Heroic Hearts is a collection of short stories about heroism that comes in different forms. Its heroes are far from stereotypical, but instead are theHeroic Hearts is a collection of short stories about heroism that comes in different forms. Its heroes are far from stereotypical, but instead are the ones who are in the right place at the right time. Heroic Hearts has a little something for everyone in this wide variety of stories. It may involve some knowledge of the series to fully appreciate all the nuances, but even for new to the series readers, there are plenty of enjoyable moments. While a few of the stories were unimpactful, most showcase their writers� enviable skills at telling a short, satisfying, engrossing story. Overall, this is a recommended read for fantasy lovers.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine.
ARC provided by ACE Books via Netgalley for Review....more
I'm so sorry this review is so late. I read this back when I was having trouble making time to write reviews. With that said, I enjoyed the heck out oI'm so sorry this review is so late. I read this back when I was having trouble making time to write reviews. With that said, I enjoyed the heck out of this book. I found this to be high enjoyable, delightfully unique, and sorely needed in that provides representation for black youth in fantasy. Speaking as a person who read every fantasy/horror book I could get my hands on as a kid at the library, I would have eaten this up at the time. I'm so excited to see more books like this now. I found the story innovative and exciting. The worldbuilding goes deep, and with the turn of each page, you are taken into a unique world that is cloaked within the world that we think we know.
I feel like I need to reread this book to really give it the best review, so I plan to get a paper copy and read it again. At that point, I'll post my thoughts and revise this review. I will say I enjoyed it very much and would rate it as least 4.5/5.0 stars....more
Due to its unique magic system, complex world-building, and fascinating character interactions, I was drawn in and impressed by this book. It has someDue to its unique magic system, complex world-building, and fascinating character interactions, I was drawn in and impressed by this book. It has some timely messages about Social Darwinism and fallacies about "pulling oneself up by their bootstraps." I love swordplay, so that was another element I enjoyed. I would definitely read more books by this author.
I read this for the Action/Adventure Aficionados group read this month, and I was fairly excited about it. That didn't last very long once I started iI read this for the Action/Adventure Aficionados group read this month, and I was fairly excited about it. That didn't last very long once I started it. The beginning is really awful in my opinion. I don't know if it's the narrator, but the characters seemed so thin and I was left to wonder why we were even looking at these people. Like who are they? I really hate when a book introduces characters with no relevance and then we never see them again. So that didn't set me up for high expectations.
As the story progresses, it does get better. I was willing to keep reading because I don't like to DNF books. When Jack is introduced, I wasn't initially that interested in him. As the story unfolded, I became a little more invested in his story. I understood the damage he carried. Ultimately, I did appreciate him as a lead, but he'd never be near the top of my list of favorite action heroes. I couldn't help thinking that, as an astronaut, he should have have more of a scientific mind. I realize that he was coming at it from a perspective as a Navy pilot, but I thought you did have to know a lot of science and mathematic principles to go into space. Feel free to post your thoughts if you know differently. Also, I don't know, but I thought the whole part with him and Lisa being past lovers was kind of unnecessary or maybe it was just how it was handled. It feel really awkward, especially when it was clear that Jack was really into Karen. Lisa felt like a throwaway character, in my opinion. I think I had a more immediate connection to Karen, probably because I liked the way her mind worked and I loved her friendship with Miyuki. Karen was smart, brave, quick thinking, kind and tough. I did like Jack and Karen as a couple though. I wish Miyuki had a bigger part. I loved Charlie. He was one of my favorite characters. I was disappointed that the doggie, Elvis wasn't in the story more. I freaking hated David. He was such an *&!@#%! Having said that, he wasn't all that memorable as a villain other than being a piece of crap.
Although thus far, my thoughts have been fairly negative, there were parts of the book where I did get pretty excited. The ending was quite effective, and some of the plot twists were very exciting. I checked and this was his third book. I can definitely tell, because there is a huge difference in the quality of writing from this book to Sandstorm. The characters feel flat and fairly lackluster. I am glad to see that this is something he has improved upon. I did think the adventure/action scenes were well-written, overall. I love how integral to the plot the science was as well. As I said earlier, the ending was really cool and I didn't predict or expect it at all.
I've always had a fascination with the deepest parts of the ocean, and I loved those parts of the story. The book has some great imagery of the deep sea. Honestly, I would have loved more underwater scenes. However, there was some great moments where characters interacted with deep sea life, and I am glad that Rollins used those varied possibilities.
Despite some disappointment I had with this story, I think it would be a good movie, with some good actors who can bring more life to the characters than they had in the book.
