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Ink and Bone is the latest book that takes place in The Hollows. The thing that I like about these stories is that they are pretty much stand alone books. I haven't read all of the series, yet I never felt like I was missing anything. I really enjoyed Crazy Love You, so I had high hopes for Ink and Bone. That being said, I enjoyed it, I just didn't love it.
The mystery was pretty good. I didn't see the couple of twists at the end coming. I liked the characters, especially Finley. Trying to figure things out along with Finley made the mystery more exciting. I also liked connecting with Jones Cooper again. I have always liked his character.\
What I didn't love was the multiple points of view and the length. It was just way too long and dragged in spots. There were several points of view that I didn't think were necessary to the story, for example, Mary and Wolf's. They didn't really add anything and made the book drag.
If you are a fan of The Hollows books, I'd say this is worth checking out. I would like to visit with Finley and Jones again. I hope they get another story in the future. | 2 |
This book made me cry- in a good way. As someone who has played the piano most of my life, I can relate to Grandpa. No, I don't have Altzheimer's, but it is getting harder and harder to remember things. This is a wonderful children's book for a kid affected by a relative with Altzheimer's. | 4 |
I loved this fairy tale like story. I honestly couldn't put it down. I read it late into the night and I just loved it.
There was a bit of mystery with just the perfect fairy tale elements developed. It was a cross between Cinderella and Little Mermaid. The best part it was a book about MERMAIDS that had the actual mermaids in it. Not mermaids from afar. I loved it!
The reason I gave it 4 stars. I really got frustrated with the main character and her "Oh I'm not pretty I'm so ugly". I understood why she thought that but it got a little too much and I wasn't buying it. Maybe it was a bit overdone.
The second reason was the ending. It ends with a rather open ended idea and a lot of stuff is left unresolved. I had tons of questions at the end and was a bit disappointed it ended.
Overall I loved this book and would read it again any day! | 3 |
Over the course of a long love affair with English literature (and the coursework therein), I consider myself to have read all of Shakespeare's sonnets. Though the merit of these works is obvious, I have always had trouble connecting with Shakespeare's poetry in the same way I am able to connect with his plays. | 2 |
4.5 stars! I enjoyed the depth of the characters and the story. It was a great mix of history, romance, and mystery. | 3 |
I have to say that I loved reading these prequels...and I am now going to begin reading the first of the Grimm Diaries!!! Some people have talked about them not being that good...but I disagree!!! I found them light and very funny!!! I have loved the fairy tales...and to think of them this way...made me laugh...to even think of Snow White being a vampire...is hilarious!!!...and hilarious in a good way!!! I love to think of the fairy tale characters as being evil...and naughty...ooooh yeah!!! | 3 |
4.5/5 rounded up for that ending! | 4 |
Review originally posted on journeyintotheshelves.tumblr.com & journeyintotheshelves.wordpress.com
**I received an eARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and Random House. This has had no bearing on this review.
There is this thing that happens to me every May where I crave an epic novel. (I blame Game of Thrones gracing my television once more.) So, with that in mind, I decided that it was time for me to pick up the book that is marketed as Game of Thrones set in the Ottoman Empire.
And I found the story I was craving.
And I Darken isn't a fantasy in the sense of magic or dragons, but rather an alternate history of Vlad the Impaler if he was a woman. Set in the Ottoman Empire during the mid-15th century, the novel follows the story of Lada and her brother, Radu, as they are taken from their home in Wallachia to live in the Ottoman court. While Radu thrives in this environment, Lada hates every minute of it and will do whatever it takes to get back home. But nothing is ever quite that simple.
Simply, the best part of this book is the characters. Lada is fierce, strong, and one of the best antiheroines that I have read in a long time. Her fury and cruelty jumps right off of the page from the very first instance that she is introduced. She is constantly battling against what society wants her image to be - a wife, a "woman" - and has no problem with breaking a few people, or killing them, along the way.
On the other hand, Radu is meek, shy, and would rather use his words to sort out problems than his fists. (Well, he'd rather not have any conflict in the first place, but that's seemingly impossible with Lada running around court.) While Lada resents everything about court, Radu finally realizes that he has found a place to call home. Throughout the course of the novel, Radu gains a strength that Lada doesn't and can't have - a quiet strength - which really drew me to the character.
Mehmed, the next sultan of the Ottoman Empire, rounds out the trio. Even though he is the one with any true political power, he relies deeply on both Lada and Radu to the point that he would not be where he is by the end of the novel without them.
The relationship dynamics between these three characters is truly astounding. It's complex, realistic, and doesn't feel forced in the slightest. Lada and Radu fight like brother and sister, but protect each other with an animalistic fierceness. Lada's relationship with Mehmed helps show a somewhat softer side to Lada, rounding out her character a bit more, but doesn't overtake the ferociousness that makes Lada who she is. Mehmed and Radu's relationship explores what it's like to be in love with your best friend and still being there for him, despite knowing that you can never have him. They each complement each other while also being complete separate characters in a simply flawless way that really makes this book special.
White's writing is dark, captivating, and detailed. From the very first sentence, I was pulled into this world that is so unlike my own with ease. As the plot continues and the storyline becomes more complex, filled with political intrigue and subplots, there isn't a moment where I found myself confused as to what was happening. It took me a while to read this book simply because I wanted to savor every page of it.
Overall, And I Darken is a wonderfully unique novel about power, the consequences of power, and those who wield it. I cannot recommend this book enough. | 4 |
Dini's examination of Batman as a detective is intriguing. It starts off pretty dull, but improves when Dini moves off the straight procedural. The last story, 'Slay Ride', has nothing to do with detective work, but is still the best in the collection by far. Which suggests, perhaps, that though the detective work is intriguing, it also is ultimately a failure. | 2 |
If it weren't for Cameron's Aliens, I really think Predator would be the better franchise ... much more fun than DC/Aliens. | 2 |
3.5/5 Stars. I enjoyed this, but it was a little slow-moving and I found myself wondering where the plot was going for some of it. Nothing exciting really happened, and while I liked Adelaide, I feel like I didn't really know much about her. Other than that, I really liked this. I liked Cedric & Adelaide's romance, and I really liked Mira and Tamsin, so I'm excited to read about them in the companion novels! | 2 |
Story of lone genius John Harrison, who devised a way to measure longitude. Meticulous like its subject. | 2 |
Oikein kesaista ja leppoisaa luettavaa. Anna on hahmo, josta on helppo pitaa ja sata vuotta vanha teksti on yllattavan tuoretta viela tanaankin. Mukava kirja. | 2 |
These were interesting to read. There were several well-known tales, and some that I had not heard before mixed in. Many stories have elements of these tales mixed in much like Aesop's fables. The writing was a bit stilted - not the best translation - and of course the stories, which ranged between one to three pages each, had very shallow characters. | 3 |
3 Throttled Stars!!!
My girl Kathy, demanded that I read this book so I could get my Alpha Male fix. I didn't know what to expect but I did know I was going to get me self another Alpha (My Favorite). In this book we have opposites attract. Suzy is the stick in the mud control freak where as City is the tattooed love em and leave em player.
