking about this novel is Mina's ability to tell a story. The story flowed brilliantly and it never lost my interest, even when we started getting into some of the more in-depth and historic facts about Glasgow. The writing style is short and snappy, so you really feel yourself racing through this.
Characters. Oh wow, the characters. Somehow, you feel simultaneously angry and empathetic for everyone in this book, even Peter Manuel, the serial killer. Mina's character development is superb and you find yourself getting drawn into each person's story so quickly. We follow Peter Manuel and William Watt throughout most of this novel, but there are small scenes popped in that introduce characters we only meet once throughout the entire book, yet I still felt like I knew them and I still invested myself in their stories, no matter how short.
Overall, this book was really superb and if you're looking for something dark, but quick to read, this is the book for you. At only 240 pages, you'll find yourself racing through this! I can't wait to read more of Mina's work, if it's all as good as this one.
This book tells the story of Peter Manuel, real life Scottish serial killer. Like with so many other books on the market nowadays, this is a non-fic-fiction novel. It's based its contents on real events but the author has weaved a story around it too.
What's so striking about this novel is Mina's ability to tell a story. The story flowed brilliantly and it never lost my interest, even when we started getting into some of the more in-depth and historic facts about Glasgow. The writing style is short and snappy, so you really feel yourself racing through this.
Characters. Oh wow, the characters. Somehow, you feel simultaneously angry and empathetic for everyone in this book, even Peter Manuel, the serial killer. Mina's character development is superb and you find yourself getting drawn into each person's story so quickly. We follow Peter Manuel and William Watt throughout most of this novel, but there are small scenes popped in that introduce characters we only meet once throughout the entire book, yet I still felt like I knew them and I still invested myself in their stories, no matter how short.
Overall, this book was really superb and if you're looking for something dark, but quick to read, this is the book for you. At only 240 pages, you'll find yourself racing through this! I can't wait to read more of Mina's work, if it's all as good as this one.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Everything Begins and Ends at the Kentucky Club in Books
Jul 12, 2018
Everything Begins and Ends at the Kentucky Club by Benjamin Alire Śenz was a recommended to me by a dear friend. It definitely was an experience.
This book is filled with short stories that take place at the Kentucky Club which is located in Júrez. Each story takes you through the life of someone that is experiences a hardship. The hardships are real, and the stories written between these pages can tug on your heart strings.
I will admit, I had a hard time relating to some of these stories. I found that a lot of the stories in this book were of situations that I had no experience with. I have never questioned my sexuality, nor have I had to deal with death or living in a rough part of town so I had a pretty hard time relating to the characters. With that said, it was fascinating to try to relate to the characters. I wanted to know what they were experiencing and I wanted to be able to relate in some way.
I also had a hard time reading this novel because of the writing. I'm not a huge fan of novels that constantly start their sentences with pronouns. When reading a book I tend to like when the author starts sentences with other words and not just "he, she, it, or the person's name." When I see this happen, I tend to become disconnected with the story.
Ultimately, I give this book 3 cups of coffee due to the fact that I wish that I felt more connected with the characters. It was a good book, but I found it hard to relate with the characters.
This book is filled with short stories that take place at the Kentucky Club which is located in Júrez. Each story takes you through the life of someone that is experiences a hardship. The hardships are real, and the stories written between these pages can tug on your heart strings.
I will admit, I had a hard time relating to some of these stories. I found that a lot of the stories in this book were of situations that I had no experience with. I have never questioned my sexuality, nor have I had to deal with death or living in a rough part of town so I had a pretty hard time relating to the characters. With that said, it was fascinating to try to relate to the characters. I wanted to know what they were experiencing and I wanted to be able to relate in some way.
I also had a hard time reading this novel because of the writing. I'm not a huge fan of novels that constantly start their sentences with pronouns. When reading a book I tend to like when the author starts sentences with other words and not just "he, she, it, or the person's name." When I see this happen, I tend to become disconnected with the story.
Ultimately, I give this book 3 cups of coffee due to the fact that I wish that I felt more connected with the characters. It was a good book, but I found it hard to relate with the characters.
