Amy (Lost in a Good Book)'s bookshelf: all en-US Mon, 28 Oct 2024 12:01:17 -0700 60 Amy (Lost in a Good Book)'s bookshelf: all 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg <![CDATA[The House at Pooh Corner (Winnie-the-Pooh, #2)]]> 776407 180 A.A. Milne 0525444440 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 5 owned 4.37 1928 The House at Pooh Corner (Winnie-the-Pooh, #2)
author: A.A. Milne
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 4.37
book published: 1928
rating: 5
read at: 2019/01/31
date added: 2024/10/28
shelves: owned
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Unsavory Delicacies (Ridley Fox & Nita Parris #2)]]> 10997415 Rogues, Russians, Revenge...The Ingredients of a Three Course Meal.

Crème Brûlée

Rogue operative, Monique Beauvais, cons a software genius into selling her a coveted technology that would allow its user to control CIA drones while they're in flight. And she will go as far as killing him in public in order to have it.

To the Last Bite

A renowned food critic--whose scathing reviews have closed down restaurants--gets a savoury surprise.

Shashlyk and Morezhenoe

CIA operative, Ridley Fox, leads a team against one of Russia's most powerful crime families. He discovers secrets, but not one that he was expecting to find.

Three stories with three consequences. All containing three Unsavory Delicacies.

***Caution*** Readers are strongly advised NOT to eat while reading To The Last Bite.]]> 28 Russell Brooks 0986751324 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 5 owned
Brooks� short stories, much like his novels, manage to encapsulate the thriller genre incredibly well, even with vastly fewer pages. Just like his novels Brooks upholds the tension and the gripping feeling but this time with less action and more cunning.

The theme of the collection is food, though Brooks takes very different approaches for each and as the title suggest they are quite on the unsavoury side. This does not mean though they are necessarily grotesque in description or in content. And yet while there is a warning for one of the stories, there is no denying Brooks is masterful when it comes to grabbing the reader’s attention from early on and holding on till the last page, dragging it around whereever it needed to be in the process.

Once again Brooks demonstrates creative and clever writing and he uses the short story design and the element of the unexpected to his advantage. The building anticipation in the stories is evident and not knowing where it could end up adds to the enjoyment because anything is possible. As a result, each story is brought to life with uniqueness and the perfect amount of pacing, revelation, and intrigue that a short story and a thriller needs.

With only three short stories, Unsavoury Delicacies is a quick read but it is one that once started you will not want to stop. Brooks� cleverness is clear and his stories are filled with characters and conclusions that leave you wide eyed and mouth agape. This three course collection of stories are somewhat shocking yet fascinating, and with revelations that fit ideally into the thriller genre. I think it is safe to say that they are enough to suitably satisfy your appetite for the suspense but they also leave you wanting more.

This review was also published on my blog

Merged review:

Note: I was provided a copy of this book for review

Brooks� short stories, much like his novels, manage to encapsulate the thriller genre incredibly well, even with vastly fewer pages. Just like his novels Brooks upholds the tension and the gripping feeling but this time with less action and more cunning.

The theme of the collection is food, though Brooks takes very different approaches for each and as the title suggest they are quite on the unsavoury side. This does not mean though they are necessarily grotesque in description or in content. And yet while there is a warning for one of the stories, there is no denying Brooks is masterful when it comes to grabbing the reader’s attention from early on and holding on till the last page, dragging it around whereever it needed to be in the process.

Once again Brooks demonstrates creative and clever writing and he uses the short story design and the element of the unexpected to his advantage. The building anticipation in the stories is evident and not knowing where it could end up adds to the enjoyment because anything is possible. As a result, each story is brought to life with uniqueness and the perfect amount of pacing, revelation, and intrigue that a short story and a thriller needs.

With only three short stories, Unsavoury Delicacies is a quick read but it is one that once started you will not want to stop. Brooks� cleverness is clear and his stories are filled with characters and conclusions that leave you wide eyed and mouth agape. This three course collection of stories are somewhat shocking yet fascinating, and with revelations that fit ideally into the thriller genre. I think it is safe to say that they are enough to suitably satisfy your appetite for the suspense but they also leave you wanting more.

This review was also published on my blog ]]> 3.91 Unsavory Delicacies (Ridley Fox & Nita Parris #2)
author: Russell Brooks
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.91
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2015/03/12
date added: 2024/09/29
shelves: owned
review:
Note: I was provided a copy of this book for review

Brooks� short stories, much like his novels, manage to encapsulate the thriller genre incredibly well, even with vastly fewer pages. Just like his novels Brooks upholds the tension and the gripping feeling but this time with less action and more cunning.

The theme of the collection is food, though Brooks takes very different approaches for each and as the title suggest they are quite on the unsavoury side. This does not mean though they are necessarily grotesque in description or in content. And yet while there is a warning for one of the stories, there is no denying Brooks is masterful when it comes to grabbing the reader’s attention from early on and holding on till the last page, dragging it around whereever it needed to be in the process.

Once again Brooks demonstrates creative and clever writing and he uses the short story design and the element of the unexpected to his advantage. The building anticipation in the stories is evident and not knowing where it could end up adds to the enjoyment because anything is possible. As a result, each story is brought to life with uniqueness and the perfect amount of pacing, revelation, and intrigue that a short story and a thriller needs.

With only three short stories, Unsavoury Delicacies is a quick read but it is one that once started you will not want to stop. Brooks� cleverness is clear and his stories are filled with characters and conclusions that leave you wide eyed and mouth agape. This three course collection of stories are somewhat shocking yet fascinating, and with revelations that fit ideally into the thriller genre. I think it is safe to say that they are enough to suitably satisfy your appetite for the suspense but they also leave you wanting more.

This review was also published on my blog

Merged review:

Note: I was provided a copy of this book for review

Brooks� short stories, much like his novels, manage to encapsulate the thriller genre incredibly well, even with vastly fewer pages. Just like his novels Brooks upholds the tension and the gripping feeling but this time with less action and more cunning.

The theme of the collection is food, though Brooks takes very different approaches for each and as the title suggest they are quite on the unsavoury side. This does not mean though they are necessarily grotesque in description or in content. And yet while there is a warning for one of the stories, there is no denying Brooks is masterful when it comes to grabbing the reader’s attention from early on and holding on till the last page, dragging it around whereever it needed to be in the process.

Once again Brooks demonstrates creative and clever writing and he uses the short story design and the element of the unexpected to his advantage. The building anticipation in the stories is evident and not knowing where it could end up adds to the enjoyment because anything is possible. As a result, each story is brought to life with uniqueness and the perfect amount of pacing, revelation, and intrigue that a short story and a thriller needs.

With only three short stories, Unsavoury Delicacies is a quick read but it is one that once started you will not want to stop. Brooks� cleverness is clear and his stories are filled with characters and conclusions that leave you wide eyed and mouth agape. This three course collection of stories are somewhat shocking yet fascinating, and with revelations that fit ideally into the thriller genre. I think it is safe to say that they are enough to suitably satisfy your appetite for the suspense but they also leave you wanting more.

This review was also published on my blog
]]> Tears of the River 22713571 252 Gordon L. Rottman Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 5
Tears of the River brings you the unexpected and it does it with style, realism, authenticity, and great characters. This is a wonderful story, Rottman pulls you in from the start with the characters and narrative and you find yourself never wanting to put the book down. There is also a great adventure tone that grabs you and is filled with the uncertainty of survival and the ongoing threat of failure that drives not only the characters, but the reader as you keep reading to see what else could possibly happen to them.

The story is told by Karen, an excellent move by Rottman because you get a great sense of who she is and the situation through her eyes and thoughts. She is also a great protagonist. She is knowledgeable about a lot of things; she does what's right and uses her knowledge without being cocky, arrogant, or unlikable. She knows more than she thinks but she doesn't know everything which shows great contrast and makes her very human instead of being unbelievable and too good at everything. You also forget she is only fifteen, and while she can replicate the skills and information she has been taught there are the pressures of the situation that seep in, there is only so much information can help when being as young as she is, coupled with the general shock of the whole experience before you break.

In a story so adventurous it is also wonderfully realistic. Karen is under no delusions about how tough it is going to be, no minor inconveniences like camping and a lot of work, but she is prepared for a lot of things. She has experience, she has read and seen a lot, and she has had practice in various situations, but while she knows what to do, she lacks confidence in her abilities. This does not deter her and she is determined to succeed regardless which makes her think on her feet and try anything, only adding to her character in my opinion.

In a story so adventurous it is also wonderfully realistic. Karen is under no delusions about how tough it is going to be, no minor inconveniences like camping and a lot of work, but she is prepared for a lot of things. She has experience, she has read and seen a lot, and she has had practice in various situations, but while she knows what to do, she lacks confidence in her abilities. This does not deter her and she is determined to succeed regardless which makes her think on her feet and try anything, only adding to her character in my opinion.

There are other key characters besides Karen: Jay is a seventeen year old from America, and there are two people from the village, forty four year old Tia, and six year old Lomara, each bringing their unique personalities to the story. With the language barrier between Tia and Lomara you only really grasp their personalities in how they act and react around Karen, while Jay is a lot more forward.

Due to the mixture of American and Nicaraguan characters there is a continual switch between English and Spanish which actually works really well. Working with a language barrier of two characters can be hard, especially in having to continually translate not just for the reader but also for the other characters. The format and style in which Rottman solved this problem was great and it never jarred or felt out of place, it allowed you to keep reading uninterrupted by the switching languages.

The writing style is wonderful and clever because without needing it to be filled with suspense and a continual read of drama on every page there is more an ongoing interest and intrigue in where they will go and what they will do, you sort of marvel at how this little band of people survive and try to rescue themselves. There are so many obstacles they face on their journey, different things that have varying levels of danger and threats but you also don't wait for bad things to happen either. Its great writing that only adds to the feeling of authenticity.

The writing is clever as well in that we often find out what we need to know long before we knew we needed it. Karen's survival knowledge and her skills are explained creatively early on, as is her stamina, her description, and history, meaning that there is no need to stop a key moment in a scene to explain why she knows what she does, or how she is able to do these things, you just accept that she can because you know in the back of your mind that she had done the training, was taught a skill. It's something that I really liked because it meant the crucial moments weren't broken up, and it was very natural in how it was explained, never feeling like we took time from the story to explain everything.

Without spoilers, I will say I love how Karen is written through the whole book, and the others too, but I especially loved her at the end. Rottman portrays her exhaustion and weariness well, she has spent all her energy trying to save these people and herself, jumping between two languages and by the end of it she doesn't know which one she is supposed to speak anymore. She is running on autopilot and it's brilliant to read, to watch her on the verge of crumbling into a heap but still trying to make sure everyone is ok. The fatigue and injuries are portrayed so well and you feel what she goes through.

I came out of being fully immersed in this novel realising that at every turn I was worried that their biggest obstacle would be if they lost the boat but Rottman shows there is so much more to worry about. There is logic, real experiences and real consequences and Rottman shows that anything is possible. My favourite quote comes from Karen and it sums up this story brilliantly: "You can do anything, once you realise you have to." That also sums up Karen's character really well, and while she starts off with doubts about her leadership skills and chances of saving everyone, there is a wonderful change in her character as the determination comes through and she realises she has to, no matter what.

A longer version of this review was published on my blog


Merged review:

Note: I was provided a copy of this book for review

Tears of the River brings you the unexpected and it does it with style, realism, authenticity, and great characters. This is a wonderful story, Rottman pulls you in from the start with the characters and narrative and you find yourself never wanting to put the book down. There is also a great adventure tone that grabs you and is filled with the uncertainty of survival and the ongoing threat of failure that drives not only the characters, but the reader as you keep reading to see what else could possibly happen to them.

The story is told by Karen, an excellent move by Rottman because you get a great sense of who she is and the situation through her eyes and thoughts. She is also a great protagonist. She is knowledgeable about a lot of things; she does what's right and uses her knowledge without being cocky, arrogant, or unlikable. She knows more than she thinks but she doesn't know everything which shows great contrast and makes her very human instead of being unbelievable and too good at everything. You also forget she is only fifteen, and while she can replicate the skills and information she has been taught there are the pressures of the situation that seep in, there is only so much information can help when being as young as she is, coupled with the general shock of the whole experience before you break.

In a story so adventurous it is also wonderfully realistic. Karen is under no delusions about how tough it is going to be, no minor inconveniences like camping and a lot of work, but she is prepared for a lot of things. She has experience, she has read and seen a lot, and she has had practice in various situations, but while she knows what to do, she lacks confidence in her abilities. This does not deter her and she is determined to succeed regardless which makes her think on her feet and try anything, only adding to her character in my opinion.

In a story so adventurous it is also wonderfully realistic. Karen is under no delusions about how tough it is going to be, no minor inconveniences like camping and a lot of work, but she is prepared for a lot of things. She has experience, she has read and seen a lot, and she has had practice in various situations, but while she knows what to do, she lacks confidence in her abilities. This does not deter her and she is determined to succeed regardless which makes her think on her feet and try anything, only adding to her character in my opinion.

There are other key characters besides Karen: Jay is a seventeen year old from America, and there are two people from the village, forty four year old Tia, and six year old Lomara, each bringing their unique personalities to the story. With the language barrier between Tia and Lomara you only really grasp their personalities in how they act and react around Karen, while Jay is a lot more forward.

Due to the mixture of American and Nicaraguan characters there is a continual switch between English and Spanish which actually works really well. Working with a language barrier of two characters can be hard, especially in having to continually translate not just for the reader but also for the other characters. The format and style in which Rottman solved this problem was great and it never jarred or felt out of place, it allowed you to keep reading uninterrupted by the switching languages.

The writing style is wonderful and clever because without needing it to be filled with suspense and a continual read of drama on every page there is more an ongoing interest and intrigue in where they will go and what they will do, you sort of marvel at how this little band of people survive and try to rescue themselves. There are so many obstacles they face on their journey, different things that have varying levels of danger and threats but you also don't wait for bad things to happen either. Its great writing that only adds to the feeling of authenticity.

The writing is clever as well in that we often find out what we need to know long before we knew we needed it. Karen's survival knowledge and her skills are explained creatively early on, as is her stamina, her description, and history, meaning that there is no need to stop a key moment in a scene to explain why she knows what she does, or how she is able to do these things, you just accept that she can because you know in the back of your mind that she had done the training, was taught a skill. It's something that I really liked because it meant the crucial moments weren't broken up, and it was very natural in how it was explained, never feeling like we took time from the story to explain everything.

Without spoilers, I will say I love how Karen is written through the whole book, and the others too, but I especially loved her at the end. Rottman portrays her exhaustion and weariness well, she has spent all her energy trying to save these people and herself, jumping between two languages and by the end of it she doesn't know which one she is supposed to speak anymore. She is running on autopilot and it's brilliant to read, to watch her on the verge of crumbling into a heap but still trying to make sure everyone is ok. The fatigue and injuries are portrayed so well and you feel what she goes through.

I came out of being fully immersed in this novel realising that at every turn I was worried that their biggest obstacle would be if they lost the boat but Rottman shows there is so much more to worry about. There is logic, real experiences and real consequences and Rottman shows that anything is possible. My favourite quote comes from Karen and it sums up this story brilliantly: "You can do anything, once you realise you have to." That also sums up Karen's character really well, and while she starts off with doubts about her leadership skills and chances of saving everyone, there is a wonderful change in her character as the determination comes through and she realises she has to, no matter what.