As Suzy is stranded at the side of the road the most unlikely savior comes in the form of this tattooed bad boy. Even though Suzy may be a bit square her libido is a bit more lively and it can't deny its pull to City.
"As for being owned, I plan to own every inch of your body. You are mine, sugar, don't forget that shit. I'm going to fucking ruin you."
I did like this book and yes City was Alpha worthy but at times their relationship comes across as very juvenile, which ended up making it hard for me to completely fall in love with the aspect of Suzy and City.
For more reviews, visit Live Read and Breathe
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Follow along with Twitter Live Read and Breathe Twitter | 2 |
An interesting take on Sherlock Holmes versus Jack the Ripper. It took me awhile to really get into the book, but by the end I HAD to find out what happened.
I enjoyed it, and Lyndsay Faye's take on Sherlock Holmes was marvelous. | 3 |
Lupaava alku, mutta loppua kohden tarina hiukan lassahtaa. Juonessa on myos muutama epaloogisuus, jollaisia en ole ennen Cornwellin kirjoissa huomannut. Mutta tyypilliseen tapaansa Patricia Cornwell pitaa otteessaan, eika paasta irti ennen kuin kirja on luettu kannesta kanteen. | 2 |
This one is hard to review properly. I've heard so much about Linda Howard that I jumped at this opportunity to finally read something from her. For what was written it was brilliantly done. The reason its hard to review is because once I was getting into the story it was done. It was just too quick to completely leave me with something to properly review.
Was it well written? Yes. Would I read more from this author? In a heartbeat. Do I wish I had more from this story? Yes. But the idea of the story was great. | 2 |
I almost dnf this book at 50 %. I found it very slow moving and thought Eve and Joe were blah. I had to put it aside for a while. At 65 % the action picked up and I enjoyed the last 1/3 very much. I'm undecided if I will read book #2. | 2 |
First let me start by saying that I did enjoy reading this book - great characters, interesting plot and a bit of twist. However it is one of those books where I loved part of it but didn't enjoy other parts of the story quite so much.
The book tells the story of Jason who is desperate to escape from someone who is out to kill him. He is tired of running and approaches Quinn, a PI, for help. Quinn has personal reasons for wanting to protect Jason from the bad guy, reasons involving the death of his lover.
The story is told in first person, with the telling of the tale alternating between the main characters, Quinn and Jason. It is interesting to gain insight into each characters thoughts and to understand their feelings. In this case, equal time is spent with each character's POV, with minimal overlap of events.
However I did feel that there was a little too much back and forth and would have preferred more time with each character before switching. At times I also felt that I was being told what was happening in the story, a pure account, rather than losing myself in the book/experiencing it.
I think this book had one of the most unique introductions to one of the main characters I have seen in a while, with Jason's first impression of Quinn - asleep with drool down his chin, uncombed and unwashed hair, unkempt beard and stained clothes! ".....he looked like life had been beating him up for a while." Over the course of the book, we see changes in Quinn from having little interest in life to returning to his old self, assisted by his feelings for Jason. We also see Jason start to think of a future, rather than running.
Things are complicated with Quinn having to come to terms with his feelings for a man other than his lost lover and he has to reassure Jason that he sees him for who he is. He needs Jason to trust him. Similarly Jason needs to learn to trust Quinn after years on the run and trusting no one.
I loved the characters and their backgrounds. I was hoping they would get together and overcome the bad guys. I enjoyed the first 50% immensely. But here's where my opinion of the book gets slightly divided.
**Warning the below might be considered slightly spoilerish but probably not once bookshelves and more reviews are added**
Things started to get a little strange (the blurb doesn't give any hint , I didn't look closely enough at the sub-genres and the Goodreads bookshelves had no reference) as the story starts to become about the supernatural - monsters, evil fairies, superpowers and the like. The change was reminiscent of the movie From Dusk Till Dawn. At this point I went from loving the book to liking the book.
There are a couple of potential reasons for this. It could be because it was unexpected. It could be that as a rule I usually prefer contemporary romance. It could be because the supernatural change didn't happen until halfway through the book so when it occurred it seemed a bit more unbelievable than if the situation had been set up from the beginning.
My rating for this book is therefore 3.5 stars although I believe that people looking to read a paranormal/fantasy may rate this higher.
This book was supplied by the publisher, Wilde City Press, in return for an honest review. | 3 |
Excellently written, riveting account of an appalling evil. | 4 |
Book three of the Harper Connelly series is much more violent and disturbing than the first two stories. Harper has been called to a small town to search for a missing teenage boy. Her "brother", Tolliver, accompanies her as usual. But this turns out to be the worst case in Harper Connelly's strange career. As an after-effect of a lightning strike when she was fifteen, Harper has the ability to find dead bodies and to discover the cause of death (but not who killed the victim or why). She does locate the dead boy. Unfortunately, he is buried in a field with seven other missing boys. Harper and Tolliver need to stay in Doraville, North Carolina while local and state authorities exhume the bodies and investigate the killings. But the longer they remain, the greater the danger that Harper finds herself in. And her relationship with Tolliver undergoes a seismic shift. The pain and suffering inflicted on the killed boys brought me to tears. And the fear and tension build to a stunning climax as the killers are forced to reveal themselves. An Ice Cold Grave is not for the faint of heart. | 3 |
While marketing professionals may have recommended a trilogy, the Peleg Chronicles is just one story, with some rather arbitrary cliff hangers between books. The first edition lacked luster and I'm not sure the second will sell as well anyway. In addition, the somewhat slow start of the first book would be mitigated by a single binding, although I have to concede, it makes it easier to carry!
I couldn't say at the end of Book 1 that I really CARED about the characters, but I found myself warming to them and their world in Paladins. There were times when I picked the book up not because I wanted to read and this is my current project, but because I wanted to know what happened next. These sparks were encouraging, though not enough to light a fire and I find myself dragging my feet on starting Book 3.