Merissa (12066 KP) rated Bloodlines in Books
Oct 18, 2018
Bloodlines by Denise Carbo
Bloodlines is a story about shifters from another planet. They live amongst the humans now, in their clans, with mostly keep separate from each other. When one of Malcolm's clan member's turns up dead, he has a mystery on his hands - one that could lead to war. Add to that, he has an off-the-scale attraction to the hotel's new manager, and Malcolm's life is about to get rather complicated.
This was an easy enough read, with no major plots twists or intrigue to deal with. The 'big bad' was pretty clear from the start, but weirdly, this did not detract from the story. The biggest detraction, for me, was the so-called relationship between Malcolm and Elsie. If you add up the time they spent together, they probably weren't in each others company for more than 24 hours throughout the book, and yet Elsie has completely fallen for him. Not only that, but she is a complete limp lettuce where he is concerned. He walks all over her, is rude to her, only shows up when he wants sex. She is NOT okay with this (we get the monologues that tell us so), but she still "wilts" whenever he is near. Sorry, but I just didn't get their relationship at all!
The rest of it flowed easily enough. I found the supporting characters all interesting, although some of them had reputations I wasn't sure were deserved, or even why they had them. Apart from the main relationship, I found this book to be nicely written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow.
* 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!
This was an easy enough read, with no major plots twists or intrigue to deal with. The 'big bad' was pretty clear from the start, but weirdly, this did not detract from the story. The biggest detraction, for me, was the so-called relationship between Malcolm and Elsie. If you add up the time they spent together, they probably weren't in each others company for more than 24 hours throughout the book, and yet Elsie has completely fallen for him. Not only that, but she is a complete limp lettuce where he is concerned. He walks all over her, is rude to her, only shows up when he wants sex. She is NOT okay with this (we get the monologues that tell us so), but she still "wilts" whenever he is near. Sorry, but I just didn't get their relationship at all!
The rest of it flowed easily enough. I found the supporting characters all interesting, although some of them had reputations I wasn't sure were deserved, or even why they had them. Apart from the main relationship, I found this book to be nicely written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow.
* 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!
What Fresh Lunacy is This?: The Authorized Biography of Oliver Reed
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BookInspector (124 KP) rated Follow the Snowflakes in Books
Sep 24, 2020
Previously I read some of the short romance books, and unfortunately, they kind of disappointed me, but I actually enjoyed this novella, maybe because I read it at the suitable time, or maybe because I could relate with some of the things which were mentioned in the book.
The blurb of this novella is pretty accurate, Cat accidentally meets a stranger in a car accident, and because she has a good heart, she helps him out. One thing leads to another and they spend more and more time together, but life throws in some pleasant surprises and twists for Cat. This is a sweet story, with pleasant characters and interesting twists. I enjoyed reading this novel because it was not too sweet, it had its edge in it, but at the same time, it was pleasant and romantic.
The author was born in Novosibirsk, Russian Siberia, and I did like the little details she proudly shared about her Russian heritage. Do not be fooled by the cover, even though this book is filled with pictures giving it a playful feel, it is a story for adults. I really liked the art at the end of the novel, and I think it is great if you have children, you can give it to them to colour in. Everybody wins!!!
The writing style of this novella is quite simple, with easy and understandable vocabulary. I liked the short chapters, it made this book really great one sitting read. The ending of this story rounded everything as I was suspecting, and for me, it didn’t leave any loose ends. So to conclude, it is a great read if you like Hallmark and looking for a quick, playful and Christmasy story which is pleasant, romantic and not over sweetened. Enjoy
The blurb of this novella is pretty accurate, Cat accidentally meets a stranger in a car accident, and because she has a good heart, she helps him out. One thing leads to another and they spend more and more time together, but life throws in some pleasant surprises and twists for Cat. This is a sweet story, with pleasant characters and interesting twists. I enjoyed reading this novel because it was not too sweet, it had its edge in it, but at the same time, it was pleasant and romantic.
The author was born in Novosibirsk, Russian Siberia, and I did like the little details she proudly shared about her Russian heritage. Do not be fooled by the cover, even though this book is filled with pictures giving it a playful feel, it is a story for adults. I really liked the art at the end of the novel, and I think it is great if you have children, you can give it to them to colour in. Everybody wins!!!