A longer version of this review was published on my blog ]]> 3.95 2014 Tears of the River
author: Gordon L. Rottman
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2014
rating: 5
read at: 2014/08/07
date added: 2024/09/28
shelves: owned, top-five-2014, young-adult
review:
Note: I was provided a copy of this book for review

Tears of the River brings you the unexpected and it does it with style, realism, authenticity, and great characters. This is a wonderful story, Rottman pulls you in from the start with the characters and narrative and you find yourself never wanting to put the book down. There is also a great adventure tone that grabs you and is filled with the uncertainty of survival and the ongoing threat of failure that drives not only the characters, but the reader as you keep reading to see what else could possibly happen to them.

The story is told by Karen, an excellent move by Rottman because you get a great sense of who she is and the situation through her eyes and thoughts. She is also a great protagonist. She is knowledgeable about a lot of things; she does what's right and uses her knowledge without being cocky, arrogant, or unlikable. She knows more than she thinks but she doesn't know everything which shows great contrast and makes her very human instead of being unbelievable and too good at everything. You also forget she is only fifteen, and while she can replicate the skills and information she has been taught there are the pressures of the situation that seep in, there is only so much information can help when being as young as she is, coupled with the general shock of the whole experience before you break.

In a story so adventurous it is also wonderfully realistic. Karen is under no delusions about how tough it is going to be, no minor inconveniences like camping and a lot of work, but she is prepared for a lot of things. She has experience, she has read and seen a lot, and she has had practice in various situations, but while she knows what to do, she lacks confidence in her abilities. This does not deter her and she is determined to succeed regardless which makes her think on her feet and try anything, only adding to her character in my opinion.

In a story so adventurous it is also wonderfully realistic. Karen is under no delusions about how tough it is going to be, no minor inconveniences like camping and a lot of work, but she is prepared for a lot of things. She has experience, she has read and seen a lot, and she has had practice in various situations, but while she knows what to do, she lacks confidence in her abilities. This does not deter her and she is determined to succeed regardless which makes her think on her feet and try anything, only adding to her character in my opinion.

There are other key characters besides Karen: Jay is a seventeen year old from America, and there are two people from the village, forty four year old Tia, and six year old Lomara, each bringing their unique personalities to the story. With the language barrier between Tia and Lomara you only really grasp their personalities in how they act and react around Karen, while Jay is a lot more forward.

Due to the mixture of American and Nicaraguan characters there is a continual switch between English and Spanish which actually works really well. Working with a language barrier of two characters can be hard, especially in having to continually translate not just for the reader but also for the other characters. The format and style in which Rottman solved this problem was great and it never jarred or felt out of place, it allowed you to keep reading uninterrupted by the switching languages.

The writing style is wonderful and clever because without needing it to be filled with suspense and a continual read of drama on every page there is more an ongoing interest and intrigue in where they will go and what they will do, you sort of marvel at how this little band of people survive and try to rescue themselves. There are so many obstacles they face on their journey, different things that have varying levels of danger and threats but you also don't wait for bad things to happen either. Its great writing that only adds to the feeling of authenticity.

The writing is clever as well in that we often find out what we need to know long before we knew we needed it. Karen's survival knowledge and her skills are explained creatively early on, as is her stamina, her description, and history, meaning that there is no need to stop a key moment in a scene to explain why she knows what she does, or how she is able to do these things, you just accept that she can because you know in the back of your mind that she had done the training, was taught a skill. It's something that I really liked because it meant the crucial moments weren't broken up, and it was very natural in how it was explained, never feeling like we took time from the story to explain everything.

Without spoilers, I will say I love how Karen is written through the whole book, and the others too, but I especially loved her at the end. Rottman portrays her exhaustion and weariness well, she has spent all her energy trying to save these people and herself, jumping between two languages and by the end of it she doesn't know which one she is supposed to speak anymore. She is running on autopilot and it's brilliant to read, to watch her on the verge of crumbling into a heap but still trying to make sure everyone is ok. The fatigue and injuries are portrayed so well and you feel what she goes through.

I came out of being fully immersed in this novel realising that at every turn I was worried that their biggest obstacle would be if they lost the boat but Rottman shows there is so much more to worry about. There is logic, real experiences and real consequences and Rottman shows that anything is possible. My favourite quote comes from Karen and it sums up this story brilliantly: "You can do anything, once you realise you have to." That also sums up Karen's character really well, and while she starts off with doubts about her leadership skills and chances of saving everyone, there is a wonderful change in her character as the determination comes through and she realises she has to, no matter what.

A longer version of this review was published on my blog


Merged review:

Note: I was provided a copy of this book for review

Tears of the River brings you the unexpected and it does it with style, realism, authenticity, and great characters. This is a wonderful story, Rottman pulls you in from the start with the characters and narrative and you find yourself never wanting to put the book down. There is also a great adventure tone that grabs you and is filled with the uncertainty of survival and the ongoing threat of failure that drives not only the characters, but the reader as you keep reading to see what else could possibly happen to them.

The story is told by Karen, an excellent move by Rottman because you get a great sense of who she is and the situation through her eyes and thoughts. She is also a great protagonist. She is knowledgeable about a lot of things; she does what's right and uses her knowledge without being cocky, arrogant, or unlikable. She knows more than she thinks but she doesn't know everything which shows great contrast and makes her very human instead of being unbelievable and too good at everything. You also forget she is only fifteen, and while she can replicate the skills and information she has been taught there are the pressures of the situation that seep in, there is only so much information can help when being as young as she is, coupled with the general shock of the whole experience before you break.

In a story so adventurous it is also wonderfully realistic. Karen is under no delusions about how tough it is going to be, no minor inconveniences like camping and a lot of work, but she is prepared for a lot of things. She has experience, she has read and seen a lot, and she has had practice in various situations, but while she knows what to do, she lacks confidence in her abilities. This does not deter her and she is determined to succeed regardless which makes her think on her feet and try anything, only adding to her character in my opinion.

In a story so adventurous it is also wonderfully realistic. Karen is under no delusions about how tough it is going to be, no minor inconveniences like camping and a lot of work, but she is prepared for a lot of things. She has experience, she has read and seen a lot, and she has had practice in various situations, but while she knows what to do, she lacks confidence in her abilities. This does not deter her and she is determined to succeed regardless which makes her think on her feet and try anything, only adding to her character in my opinion.

There are other key characters besides Karen: Jay is a seventeen year old from America, and there are two people from the village, forty four year old Tia, and six year old Lomara, each bringing their unique personalities to the story. With the language barrier between Tia and Lomara you only really grasp their personalities in how they act and react around Karen, while Jay is a lot more forward.

Due to the mixture of American and Nicaraguan characters there is a continual switch between English and Spanish which actually works really well. Working with a language barrier of two characters can be hard, especially in having to continually translate not just for the reader but also for the other characters. The format and style in which Rottman solved this problem was great and it never jarred or felt out of place, it allowed you to keep reading uninterrupted by the switching languages.

The writing style is wonderful and clever because without needing it to be filled with suspense and a continual read of drama on every page there is more an ongoing interest and intrigue in where they will go and what they will do, you sort of marvel at how this little band of people survive and try to rescue themselves. There are so many obstacles they face on their journey, different things that have varying levels of danger and threats but you also don't wait for bad things to happen either. Its great writing that only adds to the feeling of authenticity.

The writing is clever as well in that we often find out what we need to know long before we knew we needed it. Karen's survival knowledge and her skills are explained creatively early on, as is her stamina, her description, and history, meaning that there is no need to stop a key moment in a scene to explain why she knows what she does, or how she is able to do these things, you just accept that she can because you know in the back of your mind that she had done the training, was taught a skill. It's something that I really liked because it meant the crucial moments weren't broken up, and it was very natural in how it was explained, never feeling like we took time from the story to explain everything.

Without spoilers, I will say I love how Karen is written through the whole book, and the others too, but I especially loved her at the end. Rottman portrays her exhaustion and weariness well, she has spent all her energy trying to save these people and herself, jumping between two languages and by the end of it she doesn't know which one she is supposed to speak anymore. She is running on autopilot and it's brilliant to read, to watch her on the verge of crumbling into a heap but still trying to make sure everyone is ok. The fatigue and injuries are portrayed so well and you feel what she goes through.

I came out of being fully immersed in this novel realising that at every turn I was worried that their biggest obstacle would be if they lost the boat but Rottman shows there is so much more to worry about. There is logic, real experiences and real consequences and Rottman shows that anything is possible. My favourite quote comes from Karen and it sums up this story brilliantly: "You can do anything, once you realise you have to." That also sums up Karen's character really well, and while she starts off with doubts about her leadership skills and chances of saving everyone, there is a wonderful change in her character as the determination comes through and she realises she has to, no matter what.

A longer version of this review was published on my blog
]]> <![CDATA[Unnatural Creatures: Stories Selected by Neil Gaiman]]> 17608233
The sixteen stories gathered by Gaiman, winner of the Hugo and Nebula Awards, range from the whimsical to the terrifying. The magical creatures range from werewolves to sunbirds to beings never before classified. E. Nesbit, Diana Wynne Jones, Gahan Wilson, and other literary luminaries contribute to the anthology.

Sales of Unnatural Creatures benefit 826DC, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting students in their creative and expository writing, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write.]]> 480 Neil Gaiman 0062236318 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 0 to-read, short-story 4.04 2013 Unnatural Creatures: Stories Selected by Neil Gaiman
author: Neil Gaiman
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 4.04
book published: 2013
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/09/27
shelves: to-read, short-story
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Twice Upon A Time: Fairytale, Folklore, & Myth. Reimagined & Remastered.]]> 23873636
Assembled by The Bearded Scribe Press, Twice Upon A Time combines classics and modern lore in peculiar and spectacular ways. From Rapunzel to Rumpelstiltskin, this unique collection showcases childhood favorites unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

Both traditionally-published and independent authors will take you on a whirlwind ride through fairytale and folklore, myth and majick. Cherished stories are revisited and remastered into newly-treasured tales of hope and heartache, of adversity and adventure.

Featuring stories from Bo Balder, AJ Bauers, Carina Bissett, Rose Blackthorn, S.M. Blooding, Rick Chiantaretto, Richard Chizmar, Liz DeJesus, Court Ellyn, S.Q. Eries, Steven Anthony George, Dale W. Glaser, Jax Goss, K.R. Green, Kelly Hale, Tonia Marie Harris, Brian T. Hodges, Tarran Jones, Jason Kimble, Shari L. Klase, Alethea Kontis, Hannah Lesniak, Wayne Ligon, RS McCoy, Joshua Allen Mercier, Robert D. Moores, Diana Murdock, Nick Nafpliotis, Elizabeth J. Norton, Bobbie Palmer, William Petersen, Rebekah Phillips, Asa Powers, Joe Powers, Brian Rathbone, Julianne Snow, Tracy Arthur Soldan, C.L. Stegall, Brian W. Taylor, Kenechi Udogu, Onser von Fullon, Deborah Walker, Angela Wallace, and Cynthia Ward.

Edited by Joshua Allen Mercier. Cover artwork by Luke Spooner.

Interested in receiving a review copy of this title? Go to
Watch the Book Trailer... ]]> 729 Joshua Allen Mercier 1942670001 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 5 owned
Twice Upon a Time is an anthology of fairytale retellings and cover everything from the Grimm Brothers, Hans Christian Anderson, fables, myths, as well as numerous folklores. Each fairy tale has been interpreted and retold differently and the myriad of authors who contribute have created stories that reimagine fairy tales in beautiful, unimaginable, and captivating ways.

What is wonderful about this collection is each story takes a different approach; while some may stay true to the darker or original story in many ways, others deviate completely and have been reworked into completely new stories that are sometimes a world away from their originals. In doing so, there are delightful stories about romance, magic, and true love alongside stories in other worlds and battles with giants in space, hidden dangers, wicked witches, or dark bloodthirsty creatures from the deep. But no matter how much a story seems to stray from the primary story, there is always an element of the original under the surface, connecting its origins back to the well known classic and keeping the fairy tale alive.

Every story is different and there is no doubting the creativity and imagination of the authors to recreate fairy tales and fables in such ways. Everything from The Grimm Brothers to and fables and myths in-between is covered, some easily recognisable others not so much, though this all depends on your own knowledge of fables and fairy tales.

There are a few peculiar ones and certainly not all will be to everyone's liking, but with so many stories and numerous styles of story there are bound to be more than enough to satisfy every lover of fables and fairy tales alike. Even if not every story is appealing, there is no denying the work and creativity that went into each one of these stories. The approach each author has taken to these stories is clever and commendable, and they are certainly stories you can return to and reread over and over again. I really hope that one day this anthology is recognised as a great addition to the ever growing collection of fairy tale retelling.

A longer version of this review was posted on my blog ]]> 4.33 2015 Twice Upon A Time: Fairytale, Folklore, & Myth. Reimagined & Remastered.
author: Joshua Allen Mercier
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at: 2015/03/19
date added: 2024/09/23
shelves: owned
review:
Note: I was provided with a copy of this book for review.

Twice Upon a Time is an anthology of fairytale retellings and cover everything from the Grimm Brothers, Hans Christian Anderson, fables, myths, as well as numerous folklores. Each fairy tale has been interpreted and retold differently and the myriad of authors who contribute have created stories that reimagine fairy tales in beautiful, unimaginable, and captivating ways.

What is wonderful about this collection is each story takes a different approach; while some may stay true to the darker or original story in many ways, others deviate completely and have been reworked into completely new stories that are sometimes a world away from their originals. In doing so, there are delightful stories about romance, magic, and true love alongside stories in other worlds and battles with giants in space, hidden dangers, wicked witches, or dark bloodthirsty creatures from the deep. But no matter how much a story seems to stray from the primary story, there is always an element of the original under the surface, connecting its origins back to the well known classic and keeping the fairy tale alive.

Every story is different and there is no doubting the creativity and imagination of the authors to recreate fairy tales and fables in such ways. Everything from The Grimm Brothers to and fables and myths in-between is covered, some easily recognisable others not so much, though this all depends on your own knowledge of fables and fairy tales.

There are a few peculiar ones and certainly not all will be to everyone's liking, but with so many stories and numerous styles of story there are bound to be more than enough to satisfy every lover of fables and fairy tales alike. Even if not every story is appealing, there is no denying the work and creativity that went into each one of these stories. The approach each author has taken to these stories is clever and commendable, and they are certainly stories you can return to and reread over and over again. I really hope that one day this anthology is recognised as a great addition to the ever growing collection of fairy tale retelling.

A longer version of this review was posted on my blog
]]> <![CDATA[The Utterly Uninteresting and Unadventurous Tales of Fred, the Vampire Accountant (Fred, the Vampire Accountant, #1)]]> 22838963

One fateful night � different from the night he died, which was more inconvenient than fateful � Fred reconnects with an old friend at his high school reunion. This rekindled relationship sets off a chain of events thrusting him right into the chaos that is the parahuman world, a world with chipper zombies, truck driver wereponies, maniacal necromancers, ancient dragons, and now one undead accountant trying his best to “survive.� Because even after it’s over, life can still be a downright bloody mess.]]> 177 Drew Hayes 0989649989 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 owned
The stories in The Utterly Uninteresting and Unadventurous Tales of Fred, the Vampire Accountant are not as uninteresting and uneventful as the title makes them out to be. We are introduced to Fred, a simple accountant who was bitten by an unknown vampire a year ago, and since then has adjusted to his new life and carried on as if nothing has happened. This simple and straightforward life is soon disrupted after his high school reunion as he meets up with old friends, makes new friends, and discovers that the world is a lot more adventurous than he may have thought.