Adequate to pass the time, this is not classic literature. It is appropriate for young people and would be a good option for a voracious reader. | 1 |
I'd read Alice and Through the Looking Glass before, but hasn't encountered Carroll's poetry outside of those two. Now I'm glad I have. The only reasons I'm considering donating my copy after finishing this book yesterday is 1) to pass on the joy and 2) so I can get a complete Carrol poetry collection. | 3 |
This book was recommended to me by a coworker because of my penchant for telling funny stories and riddles. Honestly, I dish it out more easily than I take it (I hate to feel dumb!) but these were pretty fun. The ones that I missed didn't (for the most part) make me feel very dumb because I thought the "answers" were just kind of silly. | 2 |
I really enjoyed this book | 3 |
Teigiama: Parasyta tikrai neiprastu stiliumi!
Neigiama:
> Sunku suprasti, kas parasyta ir vyksta;
> Sunku skaityti (galbut geriau butu klausyti?)
> Kol pries 2 tukst. metu graiku filosofai kalbejo apie zmogaus buties esme, pries 200 metu Donelaitis kalbejo apie siknos krapstyma pagaliu. Primena "Domino" teatra;
> Aukstinamas taikus darbas, vergavimas ponui. | 1 |
Jalleen ihan ok kirja. | 2 |
Very thought provoking novel. Although the plot sounds like something you've read before it's not a typical "missing person" story. It took me a bit of time to really get into the story but Ingrid's letters and the present day story complimented each other. I like the way this story twists and turns, some of it predictable, some of it not, but it all works. It's hard to write much more because I don't want to give any of it away, but it's definitely worth a read. | 3 |
This is a highly unusual book, and a difficult one to review. It blurs the boundaries between novella and poetry beautifully.
The narrative follows a father and two sons who have just lost their mother, and are visited by a crow, promising to stay until they no longer need him. Crow as a character is extremely interesting, and it is not always clear whether it is real, or just a literary device.
This book is largely a reflection on grief, and the ability to move forward. I will definitely be rereading it, perhaps after reading the Ted Hughes collection (on which this is based), as I feel I could get even more out of it
Undoubtedly, this book is not for everybody. It is extremely literary and experimental, and at times confusing, though I believe it is worth taking the time to reflect on the writing, and the messages it contains. | 2 |
I feel in love with Cleopatra and was annoyed at the wimpy Marc Antony. Dryden added his own style to this classic story and it was wonderful. A little hard to get through at points, but worth it. | 3 |
Chronicles the adventures (legends/myths/tall tales) of Joaquin Murrieta, the notorious bandit of the California gold rush; and perhaps the real-life inspiriation behind the legend of Zorro.
A vivid depiction of California in the 1840's and 50's, with portraits of other well-known characters and some not-so-well known from the days of placer mining, panning for gold, and claim-jumping.
I found it especially interesting because I have cousins who live in Chinese Camp and Jamestown, near where Joaquin Murrieta staged some of his most infamous exploits, and most of the names and places mentioned were familiar to me. | 3 |
The Icarus arc finale feels rushed as it needs one more issue to put things together nicely. The story unfolds too conveniently in Detective Comics #34, a stark contrast with the slow detective and street-level progress made in it previous issues.
What makes this issue a worthwhile read is Manapul's art. This action-packed issue is full of spread pages and Manapul isn't afraid to show his awesome talent.
I'd still give this team a shot in their next DetCom arc.
P.S. Annette Aguila for Robin! | 3 |
It's a wonderful manga! I started reading this because I was bored but by the time I finished vol.1, I want to read the next, then next until finished reading the complete series. I love the simplicity of the story, not too much "buhoo-hooo-hooo" drama feeling like in most shoujo and not much glittery either, it's very lighthearted romance but enough to make me curled up in my seat and giggled when there is a romantic scene. | 4 |
A very good book. There's hidden snark here. You go along reading and BAM! Such a snarky turn of phrase. Very clever writer.
The story was good, too. Didn't really care about the girl when she was snobby (still funny, but a snob), but I liked how she grew as a person. I also liked how this story didn't actually end. It leaves room to expand.
I'll definitely be reading more of her. | 3 |
As Harry moves deeper into adolescence, the tone of the series becomes darker. Still engaging and engrossing, the plot lines are a bit more intertwined now, and the boundaries between good and evil a bit more indistinct--sort of like real life. | 4 |
I've read this book for the second time, the first time concentrating only on the poetry and have missed the fascinating detective story through centuries and continents that goes into finding the origins of the legends and how they travelled and morphed as they were told and re-told, transferred to other countries and brought back. | 3 |
3,5 | 3 |
Really good and tough to put down at the beginning; but once you hit about 2/3 of the way through, really slowed down and got pretty predictable. | 2 |
Jamie is the resident bad boy with his signature mohawk and tatoo'd body and a smile women would die for. Jamie is a member of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and a also is a shape shifter. He can have any woman he wants as they all fall for him and his to die for smile except the one he really wants.
Kelsey is your typical spoiled rich girl who enjoys drinking and partying and of course "bad boys". Whatever Kelsey wants she gets and her newest obsession is Jamie. Will she get the man she desires or will they be driven apart by enemies of all forms.
Another awesome book by Nikki Drost - would definitely recommend to everyone as a must read. | 4 |
This was not a novel, it was a play. And it read quite well as a play. I liked the depiction of Harry as an extremely protective father, even though that is something he would have hated as a teenager. The contrast with his young self was interesting. I also like the conflicted relationship of Harry and Albus. For that matter, even Scorpius and Draco. It brings to light the struggle of what it is like to be a great or a famous person's son. The psychological pressures and issues were well portrayed. I liked how this central theme affected both Albus's personality, as well as who he made friends with. The rest of the plot points drew from the elements already mentioned in the series and we're used well. It was a good, fast read overall. | 3 |
Can't wait to get my hands on the next one! | 3 |
As a huge fan, I never imagined I could not love something created by James Robinson. His Starman in particular stands out as one of the best series efforts by a major company in the superhero genre, offering a full mature modernization on many a tired trope. Yet with Earth 2, he seems to go completely off the rails. Now this problem may in part result from the odd decision to take a bunch of names of classic comic characters (Flash, Atom, Hawkgirl, Dr. Fate) and slap them on characters who have nothing in common with their original Earth 2 counterparts save their powers (and sometimes not even that). Several are simply unrecognizable: Mr. Terrific an ego maniacal sociopath? Okay. The Flash a cocksure teenager? Okay. Sandman part of an elite special forces team? Yeah..... Why not just give us new characters with new names and be done with it? For a sophisticated writer, Robinson also defaults to some of the most tired comic cliches (while I loved his take on Wotan's origin, I was pained when it came in the sort of pointless super villain monologing that I hoped we had done away with after Pixair's The Incredibles).