This was not a bad book, but I was disappointed with it overall. My biggest problem was the poorly developed characters. If that was better, I am sure I would have rated it higher. I wasn't that keen on the narrator either. He was just okay....more
I was legitimately going to give this book a three star rating, but damn, the romance part really got me. I know, I'm a sucker. I mean, honestly this I was legitimately going to give this book a three star rating, but damn, the romance part really got me. I know, I'm a sucker. I mean, honestly this is about the villains. Yes, the hero is a villain (sort of) and the heroine is a villain (sort of). The heroine Alessandra, has a Cruella de Vil (but without the puppy killing) or the wicked stepsister vibe. Maybe a little like real life Lucrezia Borgia. Some of their actions really bothered me. For instance, they throw this guy in prison and forget about him (for robbing from the rich and feeding the poor). In my mind, the guy was kind of a bore, but he was helping people. The King orders the deaths of people like it isn't a big deal. I like a possessive hero who will kill when the heroine is threatened, but he was really cold blooded about it. I'm glad he didn't order the peasants' deaths, but he comes off as a power mad dude who is bent on conquering other countries. I realize whether those villainous traits is up to interpretation, but I found it cringeworthy. I think that if the author wanted us to believe it was the influence of the Shadows, she didn't really make that clear, so it feels cringey.
One thing I really did like was that Alessandra is not an innocent sweet type. She's been around the block a lot. She's slept with dozens of men (and she was only 18), in her own words. I'm always torn about that a little. I like to think I'm enlightened, but still I am not pro-sleeping with a lot of people for lots of reasons. However, I do like that it has a good message about not judging women for who they sleep with (or don't). Also, it speaks about how our patriarchal society makes women so competitive with each other when it's not really necessary. Especially when no one judges men for doing worse. I liked her unapologetic nature and how she doesn't let what others think about her drive her. I also appreciated how goal-driven she is, although I didn't like some of her methods. It was so cool that she made her own clothing and everyone was following her fashion because she chose to stand out, and the King noticed her. And she was a badass.
I was confused about the setting. I wasn't sure if the writer was going from a Renaissance Italy kind of vibe or early 20th century. I felt like she needed to choose which one she was going for. I realize that this was a made up kingdom and world, but it just got weird when one part of the book seemed fairly modern and the other part had them going to a tavern, and they ride in carriages. It's not a major thing by any stretch, but It did stand out to me.
The fantasy aspect was very subtle. I mean, basically it was the fact that the King could manifest shadows. I would have liked a little more fantasy in the book. However, I thought that was interesting. I feel like it was not well-explained how the touch thing worked. I finally worked out what I thought was the mechanism. I think the story would have benefitted from a few more touches of magic to make the world-building a little more solid.
The romance was far and away the best part of this story. Quite frankly, I think this should be labeled as a paranormal romance. I loved how the relationship between Alessandra and the Shadow King builds so beautifully. I really enjoyed how they spent time together and talked a lot. Part of it was because they couldn't touch, but that was such a different dynamic for Alessandra as so many of her interactions (I hesitate to call them relationships) were physical. In this case, the not touching gave them time to build their feelings and that unconsummated tension really came through. Also, the King clearly respected Alessandra and valued her. She had gotten so little of that in her life. Alessandra's walls were coming down and she was finding it harder to remember she wanted to woo and marry the king so she could take his thrown. I really believed in their love for each other. And wow, the chemistry was so good between them. There aren't any on scene love scenes, but the author manages to keep things hot enough that I didn't even miss them.
The sucker punch of the mystery was very well done. I figured that things weren't going to be as easy as it seemed. While I had a feeling about what was going on, it wasn't a gimme. I like my mysteries to keep me guessing and wondering, and this fulfilled that for me.
I'm glad I hung in there with this book. I was turned off by the beginning, and honestly, I didn't like the narrator's voice for Alessandra at all. She wasn't a bad narrator, but I would have liked a deeper, more sultry narrator for Alessandra. I think it would have been more in keeping with her personality. However, I think the narrator did a good job with the male characters.
Yeah, if you are looking for a romance with morally questionable lead characters, you'll probably like this book. While I rooted for their romance, I was still queasy about some of their life choices (like ordering the deaths of people so casually)....more
I picked this one up as an audiobook from my library because I love middle grade books and I am quite drawn to horror books in this age genre. I feel I picked this one up as an audiobook from my library because I love middle grade books and I am quite drawn to horror books in this age genre. I feel like authors can be so creative about crafting a scary tale for readers of this age. I went into it knowing nothing, just wanting a creepy tale, and definitely got that.