I like Fred, I like that he has taken the practical approach to his circumstances, he starts up his own accounting business from home to avoid going out during the day, and he has struck a deal at the hospital to get access to blood. Other than that he carries on his life almost as if nothing has happened. Hayes uses good explanations and examples to sum up Fred's new routine and how he can carry on his life. It makes sense and works, adding a great touch of reality into the paranormal tone of the book.

Fred has got the skills of a vampire, but what he lacks is the confidence. You notice as each story goes on, Fred becomes more comfortable and in touch with his abilities. This possibly has something to do with the fact that he has gains a parahuman group of friends around him, and unlike in that first year, he can explore his abilities, use them, and even has more cause for using them than he had before. As he becomes more in touch with what he can actually do you see he is not as weak as he sees himself to be, there is a power within him. His timid nature makes him a great character, he is kind and thoughtful, and not at all like he believes vampires are supposed to be. But it is also wonderful to see when he uses his abilities, his strength and speed, that he can be quite formidable, and after being introduced to Fred as a shy and seemingly weak guy, you understand how his type is considered one of the more powerful creatures in the parahuman world.

Hayes has taken an interesting approach to the vampire and parahuman story with Fred, showing that being turned does not automatically make you into a monster, nor does it suddenly make your life any more interesting than it was before. I liked that Hayes normalised this, and used Fred as a voice to help us explore the process and the outcome of becoming a vampire.

The tales of Fred are unexpected and light hearted, and actually a really fun read. There are great characters and each story is new and different, while still being connected to the events and outcomes of the previous story. Hayes has created a world that balances the real and the paranormal well, and with each story takes us deeper into the hidden world of the paranormal and the life of Fred and his new parahuman friends. It is a great book with characters you come to love and I for one hope there will be more utterly uninteresting and unadventurous tales of Fred, the vampire accountant.

A longer version of this review was posted on my blog

]]> 4.03 2014 The Utterly Uninteresting and Unadventurous Tales of Fred, the Vampire Accountant (Fred, the Vampire Accountant, #1)
author: Drew Hayes
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2014
rating: 4
read at: 2014/08/04
date added: 2024/09/23
shelves: owned
review:
Note: I was provided a copy of this book for review

The stories in The Utterly Uninteresting and Unadventurous Tales of Fred, the Vampire Accountant are not as uninteresting and uneventful as the title makes them out to be. We are introduced to Fred, a simple accountant who was bitten by an unknown vampire a year ago, and since then has adjusted to his new life and carried on as if nothing has happened. This simple and straightforward life is soon disrupted after his high school reunion as he meets up with old friends, makes new friends, and discovers that the world is a lot more adventurous than he may have thought.

I like Fred, I like that he has taken the practical approach to his circumstances, he starts up his own accounting business from home to avoid going out during the day, and he has struck a deal at the hospital to get access to blood. Other than that he carries on his life almost as if nothing has happened. Hayes uses good explanations and examples to sum up Fred's new routine and how he can carry on his life. It makes sense and works, adding a great touch of reality into the paranormal tone of the book.

Fred has got the skills of a vampire, but what he lacks is the confidence. You notice as each story goes on, Fred becomes more comfortable and in touch with his abilities. This possibly has something to do with the fact that he has gains a parahuman group of friends around him, and unlike in that first year, he can explore his abilities, use them, and even has more cause for using them than he had before. As he becomes more in touch with what he can actually do you see he is not as weak as he sees himself to be, there is a power within him. His timid nature makes him a great character, he is kind and thoughtful, and not at all like he believes vampires are supposed to be. But it is also wonderful to see when he uses his abilities, his strength and speed, that he can be quite formidable, and after being introduced to Fred as a shy and seemingly weak guy, you understand how his type is considered one of the more powerful creatures in the parahuman world.

Hayes has taken an interesting approach to the vampire and parahuman story with Fred, showing that being turned does not automatically make you into a monster, nor does it suddenly make your life any more interesting than it was before. I liked that Hayes normalised this, and used Fred as a voice to help us explore the process and the outcome of becoming a vampire.

The tales of Fred are unexpected and light hearted, and actually a really fun read. There are great characters and each story is new and different, while still being connected to the events and outcomes of the previous story. Hayes has created a world that balances the real and the paranormal well, and with each story takes us deeper into the hidden world of the paranormal and the life of Fred and his new parahuman friends. It is a great book with characters you come to love and I for one hope there will be more utterly uninteresting and unadventurous tales of Fred, the vampire accountant.

A longer version of this review was posted on my blog


]]> <![CDATA[The Demeter Code (Ridley Fox/Nita Parris #3)]]> 23944411
When two American embassies in northern Africa are bombed, CIA operatives, Ridley Fox and Nita Parris, are assigned to track down the perpetrators. However, when their top asset is killed in a failed op, the agents suspect that there may be a new threat. Their search for the truth puts them on a collision course with a powerful multinational—which will go to extreme lengths to bury its criminal activities. However, the agents soon learn that someone with a personal vendetta against that company not only knows their secrets, but will expose them in a way that could result in the largest single-day attack against America.]]> 423 Russell Brooks 0986751367 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 owned
The first thing to say about this story is that it is filled with the unexpected and nothing is as it seems. The writing is extremely clever and captivating, and Brooks fills it with numerous surprises. For a story that seems exaggerated and action packed it actually remains quite realistic both in dialogue and events. The characters are also realistic and Brooks demonstrates great knowledge and understanding of government agencies and their practices.

The concept is fascinating and highly possible in real life which adds to the excitement. The fast paced story is not rushed but it still manages to capture the intensity of the situations and the urgency in the unfolding events. The way Brooks writes makes the scenes play in your mind like a movie; the writing is clear and explained well but not overly so either.

The use of multiple perspectives allows a great chance at understanding and capturing the wider story, while still withholding key details. Every point of view is also a great chance to get an insight into characters minds and personality, villain or hero alike. Brooks manages to express who the characters are through their actions and their thoughts, and it offers a great chance to understand who they are without it needing to be directly addressed.

These multiple points of view along with the retelling of overlapping events work exceptionally well and they are all brought together and cleverly connected in a way you didn't know they were connected. Brooks makes use of these numerous viewpoints to cover all the angles which adds to the completeness of scenes and events, and it also adds a lot more to the story than just characters recapping everything to one another and not being able to experience it alongside with them.

There is no doubt that Brooks has written a gripping story that brings together a wonderful narrative that explores real life possibilities coupled with an execution that is both mysterious and thrilling, and one that ends up going in directions you never even imagined.

A longer version of this review was posted on my blog

Merged review:

Note: I was provided a copy of this book for review.

The first thing to say about this story is that it is filled with the unexpected and nothing is as it seems. The writing is extremely clever and captivating, and Brooks fills it with numerous surprises. For a story that seems exaggerated and action packed it actually remains quite realistic both in dialogue and events. The characters are also realistic and Brooks demonstrates great knowledge and understanding of government agencies and their practices.

The concept is fascinating and highly possible in real life which adds to the excitement. The fast paced story is not rushed but it still manages to capture the intensity of the situations and the urgency in the unfolding events. The way Brooks writes makes the scenes play in your mind like a movie; the writing is clear and explained well but not overly so either.

The use of multiple perspectives allows a great chance at understanding and capturing the wider story, while still withholding key details. Every point of view is also a great chance to get an insight into characters minds and personality, villain or hero alike. Brooks manages to express who the characters are through their actions and their thoughts, and it offers a great chance to understand who they are without it needing to be directly addressed.

These multiple points of view along with the retelling of overlapping events work exceptionally well and they are all brought together and cleverly connected in a way you didn't know they were connected. Brooks makes use of these numerous viewpoints to cover all the angles which adds to the completeness of scenes and events, and it also adds a lot more to the story than just characters recapping everything to one another and not being able to experience it alongside with them.

There is no doubt that Brooks has written a gripping story that brings together a wonderful narrative that explores real life possibilities coupled with an execution that is both mysterious and thrilling, and one that ends up going in directions you never even imagined.

A longer version of this review was posted on my blog ]]> 4.09 2014 The Demeter Code (Ridley Fox/Nita Parris #3)
author: Russell Brooks
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2014
rating: 4
read at: 2015/03/12
date added: 2024/09/22
shelves: owned
review:
Note: I was provided a copy of this book for review.

The first thing to say about this story is that it is filled with the unexpected and nothing is as it seems. The writing is extremely clever and captivating, and Brooks fills it with numerous surprises. For a story that seems exaggerated and action packed it actually remains quite realistic both in dialogue and events. The characters are also realistic and Brooks demonstrates great knowledge and understanding of government agencies and their practices.

The concept is fascinating and highly possible in real life which adds to the excitement. The fast paced story is not rushed but it still manages to capture the intensity of the situations and the urgency in the unfolding events. The way Brooks writes makes the scenes play in your mind like a movie; the writing is clear and explained well but not overly so either.

The use of multiple perspectives allows a great chance at understanding and capturing the wider story, while still withholding key details. Every point of view is also a great chance to get an insight into characters minds and personality, villain or hero alike. Brooks manages to express who the characters are through their actions and their thoughts, and it offers a great chance to understand who they are without it needing to be directly addressed.

These multiple points of view along with the retelling of overlapping events work exceptionally well and they are all brought together and cleverly connected in a way you didn't know they were connected. Brooks makes use of these numerous viewpoints to cover all the angles which adds to the completeness of scenes and events, and it also adds a lot more to the story than just characters recapping everything to one another and not being able to experience it alongside with them.

There is no doubt that Brooks has written a gripping story that brings together a wonderful narrative that explores real life possibilities coupled with an execution that is both mysterious and thrilling, and one that ends up going in directions you never even imagined.

A longer version of this review was posted on my blog

Merged review:

Note: I was provided a copy of this book for review.

The first thing to say about this story is that it is filled with the unexpected and nothing is as it seems. The writing is extremely clever and captivating, and Brooks fills it with numerous surprises. For a story that seems exaggerated and action packed it actually remains quite realistic both in dialogue and events. The characters are also realistic and Brooks demonstrates great knowledge and understanding of government agencies and their practices.

The concept is fascinating and highly possible in real life which adds to the excitement. The fast paced story is not rushed but it still manages to capture the intensity of the situations and the urgency in the unfolding events. The way Brooks writes makes the scenes play in your mind like a movie; the writing is clear and explained well but not overly so either.

The use of multiple perspectives allows a great chance at understanding and capturing the wider story, while still withholding key details. Every point of view is also a great chance to get an insight into characters minds and personality, villain or hero alike. Brooks manages to express who the characters are through their actions and their thoughts, and it offers a great chance to understand who they are without it needing to be directly addressed.

These multiple points of view along with the retelling of overlapping events work exceptionally well and they are all brought together and cleverly connected in a way you didn't know they were connected. Brooks makes use of these numerous viewpoints to cover all the angles which adds to the completeness of scenes and events, and it also adds a lot more to the story than just characters recapping everything to one another and not being able to experience it alongside with them.

There is no doubt that Brooks has written a gripping story that brings together a wonderful narrative that explores real life possibilities coupled with an execution that is both mysterious and thrilling, and one that ends up going in directions you never even imagined.

A longer version of this review was posted on my blog
]]> Antiracist Baby 55224248
With bold illustrations and thoughtful, yet playful, text, Antiracist Baby introduces the youngest readers and the grown ups in their lives to the concept and power of antiracism. Providing the language necessary to begin critical conversations at the earliest age, Antiracist Baby is the perfect gift for readers of all ages dedicated to forming a just society.

This edition includes additional discussion prompts to help readers recognise and reflect on bias in their daily lives.]]> 32 Ibram X. Kendi 0241512387 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 3 picture-books 4.17 2020 Antiracist Baby
author: Ibram X. Kendi
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2021/09/10
date added: 2024/09/05
shelves: picture-books
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Around the World in Eighty Days]]> 6078197 Around the World in Eighty Days, Phileas Fogg rashly bets fellow members of the Reform Club ÂŁ20,000 that he can travel around the entire globe in just eighty days, and he is determined not to lose. Breaking the well-established routine of his daily life, the reserved Englishman immediately sets off for Dover, accompanied by his hot-blooded French manservant, Passepartout. Traveling by train, steamship, sailboat, sledge, and even elephant, they must overcome storms, kidnappings, natural disasters, Sioux attacks, and the dogged Inspector Fix of Scotland Yard to win the extraordinary wager. Combining exploration, adventure, and a thrilling race against time, Around the World in Eighty Days gripped audiences upon its publication and remains hugely popular to this day.]]> 287 Jules Verne Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 owned
Being written more than a century ago of course some consideration must be given for the writing style and the racial slurs, but I think it is important to both acknowledge that they are bad, but also know the time in which the story is written to understand their use. The Britishness of the characters is otherwise charming and proper and it is a delight to travel with these characters, especially as you get to see various parts of the world at the same time, even if it is only briefly. Without actually looking it up, I am interested to know how Verne knew about these routes/places. Whether it was based on some research or he made it up. I have seen some criticism saying he doesn't go to Australia or Africa (he does go to Egypt), but the point is to go around the world, not visit every continent/country.

Passepartout was a great character. He was entertaining and long suffering. Phileas Fogg and Inspector Fix are also great characters. Aside from the wager I am trying remember if there was any additional plot. The drama comes from the outrageous of the bet, the suspense if they will reach their ports and meet their trains on time, not to mention any interruptions.

There’s something fulfilling about reading the story and then seeing the interpretation on screen. I think the charm remains with the book over the movies, there’s a seriousness but a whimsy about it that never crosses over to the farcical which a few movies have. Definitely give it a go if you want some good classic literature that isn’t boring.

A version of this review was published on my blog ]]> 3.80 1872 Around the World in Eighty Days
author: Jules Verne
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.80
book published: 1872
rating: 4
read at: 2013/11/16
date added: 2024/08/31
shelves: owned
review:
This is a classic story and one that I enjoyed a lot. I won’t say it isn’t without its problems, but there is a good adventure story that is fascinating to read about. I finally read this a couple years ago. I knew this story existed, seen it referenced, I had also seen the Mickey Mouse version of it as a kid and loved it. Naturally the book has more in it than the 10 minute short, but the essential story was the same.

Being written more than a century ago of course some consideration must be given for the writing style and the racial slurs, but I think it is important to both acknowledge that they are bad, but also know the time in which the story is written to understand their use. The Britishness of the characters is otherwise charming and proper and it is a delight to travel with these characters, especially as you get to see various parts of the world at the same time, even if it is only briefly. Without actually looking it up, I am interested to know how Verne knew about these routes/places. Whether it was based on some research or he made it up. I have seen some criticism saying he doesn't go to Australia or Africa (he does go to Egypt), but the point is to go around the world, not visit every continent/country.

