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BookInspector (124 KP) rated Here and Gone in Books
Sep 24, 2020
All my reviews can be found on https://bbookinspector.wordpress.com/
I was enjoying it from the first pages of the book. The description above describes this book quite well. It started with Audra in the car with her children. That got my attention. Why? Where are they going? And little by little the main character Audra, unfolded it. I am not big fan of the books about children and their parents, because all you read is how much parents love their kids. But this book somehow gripped me. The main character suffered a lot in her life, so the way she was trying to fight for her kids and not to give up, really made me respect her. I think, that author of this novel, done a great job by letting all the main characters to speak in this book, even the evil ones. Another great point of this book, that author was finishing every chapter with a cliff hanger, and then just starting the next chapter with different characters story. It was so addictive, and all I wanted was to figure out, how the previous story finished. I enjoyed reading the story from children’s perspective as well. The little boy, Sean, was a real sweetheart; incredibly smart, caring and a little hero. (Reminder, I do not like children). The ability to read the story from different perspectives and told by different characters made it very enjoyable, and allowed to understand the characters way better.
The whole plot was happening in one area and was really concentrated on a small, dying town of Silver Water. I really liked the whole story; I found it really original and very interesting. The more I read this book, the catchier it got. I really liked how this story unfolded, with Audra’s difficult past, husband’s abuse, and her fight for her children at present. I really enjoyed the twists and turns in this book. When I thought that is no one there to help Audra, author nicely twisted in a help for her. I liked the topics this novel was discussing: different ways of emotional abuse against women; hard life and decisions when you don’t have money; corrupt authorities and how they can ruin people’s lives.
The writing style of this book is not difficult and language used makes this book a pleasant and easy read. As I mentioned in my previous reviews, I’m a big fan of short chapters, and this book is another winner in that category for me. On the other hand, there are some violent details in this book, so if you have weak nerves, be prepared. The ending of the book was well thought through and didn’t leave me disappointed. It was well deserved after everything. So to conclude, it is twisted, fast paced and addictive thriller filled with mother’s fight and love for her children, and surprisingly I really enjoyed it.
Was given this book by publisher and NetGalley for honest review.
I was enjoying it from the first pages of the book. The description above describes this book quite well. It started with Audra in the car with her children. That got my attention. Why? Where are they going? And little by little the main character Audra, unfolded it. I am not big fan of the books about children and their parents, because all you read is how much parents love their kids. But this book somehow gripped me. The main character suffered a lot in her life, so the way she was trying to fight for her kids and not to give up, really made me respect her. I think, that author of this novel, done a great job by letting all the main characters to speak in this book, even the evil ones. Another great point of this book, that author was finishing every chapter with a cliff hanger, and then just starting the next chapter with different characters story. It was so addictive, and all I wanted was to figure out, how the previous story finished. I enjoyed reading the story from children’s perspective as well. The little boy, Sean, was a real sweetheart; incredibly smart, caring and a little hero. (Reminder, I do not like children). The ability to read the story from different perspectives and told by different characters made it very enjoyable, and allowed to understand the characters way better.
The whole plot was happening in one area and was really concentrated on a small, dying town of Silver Water. I really liked the whole story; I found it really original and very interesting. The more I read this book, the catchier it got. I really liked how this story unfolded, with Audra’s difficult past, husband’s abuse, and her fight for her children at present. I really enjoyed the twists and turns in this book. When I thought that is no one there to help Audra, author nicely twisted in a help for her. I liked the topics this novel was discussing: different ways of emotional abuse against women; hard life and decisions when you don’t have money; corrupt authorities and how they can ruin people’s lives.
The writing style of this book is not difficult and language used makes this book a pleasant and easy read. As I mentioned in my previous reviews, I’m a big fan of short chapters, and this book is another winner in that category for me. On the other hand, there are some violent details in this book, so if you have weak nerves, be prepared. The ending of the book was well thought through and didn’t leave me disappointed. It was well deserved after everything. So to conclude, it is twisted, fast paced and addictive thriller filled with mother’s fight and love for her children, and surprisingly I really enjoyed it.