On its face, I am all for alternative comic universes. That DC continues to spend such time and effort treating them as a problem (all the way back to Crisis), boggles the mind. Taking familiar heroes to new situations surely thrills writers and fans alike. And the premise here, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman all dying in effort to drive back an invasion by Darkseid offers a lot of potential. That said, it just doesn't come together. This is perhaps made only worse by DC's tragic and boneheaded decision to absorb the Wildstorm Universe (in which the editors had the guts to actually destroy the world and leave heroes near hopeless among the carnage without any indication that they planned on a reset) into the new DC continuity, thus extinguishing a bold comic experiment.
A final note: Nicola Scott's just delicious art bumped this book from two stars to three. Indeed, were I less disappointed her work could have bumped it to four. Her clean bright style evokes Perez yet she surpasses even his skill in crafting action. Here is an artist readers could grow to love and I can't wait to see her talent unleashed on a book worthy of her gifts. Yes, she is that good. | 2 |
I will be the first to admit that Sophocles' Antigone is one of the plays that I have forgotten a lot about, but I do remember the praise of Antigone by my English teacher in high school, praising her rebellion, and the message of suffering in the living world only to receive salvation in the afterlife. While not as dramatic or as darkly humorous as Opedipus Rex, you are given a very powerful story in this tragedy.
I disagree with some of the reviews that I have read that Marie Slaight creates a modern retelling of the aforementioned play. I do not believe that these poems will be understood as someone telling the classic with a modern twist, which is a little misleading depending on how you read some of the descriptions and reviews of this book. However, this is still an excellent book, you will be brought into the symbolism and imagery of Antigone's heroic yet terrible narrative. These poems were written in the 1970's, attached with charcoal sketches of the same time period when the author and illustrator were in Montreal and Toronto.
However, don't think that you wouldn't enjoy the book just because you know nothing of Antigone. These poems are beautiful and brilliant as stand alone poems. I was surprised how fast I ate up these poems, and they were very quick to read. I believe I finished this book for my second time around just on the bus back to my apartment. You will be amazed at the morbid yet impeccably intricate details, subtle rhyme, and alliteration that is littered through every poem in this small collection.
The only issue have with this book might just be a little picky. As I've said before that this book is short, something you can eat up time and time again in little time. With that said, I have to say that it's a bit overpriced. From the Antigone Poems website, it is about 25 dollars. I got the entire Divine Comedy in paperback with that much. There are some Amazon sellers who are selling the book for about sixteen dollars. It's a little more reasonable, as the book is about a hundred pages (even though it felt a lot shorter on my Kindle) and it makes me curious about the formatting of the hard copy.
The charcoals are GORGEOUS. They are definitely a huge plus for the book, you get a couple littered in between the poems and a lot of beautiful charcoal sketches at the end of the book. I can admit that it might be a reason for the high price.
In the end, this book is definitely something to pick up and read. I recommend you shop around for a good price, or just go ahead and buy it nice and new! I saw some pictures of the physical cover and I admit it is beau-ti-ful! | 1 |
romance
This book was just silly. (I mean, look at the cover--good grief.) The main character fabricates a summer romance to her friends and then the boy she used as her summer fling (the son of a family friend) ends up coming to live with her and her family. Oh, the drama! I didn't find the writing quality compelling, and the story a bit on the ridiculous side. I'd like to think that we can give our adolescents more credit when giving them something to read. Maybe some girls would like this book for its easy-to-read, just-for-fun nature, and for that, I guess it would be okay. But really, I'd rather spend my time reading something with a little more substance. | 0 |
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A fantastic follow-up to Leaving Paradise. Definitely recommend. | 4 |
I appreciated the story. For me it felt a little predictable but it was still enjoyable. The author's writing style seems to be one that drags things out and uses really in-depth descriptions as place fillers in the story. Everyone's ending was well deserved and not at all surprising. But it was definitely a bit a feel good book in the long run. Also I was and wasn't all at the same time a fan of the foreshadowing. I liked anticipating what would happen but at the same time I felt like it ruined what was upcoming. | 2 |
Didn't finish.....not because it wasn't good, to many irons in the fire! | 2 |
Keep Sweet is a story about a young girl born into a fundamentalist Mormon polygamist cult, rife with domestic abuse, rape, and child abuse. It was stomach-churning to read parts of this book that showcase the way that women are treated, and even worse to read how the women buy into it and think that they literally have no other option but to live this way (either for salvation or because they are forced to stay).
This wasn't the best book I've ever read, but I couldn't put it down. I read it all in an evening; it's a quick read. I love stories about cults (I feel a little weird saying that, like I get pleasure from other people's horror stories - that's not the case, I just think it's interesting microcosms of society and case studies on cultural/societal domination and whatnot...). The cool thing about this book was that the author did a lot of research to ensure that the stories in the book were based on fact, even though the story is fiction. To think that these types of places still exist is mind-blowing and sickening, and I pray that there is someone out there working diligently to take them all down and get the women and children to safety. | 2 |
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The Inferno tie-in that leads things off is interesting because we see how Excalibur's humor integrates with the rest of the X-universe, but sort of disappointing for the fact that they don't do anything [6]. The follow-up in New York is better because it gives all the characters a chance to shine [7]. The two-parter about the German Excalibur is a nice taste of what's to come, but probably seemed a lot more innovative back in 1989 [6]. The last regular issue in the volume offers a nice tie-up going back to the start of the volume [7]. The Mojo story that ends things is OK adventure [6.5]. | 2 |
I really loved the push and pull between these characters. | 4 |
see full review @ Katie's Corner | 4 |
Love all the references, the gorgeous art, and poor alarm cat. | 3 |
Belle Aurora has sealed her reputation as one of the most versatile authors around! Night Fury is action packed, filled with some hot sex scenes, characters that I'm dying to read more about and a great storyline. Who are these people?? Who is Cat? Where did she come from? This is quick read, and will leave you wanting more. Loved Night Fury and look forward to reading more about Cat, Bob, Marco, and the rest of the crew. | 3 |
review to be posted | 2 |
Vallgren skriver med ett fantastiskt sprak och inlevelse. Det har ar en ren frojd att lasa. Och historien sticker ut lite fran standardupplagget. Kanske inget storre bestaende intryck men absolut bland det battre jag last pa valdigt lange. | 3 |
OMFG!!!!!! I LOVED this crazy backwards book!! YES YES YES | 4 |
2.5 Meh Stars!
Source: eARC for Honest Review Courtesy of Berkley | Penguin Group
Unfortunately this was another meh for me. It didn't not like it, but it also didn't wow me as well. As I was starting to read the book, I couldn't even recollect what this series was about nor what the first book was about. After refreshing my memory via Goodreads I tried to dive in to this story, but it never fully caught me.
This book is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. Kiefer Rogan is one of three who worked in Special Forces, along with Tag and Jasper. We meet all of these boys in Strong Enough, which was Jasper's book and the basis of this series. Even though there was a previous base it didn't feel like it was a super strong part of this book.