Passepartout was a great character. He was entertaining and long suffering. Phileas Fogg and Inspector Fix are also great characters. Aside from the wager I am trying remember if there was any additional plot. The drama comes from the outrageous of the bet, the suspense if they will reach their ports and meet their trains on time, not to mention any interruptions.

There’s something fulfilling about reading the story and then seeing the interpretation on screen. I think the charm remains with the book over the movies, there’s a seriousness but a whimsy about it that never crosses over to the farcical which a few movies have. Definitely give it a go if you want some good classic literature that isn’t boring.

A version of this review was published on my blog
]]> A Little Life 25334922 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER � A stunning “portrait of the enduring grace of friendship� (NPR) about the families we are born into, and those that we make for ourselves. A masterful depiction of love in the twenty-first century.

NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST � MAN BOOKER PRIZE FINALIST � WINNER OF THE KIRKUS PRIZE �

A Little Life follows four college classmates—broke, adrift, and buoyed only by their friendship and ambition—as they move to New York in search of fame and fortune. While their relationships, which are tinged by addiction, success, and pride, deepen over the decades, the men are held together by their devotion to the brilliant, enigmatic Jude, a man scarred by an unspeakable childhood trauma. A hymn to brotherly bonds and a masterful depiction of love in the twenty-first century, Hanya Yanagihara’s stunning novel is about the families we are born into, and those that we make for ourselves.]]> 720 Hanya Yanagihara 1447294823 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 0 to-read 4.28 2015 A Little Life
author: Hanya Yanagihara
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 4.28
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/08/09
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[His Last Bow (Sherlock Holmes, #8)]]> 754713 242 Arthur Conan Doyle 0755334434 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 0 to-read, audiobook 4.26 1917 His Last Bow (Sherlock Holmes, #8)
author: Arthur Conan Doyle
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 4.26
book published: 1917
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/08/07
shelves: to-read, audiobook
review:

]]> The Complete Fairy Tales 163716
A true classic of wonder for all ages.]]> 144 Oscar Wilde 1934169579 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 owned 4.35 1888 The Complete Fairy Tales
author: Oscar Wilde
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 4.35
book published: 1888
rating: 4
read at: 2008/09/01
date added: 2024/08/07
shelves: owned
review:

]]> Before Nightfall 23167224 Updated cover edition found here.

Kate Foster is quick to forget the advice from a pre-deployment hostage survival course once she’s catapulted into a new job in Eastern Europe, despite the good-looking instructor. But a simple day’s task in Istanbul six months later goes horribly wrong.


Trapped and alone, her only hope of survival is the man who trained her � ex-FBI Hostage Rescue Specialist, Finn Scott.


For Finn, it’s his worst nightmare. Kate was the one person he almost let into his heart. Haunted by memories of a failed hostage rescue, he is thrust into a situation beyond his control. Now, against a sinister adversary whose ambitions will split apart Eastern Europe, Finn must overcome his demons to prevent an international catastrophe, and avoid losing Kate forever.

]]> 228 Rachel Amphlett 0992268532 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 5 owned
Before Nightfall is an engaging story that keeps you guessing and hoping for a happy ending while offering interesting and unique characters that always have something up their sleeve and secrets to hide.

The story involves Kate, a woman who was looking to challenge herself and applies to work overseas in the Business Development division of a company. For staff safety she must undergoes hostage training, but does not hold up to the standards expected by her interrogator Finn Scott. Despite this, she already has the job, and inexperienced or not, she gets to go overseas with her new boss Ian Hart. Now, six months later when a routine trip in Istanbul gets her kidnapped, she must rely on the information she was told during her training, try to recall anything that will help her stay alive.

As a character Kate is one we are meant to worry about. We are shown and reminded continuously that she may not be able to cope with her situation, that she was unprepared and seemingly unqualified despite her training. While we do see a small part of this, Kate actually comes through quite well, she is strong and clever, and while it doesn't always show, the strength underneath is quite powerful, even if it is not in the manner we are expecting.

There is a mystery about why Kate has been taken, we are given hints and clues but no real reason at first. When the answers are revealed it soon becomes a complicated and intriguing series of events that reveal so much more than what you first anticipate. What Amphlett does reveal is explained well. The secrets Finn won't discuss, the half truths given by Hart, the unspoken words of seemingly innocent characters. It's all there, and all waiting to be unearthed in a truly suspenseful style.

There is enough romance, suspense, and twists to keep you satisfied and it's a story that keeps its secrets close. I liked that the strong romance elements were kept at a minimum, but I liked the restrained ongoing and obvious unspoken attraction between Finn and Kate. I enjoyed watching them pine for one another without doing anything about it, almost denying to themselves something was even there. Finn's tormented soul made the storyline interesting away from the kidnapping, while still connecting them together.

I really liked how Amphlett handles the hostage and kidnapping aspects. Kate is portrayed in a way that suits her character well, she is strong, but inexperienced but she is also determined. Amphlett isn't trying to make her out to be an unbreakable force, but she is not entirely out of her depth either.

With no spoilers I will say that by the end of the book when everything comes to light and everything is revealed, you realise how creative and clever Amphlett has been. It doesn't go in the direction you think, nor do anyone's secrets turn out to be what you suspect either. It is a great book that brings enough romance, suspense, action, and uniqueness meaning there is a little something for everyone to enjoy.

This review was also posted on my blog ]]> 4.06 2014 Before Nightfall
author: Rachel Amphlett
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 4.06
book published: 2014
rating: 5
read at: 2014/06/02
date added: 2024/07/30
shelves: owned
review:
Note: I was given a copy for review.

Before Nightfall is an engaging story that keeps you guessing and hoping for a happy ending while offering interesting and unique characters that always have something up their sleeve and secrets to hide.

The story involves Kate, a woman who was looking to challenge herself and applies to work overseas in the Business Development division of a company. For staff safety she must undergoes hostage training, but does not hold up to the standards expected by her interrogator Finn Scott. Despite this, she already has the job, and inexperienced or not, she gets to go overseas with her new boss Ian Hart. Now, six months later when a routine trip in Istanbul gets her kidnapped, she must rely on the information she was told during her training, try to recall anything that will help her stay alive.

As a character Kate is one we are meant to worry about. We are shown and reminded continuously that she may not be able to cope with her situation, that she was unprepared and seemingly unqualified despite her training. While we do see a small part of this, Kate actually comes through quite well, she is strong and clever, and while it doesn't always show, the strength underneath is quite powerful, even if it is not in the manner we are expecting.

There is a mystery about why Kate has been taken, we are given hints and clues but no real reason at first. When the answers are revealed it soon becomes a complicated and intriguing series of events that reveal so much more than what you first anticipate. What Amphlett does reveal is explained well. The secrets Finn won't discuss, the half truths given by Hart, the unspoken words of seemingly innocent characters. It's all there, and all waiting to be unearthed in a truly suspenseful style.

There is enough romance, suspense, and twists to keep you satisfied and it's a story that keeps its secrets close. I liked that the strong romance elements were kept at a minimum, but I liked the restrained ongoing and obvious unspoken attraction between Finn and Kate. I enjoyed watching them pine for one another without doing anything about it, almost denying to themselves something was even there. Finn's tormented soul made the storyline interesting away from the kidnapping, while still connecting them together.

I really liked how Amphlett handles the hostage and kidnapping aspects. Kate is portrayed in a way that suits her character well, she is strong, but inexperienced but she is also determined. Amphlett isn't trying to make her out to be an unbreakable force, but she is not entirely out of her depth either.

With no spoilers I will say that by the end of the book when everything comes to light and everything is revealed, you realise how creative and clever Amphlett has been. It doesn't go in the direction you think, nor do anyone's secrets turn out to be what you suspect either. It is a great book that brings enough romance, suspense, action, and uniqueness meaning there is a little something for everyone to enjoy.

This review was also posted on my blog
]]> <![CDATA[Alice in Zombieland (White Rabbit Chronicles, #1)]]> 16035541 She won't rest until she's sent every walking corpse back to its grave. Forever.

Had anyone told Alice Bell that her entire life would change course between one heartbeat and the next, she would have laughed. From blissful to tragic, innocent to ruined? Please. But that's all it took. One heartbeat. A blink, a breath, a second, and everything she knew and loved was gone.

Her father was right. The monsters are real.

To avenge her family, Ali must learn to fight the undead. To survive, she must learn to trust the baddest of the bad boys, Cole Holland. But Cole has secrets of his own, and if Ali isn't careful, those secrets might just prove to be more dangerous than the zombies.]]> 416 Gena Showalter 1459241274 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 0 to-read 3.79 2012 Alice in Zombieland (White Rabbit Chronicles, #1)
author: Gena Showalter
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2012
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/07/29
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Angels and Demons (Robert Langdon, #1)]]> 578587
A devastating new weapon of destruction.
When world-renowned Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is summoned to a Swiss research facility to analyze a mysterious symbol -- seared into the chest of a murdered physicist -- he discovers evidence of the unimaginable: the resurgence of an ancient secret brotherhood known as the Illuminati...the most powerful underground organization ever to walk the earth. The Illuminati has now surfaced to carry out the final phase of its legendary vendetta against its most hated enemy -- the Catholic Church.

Langdon's worst fears are confirmed on the eve of the Vatican's holy conclave, when a messenger of the Illuminati announces they have hidden an unstoppable time bomb at the very heart of Vatican City. With the countdown under way, Langdon jets to Rome to join forces with Vittoria Vetra, a beautiful and mysterious Italian scientist, to assist the Vatican in a desperate bid for survival.
Embarking on a frantic hunt through sealed crypts, dangerous catacombs, deserted cathedrals, and even the most secretive vault on earth, Langdon and Vetra follow a 400-year-old trail of ancient symbols that snakes across Rome toward the long-forgotten Illuminati lair...a clandestine location that contains the only hope for Vatican salvation.

An explosive international thriller, Angels & Demons careens from enlightening epiphanies to dark truths as the battle between science and religion turns to war.]]> 620 Dan Brown 0552150738 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 2 owned 3.82 2000 Angels and Demons (Robert Langdon, #1)
author: Dan Brown
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.82
book published: 2000
rating: 2
read at: 2009/09/01
date added: 2024/04/23
shelves: owned
review:

]]> Year of Wonders 4965
Through Anna's eyes we follow the story of the fateful year of 1666, as she and her fellow villagers confront the spread of disease and superstition.

As death reaches into every household and villagers turn from prayers to murderous witch-hunting, Anna must find the strength to confront the disintegration of her community and the lure of illicit love.

As she struggles to survive and grow, a year of catastrophe becomes instead annus mirabilis, a "year of wonders."

Inspired by the true story of Eyam, a village in the rugged hill country of England, Year of Wonders is a richly detailed evocation of a singular moment in history. ]]> 304 Geraldine Brooks 0142001430 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 0 to-read 4.00 2001 Year of Wonders
author: Geraldine Brooks
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2001
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/11/11
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Shipping News 7354
A vigorous, darkly comic, and at times magical portrait of the contemporary American family, The Shipping News shows why E. Annie Proulx is recognized as one of the most gifted and original writers in America today.
(back cover)]]> 337 Annie Proulx 0743225422 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 1
A version of this review was also published on my blog ]]> 3.88 1993 The Shipping News
author: Annie Proulx
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.88
book published: 1993
rating: 1
read at: 2005/09/01
date added: 2023/10/31
shelves:
review:
Oh gosh I had to read this in year 11 for Extension English. Let me just say, I am a fairly quick reader, but this took me six months to read much to the annoyance of my teacher because it bored me so much that I dreaded picking it up. I think I only smiled once through the whole thing and that was because one chapter opened up with a joke which was pretty clever. Other than that I have no idea why people love this, it was slow and dull and having the movie thrust upon me as well did not make me appreciate the book any more. Quoyle annoyed me, the writing style annoyed me and plot, setting, everything just got up my nose. I know books don't suit everyone so I understand people out there loved it, but just for those people who see it being raved about and then hate it (like myself) you are not alone and are not one of the weird people who "don't understand the classics" :D.

A version of this review was also published on my blog
]]> Lady Chatterley's Lover 49583709
With her soft brown hair, lithe figure and big, wondering eyes, Constance Chatterley is possessed of a certain vitality. Yet she is deeply unhappy; married to an invalid, she is almost as inwardly paralyzed as her husband Clifford is paralyzed below the waist. It is not until she finds refuge in the arms of Mellors the game-keeper, a solitary man of a class apart, that she feels regenerated. Together they move from an outer world of chaos towards an inner world of fulfillment.

For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.]]> 400 D.H. Lawrence 014303961X Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 owned 3.48 1928 Lady Chatterley's Lover
author: D.H. Lawrence
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.48
book published: 1928
rating: 4
read at: 2007/11/01
date added: 2023/10/18
shelves: owned
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #4)]]> 8130423 In this fourth installment of the blockbuster series, time is running out as war between the Olympians and the evil Titan lord Kronos draws near. Even the safe haven of Camp Half-Blood grows more vulnerable by the minute as Kronos's army prepares to invade its once impenetrable borders. To stop the invasion, Percy and his demigod friends must set out on a quest through the Labyrinth - a sprawling underground world with stunning surprises at every turn.]]> 361 Rick Riordan Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 4.44 2008 The Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #4)
author: Rick Riordan
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 4.44
book published: 2008
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2023/10/17
shelves:
review:

]]> Harvest 56382159 Nikki Rae Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4
Note: I received a copy of this book to review from the author

This is the fifth book in The Order series and it was full of the darkness, lust, pain, and power that this series has been synonymous with over the years. Where in previous books there has been unease and anticipation, not to mention excitement as Fawn works to defy and bring down the system, there is a feeling of constant tension through this story as you never know where it will go and what these characters will do.

There is a greater focus on the dark romance and BDSM aspects of this story and it fills up a lot of the pages but everything has a purpose and Rae uses it well to show not only who is actually controlling who, but also as manipulation and to highlight how there are two agendas and purposes being played at the same time. There are clear warnings at the beginning of the book regarding the content but this is a topic that can be hard to read about even knowing the subject matter going in.

This isn’t a series you can jump into at any point, this one especially offers little in way of explaining the larger plotlines. Rae has built up a world through the past four books that show the depth of the world and these relationships and with this fifth it is a hint at what I hope to be a fantastic world crumbling conclusion it’s been building up to be.

After the shock of the previous book’s conclusion I wasn’t sure what I was going to be met with but this is a nice balance between furthering the story, enhancing the characters and their relationships, and being another small step in the bigger picture. Fawn alters between being strong and defiant, manipulative and able to master her emotions to trick when she needs to, and being weak and fragile. I’ve said before I love Fawn best when she is defiant and prepared to burn the world down so I’m glad I got a few glimpses of that in this book.

This was a slow build but one that wasn’t unsatisfying. The tension and uncertainty around the Wolf’s actions and the unknown of how this group of people will act confined to a house, each with their own roles to play, was one that keeps you guessing and on edge. There are negotiations and punishments on both sides and the sudden shifts and the unexpected are what Rae does best. Spending an entire book on edge never knowing what could happen is a feeling that is perfect for the kind of story Rae is trying to tell.
]]> 4.50 2020 Harvest
author: Nikki Rae
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 4.50
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2020/12/29
date added: 2023/09/26
shelves:
review:
A version of this review was published on

Note: I received a copy of this book to review from the author

This is the fifth book in The Order series and it was full of the darkness, lust, pain, and power that this series has been synonymous with over the years. Where in previous books there has been unease and anticipation, not to mention excitement as Fawn works to defy and bring down the system, there is a feeling of constant tension through this story as you never know where it will go and what these characters will do.