The author nails the gothic atmosphere. It felt very grounded in the 19th century. The narrative isn't preachy, but it's clear that the author did research and understood his characters and the world they lived in. For me, that makes for great storytelling because their motives, choices and struggles are intrinsic to the story. Instead of being pulled out of the narrative by an interlude where you feel like the author is giving you tidbits on historical events, the history notes are fully part of the story. Now I love history, and I enjoyed reading a good fictional tale and learning more about the period it's set in. But I also think it's important to keep things organic, and that was done really well.
The story is about two orphans, Molly and Kip, who are Irish and have had terrible experiences. They are homeless and things are desperate for them. Molly is at the age where she might have to do some questionable things to provide for her younger brother. And Kip has a leg that is disabled, which limits what he can do to bring in money to help them. Sadly at this time, there are no lawes preventing children working and they have no other options. They end up traveling to a small town in the English countryside and seeking employment at a house that the locals avoid. But they are so desperate for a safe place of shelter, they are willing to take the chance. Molly is a born storyteller, a craft that she has used to insulate Kip about some tragic truths about why they are separated from their parents. Molly also uses her stories to keep her own hope alive. When she convinces Mrs. Windsor to hire her, Molly's gift of persuasion comes in handy, as the lady is reluctant to hire children as servants.
The story is from the viewpoint of both Molly and Kip as they encounter life with the Windsors in a house that feels deeply off. While Molly is highly resourceful and insightful, Kip also has a gift for seeing the essence of a situation and has a very strong compass that guides his actions. He has such a strong sense of determination and is both kind and practical. Their Irish heritage is looked down upon by many (a time when Anti-Irish bigotry was rampant), however, it is a strength for them as they draw from their upbringing (and the lessons their parents instilled in them) to navigate their difficult circumstances.
As I mentioned earlier, Auxier builds wonderful atmosphere as the story progresses and more become clear about the house and the dominating force of the large tree that is actually growing through the house. Each one of the Windsors has fallen under its spell as the tree has both enthralled and entrapped them. Molly and Kip are not immune, and that ratchets up the sense of threat for readers. It's very much a case of being careful what you wish for (that's all I'll say).
I appreciate how the true malevolent force was revealed and even that was entwined with the ongoing theme of storytelling. As a lover of books and stories, that resonated with me.
This story has some genuinely scary moments. It was also very thrilling. I got very involved in the plot as I listened. I cared about the characters and I wanted them to be safe. I like that Molly, Kip and the Windsors, the father Bertram, mother Constance, and kids Penny and Alastair, are all flawed humans, with good and bad points. While some of the characters may seem unsympathetic at some points, their inner vulnerabilities are revealed and it's clear that they have hurts and anguish, hopes and dreams that drive their choices. The theme of family and what you would do to protect yours, but also how much family matters to you is a huge part of the narrative.
I was glad I finished this one in October although I started it at the end of September, because it really fits the spooky mood of the month. Yesterday I was driving to and from work, and it was a blustery, rainy day, and it was just the perfect atmosphere. I think this book would be perfect to read on such a cold, rainy day curled up with a hot drink, wearing wool socks and a fleece blanket. Even better if you have a cat or dog hanging out with you.
The narrator was really good. Her accents were gorgeous. I loved her Irish accents for Molly and Kip. It was very involving and thrilling to listen to this story.
This was a solid four star read. I think I would have rated it higher if it hadn't take a while for things to get going. Initially I wasn't sure what I was reading and where the plot would go. It's not necessarily a bad thing if you want a story that slowly builds up. I think I wanted things to get spooky a little more soon. It appeals to me as a lover of classic and gothic horror stories, and I think the concept was very interesting, and it felt unique to me.
I do recommend this book to middle grade readers who like the spooky and creepy, and older folks like me who enjoy this theme and reading books for this age range....more
I think this one would be good for fans of Jack Reacher, but who love a slightly more tortured hero. Peter came home from the war with severe PTSD. HeI think this one would be good for fans of Jack Reacher, but who love a slightly more tortured hero. Peter came home from the war with severe PTSD. He cannot stand being inside for longer periods of time because it activates his anxiety. As a result, he's become what the title implies. Peter has gotten really good at subsisting off the land and living outdoors. However, when his commander and friend dies, he has to go home and see that his widow and children are cared for. He finds a case with $500,000 in case and a bunch of explosives under the porch he is fixing for her, and ends up taking on some nasty bad guys who want their explosives back.