Rogan is ex-special forces, current MMA fighter, an actor and a 'player'. Katie is an ex-actor, and now a current make up artist with a chip on her shoulder which comes from her past.
Both of pasts and scars to remind them of them every day.
Katie didn't want any man in her life but Rogan got under her skin and weaseled his way into her heart. For Rogan, the moment he met Katie, he knew something was different about her that made him want her even more.
The more Rogan works to gain her trust and her heart the more Katie's walls come done. However, the more the walls come down the more her insecurities come out. Don't get me wrong I totally understand why she's plagued with them, as most in her situation would be. However, constantly reading about them can sometimes be a more negative feature of a book instead of a plus.
I think I finally figured out why insecurities are bothering me as of late when I'm reading. When a story is just one person's POV, it's easier to relate to them and their insecurities. When the story is from dual POV's, we get to see the other person's perspective, which gives us the whole picture. For example, in this story we read about Katie's insecurities and the why, but we also read about Rogan adoring her and not seeing her scars. He only saw her and loved her. So as a reader we see what she doesn't see. This is great for adding elements of depth to a story but it can also ruin some aspects because we can frustrated with a character for not seeing what is right in front of them.
Katie finally lets Rogan in and things are going decently then the dreaded insecure induced assumptions make an appearance causing Katie to run and for Rogan to be stubborn. Sure, it gives more angst to the story, but its been done too much which makes it too repetitive within this genre.
I gave my heart away and this is what it's come to. (What comes is a small pile of horseshit of assumptions, which weren't needed and would have made me less frustrated with the story)
As Rogan and Katie find themselves apart because Katie won't listen, and Rogan is stuck between a rock and a hard place, which was made on his own by not communicating to his brother nor Katie. During this part we finally get back to the premise of the series and it ties it in with Jasper and Tag.
As these elements come to the surface, Katie finds herself.
I'm simply a girl who's tired of hiding, who's tired of being hurt. Who's tired of only surviving. (About time!)
In the end all they can do is fight. Fight to be tough. Fight for each other. Fight to love
Fight to survive. Fight to live.
This book, was one of those books that was decent but unimpressionable. Even while writing this review I had to refresh my memory who the character's names were, which only reiterates the point that it was a bit unforgettable. When I come across these books I find them harder to review because they aren't great, but they also aren't bad. They're just the middle of the road. This saddens me this time around because I liked the idea of the story and I freakin' adore M. Leighton, but in the end it didn't wow me. Will I continue with this series? I think so, as I vaguely remember liking Strong Enough, which makes Brave Enough have potential. | 1 |
"What in me is dark illumine...(that)
I may assert Eternal Providence,
And justify the ways of God to men."
"O Heav'nly Muse, although I am young,
I feel that deep inside my soul, a well
Has sprung, and although I do not compare
With your brightest inventions, Milton being,
Your light and joy, your proudest creation,
I do aspire, one day to become, an
Imitation, especially through such
Divine inspiration..." (Charles Lia, 2014).
Milton's 'Paradise Lost', in my opinion, is one of the greatest poems ever written. Its themes are so true, so universal, that it is certainly not just for Christian readers, although many, unfortunate though it may be, seem to think so. Their loss, as striking and final as that of Eden. | 4 |
Not quite as good as the first book in the lower middle grade B Magical series. In this second installment, B learns the difference between real magic and fraudulent charlatans. Meanwhile, her bff, George, learns about the powerful influence of suggestion. This book ends on a terrible cliffhanger, and not in a satisfying way. | 2 |
[O]ver a relatively short time--certainly no more than a generation or two--women have moved from being the subjects and objects of Irish poems to being the authors of them. It is a momentous transit. It is also a disruptive one. . . . What is more, such a transit . . . is almost invisible to the naked eye. Critics may well miss it or map it inaccurately.
Eavan Boland crafts a luminous memoir in the form of literary criticism, examining the coming-of-age of an Irish woman poet. Beginning with the lonely, anonymous death of her maternal grandmother in a Dublin hospital at the age of thirty-one, Boland shows the silenced, the struggling, and finally, the emerging voice of the Irish woman. Object Lessons is a meditation on identity: what it means to be Irish, a notion Boland feels she missed, living her early childhood in London and New York, the daughter of a diplomat; what it means to be a poet, a calling Boland felt early, yet explored as an intellectual pursuit, rather than an emotional one; and what it means to be a woman, which becomes this book's ellipses.
Boland was born into post-war Ireland, came of age in the paradigm-shifting 60s, and found herself a young wife and mother during Ireland's violent, turbulent 70s. Throughout it all, she circles in and around her national, artistic, and sexual identities, working to bring them together and give them voice through her poetry. She challenges the myth of the Irish poet and the objectification of the Irish woman as symbol of national identity, reduced to the role of crone or angel.
Although Object Lessons is very specifically about the Irish cultural, political and domestic experience, it is a graceful treatise on poetry and feminism. She opens the door to the poets who influenced her thought, including Paula Meehan, Adrienne Rich, and Sylvia Plath, and speaks with quiet authority about form and theme.
The more I thought about it, the more uneasy I became. The wrath and grief of Irish history seemed to me, as it did to many, one of our true possessions. Women were part of that wrath, had endured that grief. It seemed to me a species of human insult that at the end of all, in certain Irish poems, they should become elements of style rather than aspects of truth.
Having so recently read Lyndall Gordon's excellent Vindication: A Life of Mary Wollstonecraft and of course, Virginia Woolf's incomparable A Room of One's Own I believe Boland's comment could extend to nearly any society at any age, including the present. And poetry could extend to prose, to politics, to the family.
Eavan Boland's clear and lovely poetic voice translates well into her essay prose. This was a inspiring, perceptive read. | 3 |
shrshW Sdm@! | 0 |
This was the best of all if her books. | 4 |
It was an incredible story. | 4 |
Solid. I like how Snyder is building the mythos regarding different breeds of vamps. | 2 |
Best book I've read in a while! Took a bit to get into but then I couldn't put it down. Well worth the almost 500 pages. | 4 |
** spoiler alert **
I find myself wavering here. If I could give 2.5 stars, I think I would.
The beginning and middle were good. It put me in mind of Harry Potter a little bit, how he had to deal with suspicion and continue his studies as best he can while learning a new sports game. Potter was more sociable than Mags, though. And then it went off the rails when tragedy struck.
I didn't mind the tragedy, nor the ensuing fights. They actually brought tears to my eyes, honestly. But how is everything forgiven so easily in two pages or less? Bear ripped into Mags twice, once because of his own problems and frustrations, and never even says "Sorry." Instead Mags is the one apologizing. I'm still confused as to why. And Mags yelled at Lena so she obviously deserves an apology. But Bear was a d**k.