Was given this book by publisher and NetGalley for honest review.
Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated Everything She Ever Wanted in Books
May 15, 2018
Patricia Vann Radcliffe Taylor Allanson is a prime example of how wicked a woman can be, and readers learn this first hand in Ann Rule’s novel, Everything She Ever Wanted. If you’ve followed my blog for some time, you’ll know that I have a thing for reading about wicked women – after all, there’s this misguided belief that women can’t be as cruel as men and that they don’t kill despite hundreds of years of evidence to the contrary. In this abridged audiobook, listeners get a glimpse into the dark, twisted heart of a southern belle.
Rule’s recounting of the facts coupled with Betty Buckley’s voice make for a fascinatingly easy listen. The abridged version of this novel, which is what I listened to, it just over two and a half hours and makes for a quick one-sitting ordeal, which is nice. I do have to say though that there’s probably more to benefit from the unabridged version than this one.
The abridged version of Everything She Ever Wanted makes it a little harder to grasp just how much of a sociopath Pat is, and in fact she doesn’t begin to seem too crazy toward the end. I’m making the assumption this is due to the length and what was cut out, rather than an issue with writing style. Regardless, I enjoyed listening to this book and will be reading more of Rule’s work.
Rule’s recounting of the facts coupled with Betty Buckley’s voice make for a fascinatingly easy listen. The abridged version of this novel, which is what I listened to, it just over two and a half hours and makes for a quick one-sitting ordeal, which is nice. I do have to say though that there’s probably more to benefit from the unabridged version than this one.
The abridged version of Everything She Ever Wanted makes it a little harder to grasp just how much of a sociopath Pat is, and in fact she doesn’t begin to seem too crazy toward the end. I’m making the assumption this is due to the length and what was cut out, rather than an issue with writing style. Regardless, I enjoyed listening to this book and will be reading more of Rule’s work.
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Serafina and the Black Cloak in Books
Feb 27, 2019
I will confess that it's been quite some time since I read a middle grade/young adult book, but perusing my children's family night book fair, I came across this book. I read the back of it and noticed one thing. Biltmore. Living in North Carolina, a few hours away from the Biltmore, I thought it would be the perfect dive back into the wonderful world of innocence and fun. I wasn't wrong!
Serafina and The Black Cloak is a wonderful start to Mr. Beatty's Serafina series. I read this in two sittings and loved every minute of this read! Serafina's character is wonderful and I loved following her along the halls of the Biltmore Estate. The story is filled with just the right amount of kid-friendly mystery and is perfect for those curious minds that love to seek out clues and solve the puzzle.
Serafina's search for answers on the disappearances within the walls of the magnificently built estate, and the lovely story line, Mr. Beatty has just become my favorite author for books like this. I am already looking forward to reading book 2, Serafina and the Twisted Staff. If it's anything like this book, it will be just as captivating and filled with tremendous doses of 5 star worthy moments! Fantastically done, Mr. Beatty. Fantastically done. <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/review-serafina-and-the-black-cloak-by-robert-beatty/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
Serafina and The Black Cloak is a wonderful start to Mr. Beatty's Serafina series. I read this in two sittings and loved every minute of this read! Serafina's character is wonderful and I loved following her along the halls of the Biltmore Estate. The story is filled with just the right amount of kid-friendly mystery and is perfect for those curious minds that love to seek out clues and solve the puzzle.
Serafina's search for answers on the disappearances within the walls of the magnificently built estate, and the lovely story line, Mr. Beatty has just become my favorite author for books like this. I am already looking forward to reading book 2, Serafina and the Twisted Staff. If it's anything like this book, it will be just as captivating and filled with tremendous doses of 5 star worthy moments! Fantastically done, Mr. Beatty. Fantastically done. <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/review-serafina-and-the-black-cloak-by-robert-beatty/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
Hazel (2934 KP) rated My Lovely Wife in Books
Apr 6, 2019
A gem of a read
This book is like nothing I have read before ... in a good way of course but I am slightly worried that I may be moving onto the dark side of normal! Why? you may ask - just read this book and you'll understand!