I liked this book. What started out as a simple premise builds into something more complex. But there is still a simplicity about the story. It goes back to Peter's relationship with his deceased friend and the loyalty he has to him. Also the bond that forms between his widow and children and Peter. And there's a huge dog that spends a good portion of the book badly in need of a bath. The book has some really good humorous moments, excellent action, some very effective emotionally moments, all within a tightly plotted book. The ending is not unpredictable, which is another thing I liked about this book. The author has a heart for veterans, and that comes out in an organic, non-preachy way. It's surprisingly non-sentimental, with some casual and shocking moments of brutality, despite the themes of friendship and family, trauma and loss. If you find yourself rooting for tough characters who protect the vulnerable against really nasty foes, you'll probably like this book. I loved how although he's gone, Jimmy, Peter's friend, is such an important character, and his legacy is so prominent to this story. Dinah, Jimmy's widow, is a cool customer. She's smart, calm, ladylike, and surprisingly badass. Again, the character work in this book is so good.
I thought the narrator did a great job of bringing the characters to life. It was an engrossing listen. I'll keep reading this series....more
I have not been a big fan of William from the beginning. I found him amusing, and he was an interesting companion to the Lords. But he has many characI have not been a big fan of William from the beginning. I found him amusing, and he was an interesting companion to the Lords. But he has many character traits that are a turn off for me. As Showalter started setting up his story to a deeper extent in the later books, I wasn't that intrigued. I realize I am definitely in the minority. Having said that, as a completist, of course I was going to read his book. I am happy to say that I liked the book a lot overall. While William is still not my favorite, I understand him a lot more and I feel like his backstory was given justice, and also, I loved the way that his story arc concluded. Sunny was a very good match for him. I like that Sunny is not timid or shy, knows how to stand up for herself, and to get her way, but also stands up for those she loves. Her heritage was really cool. If you know me, you can imagine how much I enjoyed that.
Although I enjoyed this book, I think some aspects were glossed over and were not well explained. I listened to the audiobook, and some of the scene transitions were too abrupt, and I was left wondering when something happened and what I missed. The story was really complex, with a lot of moving parts, but I feel like things were kind of rushed. I recently read The Evil Queen, which was 19 or 20 hours, and with good reason. I feel like this should have been longer as well, to give time to wrap up the varied plot elements. I do get that this story is clearly going to spill over into some other series that Showalter has going, which I am happy about. Perhaps she didn't want to reveal too much about those elements and that's why some things were left vague or unexplained. I am trying to keep this review spoiler-free as possible, so I can't say more than that I loved Axel's character and I want more. For the brief time that the other Lords (and their Ladies) showed up, that was great. I think that as Anya is William's bestie, I feel she should have been in this a little more than she was. Although I get that perhaps Showalter didn't want to take showtime away from Sunny.
There were a couple of things I really didn't like that were, shall we say, triggers for me. I won't go into too much details, but be warned if you're an animal lover. Also, I was really worried that Showalter was going to go into the kink stuff with this book. She teased at it, but definitely didn't cross that line, thankfully. Maybe she thought since William has slept with countless women it would be weird if she keep the sex scenes too vanilla.
I do like that while William was protective and affectionate with Gillian, it's clear that Sunny is really his other half and she owns a part of him he could never give away to anyone else. That felt convincing and authentic to me. I think the way that the evolution of his feelings for Sunny was very effective over the course of the book. While the love scenes were sexy and lusty, there was also a lot of tenderness as well. If readers like a rake hero getting tamed by love, this one is a good choice, for sure.
I started binging this series last year, and it really got me through a dark time with the COVID outbreak and a lot of personal stressors. While there is a whole lot of dark in these books, there's also plenty of humor and lighter moments, and these books fulfilled my need for an escapist read when I very much needed it. I had read the first four books and enjoyed it, and just hadn't had a chance to dive back in. I'm so glad that they were on Audible Escape, and then I got to the point that I bought a few of them in audiobook. I didn't have to buy this because my library had it. The moderator Max Bellmore made these a lot of fun. I got to the point where it just doesn't feel right not listening to the audiobook. I recommend the audiobooks if you get a chance.
I hope that William fans were satisfied with his long awaited story....more
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's really interesting to experience a story from the viewpoint of a robot. I loved how (I'm going to call it a she bI thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's really interesting to experience a story from the viewpoint of a robot. I loved how (I'm going to call it a she because I felt like the bot was female presenting) really just wanted to do her job and watch her soap operas. How relatable was that?