Also, when did Lena become such a chump? She's after daddy's approval again by the end of the book. Didn't the boys have this talk with her already? Did someone cast a magical Spell of Forgetting, is it something psychological, or is hope springing eternal yet again?
Yes, I am going to read the sequel. | 1 |
Each letter of the alphabet is represented by a princess whose name starts with that letter. Although each princess is diverse in skin and hair color, they are all positioned in exactly the same way, making it a bit on the boring side. The illustrations are all very colorful and bright. I like the style, I just wish there was more variety. | 2 |
Interactive picture book about a tree that moves through each of the season with the help of the reader. A little finger wiggle, jiggle, tap, knock, and blowing of kisses causes colorful changes to appear. A fun read aloud with young children. | 3 |
I read this book to my kids over a few nights. What really stood out to me are the excellent illustrations. Rendered in pen and ink, they are truly beautiful, even the ones showing ugly creatures. The cover is colored and very nicely done. Actually, the production of the book as a whole is superb with thick uneven sized paper, and other nice printing features.
The story itself was nice, though simple. I haven't read the first 3 books, so obviously this would make a little more sense if I had. It was still easy enough to follow without, but there are many mentions of things in previous installments. The descriptions were nice and well defined. The characters were fitting and occasionally humorous. Having read this one, I definitely would like to read the others. The kids all quite liked them as well, ages ranging from 2-8. | 3 |
Love, love, love this book. The author definitely gave me a twist at the end! I wanted jump in a speak for this poor girl! | 2 |
4 Sexual Tension Stars!
Source: eARC for Honest Review Courtesy from Author
I hate to admit this but this was my first Marni Mann book.
I know, I know have I been sleeping under a rock? The answer is no but the good news I can't to read more from this author. So glad my Marni cherry has been broken.
In Unblocked this is the first book in a serial series and let me tell you it was HAWT and steamy and I can NOT wait for more.
Derek Block is a man of mystery and when he wants something he goes after it ANY way he sees fit.
Frankie Jordan is an ambitious realtor who knows how to succeed but won't undermine her abilities with sex, but that doesn't mean she doesn't play the sensuality card when need be. Frankie has been hurt and has her own mysteries where her private life is concerned.
Frankie has always had sensual dreams with an unknown man until she comes face to face with Derek Block and now her mystery man is no more. Instantly they are attracted to one another but know they are off limits to each other until their contract is done. But that much chemistry is hard to deny.
Episode 1 had great sexual tension and a great foundation set of what is to come while leaving us with a dangling carrot salivating for more. Can't wait for Episode 2 to see if Frankie's dream become reality, and if these two can be professional or do they throw caution to the wind and give into their desires, but it won't be easy with their pasts and secrets making their way to the surface.
For more reviews, visit Live Read and Breathe
Like us on Facebook Live Read and Breathe Facebook
Follow along with Twitter Live Read and Breathe Twitter | 3 |
great illustration
and very catchy word | 3 |
4.5 stars. A brutally honest novel about rape culture, and the things people are capable of when pushed.
I loved this book. I loved the characters. Alex, Peekay, Jack. I wanted to give them hugs. No one was a stereotype, even the characters that seem like stereotypes when they first appear, like Branley. You start off thinking you'll scoff at her character and roll your eyes, but then you realize that there is more to her than the popular cheerleader.
McGinnis tears into rape culture with no apology. Even little things like graffiti in school bathrooms play a part. Every little thing that many see as normal is picked into, and you realize just how much of our society is tainted by rape culture.
More thoughts later! | 4 |
Who doesn't love this??? | 4 |
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_ wmDy l'wtwjrf _ bqy shwq mshbw@
bqy ldhkr~ fyk , wfyh
wkhT~ l`shq lmHmwmh 'dmt kl dwlyh | 3 |
3.5Vamp
overall it was a good read which I enjoyed. It made me gasp,swoon and smile -great novella
Full review to come | 2 |
This is a lovely book. I love how the memoir is written in a poetic style. I was so caught up in the language and the story that I arrived on the last page and was surprised that I had finished the book. Excellent book! One I could read again without hesitation. | 3 |
2 1/2 Stars
This book has such potential for me: period piece, love story with secrets and twists, and yet when I finished it I was completely unsatisfied.
I really enjoyed the author's writing style and the characters she wrote were vibrant and real. I liked the heroine of the story, Kate, who was the main voice of the book. She was smart, sophisticated, and stood up for herself in the later 1930s when women's rights were still coming into their own. The book itself only spans one year, 1938, in the life of Kate. So much happens and yet by the end of the year I was underwhelmed by its events. The epilogue seemed to be a string of "lessons" that were too preachy for me. I wasn't trying to learn anything while reading this novel! I just wish the author gave us a conclusion that reflected more of the characters' emotions. I think the book actually ends unresolved -- sequel? I'm not sure it's worth it.
Overall a disappointing read but impressed by the author so I'd try another book in the future. | 1 |
A great read, Buchan through and through. Although I was at first off-put by the appearance of a more aged Hannay, he has lost none if his vigour in this novel, and Buchan's decision to include Hannay's son, Peter-John adds another dimension to his character. With events such as a mountaintop siege in Africa, a thrilling car chase through Scotland, and a last stand on a Norland Island, the book, although initially slow, becomes fast-paced and exciting as the plot progresses. | 3 |
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qlw : l n`rf Gyr hdh fa`amaW nHky ?
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qltu :
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l ywjd fstnun bsh`
m dm lklW fstn
wHd@un tuHb 'n trtdyh .
wtkhylt shyy'an akhr :
'lys fy kl thny@ mn lHy@ ,
nsn yDHk ?
dhn fy l'rD DHk mtwSl..
Hy'run 'n
byn 'n ybd' lfrH
w'laW ybd'
mkhf@a ynthy .. | 3 |
I found I liked this book better than the first in the series. Lindsey is a sympathetic character--the socialite with a social conscience. He's 24, wealthy and lonely. His family is very loving and he's got close friends in the Harker pack--notably Cole Harker--but he wants a life partner. Wolves are very big on mates, and Lindsey is unapologetically flamboyant, which is just not acceptable to his fellow wolves.
He'd settle for a human, but, well, rules of the pack state that humans can never know of their existence, plus Lindsey always wishes he could be the rough, dominant animal he hungers to unleash in bed and humans are...fragile.
Lindsey's secret isn't only that he's half-werewolf, he's also a vigilante. Super Granny has been policing the streets saving victims of mugging and attempted rape. Now, there's a kidnapping ring that's been ransoming children from Lindsey's country club and Lindsey isn't willing to sit onthe sidelines--not when Super Granny can save the governor's daughter!