There is a greater focus on the dark romance and BDSM aspects of this story and it fills up a lot of the pages but everything has a purpose and Rae uses it well to show not only who is actually controlling who, but also as manipulation and to highlight how there are two agendas and purposes being played at the same time. There are clear warnings at the beginning of the book regarding the content but this is a topic that can be hard to read about even knowing the subject matter going in.

This isn’t a series you can jump into at any point, this one especially offers little in way of explaining the larger plotlines. Rae has built up a world through the past four books that show the depth of the world and these relationships and with this fifth it is a hint at what I hope to be a fantastic world crumbling conclusion it’s been building up to be.

After the shock of the previous book’s conclusion I wasn’t sure what I was going to be met with but this is a nice balance between furthering the story, enhancing the characters and their relationships, and being another small step in the bigger picture. Fawn alters between being strong and defiant, manipulative and able to master her emotions to trick when she needs to, and being weak and fragile. I’ve said before I love Fawn best when she is defiant and prepared to burn the world down so I’m glad I got a few glimpses of that in this book.

This was a slow build but one that wasn’t unsatisfying. The tension and uncertainty around the Wolf’s actions and the unknown of how this group of people will act confined to a house, each with their own roles to play, was one that keeps you guessing and on edge. There are negotiations and punishments on both sides and the sudden shifts and the unexpected are what Rae does best. Spending an entire book on edge never knowing what could happen is a feeling that is perfect for the kind of story Rae is trying to tell.

]]> Thanks, Mum 45300106 There are a million different reasons to say... thanks, mum!]]> 23 Matt Cosgrove 1760664030 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 picture-books, aussie-authors
In true Cosgrove style the illustrations are bright and colourful, with absolutely adorable characters. There is a mix of Australian and other animals and there is even a sneaky cameo of our friend Macca the Alpaca.The story is lyrical with fantastic and creative rhymes and whether reading out loud or to yourself it’s hard not to get swept up in the melodic tone.

This is a must for all Macca and Cosgrove fans and it is an ideal book for everyone because it’s a great story and one that is easily read and appreciated every day of the year but especially around Mother’s Day.

This review was published on my blog ]]> 4.08 Thanks, Mum
author: Matt Cosgrove
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 4.08
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/04/23
date added: 2023/09/11
shelves: picture-books, aussie-authors
review:
What I love about this story is it goes a bit beyond the simple “I Love You Mum� kind of stories you see around Mother’s Day. I love this one because it is funny, relatable, and one that shows off just how much mum does for you all with humour, rhyme, and adorable illustrations. It is sweet without getting sappy and shows appreciation without being too serious.

In true Cosgrove style the illustrations are bright and colourful, with absolutely adorable characters. There is a mix of Australian and other animals and there is even a sneaky cameo of our friend Macca the Alpaca.The story is lyrical with fantastic and creative rhymes and whether reading out loud or to yourself it’s hard not to get swept up in the melodic tone.

This is a must for all Macca and Cosgrove fans and it is an ideal book for everyone because it’s a great story and one that is easily read and appreciated every day of the year but especially around Mother’s Day.

This review was published on my blog
]]> Suite Scarlett (Scarlett, #1) 18177305
Scarlett is the third of four children in the Martin family. The Martins live in and manage a shabby hotel in NYC that dates back to the 1920s. When Scarlett turns 15, she is put in charge of one of the hotel's 27 rooms- the Empire Suite. Into this room moves Mrs. Amberson, a failed 1970s starlet who has returned to New York to write her memoirs. Soon, Scarlett is taking dictation, running around town with Mrs. Amberson, and getting caught up in her Auntie Mame-meets-Bianca Jagger adventures.]]> 368 Maureen Johnson 1471402029 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 3 3.43 2008 Suite Scarlett (Scarlett, #1)
author: Maureen Johnson
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.43
book published: 2008
rating: 3
read at: 2017/04/03
date added: 2023/07/30
shelves:
review:

]]> Pink 8461405 310 Lili Wilkinson 0061926531 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 0 3.71 2009 Pink
author: Lili Wilkinson
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.71
book published: 2009
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/07/28
shelves: to-read, aussie-authors, young-adult, lgbtqia
review:

]]> <![CDATA[I Love My Tutu Too (a Never Bored Book )]]> 44575158 What's more irresistible than a pink tutu? Dancing in a pink tutu, of course, and inviting friends to join you!

* "A rollicking tutu lovefest." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review* "Irresistible... Wacky and wonderful." -- School Library Journal, starred review

In this jubilant rhyming romp, a penguin, a bear, a toucan, and even a gnu (who knew?) are all wearing their tutus today. As a parade of other curious critters join the fun -- I know a ewe with a new tutu. You do? I do. Woo-hoo! -- the number of tutus grows, until they reach 10 tutus. Then it's time to dance!

Abundant alliteration and rollicking rhythms will have little ones laughing and dancing till they drop -- and joyfully learning to count along the way.]]> 30 Ross Burach 1338504274 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 3 picture-books 4.15 I Love My Tutu Too (a Never Bored Book )
author: Ross Burach
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 4.15
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2021/10/15
date added: 2023/07/24
shelves: picture-books
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle]]> 35967101 A brilliantly original high concept murder mystery from a fantastic new talent: Gosford Park meets Inception, by way of Agatha Christie and Black Mirror.

'Somebody's going to be murdered at the ball tonight. It won't appear to be a murder and so the murderer won't be caught. Rectify that injustice and I'll show you the way out.'

It is meant to be a celebration but it ends in tragedy. As fireworks explode overhead, Evelyn Hardcastle, the young and beautiful daughter of the house, is killed.

But Evelyn will not die just once. Until Aiden � one of the guests summoned to Blackheath for the party � can solve her murder, the day will repeat itself, over and over again. Every time ending with the fateful pistol shot.

The only way to break this cycle is to identify the killer. But each time the day begins again, Aiden wakes in the body of a different guest. And someone is determined to prevent him ever escaping Blackheath...

Also titled as The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle.]]> 505 Stuart Turton Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 5 audiobook, top-five-2018
Turton takes you on a journey unlike any before to help solve a mystery like you’ve never seen, I cannot believe this is his debut novel. What he has done is incredibly complicated but brilliant. It’s the desire of every detective to see everyone’s perspective of the moments before a murder and with a mystery and a loop trapping the participants, it is the opportune moment to piece together clues and motives. Don’t let the 500 pages daunt you, it’s an intricately woven puzzle that makes use of the space and has the feel of an old fashion mystery, information obtained through observing and questioning, lurking and snooping, and secret meetings in the library.

Turton makes use of every one of these 500 pages and right up until the final moment there is perfect pacing that is just the right speed and intensity that the scene or the character needed. You could feel what these characters felt, you understood who they were. The ongoing stress and impact of these loops is shown believably and cleverly within the novel in a way that affects the story, it can’t even just be an inconsequential act, Turton makes sure every act that is taken has meaning and an affect somewhere within this house and for its occupants.

I basically stopped doing anything so I could focus on this story, I listened with intensity for the final third of the book unable to stop listening such was the fascination I had developed. I have never read anything quite like this before, similar stories exist for sure, but what Turton has done, mixing these styles together is genius and unique and I loved every second of it. I genuinely cannot believe this is a debut novel and I certainly wait with anticipation what Turton will come up with next.

A longer version of this review was published on my blog
]]> 3.87 2018 The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
author: Stuart Turton
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.87
book published: 2018
rating: 5
read at: 2018/08/14
date added: 2023/04/21
shelves: audiobook, top-five-2018
review:
I loved this book. I loved that I was confused, intrigued, amazed, perplexed. I loved that my brain nearly short circuited as I tried to get my head around what I knew, what clues I should be picking up on, weaving together this story told in fractures and out of order and yet happening all at the same time.

Turton takes you on a journey unlike any before to help solve a mystery like you’ve never seen, I cannot believe this is his debut novel. What he has done is incredibly complicated but brilliant. It’s the desire of every detective to see everyone’s perspective of the moments before a murder and with a mystery and a loop trapping the participants, it is the opportune moment to piece together clues and motives. Don’t let the 500 pages daunt you, it’s an intricately woven puzzle that makes use of the space and has the feel of an old fashion mystery, information obtained through observing and questioning, lurking and snooping, and secret meetings in the library.

Turton makes use of every one of these 500 pages and right up until the final moment there is perfect pacing that is just the right speed and intensity that the scene or the character needed. You could feel what these characters felt, you understood who they were. The ongoing stress and impact of these loops is shown believably and cleverly within the novel in a way that affects the story, it can’t even just be an inconsequential act, Turton makes sure every act that is taken has meaning and an affect somewhere within this house and for its occupants.

I basically stopped doing anything so I could focus on this story, I listened with intensity for the final third of the book unable to stop listening such was the fascination I had developed. I have never read anything quite like this before, similar stories exist for sure, but what Turton has done, mixing these styles together is genius and unique and I loved every second of it. I genuinely cannot believe this is a debut novel and I certainly wait with anticipation what Turton will come up with next.

A longer version of this review was published on my blog

]]> Truly Madly Guilty 27831371 The electrifying new novel from the international bestselling author, Liane Moriarty

Despite their differences, Erika and Clementine have been best friends since they were children. So when Erika needs help, Clementine should be the obvious person to turn to. Or so you'd think.

For Clementine, as a mother of a two desperately trying to practise for the audition of a lifetime, the last thing she needs is Erika asking for something, again.

But the barbecue should be the perfect way to forget their problems for a while. Especially when their hosts, Vid and Tiffany, are only too happy to distract them.

Which is how it all spirals out of control...

]]> 517 Liane Moriarty 1250069815 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 3
With so many characters Moriarty circles around the unspoken event, also known as "the worst day" and just as you get closer she spirals out again. It seamless and I loved that we inch our way closer and close and then are flung straight back out again into someone else's point of view and backwards or forwards through time.

The characters are full and brought their lives to the page, Moriarty showing us exactly who they are with a few words or actions that encapsulates them perfectly. Each character felt real to some degree and had their own depth and unique quality. Moriarty made even the briefest characters have something that made them stand out. I enjoyed Oliver's kind but abrupt nature, and while I disliked Erika's character, I liked that she was different and could annoy me, which is a weird experience. On the other hand I can't tell if I feel sorry for Harry or not. In a way I think we are meant to feel sorry for him, but at the same time not. I liked that Moriarty made me have such conflicting feelings about so many of her characters.

When the surprise does come it's after much speculation on the reader's part and Moriarty doesn't disappoint. The slow reveal is wonderful, and linked to so many characters that it adds more questions and sparks a whole other set of problems and dramas.

The ending I think was perfect, it was the best ending for the characters and I am glad Moriarty didn't try to make it any other way which she easily could have. There are surprises and wonderful moments, it's not without its problems but it was an enjoyable book that was complicated and messy and revealed how one single event can affect everyone differently and can change everything.

This review was published on my blog ]]> 3.59 2016 Truly Madly Guilty
author: Liane Moriarty
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.59
book published: 2016
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2023/03/20
shelves:
review:
After a few unenjoyable books by Moriarty I was worried going into this but it surprised me. The classic "I'm not going to tell you what I've been hinting at for most of the book until almost the end" Moriarty approach is there which surprisingly worked very well in this story. In the past it's been a frustratingly drawn out longer than need be experience, but this time it works ideally. With the numerous perspectives to cover it spreads the novel out and covers multiple angles and adds depth to the story and more complexities.

With so many characters Moriarty circles around the unspoken event, also known as "the worst day" and just as you get closer she spirals out again. It seamless and I loved that we inch our way closer and close and then are flung straight back out again into someone else's point of view and backwards or forwards through time.

The characters are full and brought their lives to the page, Moriarty showing us exactly who they are with a few words or actions that encapsulates them perfectly. Each character felt real to some degree and had their own depth and unique quality. Moriarty made even the briefest characters have something that made them stand out. I enjoyed Oliver's kind but abrupt nature, and while I disliked Erika's character, I liked that she was different and could annoy me, which is a weird experience. On the other hand I can't tell if I feel sorry for Harry or not. In a way I think we are meant to feel sorry for him, but at the same time not. I liked that Moriarty made me have such conflicting feelings about so many of her characters.

When the surprise does come it's after much speculation on the reader's part and Moriarty doesn't disappoint. The slow reveal is wonderful, and linked to so many characters that it adds more questions and sparks a whole other set of problems and dramas.

The ending I think was perfect, it was the best ending for the characters and I am glad Moriarty didn't try to make it any other way which she easily could have. There are surprises and wonderful moments, it's not without its problems but it was an enjoyable book that was complicated and messy and revealed how one single event can affect everyone differently and can change everything.

This review was published on my blog
]]> Sleepy Hollow 9532180 De legende van Sleepy Hollow, waarin Ichabod Crane een ontmoeting met de hoofdloze ruiter overleeft; Rip van Winkle, waarin de geesten een man bevrijden van een feeks en De schatgravers (een cyclus over het vervloekte goud van kapitein Kidd).]]> 239 Washington Irving 9024535077 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 0 to-read, movie-adaptation 3.48 1820 Sleepy Hollow
author: Washington Irving
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.48
book published: 1820
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2023/02/18
shelves: to-read, movie-adaptation
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Preserving the Evidence (Hart of Texas Murder Mysteries, #2)]]> 45189588 In this small town, not everyone is who they claim to be�

When amateur baker, and now amateur sleuth, Rosie Hart finds herself embroiled in another mystery in rural Airlie Falls, Texas, she can’t believe her bad luck. Soon the town is reeling from a murder, an unidentified body, a late mayoral challenge, missing town money, and a strange group of socialites gathered at a mansion out of town.

With so many of her new friends suspected of wrongdoing, Rosie can’t sit on the sidelines any longer. She’s convinced these strange occurrences are connected, but she’s running out of time to prove how. She’ll need to unmask a murderer before there’s another body to add to the tally.

Snooping around undercover is harder than it looks, and Rosie will be lucky to get out of this one without more casualties than a batch of burned Buried Treasure Cookies.]]> Kaz Delaney 1956387404 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 3 2022-reads, aww-2022, owned In book two Rosie has settled into the town quite well and has established her baking prowess to the town’s favour. Her relationship with Jonas is going well and everything is wonderful until another murder hits the town and strange things are happening and the mysteries keep piling up.

This was a slower pace than the previous book, which was fine having established our characters and Rosie in the previous novel we could afford to unfurl this new mystery in a new way. With a few things happening the focus is split and the nature of the accusations allows for a slower pace in uncovering the culprit.

As the mystery hits home and starts to affect beloved characters it’s a fun development that adds intrigue as the reader you try and work out why people are being framed and to what end. Side characters introduced in the previous story feature again, including the Fab Four who are always a delight; and the pros and cons of a small town community is reinforced as the various events play out.

There is a solid recap of the previous book without it feeling forced for those who need a refresher or who picked the books up out of order. Delaney weaves it into the story smoothly so it never feels like it’s been inserted unnaturally into the story as a reminder.