Anyway, this book rocked. It has was short and sweet. It had me laughing at Murderbot's POV and how she interacted with and viewed her humans that she was protecting. She's pretty badass and has a killer sense of humor. I feel like we could be friends because I often just want to be left alone and allowed to watch tv or paint or draw or sew doll clothes and not deal with people. I love how she didn't read the software updates because she didn't care enough. It's so so relatable. She used a lot of her memory to download her soap opera videos that she liked to watch. LOL! For what it's worth, I think this would make a good series or movie. Netflix are you paying attention?
I gave it 4.5 stars because there were some parts I felt a little confused, and I wished it was longer....more
The Promised Queen delivers. If you like fantasy romance, do check this out. I love the relationship between Lia and Con, and I also love how badass tThe Promised Queen delivers. If you like fantasy romance, do check this out. I love the relationship between Lia and Con, and I also love how badass they both are. This feels so much like the fantasy movies I love watching, and it makes me want to find more great fantasy romance books to devour.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine. .
I reviewed this book for Affaire de Coeur Magazine courtesy of Netgalley....more
This was pretty good. I don't remember it very well, so unfortunately, my review is not going to be very expansive. It was different from what I expecThis was pretty good. I don't remember it very well, so unfortunately, my review is not going to be very expansive. It was different from what I expected. Maybe I just had the wrong idea and thought this was urban fantasy. But this is actually more of a sci-fi book, which is fine. The protagonist has a really cool ability to calculate vectors of movement in her head and predict how things will move before it happens. That's my dumbo explanation. It reads cooler than I make it sound. She's a bit of a gray character, honestly (practically everyone in this book is iffy), and the story has something of a noirish/crime thriller kind of vibe.
The story seems straightforward but it has lots of layers. My favorite part of the book was Cas's relationship with her friend Rio. Rio, well, he's a scary dude. He reminded me of Huck from Scandal. If you watch the show, you can figure out what I mean. The bad guys are pretty scary too, giving off the vibe of the bad guys on The X-Files tv show.
The action scenes are really good, and they make great use of Cas's ability. I did like that even with her formidable skills, she's not invincible and she faces antagonists who have some scary abilities of their own.
I think I wanted to like it more than I did (just misinterpreted the subject matter), but it was pretty good. It's wroth a read, and knowing what you're signing up for will definitely help with the enjoyment factor. Me being who I am, I was very intrigued with Rio, so I'd like to see more of the relationship between Cas and Him. I would probably read more in this series.
This was such a cool, fun book. It was a little weird at first. I can't say too much because it would be a spoiler, but something happens to the hero This was such a cool, fun book. It was a little weird at first. I can't say too much because it would be a spoiler, but something happens to the hero that I had never seen and it was kind of hilarious picturing how he looked in my head. But it was also disturbing and I felt really bad for Charlie. He was already dealing with a major loss, and now all of a sudden, some weird changes are happening to him, and his world opens to some very unnatural, downright supernatural occurrences. And it wasn't like he could open up to his friends about everything.
Despite my confusion at first, I really got sucked into this book. I was listening to the audiobook, and the narrator, Giordan Diaz kept it fun. His accent was authentic and that was crucial with this story in which Charlie's Latin heritage is integral. For Charlie is getting dropped right into the world of Latin American creatures of lore. His family has a heritage that makes what was considered legend very, very real. I love folklore, and I was thrilled at getting introduced to characters from the legends, several that I knew, and some that were very unfamiliar and really fascinatingly weird.
I appreciate so much that Latinx kids get a story that speaks to their heritage and takes them on fun adventure in the style of Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series, but very much unique as well. This was a bit on the short side, but it was an enjoyable introduction to Charlie's world. There are two books so far, and I hope there are more. I recommend it to Middle Grade readers and older folks like me who enjoy Middle Grade books....more
Gosh, I realize I never wrote my review for this book!
I read this back in April (listened to the audiobook) and it was a fun read. It's pretty weird aGosh, I realize I never wrote my review for this book!
I read this back in April (listened to the audiobook) and it was a fun read. It's pretty weird as well. The story is about a kid who goes into this apartment and cannot get back out. He is lured inside by an object of great personal value to him, but it's a trap by a witch with nefarious plans. Inside the apartment are two other kids who have resigned themselves to their fate. However, Alex isn't going to give up on escaping. The apartment owner is a bad-tempered, young in appearance witch who is seemingly pacified by stories. Good thing Alex is a writer (he's actually bullied because he likes to write creepy stories in his notebooks). Alex must tell the witch a story every night or something very bad will happen to him. He has to keep her satisfied until he can find a way out for himself and his companions.
Nightbooks is tailor-made for people who like short and child-appropriate, but nasty, scary stories. I have to admit those stories are pretty horrifying. I love short stories, particularly those in the horror, fantasy and science fiction genre, and I am a huge sucker for the "story within a story" concept. One could draw a very strong comparison to Scheherazade and the Arabian Nights as she is in a similar situation.