In the mix of this, Lindsey meets Officer Seth Zakowsky--a rough-and-tumble motorcycle-riding expert on kidnappers. Seth is gay, but not interested in a "queen"--well, not at first. Lindsey is thoroughly attracted and knows full-well that a butch man like Seth would never accept him, yet Lindsey's throwing of attitude has the opposite effect. Seth sees him as brave and really admires Lindsey's athleticism and kindness. Seth had been raised in lower class life, and Lindsey's wealth is kinda off-putting, but the more time they spend the more Seth sees Lindsey's altruism, and the more he wants that man, despite the neck-kerchiefs and purple Gucci loafers.
There's some complications--not the least of which Seth uncovering one of Lindsey's two major secrets--and a rather big kerfuffle. Spoiler: two break-ups here, and both are settled by outside forces.
I loved Lindsey, and really enjoyed the pace and action of this book. There are really yummy smexytimes to enjoy. Plus, Cole was a great friend, and the intervention on Lindsey's behalf to create the HEA was Pretty-Woman-ish in impact. Plus, the stage is set for the homophobic issues that come up in the next book, WINTER'S WOLF. | 4 |
Man, I love Angela Carter. She does things with words I didn't even know were possible, and for that alone her work deserves to be read. Not to mention she takes traditional fairy tales and revamps them to give them a super boss feminist twist. The titular story is my particular favourite since it reminds me a little of du Maurier's Rebecca, but her numerous takes on Little Red Riding Hood are also very good. | 4 |
Exactly what you'd expect from this series. If you liked the first, you'll like this. As always, Patterson delivers another easy read perfect for lying on the beach and escaping for a while. | 3 |
*Hyperbole; Texas themed
Very humorous tale of an English widow who inherits thirty-five million dollars and a Texas ranch. Tulip Jones decides to move to Texas with her twelve pet tortoises and three servants for ranch hands. When news of the rich widow spread through the land one thousand Texas suitors decended upon the ranch intent on marrying widow Jones. Through many high jinxs and catastropes, only one man is able to win her heart. I loved this story-typical of stretching the truth a bit Texas style. Just the way we like it! | 3 |
This is one of those friendship stories that will tug on your heartstrings and make you want to be with your best friends while reading it. I was surprised at how much emotion this little book contains, but was glad for it nonetheless. A wonderful book!!! | 4 |
Another great book in the Evernight series. I can't wait for book four! | 4 |
Not as funny as the first book. At times it felt like the jokes were just being run over and over and over again. Like beating a dead horse. I started to glaze over at the ending, and can honestly say I flipped through a couple chapters just to get it over. | 2 |
This is one of the best YA books I've read in my entire life.
Seriously.
It'll melt your panties off, all thanks and shivers to the cockiness that Daemon possesses, but not after throwing you into a spiral of happiness and bliss. Trust me, I'd know. I'm still on an unconditional high from Obsidian. Damn, can pure awesomeness can be too much for a person?? This is my first time reading one of Jennifer L. Armentrout's works (when I really should have started reading it a long time ago) and I only gave into this novel because all the rave reviews. Anywhere I looked, Obsidian was there. Anything I heard, it was all about Obsidian. I just couldn't stop myself from reading it.
It all starts when the main heroine, Katy Swartz, moves to West Virginia expecting nothing less than dodgy internet access and swanky accents. She didn't expect her neighbour to melt her panties off with just one glance from his emerald-eyed gaze. Figuratively, off course. She also didn't expect him to act like a general jerk towards her. Daemon Black, because even jerks have names, is something special but Katy can't put her hand on it. Neither can she place what's special about his twin sister, Dee Black. Other than being uncommonly beautiful. Everything about the town she moved into is weird. The fact that there have been more than a few missing girls in the past decade is one thing. Finding out that Katy's neighbours are really aliens in disguise is another thing.
And all the while, the sexual tension between Daemon and Katy is palpable, almost tangible. Everything and anything Daemon says seems to turn Katy on, other than giving her the occasional reason to inflict her inner angry girl on him. But I like Katy's inner angry girl. She's fun.
When I said I loved everything about this novel, that included the characters, even the main ones. In other books, the protagonists always annoy me with their Holier-than-thou attitude and what not, but Katy Swartz is perfect. Literally. She has a mouth primed for witty comebacks and her thought processes are so funny.
"Why are you such an ass?" The words came out before I could think twice.
"Everyone has to excel at something, right?"
"Well, you're doing a great job."
And then there's also the fact that Katy doesn't let anyone push her around. She's strong and she knows what she wants. That scene where Katy dumps her spaghetti on Daemon and Ash= Hilarious. Although I did feel sorry for Daemon. If I could, I would offer to lick it off him, the dirty minx that I am.
"That, and you're a human. Humans are weak. They bring us nothing but trouble."
My eyes narrowed. "We aren't weak. And you're on our planet. How about a little respect, buddy."
Amusement flickered in his emerald eyes. "Point taken."
Go Katy!!!
Daemon totally deserves her. Or maybe it should be the other way around because although Daemon does have his moments of dickishness, he really does have a sensitive side. All those rough and tough guys usually do.
Especially ones that have a smartmouth like Daemon's, and it shows. Have you seen how cute and kissable they look?? I haven't but I'm busy creating a mental picture of Daemon's kissable mouth whispering all those sweet sentiments that I just want to pack up and treasure it in my heart.
"I've always found that the most beautiful people, truly beautiful inside and out, are the ones who are quietly unaware of their effect." His eyes searched mine intently, and for a moment we stood there toe to toe. "The ones who throw their beauty around, waste what they have? Their beauty is only passing. It's just a shell hiding nothing but shadows and emptiness."
Wow!! *shivers* Who knew aliens could be hot? I'm actually glad that Ms Armentrout stayed original like always, and instead of going for the overly used supernatural creatures- werewolves, vampires, ghosts, witches, demons, angels etc- she went for aliens. Kudos. Plenty, plenty of kudos. So other than being one of the best books on Planet Earth and stealing my heart in the first few chapters, 5 solid gold stars.
P.S Daemon's bonus scenes: How cute were they??? I am so glad that Daemon had a reason for the spaghetti incident. I knew he would. And now he's just topped the list of my favourite-hotties and book-boyfriends. | 4 |
I almost quit after the first chapter but glad I stuck with it. Surprisingly good!! I was impressed and went right on to the next book. | 3 |
Wow! The grammar in this book is so terrible that it is difficult to imagine that it was written (or translated, or edited, or reviewed) by an English speaker.
My children and I were laughing and shaking our heads in amazement all the way through. Here are a few of our favorite passages:
"It always rains in Denmark, but they can also have temperate weathers."