The writing style of this novella is quite simple, with easy and understandable vocabulary. I liked the short chapters, it made this book really great one sitting read. The ending of this story rounded everything as I was suspecting, and for me, it didn’t leave any loose ends. So to conclude, it is a great read if you like Hallmark and looking for a quick, playful and Christmasy story which is pleasant, romantic and not over sweetened. Enjoy
Merissa (12066 KP) rated Jenelyn's Journey: The Werewolf of Wittlich in Books
Nov 21, 2022
A very different story is being told here and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
JENELYN'S JOURNEY: THE WEREWOLF OF WITTLICH is the first book in the Jenelyn's Journey series and we start off in L.A. with Jenelyn and her parents. Because she is now eighteen, she must start her Journey, following where the Spirits lead. She will start her Journey in Germany, the starting point changing for each person but following as tradition dictates. Luckily for Jenelyn, a German couple who helped her mother on her own Journey, have agreed to let Jenelyn stay with them.
I loved the changes in German and American cultures and traditions, as seen through Jenelyn's eyes. She had a wide-eyed wonder about the architecture, places, and people that I thoroughly enjoyed. She was both naive and street-smart which worked for her. She makes friends and has great relationships with various people in her life, which just makes the goodbyes so much harder! Gretchen and Laszlo were brilliant characters with their own secrets but always supportive of Jenelyn.
I would say this book was a bit heavier on the mystery side than the Spirits. There wasn't as much on the supernatural side as I was expecting, but I still found it interesting, especially with how it all tied together. The book is immersive in Germany, so I expect the same will happen in the next book - I won't say where she's off to next so I don't spoil it for anyone.
A very different story is being told here and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Definitely 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
I loved the changes in German and American cultures and traditions, as seen through Jenelyn's eyes. She had a wide-eyed wonder about the architecture, places, and people that I thoroughly enjoyed. She was both naive and street-smart which worked for her. She makes friends and has great relationships with various people in her life, which just makes the goodbyes so much harder! Gretchen and Laszlo were brilliant characters with their own secrets but always supportive of Jenelyn.
I would say this book was a bit heavier on the mystery side than the Spirits. There wasn't as much on the supernatural side as I was expecting, but I still found it interesting, especially with how it all tied together. The book is immersive in Germany, so I expect the same will happen in the next book - I won't say where she's off to next so I don't spoil it for anyone.
A very different story is being told here and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Definitely 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (12066 KP) rated Winterian Sky (Ninety Planets) in Books
Nov 6, 2023
WINTERIAN SKY is the first book in the new Ninety Planets science fiction series. In it, we find a planet besieged on two fronts - one is by an incoming attack force, the other is by a virus with no known cure that is decimating the population.
Chesterfield is the lone scientist dedicated to finding a cure. Danacio is a Guard of Winterian, prepared to lay down his life for his planet. Together, these two go on a journey to figure out where the virus originated from and how to cure it. They meet a brilliant couple who have suffered their own losses, just as determined as Chesterfield to find the answers and the cure.
This is a fast-paced book that will keep you turning the pages. All of the characters are well-rounded and I loved how they all worked together, meshing with purpose. As the first book in a new series, there is world-building but also worlds-building. You get an idea of the Alliance and the things they stand for. I can't wait to read more in this series, and I'm seriously hoping for an update on Winterian and how their war is going on.
Love plays a big role in this story - whether it is familial love or romantic. There are moments of closeness between our two MCs but it is closed-door/fade-to-black which worked perfectly in this story.
A great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and I can't wait to return to the Ninety Planets!
** 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!
Nov 6, 2023
Chesterfield is the lone scientist dedicated to finding a cure. Danacio is a Guard of Winterian, prepared to lay down his life for his planet. Together, these two go on a journey to figure out where the virus originated from and how to cure it. They meet a brilliant couple who have suffered their own losses, just as determined as Chesterfield to find the answers and the cure.
This is a fast-paced book that will keep you turning the pages. All of the characters are well-rounded and I loved how they all worked together, meshing with purpose. As the first book in a new series, there is world-building but also worlds-building. You get an idea of the Alliance and the things they stand for. I can't wait to read more in this series, and I'm seriously hoping for an update on Winterian and how their war is going on.
Love plays a big role in this story - whether it is familial love or romantic. There are moments of closeness between our two MCs but it is closed-door/fade-to-black which worked perfectly in this story.
A great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and I can't wait to return to the Ninety Planets!
** 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!
Nov 6, 2023