What we have here is an absolute gem of a read that had me hooked from the start. I won't go into the plot as I don't want to give anything away but will describe it as being edgy, dark, twisted, engrossing, disturbingly entertaining and totally unique. The characters are just excellent but more than that, they are frighteningly believable and rarely do I find myself feeling so wrong about liking and rooting for someone so disturbed but scarily normal!
The writing is crisp and effective and easy to read with excellent pacing; great suspense and twists leave you reading way too late into the night in anticipation of what the heck is going to happen next.
I can't believe this is a debut and I am waiting on tenterhooks for Samantha Downing's next book and I only hope it's as disturbingly good as this one. On her website, she says that she wants to "tell stories that make people walk into walls"; I think she did with this one.
Thank you to the publisher, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph, and NetGalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
What we have here is an absolute gem of a read that had me hooked from the start. I won't go into the plot as I don't want to give anything away but will describe it as being edgy, dark, twisted, engrossing, disturbingly entertaining and totally unique. The characters are just excellent but more than that, they are frighteningly believable and rarely do I find myself feeling so wrong about liking and rooting for someone so disturbed but scarily normal!
The writing is crisp and effective and easy to read with excellent pacing; great suspense and twists leave you reading way too late into the night in anticipation of what the heck is going to happen next.
I can't believe this is a debut and I am waiting on tenterhooks for Samantha Downing's next book and I only hope it's as disturbingly good as this one. On her website, she says that she wants to "tell stories that make people walk into walls"; I think she did with this one.
Thank you to the publisher, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph, and NetGalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
BTPBookclub (18 KP) rated The Passengers in Books
May 11, 2019
Brilliant.. Unique. Futuristic.
OMG! It’s been a while since I read a five star book! This was amazing. Absolutely loved it. A must read. I devoured it. A fast paced, page turner of a read that you won’t be able to put down. It will be all you think about.
Set in the future, driverless cars! One dark, twisted, disturbed and clever hacker messing with peoples lives and minds… Brilliantly written. A unique story, I can safely say I have not read anything like this before and was hooked, its different. One of a kind. I think I’d be against driverless cars myself if it ever came to it.
I felt so sorry for Libby caught in the middle of it all, made worse by the fact she knows one of the passengers. I must state that Jack’s character was a bit of a douche (being polite).
The book also links to social media and how people (most of us) put that before our actual actions, thoughts and feelings. Anyone can hide behind a screen which is sad and join in with these sick games… If this happened in real life you just wouldn’t would you? Well I guess there will always be a few who do. Eye opening. Shocking.
A well deserved five stars, highly recommend! A must buy. A must read. Will be going into my top twenty of 2019. Unforgettable.
Set in the future, driverless cars! One dark, twisted, disturbed and clever hacker messing with peoples lives and minds… Brilliantly written. A unique story, I can safely say I have not read anything like this before and was hooked, its different. One of a kind. I think I’d be against driverless cars myself if it ever came to it.
I felt so sorry for Libby caught in the middle of it all, made worse by the fact she knows one of the passengers. I must state that Jack’s character was a bit of a douche (being polite).
The book also links to social media and how people (most of us) put that before our actual actions, thoughts and feelings. Anyone can hide behind a screen which is sad and join in with these sick games… If this happened in real life you just wouldn’t would you? Well I guess there will always be a few who do. Eye opening. Shocking.
A well deserved five stars, highly recommend! A must buy. A must read. Will be going into my top twenty of 2019. Unforgettable.
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated The Dark Game in Books
May 22, 2019
Ten writers are selected for a summer-long writing retreat with the most celebrated and reclusive author in the world. Their host is the legendary Roderick Wells. Handsome, enigmatic, and fiendishly talented, Wells promises to teach his pupils about writing, about magic, about the untapped potential that each of them possesses. Most of all, he plans to teach them about the darkness in their hearts.