"And even if there are high areas around there, they are not that high enough."
The writing in this book is simply terrible, and conveys very little information that would be interesting or useful to anyone wanting to learn about Denmark (or learn anything at all). | 0 |
Hunting Hour is an intriguing mystery. The characters are interesting, especially the ones in the sheriff's department, but I like Robo, the German shepherd, the most. The points of view vary between Mattie, the main character, and Cole, her boyfriend---maybe. They both have family issues. There's suspense, danger, tragedy, and a backdrop of mental health issues and the importance of therapy and medication... One of the more interesting characters is a main suspect. Well, Mattie suspects him, but is she jumping to conclusions? The sheriff and Stella have to keep her in check sometimes. (I'd like them to have my back.) The background with the animals and the vet's practice is well done. I always appreciate that, though I would never give my dogs rawhide bones.
Sometimes the pace is a little slow, and I still wonder what happened to the dog's ear and the mare's eye. I expected an answer to that. Some things are obviously complicated, but left me with questions. | 3 |
3.5 stars
Thanks to an abusive father and a passel of younger brothers who rely on her for protection, Bethoc Matheson has more than enough challenges in her life. Despite that, when she comes across a man who has been beaten and nearly drowned she cannot help but take him under her wing as well.
Warrior Callum MacMillan considers beautiful Bethoc to be heaven sent, and he is determined to return her kindness by freeing her from her violent home. First, however, he must get the better of his enemies who seem to be tied up with Bethoc's family as well.
Highland Chieftain is reliable Murray fun- with the main characters rescuing each other, and finding just what they need in their new relationship. Both have past traumas, and current trouble, but together they clear a path for a hopeful future.
While a bit backward at times (astonished virgin, simplistic dealings with dangerous issues, etc), this was still a lot of fun- a story that Howell fans will not be able to resist.
Thank you to Kensington Books, and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. | 3 |
Definitely not a psychological thriller a straight police procedural as you know who the killer is as the story unfolds.
There is a lot of back story, so I believe you could really start anywhere in the series without any problems.
The one thing that really irritates me in this series is "clocked"! There are so many other ways to say he or she saw something. Australians seldom clock things, they are seen, observed, noticed etc., I very much doubt Americans clock things either! This book was not quite as bad as all the previous ones, only every second chapter rather than every chapter! Sorry, rant over. | 3 |
The fourth book is great!
Nikki cannot skate but she volunteers for an animal shelter that is about to close. Will she do it successfully? Will Mackenzie win again?
I greatly recommend this book to SERIOUS Dork Diaries readers and it is because there are no basic explanations like the other books. | 3 |
Love That Book! :-) | 4 |
Here on Goodreads most of us go by our real names, but my handle of choice on most websites is Snowmaiden. I gave myself the name years ago when I was having problems with too many men harassing me in chat rooms. (Yes, I really have been around long enough that I experienced the days of online chat rooms!) To discourage these men from approaching me, I decided to give myself a name that sounded frigid. My first choice was Ice Queen, but it was already taken, so I came up with Snowmaiden instead. Another person I kept running into in the chat rooms was called Snegurochka, and she never failed to tell me that my name was the English equivalent of hers, which she got from an old Russian folk tale. I finally decided to look up the story and was quite taken with it, even going so far as to use a drawing of the Snowmaiden as my avatar sometimes.
When I heard that Eowyn Ivey had written a book based on this story, I was intrigued, but I didn't actually sit down to read it until recently. You see, my husband and I were supposed to travel to Alaska this summer, but we had to cancel our plans due to health problems. I decided I at least wanted to read about Alaska if I couldn't go there, so I finally checked this book out from the library.
Ivey takes an interesting approach in her adaptation of this classic tale. The main characters of this book, Jack and Mabel, are aware of the Snegurochka story even as they find themselves reliving it. This brings the story from the land of fairy tales and into the real world, but at the same time, the myth is always present in our minds, just as it is in Jack and Mabel's. They know that the story always ends sadly and keep wondering if they can avoid that ending somehow, and we readers eventually wonder the same thing. (I won't spoil the ending here except to say that I found it fitting and satisfying.)
This approach that Ivey takes of acknowledging the mythic aspects of the story while simultaneously grounding it in reality reminded me a lot of Star Trek: Voyager. In several episodes of that show, a character went through a health crisis of some sort, and we viewers were privy to both the doctor's attempts to use science to solve the problem and the unconscious patient's dreams of going on a long journey or quest to come back to consciousness. I liked the way that the show never answered the question of why the patient was cured. Did the doctor's treatments cause the patient to believe she was successful in her quest, or did her successful journey in the dream world only lead the doctor to think that he was responsible for the cure? The show seemed to be saying that both approaches were valid and both were necessary to solve the problem. Similarly, Ivey lets us have our cake and eat it, too. Is Faina a mystical being conjured on the night Jack and Mabel decide to make a snow child in the yard, or is she a flesh-and-blood girl who lives and breathes like anyone else? Ivey seems to be telling us that she is both at once, and I was able to accept this paradox with no problem because of the skillfulness of her writing.
This was a very pleasant story to read, and it works equally well as a retelling of the Snegoruchka story and as a novel in its own right. I may not have gotten to go to Alaska yet, but Ivey has conjured the wonders of the state for me in all four seasons, and now I'm even more determined that I will travel there someday. | 3 |
For giggle and romantic part, I'd like to rate it 3 because it's so lame to know that Roger and Amy have to fell in love towards the end of the story. But, however, I love how Amy has to pour in all of the pain that was welling up on her to Roger so that she can gauge if Roger is really someone for keeps. When Roger accepted and in fact pointed out to Amy that she wasn't cause of her father's death, that was when Amy let her walls come down and just felt the urge of becoming reckless and kissed Roger as if her life depends on it.
For the treatment of scenes, I like how Morgan Matson put flashbacks every end of a chapter so that the readers will know how the events from the previous chapter occured and how was it triggered.
For the use of words, I'd say it was good but somehow I felt like Morgan was afraid to use difficult words because her book's target audience are the teenagers. It's important for you to know the language that your target audiences speak so that you'll know how to make use of your vocabulary and you'll know what to write and what you ought not to write.
For the uniqueness, I'd rate it 4.5 because of naming the chapter as CHAPTER 1, etc. The author put quotes that'll explain what the chapter is all about. Well, not necessarily explain but somehow would put to sense what the whole chapter tries to imply.
For the lessons I've learned, I'd rate it 5. There's just to much to learn from the book. It felt like it was a multi-faceted book.
"The best discoveries always happened to the people who weren't looking for it."
"It's not about the destination. It's getting there that's the good part.
"We can't know what's going to happen. We can just try to figure it out as we go along. | 3 |