While I found this one enjoyable, something didn't 100% gel with me. I wasn't super thrilled with the narrator, so maybe that was part it. Perhaps I wasn't completely satisfied with the plotting. Possibly I was felt the conclusion was somewhat anti-climactic. Although I was relieved about one aspect. I did love the themes in the book about how being different as a kid is usually something that leads to bullying by others. It has something important to say about good and evil that I think would precipitate a good discussion between parent and child. I liked the diverse representation as one of the kids is a young Muslim girl. Of course, as a huge booknerd, I love the storytelling/writing themes. There's a hug library in the apartment, which is kind of like a TARDIS or let's say some waiting room that leads to different dimensions (perhaps a small allusion to the Chronicles of Narnia). It's kind of a creepy library though. Alex is a good leading character. He's a good kid at heart, and his penchant for writing horror stories is not a reflection on his character in any way. There's nothing wrong with enjoying the macabre when one understands the difference between truth and fiction and knows right from wrong. I think this would be a good book for kids who like spooky stuff, but maybe feel left out because of it. I think the content is okay for a kid who is 9-12 years old. I'd personally be cautious about letting a child younger than this age read it, because there is some scary imagery and it's about an adult who wants to inflict harm on children.
Overall, I'd give this a 3.75/5.0 rating. It just doesn't feel like a four star read to me, but it's close. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
Here I am, almost three years late writing this review. I just never got around to it, until now. Yeah, I was so sucked into this book. It's really daHere I am, almost three years late writing this review. I just never got around to it, until now. Yeah, I was so sucked into this book. It's really dark. This is about kids who go to a school that is literally trying to kill them because they are magic-users. The goal is to get to Graduation Day, which you hope that you can survive. And they are much safer in the school than elsewhere. It's giving moreso The Hunger Games than Harry Potter.
The narrator is El, and she is extremely sarcastic and negative, ill-tempered/grumpy. However, she has great reason. She is avoided and/or disliked by the other students because a prophecy says she's going to be the Dark Lord (or Lady). But the reader doesn't ever have any reason to see her that way. And it made me think hard about how we prophecy over people in our society (I mean in a non-religious sense). We put people into categories and assume that they will be this or that. That's a huge burden for anyone to carry, so it makes sense that it has made El the way she is, despite her sweet, kind, loving mother.
If it sounds like I don't like her, I actually loved her. I appreciated her snark and her smarts, and the vulnerability she managed to hide from most people shone through (a great choice for Novik to write this in first person).
I tend to avoid a lot of YA because I don't like the tone for most of them, but I'm irresistibly drawn to boarding school stories, and I love fantasy, so this was very up my alley. I'm also a huge anglophile and this book feels very British. As a feverish watcher of British television shows, this was almost a comfort read. Having said that, it is very dark because kids are constantly dying in this book. It's terrible how vulnerable this kids are and there doesn't seem to be a huge push from adults to save them. In that sense it definitely reminds me of fare like The Hunger Games and Battle Royale. I think the humor and the pragmatic and deadpan voice of El makes this book a lot more comfortable than it should have been on paper.
**A note about one aspect that I can see as problematic about someone's hair making them at risk for being preyed upon by monsters. I don't think it was meant to be culturally insensitive, but I completely acknowledge why it caused offense. I think that it's super important for authors to think about those aspects and get people from those communities to read their books so that doesn't happen.
I like romance, but I agree it can take over a non-romance book very quickly. I liked how the chemistry between El and Orion was handled. I'm not going to lie. Orion gave me a big Draco Malfoy vibe.
Yeah, this was fun, enjoyable, unputdownable. I'm so glad I listened to the audiobook because it made this such an immersive experience. I still need to listen to the next books in the series. This is the third book by Naomi Novik that I've read and this is another five star read for me....more
This was my first book by Naomi Novik. And wow. It reads like a dark fairy tale with all the horrific violence and subject matter to be expected. But This was my first book by Naomi Novik. And wow. It reads like a dark fairy tale with all the horrific violence and subject matter to be expected. But there's also a romance at its center. So much happens in this book, I was glad I listened to the audiobook, because it brought it to life for me. I feel like this book definitely skews towards a horror novel in many ways. Novik goes hard into the horror imagery, in my opinion. I have a fear of contagion and this book triggered me. Also, I've never been afraid of trees until this book.