There are multiple mysteries happening side by side � the mystery body, the murder, as well as the woman that Rosie keeps seeing but can never find. I liked the sleuthing Rosie did to uncover it, there is an air of amateur detective work but a lot of it is Rosie working it out for herself, or actively becoming involved to help save her friends. As a result there are a few run-ins with local law enforcement and blundering her way through undercover operations but that is part of this charm. Rosie is never trying to be a detective but she is trying to solve mysteries in her town, especially those affecting her friends.

Delaney has included an excellent collection of misleading information, red herrings, as well as twists and turns to keep you guessing. By the end of the story as you piece all the hints and clues together the ending comes as a satisfactory surprise and one that shows that cosy mysteries can have thrilling moments of danger, excitement, and suspense. I can’t wait to see what awaits Rosie in book three. ]]> 3.92 Preserving the Evidence (Hart of Texas Murder Mysteries, #2)
author: Kaz Delaney
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.92
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2022/07/15
date added: 2022/09/26
shelves: 2022-reads, aww-2022, owned
review:

In book two Rosie has settled into the town quite well and has established her baking prowess to the town’s favour. Her relationship with Jonas is going well and everything is wonderful until another murder hits the town and strange things are happening and the mysteries keep piling up.

This was a slower pace than the previous book, which was fine having established our characters and Rosie in the previous novel we could afford to unfurl this new mystery in a new way. With a few things happening the focus is split and the nature of the accusations allows for a slower pace in uncovering the culprit.

As the mystery hits home and starts to affect beloved characters it’s a fun development that adds intrigue as the reader you try and work out why people are being framed and to what end. Side characters introduced in the previous story feature again, including the Fab Four who are always a delight; and the pros and cons of a small town community is reinforced as the various events play out.

There is a solid recap of the previous book without it feeling forced for those who need a refresher or who picked the books up out of order. Delaney weaves it into the story smoothly so it never feels like it’s been inserted unnaturally into the story as a reminder.

There are multiple mysteries happening side by side � the mystery body, the murder, as well as the woman that Rosie keeps seeing but can never find. I liked the sleuthing Rosie did to uncover it, there is an air of amateur detective work but a lot of it is Rosie working it out for herself, or actively becoming involved to help save her friends. As a result there are a few run-ins with local law enforcement and blundering her way through undercover operations but that is part of this charm. Rosie is never trying to be a detective but she is trying to solve mysteries in her town, especially those affecting her friends.

Delaney has included an excellent collection of misleading information, red herrings, as well as twists and turns to keep you guessing. By the end of the story as you piece all the hints and clues together the ending comes as a satisfactory surprise and one that shows that cosy mysteries can have thrilling moments of danger, excitement, and suspense. I can’t wait to see what awaits Rosie in book three.
]]> Riot: A 1960s Love Story 26819138
The change begins with a rousing antiwar speech delivered by Emma Gold, a Depression-era radical. When Emma introduces him to young Cat Crawford -- inter-racial, brilliant and exotically beautiful � his bewitching is complete. The two students� instant friendship blossoms before long into a passionate love affair. Their bond is tested, though, by the mounting demands of the Antiwar and Black Power Movements, and by their own deep-seated psychological issues.

1968 is marked by campus unrest, urban rebellion, assassinations, and political violence that leads the two into clashes with the Chicago Police and the National Guard. The story builds to a heartrending climax during the street battles surrounding the Democratic National Convention.

This is a complex, fast-paced journey on an emotional roller coaster, punctuated by flashes of self-discovery, and bursting with political and sexual passions.]]> 458 Charles S. Isaacs 0692486968 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 2 owned, historical
I have mixed feelings about this story. The content was interesting; I learnt a few things and felt I was reading through history, but at the same time I didn't really connect with the characters or their story. I am fully prepared to accept it may have been me so don't let that deter you, there is no denying the effort and creativity Isaacs has gone to to bring this story to life and pack it with so much history.

Described as a 1960s love story there is a blossoming love but romance isn't the sole focus of the novel. Steve is a college student who finds love and friendship during a critical time in late 1960s America; the Vietnam War has begun and the civil rights movement is underway. These important moments of history get embroiled with his life and Isaacs tells a story about the life of students and regular Americans who are trying to stop a war no one wanted and survive the tensions between black and white America.

At almost 500 pages there is a lot of detail and Isaacs paces it accordingly. Things follow at a realistic pace, day by day almost rather than large jumps and in doing so it shows how much actually happened in such a short period of time and the ongoing effort people did behind the scenes before grand demonstrations. This does make it a slow read when nothing seems to happen for a long time, but this is where the romance and personal relationship elements balance with historical events.

There are a lot of positives about this book, the research is incredible, the detailed exploration of key historical moments, and the subject is interesting, but despite that I found that I couldn't get into the story. It wasn't the length, being an ebook I didn't actually notice it until much later, I just found I wasn't connecting with the characters or their lives and the writing style was hard to get into. I say this of course contrasted with the fact that it was interesting to read about all the protests and the effort students and people went to show their disapproval of the war, and the campaigns they ran to boycott products. I did enjoy reading about the civil rights, the reactions to King's speech and the fight for equality. But aside from recognising these moments and learning the details I still couldn't connect.

There are surprises and a few unexpected moments that add emotion and drama as Isaacs links history with the romance and the fiction, and seeing the everyday person react and interact with history offers great insight away from it being simply a past event. I'm disappointed I didn't love this book more, but there is no denying that it was an interesting read.

A longer version of this review was posted on my blog ]]> 3.29 2015 Riot: A 1960s Love Story
author: Charles S. Isaacs
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.29
book published: 2015
rating: 2
read at: 2016/07/09
date added: 2022/07/20
shelves: owned, historical
review:
Note: I was provided with a copy of this book by the author for review.

I have mixed feelings about this story. The content was interesting; I learnt a few things and felt I was reading through history, but at the same time I didn't really connect with the characters or their story. I am fully prepared to accept it may have been me so don't let that deter you, there is no denying the effort and creativity Isaacs has gone to to bring this story to life and pack it with so much history.

Described as a 1960s love story there is a blossoming love but romance isn't the sole focus of the novel. Steve is a college student who finds love and friendship during a critical time in late 1960s America; the Vietnam War has begun and the civil rights movement is underway. These important moments of history get embroiled with his life and Isaacs tells a story about the life of students and regular Americans who are trying to stop a war no one wanted and survive the tensions between black and white America.

At almost 500 pages there is a lot of detail and Isaacs paces it accordingly. Things follow at a realistic pace, day by day almost rather than large jumps and in doing so it shows how much actually happened in such a short period of time and the ongoing effort people did behind the scenes before grand demonstrations. This does make it a slow read when nothing seems to happen for a long time, but this is where the romance and personal relationship elements balance with historical events.

There are a lot of positives about this book, the research is incredible, the detailed exploration of key historical moments, and the subject is interesting, but despite that I found that I couldn't get into the story. It wasn't the length, being an ebook I didn't actually notice it until much later, I just found I wasn't connecting with the characters or their lives and the writing style was hard to get into. I say this of course contrasted with the fact that it was interesting to read about all the protests and the effort students and people went to show their disapproval of the war, and the campaigns they ran to boycott products. I did enjoy reading about the civil rights, the reactions to King's speech and the fight for equality. But aside from recognising these moments and learning the details I still couldn't connect.

There are surprises and a few unexpected moments that add emotion and drama as Isaacs links history with the romance and the fiction, and seeing the everyday person react and interact with history offers great insight away from it being simply a past event. I'm disappointed I didn't love this book more, but there is no denying that it was an interesting read.

A longer version of this review was posted on my blog
]]> <![CDATA[Queerstories: Reflections on lives well lived from some of Australia's finest LGBTQIA+ writers (16pt Large Print Edition)]]> 52112708 402 Maeve Marsden 0369311817 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 4.00 2018 Queerstories: Reflections on lives well lived from some of Australia's finest LGBTQIA+ writers (16pt Large Print Edition)
author: Maeve Marsden
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2020/09/24
date added: 2022/07/13
shelves: anthology, aussie-authors, lgbtqia, non-fiction, aww-2020, book-bingo
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Universe Is Expanding and So Am I (Virginia Shreves, #2)]]> 34743888 The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things comes a story of what happens when the "happily ever after" turns out to be less than perfect.

It's been five months since sixteen-year-old Virginia Shreves thought her life was finally back on course: she has come to terms with who she is both inside and out, and she's even started to rebuild her relationship with her older brother Byron, whose date-rape charge completely shattered everything.

But just as she's getting used to the new normal, Virginia's world turns upside down again. Sparks with boyfriend Froggy Welsh the Fourth fade, her best friend Shannon bombshells bad news, and then the police arrest Byron.

As Virginia struggles to cope, she meets Sebastian, an artist with his own baggage. The pair make a pact not to share their personal dramas. But secrets have a way of coming out, and theirs have the potential to ruin everything.

In this follow-up to The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things, Carolyn Mackler brings Virginia's story full circle in a hope-filled tale of forgiveness, love, friendship, and the beauty in life's imperfections.]]> 304 Carolyn Mackler 1681195992 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 3.83 2018 The Universe Is Expanding and So Am I (Virginia Shreves, #2)
author: Carolyn Mackler
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.83
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2022/05/28
date added: 2022/05/30
shelves: 2022-reads, audiobook, young-adult
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things]]> 36063347
Fifteen-year-old Virginia feels like a plus-sized black sheep in her family, especially next to her perfect big brother Byron. Not to mention her best friend has moved, leaving Virginia to navigate an awkward relationship with a boy alone. He might like her now . . . but what if he ever looks under all her layers of clothes?

In order to survive, Virginia decides to follow a “Fat Girl Code of Conduct,� which works, until the unthinkable causes her family's façade to crumble. As her world spins out of orbit, she realizes that being true to herself might be the only way back.

Told in a perfect blend of humor and heart, this acclaimed, Printz Honor winner resonates as much today as it did fifteen years ago, now featuring a new cover, author foreword, text updates, and other never-before-seen back matter.]]> 256 Carolyn Mackler 1681197987 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 3.80 2003 The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things
author: Carolyn Mackler
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.80
book published: 2003
rating: 4
read at: 2022/05/25
date added: 2022/05/24
shelves: 2022-reads, owned, young-adult, audiobook
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The First Journey (Alternamorphs, #1)]]> 343190 115 K.A. Applegate 0439061644 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 0 3.32 1999 The First Journey (Alternamorphs, #1)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.32
book published: 1999
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/05/22
shelves: 2022-reads, owned, currently-reading
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Don't Forget to Sing in the Lifeboats]]> 13040718 389 Kathryn Petras 0761156143 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 0 to-read 3.72 2009 Don't Forget to Sing in the Lifeboats
author: Kathryn Petras
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.72
book published: 2009
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/05/21
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Beginning (Animorphs, #54)]]> 125344
But those days are over.

It's come down to the final battle between the Yeerks and Animorphs. And no one knows who will win, lose, or live. . . .]]> 176 K.A. Applegate 0439115280 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 5 2022-reads, owned 4.05 2001 The Beginning (Animorphs, #54)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2001
rating: 5
read at: 2022/05/20
date added: 2022/05/20
shelves: 2022-reads, owned
review:

]]> The Answer (Animorphs, #53) 125347
Just when things look more than hopeless, Jake and the others discover help where they least expected: Taxxons. Creatures so foul and heartless it’s almost hard to believe that they are capable of having any feelings. But Jake and the others soon discover that the Taxxon resistance has its own problems with the Yeerks. And, for once, it looks like Earth may have a chance. . . .]]> 176 K.A. Applegate 0439115272 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 5 2022-reads, owned 4.13 2001 The Answer (Animorphs, #53)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 4.13
book published: 2001
rating: 5
read at: 2022/05/20
date added: 2022/05/20
shelves: 2022-reads, owned
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Sacrifice (Animorphs, #52)]]> 125338
Ax and the Animorphs have known that the ultimate destruction of the Yeerk pool will give them a huge chance to take back Earth. And they've figured out a way to do it. But there’s no way to destroy the pool without destroying everyone else that may be there. And there’s no more time to think about it. There’s only yes or no. . . .]]> 176 K.A. Applegate 0439115264 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 2022-reads, owned 4.00 2001 The Sacrifice (Animorphs, #52)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2001
rating: 4
read at: 2022/05/15
date added: 2022/05/15
shelves: 2022-reads, owned
review:

]]> The Absolute (Animorphs, #51) 363390
Marco, the other Animorphs, and Ax couldn't be less prepared for this news. Because they know the Yeerks are onto them—and now they're in hiding. Things are falling apart, and for once Jake may not be able to make the decision that will save them. . . .]]> 154 K.A. Applegate 0439115256 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 2022-reads, owned 3.91 2001 The Absolute (Animorphs, #51)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2001
rating: 4
read at: 2022/05/15
date added: 2022/05/15
shelves: 2022-reads, owned
review:

]]> The Ultimate (Animorphs, #50) 363403
So Cassie and the others have to ask themselves a very important question: Is it time to increase their numbers? They all remember too well what happened with David—the Animorph gone bad. But this time do they really have a choice?]]> 139 K.A. Applegate 0439115248 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 5 2022-reads, owned 3.93 2001 The Ultimate (Animorphs, #50)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.93
book published: 2001
rating: 5
read at: 2022/05/14
date added: 2022/05/14
shelves: 2022-reads, owned
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Diversion (Animorphs, #49)]]> 125339
When Tobias, the other Animorphs, and Ax realize that the Yeerks are about to find them, it's by accident. But that doesn't make the discovery any less serious. Because in war, one side wins. And one side loses. . . .]]> 164 K.A. Applegate 043911523X Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 5 2022-reads, owned 4.06 2000 The Diversion (Animorphs, #49)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 4.06
book published: 2000
rating: 5
read at: 2022/05/13
date added: 2022/05/13
shelves: 2022-reads, owned
review:

]]> The Return (Animorphs, #48) 363356 nothlit. Leaving him on a deserted island to live out his days as a rat . . .

They were wrong.

Rachel knows what a threat David is. He's cunning and dangerous. Worst of all, he knows their secrets. Now he's captured Rachel as part of his plan to take over everything. David wants power. Money. But more than anything, he wants revenge. . . .]]> 148 K.A. Applegate 0439115221 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 2022-reads, owned 3.75 2000 The Return (Animorphs, #48)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.75
book published: 2000
rating: 4
read at: 2022/05/11
date added: 2022/05/11
shelves: 2022-reads, owned
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Ellimist Chronicles (Animorphs Chronicles, #4)]]> 363351 Librarian's note: There is an Alternate Cover Edition for this edition of this book here.

He is called the Ellimist. A being with the ability to alter space and time. A being with a power that will never be fully understood. He is the reason Elfangor came to Earth. He is the reason the Earth now has a fighting chance. And though his actions never seem quite right or wrong, you can be certain they are never, ever what anyone expects.

This is the beginning and the middle of the story. A story that needs to be told in order to understand what might happen to the future. The future of the Animorphs. The future of humanity. The future of Earth.