The writers think they are signing up for a chance at riches and literary prestige. But they are really entering the twisted imagination of a deranged genius, a lethal contest pitting them against one another in a struggle for their sanity and their lives. They have entered into Roderick Wellss most brilliant and horrible creation.
The Dark Game.
Wow! What a story!! The Dark Game caught my attention from the very beginning and kept me hooked throughout the story.
This book was unique and fun to read.
The atmosphere is set right from the start.
The dynamics between the characters is clearly set out from the beginning. You can plainly see all the distinguishing characteristics and traits of each one as they are introduced.
I love the setting and atmosphere of the house.
In my opinion this was a perfect horror story with many developed layers to unfold.
This is one of his best stories yet to date! Janz keeps getting better!
Highly Recommend!!
Thanks to NetGalley and Flametree Press for my ARC copy.
The writers think they are signing up for a chance at riches and literary prestige. But they are really entering the twisted imagination of a deranged genius, a lethal contest pitting them against one another in a struggle for their sanity and their lives. They have entered into Roderick Wellss most brilliant and horrible creation.
The Dark Game.
Wow! What a story!! The Dark Game caught my attention from the very beginning and kept me hooked throughout the story.
This book was unique and fun to read.
The atmosphere is set right from the start.
The dynamics between the characters is clearly set out from the beginning. You can plainly see all the distinguishing characteristics and traits of each one as they are introduced.
I love the setting and atmosphere of the house.
In my opinion this was a perfect horror story with many developed layers to unfold.
This is one of his best stories yet to date! Janz keeps getting better!
Highly Recommend!!
Thanks to NetGalley and Flametree Press for my ARC copy.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Restricted Fantasies in Books
Dec 9, 2018
A Black Mirror-style sci-fi short story collection
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
As I read the description, "A Black Mirror-style sci-fi short story collection about the perils of our virtual reality future - and whether we're already living in it.", I was intrigued. For those that don't know "Black Mirror" is a British TV show that is available on Netflix. "Black Mirror" is a contemporary reworking of "The Twilight Zone" and is described by Netflix as a "sci-fi anthology series explores a twisted, high-tech near-future where humanity's greatest innovations and darkest instincts collide."
Describing "Restricted Fantasies" by Kevin Kneupper as being written in Black Mirror-style is an actuate description. Each stand-alone story in both features its own cast of unique characters. As with "Black Mirror", this is not a collection to sit and read straight through. The stories make you think and mess with your mind. They need to be digested, thought through, and processed.
I do not want to discuss any of the individual stories as I do not want to mention any spoilers. With many of the stories I needed a few hours, if not days, to process. I highly recommend "Restricted Fantasies" to anyone who can read it and process it. I would not recommend reading it in one sitting.
As I read the description, "A Black Mirror-style sci-fi short story collection about the perils of our virtual reality future - and whether we're already living in it.", I was intrigued. For those that don't know "Black Mirror" is a British TV show that is available on Netflix. "Black Mirror" is a contemporary reworking of "The Twilight Zone" and is described by Netflix as a "sci-fi anthology series explores a twisted, high-tech near-future where humanity's greatest innovations and darkest instincts collide."
Describing "Restricted Fantasies" by Kevin Kneupper as being written in Black Mirror-style is an actuate description. Each stand-alone story in both features its own cast of unique characters. As with "Black Mirror", this is not a collection to sit and read straight through. The stories make you think and mess with your mind. They need to be digested, thought through, and processed.
I do not want to discuss any of the individual stories as I do not want to mention any spoilers. With many of the stories I needed a few hours, if not days, to process. I highly recommend "Restricted Fantasies" to anyone who can read it and process it. I would not recommend reading it in one sitting.