I am a sucker for an underdog hero. I loved Agnieszka. She was very determined and quite fearless in the face of some really scary circumstances. I also loved the Dragon. I'm always drawn to a grumpy hero who falls hard. I appreciated the romance very much. He reminded me of an Anne Stuart hero. Iykyk. I also liked how Agnieszka has something to teach the Dragon as much as he has to teach her.
The narrator was really good. I loved their accent so much. It's been a minute since I read this, but I think want to re-listen even though it was scary and disturbing in parts. This would make a good animated film because I think it would be a bit too bloody in parts for me to comfortably watch a live action, and I wouldn't want it to be cut (those parts are important to the narrative). I think it'd love this as an animated movie.
I think this is a perfect read for lovers of dark fairy tales veering into horror with romance. But beware. Some of the imagery and scenes are pretty disturbing, and you will never look at trees the same way again.
*I wish I had written my review sooner, because I don't think it's doing this book justice.*...more
For me, this was a disappointing entry to the Will Robie series. I just expected more from this series than this book delivers. I don't know, maybe myFor me, this was a disappointing entry to the Will Robie series. I just expected more from this series than this book delivers. I don't know, maybe my cheesy radar is sensitive right now, but some parts of the story felt kind of hokey. The secondary characters weren't very well developed. The mystery was okay. I mean, Baldacci is a good suspense writer, so there were plenty of surprises. When I read mystery books, I always like to guess whodunnit, and I had some theories, but I didn't fully guess everything. I think the villain was a little too over the top. It was like they were a super-villain but not nearly smart, cool, and interesting enough to carry it off. The character was really douchey, maybe that's their superpower.
I also think this was a bit of a kitchen sink book. I feel like a few plot elements should have been left out and other parts more developed. I was hoping for so much more with Blue Man's story, because he's such an intriguing character. Will just doesn't feel like himself in this, and neither does Jessica. I really want a redo and for Baldacci to write a better conclusion to this series. I think the books did decline in quality, especially the last two, and maybe that's because they delve into the pasts of the characters and their storylines don't deliver what I was expecting for these characters I am so invested in.
Sadly, I'm going to have to give this a 3.5/5.0 stars....more
Gosh. I read this almost a year ago. I still remember some things very well. The villain is really, really horrible. He's a cruel person, but also a sGosh. I read this almost a year ago. I still remember some things very well. The villain is really, really horrible. He's a cruel person, but also a sociopath. I think the two things in life he really enjoys is making money and hurting people. Lee Child has a way of incorporating some very brutal people into his work. His work feels very noir to me.
The mystery is very good. Jack Reacher is very Jack Reacher. He's a down to business kind of hero who knows what he does well. He is a huge guy and might give the impression of being a thug, but he's also intelligent and an excellent detective. I found it quite interesting that Jack was working as a ditch digger when the book begins. He's that kind of guy who has no problem with taking a job that is very "menial". I like that people often underestimate him. I haven't made my mind up about the romance yet (yeah, I know, a year later). I think it's because I've read some of the books out of order, and my brain doesn't see the happy ending between Jack and Jodie. I am a romance fan, but the romance angle was my least favorite part of the story. I did like seeing the softer side of Jack (if he has one).
My favorite thing about this book was the twisty mystery. I am the kind of reader who likes to guess what's going on the whole time. I thought this one was a gimme, but I was wrong. Very well plotted.
Just a note on the narrator. He was really good. He seems to have a very good time reading this book. He nailed all the characters....more
I had zero expectations for this book, and I was a dummy for putting off reading it. Well, honestly I think I read it right when I needed to. This is I had zero expectations for this book, and I was a dummy for putting off reading it. Well, honestly I think I read it right when I needed to. This is a long way to say I really dug this book.
How would I describe it? If The Chronicles of Riddick had a baby with Dune and Crimson Peak, and throw in some Agatha Christie, Edgar Allen Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne, but make it queer-forward. Having said that, the melange was perfectly accomplished.
I love a good mixup of themes, so this was definitely up my alley. And the gothic elements were "chef's kiss." Now this was a tricky idea, as the setup is much like a good Agatha Christie story. A bunch of disparate and frankly suspicious oddballs in up on the same place, with a few more likable than others. And slowly they are bumped off in gruesome ways. But it's in space, but there's also magic! What's not to like?
I think without the excellent characterization, this would have fallen flat. But Muir managed to engage me with the different characters, and I felt for them in ways that were unexpected. Gideon is a very unique lead, extremely quirky, and very lovable. I really appreciate her authenticity in her feelings, which distinguishes her amongst those around her, who are either used to putting on a facade or are extremely jaded or don't care enough to engage with others. I loved her badassery but also the fact that she doesn't always know what to do and has moments of uncertainty. She acts like an 18-year-old who had to grow up fast. There is an authenticity there.