He is called the Ellimist. And this is his story . . .]]> 200 K.A. Applegate 0439217989 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 2 owned, 2022-reads 4.16 2000 The Ellimist Chronicles (Animorphs Chronicles, #4)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2000
rating: 2
read at: 2022/05/10
date added: 2022/05/10
shelves: owned, 2022-reads
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Resistance (Animorphs, #47)]]> 363349
Jake knows that either choice is a major one. Not one that some kid should be responsible for. But he's getting tired of the pressure. So, even though he realizes that other Animorphs need him to be strong, he doesn't feel that way. In fact, he feels just the opposite. And Jake knows if he starts to lose it the Animorphs are done. . . .]]> 141 K.A. Applegate 0439115213 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 2022-reads, owned 3.72 2000 The Resistance (Animorphs, #47)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.72
book published: 2000
rating: 4
read at: 2022/05/06
date added: 2022/05/06
shelves: 2022-reads, owned
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Reggie Round and the Aga Panthers]]> 60315853
A captivating story about broadening your horizons � and letting your imagination run wild.]]> 24 Jane Grant 1760507563 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 3 2022-reads, picture-books 3.50 Reggie Round and the Aga Panthers
author: Jane Grant
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.50
book published:
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2022/05/06
shelves: 2022-reads, picture-books
review:

]]> The Love That Grew 58913251 The perfect book for growing families everywhere ...


I thought I could not love another,
not a sister, nor a brother.
But just like magic, my love then grew
when I was blessed with more of you.

From bestselling author Sarah Ayoub and debut illustrator Mimi Purnell comes an ode to the heart-expanding love that swells and overflows with each addition to a family.]]> 24 Mimi Purnell 1460761111 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 3 4.25 The Love That Grew
author: Mimi Purnell
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 4.25
book published:
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 2022/05/06
shelves: 2022-reads, aussie-authors, aww-2022, picture-books
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Elfangor's Secret (Megamorphs, #3)]]> 363419 208 K.A. Applegate 0590036394 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 2022-reads, owned 3.89 1999 Elfangor's Secret (Megamorphs, #3)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.89
book published: 1999
rating: 4
read at: 2022/05/06
date added: 2022/05/06
shelves: 2022-reads, owned
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Deception (Animorphs, #46)]]> 363401
Ax and his friends know that Visser Two means business and there will probably only be two ways to keep him from destroying everything they know: Find a way to stop the war. Or find a way to stop him. . . forever. . . .]]> 118 K.A. Applegate 0439115205 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 2022-reads, owned 3.86 2000 The Deception (Animorphs, #46)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.86
book published: 2000
rating: 4
read at: 2022/05/06
date added: 2022/05/06
shelves: 2022-reads, owned
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Revelation (Animorphs, #45)]]> 343179
Marco doesn't even know whether his father is a Controller. But he does know he's not going to let the Yeerks win this one. They've already got his mother. And Marco will do anything it takes to save his father. Anything . . .]]> 136 K.A. Applegate 0439115191 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 2022-reads, owned 4.04 2000 The Revelation (Animorphs, #45)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 4.04
book published: 2000
rating: 4
read at: 2022/05/04
date added: 2022/05/04
shelves: 2022-reads, owned
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Unexpected (Animorphs, #44)]]> 343182
Cassie doesn't have any idea where she's going, or if she can even survive the rugged terrain. But she does know she has to get to a town or village and contact her family and friends. Because she just realized that there's someone else who is also new to the Outback.

Visser Three.]]> 160 K.A. Applegate 0439115183 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 2022-reads, owned 3.61 2000 The Unexpected (Animorphs, #44)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.61
book published: 2000
rating: 4
read at: 2022/05/03
date added: 2022/05/03
shelves: 2022-reads, owned
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Book of Night (Book of Night, #1)]]> 58293924 Book of Night, a modern dark fantasy of shadowy thieves and secret societies.

In Charlie Hall’s world, shadows can be altered, for entertainment and cosmetic preferences—but also to increase power and influence. You can alter someone’s feelings—and memories—but manipulating shadows has a cost, with the potential to take hours or days from your life. Your shadow holds all the parts of you that you want to keep hidden—a second self, standing just to your left, walking behind you into lit rooms. And sometimes, it has a life of its own.

Charlie is a low-level con artist, working as a bartender while trying to distance herself from the powerful and dangerous underground world of shadow trading. She gets by doing odd jobs for her patrons and the naive new money in her town at the edge of the Berkshires. But when a terrible figure from her past returns, Charlie’s present life is thrown into chaos, and her future seems at best, unclear—and at worst, non-existent. Determined to survive, Charlie throws herself into a maelstrom of secrets and murder, setting her against a cast of doppelgängers, mercurial billionaires, shadow thieves, and her own sister—all desperate to control the magic of the shadows.]]> 304 Holly Black 1250812194 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 0 to-read 3.51 2022 Book of Night (Book of Night, #1)
author: Holly Black
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.51
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/05/03
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Lonesome Howl 4023141 214 Steven Herrick 1741146569 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 0 to-read 3.58 2006 Lonesome Howl
author: Steven Herrick
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.58
book published: 2006
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/05/01
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Test (Animorphs, #43) 343437
Tobias has been captured by the same human-Controller that nearly tortured him to death once before. She claims that now she's a part of the Yeerk peace movement. That she just needs a favor. Tobias isn't sure what to believe, but he knows that if the Animorphs and Ax don't find him soon, what he believes won't matter anymore. . . .]]> 135 K.A. Applegate 0439115175 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 2022-reads, owned 3.84 2000 The Test (Animorphs, #43)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.84
book published: 2000
rating: 4
read at: 2022/05/01
date added: 2022/05/01
shelves: 2022-reads, owned
review:

]]> The Journey (Animorphs, #42) 363389
Rachel and the others can't let the Helmacrons stay inside Marco's head. They're armed, and could cause serious damage. So the Animorphs and Ax come up with a plan to evict the Helamcrons from their new residence. But it involves a shrinking ray and the obvious: Marco's nose. . . .]]> 139 K.A. Applegate 0439115167 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 2022-reads, owned 3.56 2000 The Journey (Animorphs, #42)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.56
book published: 2000
rating: 4
read at: 2022/05/01
date added: 2022/04/30
shelves: 2022-reads, owned
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Back to Before (Megamorphs, #4)]]> 363358 and future? Sounds like it might be pretty cool, right? Well, that's what Jake thought. He thought it might be easier if the Animorphs had never existed. If they'd never met Elfangor. If they all had the chance to be "normal" kids.

Jake gets his wish.

But things aren't quite as simple as they seem. Just because the Animorphs no longer exist doesn't mean the Yeerks no longer exist. Except now Jake, Rachel, Tobias, Cassie, and Marco can't morph. They don't even know the Yeerks are out there. And it's not such a wonderful life. . . .]]> 179 K.A. Applegate 0439173078 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 5 2022-reads, owned 4.02 2000 Back to Before (Megamorphs, #4)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2000
rating: 5
read at: 2022/04/26
date added: 2022/04/26
shelves: 2022-reads, owned
review:

]]> The Familiar (Animorphs, #41) 363352
Okay. Maybe it's some kind of weird hallucination. Maybe it's a nightmare. Or maybe Jake's just lost it for a while and misplaced a few years. And there's another problem. The world Jake-the-kid went to sleep in has changed. It's ruled by the Yeerks. Jake has to find out if the other Animorphs and Ax are still around. Still somehow fighting. Or if he's really on his own. . . .]]> 143 K.A. Applegate 0439115159 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 5 2022-reads, owned 3.67 2000 The Familiar (Animorphs, #41)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.67
book published: 2000
rating: 5
read at: 2022/04/26
date added: 2022/04/26
shelves: 2022-reads, owned
review:
How does a book that's 143 page long make me have so many stressful emotions!! How can so many intense, amazing things happen in 143 pages!
]]> The Other (Animorphs, #40) 363353
Until now.

There were other survivors. Other Andalites. And they're here on Earth. Trying to keep a low profile. Trying to find a way to defeat Visser Three. Trying—like Ax and the Animorphs—to stay alive until help finally comes.

If help finally comes . . .]]> 130 K.A. Applegate 0439106796 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 2022-reads, owned 3.78 2000 The Other (Animorphs, #40)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2000
rating: 4
read at: 2022/04/25
date added: 2022/04/25
shelves: 2022-reads, owned
review:

]]> The Hidden (Animorphs, #39) 363357
Cassie, the other Animorphs, and Ax are in a pretty bad situation because they can't leave the cube in one place, they can't morph without being discovered, and they have to keep moving. It looks like this may be a battle the Visser can't lose. . . .]]> 121 K.A. Applegate 0439106788 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 2022-reads, owned 3.67 2000 The Hidden (Animorphs, #39)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.67
book published: 2000
rating: 4
read at: 2022/04/23
date added: 2022/04/23
shelves: 2022-reads, owned
review:

]]> The Arrival (Animorphs, #38) 363404
So, everyone agrees that the battle must continue. But the Andalites don't want to fight alongside humans. They feel their skills will be less than adequate. And they demand that Ax choose a side. Will Ax stay with his friends . . . or stand with his people?]]> 148 K.A. Applegate 043910677X Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 2022-reads, owned 3.88 2000 The Arrival (Animorphs, #38)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2000
rating: 4
read at: 2022/04/22
date added: 2022/04/22
shelves: 2022-reads, owned
review:

]]> The Weakness (Animorphs, #37) 125336
But there's no assigned leader. Now Rachel, Tobias, Cassie, Marco, and Ax have another problem: Who will be the best one for the job? Because being in charge isn't just guts and glory. It's about making decisions that will mean the difference between life . . . and death.]]> 144 K.A. Applegate 0439106761 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 2022-reads, owned 3.51 2000 The Weakness (Animorphs, #37)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.51
book published: 2000
rating: 4
read at: 2022/04/22
date added: 2022/04/22
shelves: 2022-reads, owned
review:

]]> The Mutation (Animorphs, #36) 363360
Jake, the other Animorphs, and Ax acquire additional deep-sea morphs in order to stop the visser's plan. But while trying to destroy the Yeerk ship, the kids make a startling discovery: an underwater civilization. Have the kids discovered Atlantis . . . or is it just another trap?]]> 142 K.A. Applegate 0439106753 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 2022-reads, owned 3.60 1999 The Mutation (Animorphs, #36)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.60
book published: 1999
rating: 4
read at: 2022/04/22
date added: 2022/04/22
shelves: 2022-reads, owned
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Visser (Animorphs Chronicles, #3)]]> 343187 208 K.A. Applegate 0439226775 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 2022-reads, owned 4.16 1999 Visser (Animorphs Chronicles, #3)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 4.16
book published: 1999
rating: 4
read at: 2022/04/20
date added: 2022/04/20
shelves: 2022-reads, owned
review:

]]> The Proposal (Animorphs, #35) 363393
Meanwhile, the Animorphs and Ax have other things to worry about. It seems the Yeerks are trying harder than ever to get people into The Sharing. Now the kids have to find a way to slow down recruitment. But Marco's personal stress is causing him to morph into creatures that don't exist. Creatures the Yeerks are sure to notice . . . and attack. . . .]]> 147 K.A. Applegate 043907035X Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 2022-reads, owned 3.72 1999 The Proposal (Animorphs, #35)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.72
book published: 1999
rating: 4
read at: 2022/04/19
date added: 2022/04/19
shelves: 2022-reads, owned
review:

]]> The Prophecy (Animorphs, #34) 366782
Unfortunately, the only way to recover the ship is to ask Aldrea herself—and she's dead. But the Arn has Aldrea's persona stored. And Cassie, Rachel, or Toby Hamee are the closest match. The only problem is that once Aldrea gets into one of their minds, she may not want to come out. . . .]]> 141 K.A. Applegate 0439070341 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 2022-reads, owned 3.82 1999 The Prophecy (Animorphs, #34)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.82
book published: 1999
rating: 4
read at: 2022/04/19
date added: 2022/04/19
shelves: 2022-reads, owned
review:

]]> The Illusion (Animorphs, #33) 302871
Now what? The Animorphs and Ax realize they have to get rid of the device—or be captured by the Yeerks. And the risk of getting caught is very high. That's when Tobias comes up with the only possible plan. Someone has to acquire Ax. . . .]]> 156 K.A. Applegate 0439070333 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 5 2022-reads, owned 3.97 1999 The Illusion (Animorphs, #33)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.97
book published: 1999
rating: 5
read at: 2022/04/18
date added: 2022/04/18
shelves: 2022-reads, owned
review:
If I could give this book a million stars I would. They've all been amazing but this was something else.
]]> <![CDATA[The Separation (Animorphs, #32)]]> 125340 and super nasty.

Now the Animorphs have to figure out a way to put Rachel back together again. Because if it's up to the "twins," Rachel the weak will surrender to Visser Three. Rachel the super bold will try to single-handedly take him down. And twice the trouble may be twice as much as the other Animorphs and Ax can handle. . . .]]> 158 K.A. Applegate 0439070325 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 2022-reads, owned 3.57 1999 The Separation (Animorphs, #32)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.57
book published: 1999
rating: 4
read at: 2022/04/18
date added: 2022/04/18
shelves: 2022-reads, owned
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Conspiracy (Animorphs, #31)]]> 363424
This is a very big problem for Jake's brother, Tom. He can't be away from the Yeerk pool for that long. So Tom refuses to go—and his father insists. But Tom's Yeerk will do anything to survive. Including making his father less of a problem.

Now Jake, the other Animorphs, and Ax have to find a way to protect his father without Tom discovering their secret. And without having to choose between his father's life. . . and Tom's.]]> 139 K.A. Applegate 0439070317 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 2022-reads, owned 3.85 1999 The Conspiracy (Animorphs, #31)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.85
book published: 1999
rating: 4
read at: 2022/04/18
date added: 2022/04/18
shelves: 2022-reads, owned
review:

]]> The Reunion (Animorphs, #30) 363402
Jake, the other Animorphs, and Ax realize that Marco is under some serious stress. And that the situation with his mom could very well jeopardize everything they've worked for. Now they also have to wonder if Marco will be the one to give away the secret of the Animorphs. . . .]]> 156 K.A. Applegate 059076263X Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 2022-reads, owned 3.92 1999 The Reunion (Animorphs, #30)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.92
book published: 1999
rating: 4
read at: 2022/04/17
date added: 2022/04/17
shelves: 2022-reads, owned
review:

]]> The Martian 18007564
Now, he’s sure he’ll be the first person to die there.

After a dust storm nearly kills him and forces his crew to evacuate while thinking him dead, Mark finds himself stranded and completely alone with no way to even signal Earth that he’s alive—and even if he could get word out, his supplies would be gone long before a rescue could arrive.

Chances are, though, he won’t have time to starve to death. The damaged machinery, unforgiving environment, or plain-old “human error� are much more likely to kill him first.

But Mark isn’t ready to give up yet. Drawing on his ingenuity, his engineering skills � and a relentless, dogged refusal to quit � he steadfastly confronts one seemingly insurmountable obstacle after the next. Will his resourcefulness be enough to overcome the impossible odds against him?