Necole (36 KP) rated We Were Liars in Books
Oct 25, 2018
Every summer, the Sinclair family visits the family island to spend the months there.
Gat, Mirren, Johnny and Cady were close and loved their summers they had together. Then an accident happened when Cady was 15 on the island that left her with no memory of events. For two years she didn't hear from Gat, Mirren or Johnny nor did she go to the family island during the summer. The summer of her 17th year, she finally returned ...
How did her family react to her to her return? Did Gat, Mirren and Johnny open up their arms to her? What happened to Cady that fateful summer of the accident? Will she remember?
Not only is this a crucial part of the story, but how does greed, money, power and family all play out in this well thought out novel of mystery?
I loved the writing style and how this book was broken into 4 parts, but I won't tell you the parts names because it might give something away!!!!
A brilliantly written mystery with an intriguing plot and a twisted ending you will not foresee!!!!
A must read that will have you flying through the pages and making you ask yourself a few questions. I also loved the retelling of fairy tales that make all the sense in the world once all the pieces are put together.
Gat, Mirren, Johnny and Cady were close and loved their summers they had together. Then an accident happened when Cady was 15 on the island that left her with no memory of events. For two years she didn't hear from Gat, Mirren or Johnny nor did she go to the family island during the summer. The summer of her 17th year, she finally returned ...
How did her family react to her to her return? Did Gat, Mirren and Johnny open up their arms to her? What happened to Cady that fateful summer of the accident? Will she remember?
Not only is this a crucial part of the story, but how does greed, money, power and family all play out in this well thought out novel of mystery?
I loved the writing style and how this book was broken into 4 parts, but I won't tell you the parts names because it might give something away!!!!
A brilliantly written mystery with an intriguing plot and a twisted ending you will not foresee!!!!
A must read that will have you flying through the pages and making you ask yourself a few questions. I also loved the retelling of fairy tales that make all the sense in the world once all the pieces are put together.
Chloe (778 KP) rated The Dream Defenders in Books
Apr 14, 2020
Imaginative (3 more)
Clever
Interesting
Good concept
Further development (1 more)
Lacking characters
The title "Dream Defenders" explains the content of the book. Basically the Dream Institute works to protect dreamers through powers they have learned/been taught. Dreamers are recruited when they show a particular acumen for managing their dreams.
The concept is very clever because it is something that could happen in real life, that we are not aware of. It's a very imaginative story with some quite funny bits in places. Love the Sandman name, very clever little note.
The characters and bad guys are well thought out but could have further development e.g. Marshall seems to only like books and that's all I can really say about him. Aeryn is supposedly trained in dream weaving but shows very limited skill. The story felt rushed and I definitely think the concept could do with some embellishment.
I'm not sure whether this is young adult, I felt like it was for children perhaps a similar age to goosebumps. Ocassionally the humour felt forced and in the wrong place. There often seemed to be unnecessary words for example, one sentence states "Nolan's stomach twisted, this time not from the Wispe travel". The events of the previous sentence clearly states what caused the stomach twisting.
Just a note, I think on Page 254 the word dream stream is used when it should be death stream.
I obtained a free copy from Voracious Readers Only!
The concept is very clever because it is something that could happen in real life, that we are not aware of. It's a very imaginative story with some quite funny bits in places. Love the Sandman name, very clever little note.
The characters and bad guys are well thought out but could have further development e.g. Marshall seems to only like books and that's all I can really say about him. Aeryn is supposedly trained in dream weaving but shows very limited skill. The story felt rushed and I definitely think the concept could do with some embellishment.
I'm not sure whether this is young adult, I felt like it was for children perhaps a similar age to goosebumps. Ocassionally the humour felt forced and in the wrong place. There often seemed to be unnecessary words for example, one sentence states "Nolan's stomach twisted, this time not from the Wispe travel". The events of the previous sentence clearly states what caused the stomach twisting.
Just a note, I think on Page 254 the word dream stream is used when it should be death stream.
I obtained a free copy from Voracious Readers Only!
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