The ending got a little jumbled for me where I was like, who, what, where, and literally was thinking, "What just happened?" I was annoyed about the death of one character. I mean if it was a physical book, I probably would have tossed it across the room, mad. I'm still hoping for a resurrection. This is one of those books where you don't want to get too attached to characters. It reminds a lot of Agatha Christie in that sense.
I thought this book was so darn cool. It was such a thoroughly entertaining audiobook, and as I am a highly visual person, I had these really well illustrated images in my mind of how this book would look as a movie. The set design would have so many possiblities. I really hope they make it into a movie.
At the time of finishing this review, I had sort of started the next book, but I haven't gotten very far. My ears are bigger than the time I have to listen to audiobooks, so I end up running out of time on my loans from the library. I definitely want to listen, but this story takes careful listening.
If you want something different, but you love mashups and love thinking, that reminds me of this book or movie, this is a book for you. If you don't like weird, gothicky, science fiction but supernatural, and what really is going on here kind of books, you should probably hold off on this book. As for me, I'm so glad I listened. I freaking loved it.
I think I will end up buying this because I want to read it again at my leisure....more
This book has a very noirish kind of storytelling that I enjoyed. But it also has a narrative that is much like a screenplay in my thinking. It was hiThis book has a very noirish kind of storytelling that I enjoyed. But it also has a narrative that is much like a screenplay in my thinking. It was highly visual for me, as I pictured it as a movie playing on a big screen. The characters read like sketches. It's not that they aren't well-developed, but they are presented in the moment, and their past is an enigma until it's relevant to the story.
Conspiracy theorists will have fun with this book as it delves into the concept of a group that orchestrates killings at the behest of the powers that be in the entertainment industry. It does kind of make you think about the tragic ends of many Hollywood stars and how easily it could be to speculate that some of those ends were devised.
I liked that the mastermind is not the typical badguy. It was refreshing to see the bad guy is a highly intelligent and not stereotyped figure. I would say that the villains do seem less fleshed out, but that is the case across the board.
Charlie is a mysterious figure and you don't really know all that much about him initially. But as the story progresses, you get a better idea of who he is and what drives him. I've heard him compared to Jack Reacher, and I can see that, but he has some distinctions that feel authentic to the character. While Jack kind of dropped out of the society system for the most part, with no particular emotional motivations behind it, Charlie has a very specific reason why he has left his past behind. There is a type of pathos inherent to his situation.
The action is well described, but very tersely written. It gives the story a very in the moment kind of feel that works for the story. For lack of a better comparison, it sort of reminded me of 24 the tv show episodes.
The ending sets you up to need to read the next book if you want to see what happens to Charlie next. Not quite a cliffhanger, but if you don't keep reading, you'll be left hanging and want to know more about Charlie and where his character arc goes.
Lane's story made me feel really sad. I wish things were different for her. That's all I can say about that.
I'd recommend this book if you want a quick, actiony read with a noirish kind of feel. The audiobook is well done, the narrator having quite a feel for how to bring this story to light. It was clear that he was very engaged with the narrative, and that made me engaged as well.
I'd give this kind of a 3.75ish rating, but I'll round it up to 4 stars....more
Wow, this is such a good series. I love how fast-paced these books are. Despite the extremely fast pace, there's also character development and explorWow, this is such a good series. I love how fast-paced these books are. Despite the extremely fast pace, there's also character development and exploration. Joe left the DMS after tragic circumstances he couldn't deal with. I honestly don't blame him. I don't understand how his adrenal glands don't just shut down because these books are non-stop and they take place in what I would consider real time. He was just drifting, but Mr. Church needs him back. The world needs him. It seems as though the bad guys just keep getting worse. Now there's a matermind who is enacting the ten plagues of Egypt. Joe and Team Echo needs to find them and shut them down, because a lot of people are going to die otherwise.
These books take place on a time clock, and the reader feels the tension as the hours and minutes count down. The stakes get higher with each book. It's surprising that the culprits are so willing to murder so many people, and when you find out why, it's always compelling. Lots of surprises and some really cool new characters get introduced. There are also some really mind-blowing twists that I didn't see coming. I did predict one huge revelation, but it was closer to the end of the book. I love seeing old favorite characters pop up as well. There's always a lot of risk and these books have quite a body count. If you have fears of contagion and bioterrorism, this book will trigger you for sure.
I won't be a broken record, but man this series is a must read for me. Pick up a Joe Ledger book if you want a book that will keep your pulse pounding....more
Danielle The Book Huntress
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