]]> 384 Andy Weir 0804139024 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 5 4.41 2011 The Martian
author: Andy Weir
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 4.41
book published: 2011
rating: 5
read at: 2022/04/17
date added: 2022/04/17
shelves: 2022-reads, audiobook, owned, movie-adaptation, to-re-read
review:

]]> The Sickness (Animorphs, #29) 363422
Cassie and the other Animorphs come up with a plan. But it involves finding a new way into the Yeerk pool. There's just one problem: Jake, Rachel, Tobias, and Marco come down with Ax's sickness. And now, for the first time, Cassie is on her own. . . .]]> 152 K.A. Applegate 0590762621 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 2022-reads, owned 3.99 1999 The Sickness (Animorphs, #29)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.99
book published: 1999
rating: 4
read at: 2022/04/16
date added: 2022/04/16
shelves: 2022-reads, owned
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Experiment (Animorphs, #28)]]> 286582
Now the Animorphs and Ax are not only faced with trying to slow down the Yeerks' invasion, but they also have to put an end to the genetic testing on a small group of humans. This time there's only one chance to stop the Yeerks. And if anything goes wrong, it's all over. . . .]]> 139 K.A. Applegate 0590762613 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 2022-reads, owned 3.61 1999 The Experiment (Animorphs, #28)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.61
book published: 1999
rating: 4
read at: 2022/04/16
date added: 2022/04/16
shelves: 2022-reads, owned
review:

]]> The Exposed (Animorphs, #27) 125341
But the Chee's problem is much deeper than anything the kids could have imagined. It's hidden in the ocean. So far down that no human has ever traveled there—and survived. And the Animorphs realize what will happen if Visser Three discovers the valuable secrets of the Chee. One of which is the Animorphs. . . .]]> 154 K.A. Applegate 0590762605 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 2022-reads, owned 3.79 1999 The Exposed (Animorphs, #27)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.79
book published: 1999
rating: 4
read at: 2022/04/16
date added: 2022/04/16
shelves: 2022-reads, owned
review:

]]> The Attack (Animorphs, #26) 125335
So, the Crayak and the Ellimist decide that a battle will prove their ultimate power. But they don't intend to fight each other. The Ellimist will choose the Animorphs, Ax, and Erek, the Chee; the Crayak will choose his own army. If the Animorphs lose they will be erased from the universe altogether. And there'll be no one left to fight the Yeerks. . . .]]> 145 K.A. Applegate 0590762591 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 3 2022-reads, owned 4.00 1999 The Attack (Animorphs, #26)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 4.00
book published: 1999
rating: 3
read at: 2022/04/15
date added: 2022/04/15
shelves: 2022-reads, owned
review:

]]> The Extreme (Animorphs, #25) 363359 146 K.A. Applegate 0439051185 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 2022-reads, owned 3.71 1999 The Extreme (Animorphs, #25)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.71
book published: 1999
rating: 4
read at: 2022/04/15
date added: 2022/04/15
shelves: 2022-reads, owned
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Left-Handed Booksellers of London (Left-Handed Booksellers of London, #1)]]> 49867186 A girl’s quest to find her father leads her to an extended family of magical fighting booksellers who police the mythical Old World of England when it intrudes on the modern world. From the bestselling master of teen fantasy, Garth Nix.

In a slightly alternate London in 1983, Susan Arkshaw is looking for her father, a man she has never met. Crime boss Frank Thringley might be able to help her, but Susan doesn’t get time to ask Frank any questions before he is turned to dust by the prick of a silver hatpin in the hands of the outrageously attractive Merlin.

Merlin is a young left-handed bookseller (one of the fighting ones), who with the right-handed booksellers (the intellectual ones), are an extended family of magical beings who police the mythic and legendary Old World when it intrudes on the modern world, in addition to running several bookshops.

Susan’s search for her father begins with her mother’s possibly misremembered or misspelt surnames, a reading room ticket, and a silver cigarette case engraved with something that might be a coat of arms.

Merlin has a quest of his own, to find the Old World entity who used ordinary criminals to kill his mother. As he and his sister, the right-handed bookseller Vivien, tread in the path of a botched or covered-up police investigation from years past, they find this quest strangely overlaps with Susan’s. Who or what was her father? Susan, Merlin, and Vivien must find out, as the Old World erupts dangerously into the New.]]> 416 Garth Nix 006268325X Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 3.81 2020 The Left-Handed Booksellers of London (Left-Handed Booksellers of London, #1)
author: Garth Nix
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.81
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2022/04/15
date added: 2022/04/15
shelves: audiobook, aussie-authors, loveozya, young-adult, owned, 2022-reads
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Suspicion (Animorphs, #24)]]> 363350 very little problems. Actually, the problems call themselves Helmacrons. They're less than an inch tall, and they're pretty upset at Cassie. They believe she stole their ship. Cassie thought it was just a toy, and gave it to charity. Now the Helmacrons want it back.

So the Animorphs and Ax have a new dilemma. Because the Helmacrons have their own secret weapon: They can shrink other beings down to their size. And, if they don't get their ship back soon, everyone on the planet is in for a little surprise...]]> 155 K.A. Applegate 0590762575 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 2022-reads, owned 3.58 1998 The Suspicion (Animorphs, #24)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.58
book published: 1998
rating: 4
read at: 2022/04/14
date added: 2022/04/14
shelves: 2022-reads, owned
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Pretender (Animorphs, #23)]]> 363421
It seems a lawyer has discovered Tobias's father's last will and testament. So, Tobias needs to attend the reading. His "cousin" even offers to go along. But something just doesn't feel quite right. That's when Tobias, the other Animorphs, and Ax decide to do a little checking on this "cousin". And what they discover will change the rest of Tobias's life....]]> 154 K.A. Applegate 0590636758 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 2022-reads, owned 4.00 1998 The Pretender (Animorphs, #23)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 4.00
book published: 1998
rating: 4
read at: 2022/04/13
date added: 2022/04/13
shelves: 2022-reads, owned
review:

]]> The Solution (Animorphs, #22) 366790
Rachel and the others know that time is running out. The newest battle against the Yeerks is the most important one yet. And it's not one that will wait. Winning this fight could mean slowing down the invasion. But no one knows what to do with David. Because the newest Animorph is more than just a little problem. He's deadly. . . .]]> 152 K.A. Applegate 0590762559 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 2022-reads, owned 4.08 1998 The Solution (Animorphs, #22)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 4.08
book published: 1998
rating: 4
read at: 2022/04/13
date added: 2022/04/13
shelves: 2022-reads, owned
review:

]]> The Threat (Animorphs, #21) 363361 Literally.

At first, David joins the fight with a vengeance. But there is definitely something wrong. Because he's starting to break the rules. Taking risks that could get them all captured. Or killed. The Animorphs don't know what to do. Because there was a time when the Yeerks were their greatest enemy. That's about to change. . . .]]> 158 K.A. Applegate 0590762540 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 3 2022-reads, owned 3.94 1998 The Threat (Animorphs, #21)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.94
book published: 1998
rating: 3
read at: 2022/04/13
date added: 2022/04/13
shelves: 2022-reads, owned
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Discovery (Animorphs, #20)]]> 363420
But what should have been a simple plan ends up going horribly wrong. And David is on the run with the Animorphs and Ax. Now they have only two choices: turn David over to the Yeerks. Or make him the sixth Animorph. . . .]]> 160 K.A. Applegate 0590496379 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 3 2022-reads, owned 3.83 1998 The Discovery (Animorphs, #20)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.83
book published: 1998
rating: 3
read at: 2022/04/13
date added: 2022/04/13
shelves: 2022-reads, owned
review:

]]> <![CDATA[In the Time of Dinosaurs (Megamorphs, #2)]]> 363363 could blame everything that happened on Marco. He was the one who heard about the downed submarine. He was the one who thought we should check it out. And everyone knows that if Marco's up to a challenge, I'm definitely there.

Everything was going fine. Until the explosion. An explosion that blows us millions of years back in time. Back to the age of dinosaurs. Now Tobias, Cassie, Marco, Ax, Jake and I are fighting for our lives with every step we take. But that's not our biggest problem. Our biggest problem is we have no idea how to get back to our own time. . . .]]> 236 K.A. Applegate 0590956159 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 5 2022-reads, owned 3.85 1998 In the Time of Dinosaurs (Megamorphs, #2)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.85
book published: 1998
rating: 5
read at: 2022/04/12
date added: 2022/04/12
shelves: 2022-reads, owned
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Departure (Animorphs, #19)]]> 363394
But that's not the worst that's happened. It seems a human-Controller named Karen followed Cassie after the last run-in with the Yeerks. And she knows Cassie is an Andalite . . . or human. Either way, if she exposes Cassie, it's all over. No more Cassie. No more Animorphs. No more planet Earth. . . .]]> 159 K.A. Applegate 0590494511 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 owned, 2022-reads 3.98 1998 The Departure (Animorphs, #19)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.98
book published: 1998
rating: 4
read at: 2022/04/10
date added: 2022/04/10
shelves: owned, 2022-reads
review:

]]> The Decision (Animorphs, #18) 363406 oxygen.

Luckily, an Andalite scout ship finds them before it's too late. But now Ax is finally with his own people. And he doesn't know if he ever wants to go back to Earth. . . .]]> 161 K.A. Applegate 0590494414 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 3 owned, 2022-reads 3.86 1998 The Decision (Animorphs, #18)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.86
book published: 1998
rating: 3
read at: 2022/04/10
date added: 2022/04/10
shelves: owned, 2022-reads
review:

]]> The Warning (Animorphs, #16) 363405
But if they try to investigate the site and it's a trap, there's no way the Yeerks won't find out who they are. If they don't check it out, they'll never know if they're the only ones fighting. Whatever Jake and the others decide to do, they've got to move quickly, because Visser Three isn't the only one dying to meet them. . . .]]> 146 K.A. Applegate 0590494309 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 3 owned, 2022-reads 3.83 1998 The Warning (Animorphs, #16)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.83
book published: 1998
rating: 3
read at: 2022/04/09
date added: 2022/04/10
shelves: owned, 2022-reads
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Underground (Animorphs, #17)]]> 343177
Wrong. Because it means another trip to the Yeerk pool. And the possibility of running into Visser Three. And of not being able to get back up to the surface. The Animorphs and Ax have taken chances before and been very lucky. But this time their luck may be about to run out. . . .]]> 164 K.A. Applegate 0590494368 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 3 owned, 2022-reads 3.75 1998 The Underground (Animorphs, #17)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.75
book published: 1998
rating: 3
read at: 2022/04/09
date added: 2022/04/10
shelves: owned, 2022-reads
review:

]]> The Rock from the Sky 54809220 Look up!

Turtle really likes standing in his favorite spot. He likes it so much that he asks his friend Armadillo to come over and stand in it, too. But now that Armadillo is standing in that spot, he has a bad feeling about it . . .

Here comes The Rock from the Sky, a meditation on the workings of friendship, fate, shared futuristic visions, and that funny feeling you get that there's something off somewhere, but you just can't put your finger on it.]]> 96 Jon Klassen 1536215635 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 5 4.21 2021 The Rock from the Sky
author: Jon Klassen
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2022/04/08
date added: 2022/04/10
shelves: picture-books, top-five-2022, 2022-reads
review:

]]> The Android (Animorphs, #10) 7089
So Marco, Jake, and Ax decide to morph and check old Erek out. Just to see if he's been infested with a Yeerk. The good news is that Erek's not a human-Controller. The bad news is that Erek's not even human. . . .]]> 170 K.A. Applegate 0590997300 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 owned, 2022-reads 3.86 1997 The Android (Animorphs, #10)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.86
book published: 1997
rating: 4
read at: 2022/04/03
date added: 2022/04/10
shelves: owned, 2022-reads
review:

]]> The Escape (Animorphs, #15) 363355
So when Marco, the other Animorphs, and Ax discover that Visser One is overseeing a secret underwater project, they know they have to check it out. But Marco's not sure if this is a battle he'll be able to fight....]]> 163 K.A. Applegate 0590494244 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 owned, 2022-reads 3.86 1998 The Escape (Animorphs, #15)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.86
book published: 1998
rating: 4
read at: 2022/04/09
date added: 2022/04/10
shelves: owned, 2022-reads
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Forgotten (Animorphs, #11)]]> 363392
That's when things go terribly wrong. Before they know it, Jake, the other Animorphs, and Ax find themselves in another place. Another time. And there's no way home...]]> 162 K.A. Applegate 0590997327 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 owned, 2022-reads 3.74 1997 The Forgotten (Animorphs, #11)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.74
book published: 1997
rating: 4
read at: 2022/04/02
date added: 2022/04/10
shelves: owned, 2022-reads
review:

]]> The Reaction (Animorphs, #12) 815401 used to be the kitchen ceiling.

What's going on? No one's sure, but Rachel and the other Animorphs have to figure it out—quickly. Because if someone sees Rachel's out-of-control morphing, the other Animorphs and Ax are in some serious trouble. . . .]]> 152 K.A. Applegate 0590997343 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 owned, 2022-reads 3.77 1997 The Reaction (Animorphs, #12)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.77
book published: 1997
rating: 4
read at: 2022/04/05
date added: 2022/04/10
shelves: owned, 2022-reads
review:

]]> The Unknown (Animorphs, #14) 363391
Cassie, the other Animorphs, and Ax already know about life on other planets. Too well. They also realize the Yeerks will try to access Zone 91. To find out if what's there will threaten their mission. So the Animorphs decide to pay Zone 91 and the Yeerks a little visit. But what they discover is not at all what they expect. . . .]]> 166 K.A. Applegate 0590494236 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 3 owned, 2022-reads 3.61 1998 The Unknown (Animorphs, #14)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.61
book published: 1998
rating: 3
read at: 2022/04/06
date added: 2022/04/10
shelves: owned, 2022-reads
review:

]]> The Change (Animorphs, #13) 363388
Now Tobias is about to make a very special choice. A choice that the other Animorphs and Ax know nothing about. And it could mean the difference between being a hawk. . . and being human. . . .]]> 176 K.A. Applegate 059049418X Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 5 owned, 2022-reads 3.99 1997 The Change (Animorphs, #13)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.99
book published: 1997
rating: 5
read at: 2022/04/05
date added: 2022/04/10
shelves: owned, 2022-reads
review:

]]> The Stranger (Animorphs, #7) 324506
And then everything stops. Everything. The feasting Taxxon, the human-Controllers, the Hork-Bajir. Time. Now Rachel, Cassie, Marco, Jake, Tobias, and Ax are in for their wildest trip ever. They're going to get the chance to decide whether they want to stay on Earth and fight the Yeerks. Or go to another planet. And the guy giving them the choice says he can save them. Now all they have to do is make the choice. . . .]]> 163 K.A. Applegate 0590997262 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 owned, 2022-reads 3.90 1997 The Stranger (Animorphs, #7)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.90
book published: 1997
rating: 4
read at: 2022/03/31
date added: 2022/04/10
shelves: owned, 2022-reads
review:

]]> The Predator (Animorphs, #5) 125337
Jake, Rachel, Cassie, and Tobias know why Marco feels the way he does. He's worried about his dad—the only family Marco has left. And if anything happens to him, his father will be all alone.

But something is about to change Marco's mind. It seems the Yeerks have a little surprise waiting for him. And it's definitely not nice.

Now Marco has a reason to fight...]]> 150 K.A. Applegate 0590629816 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 owned, 2022-reads 3.89 1996 The Predator (Animorphs, #5)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.89
book published: 1996
rating: 4
read at: 2022/03/30
date added: 2022/04/10
shelves: owned, 2022-reads
review:

]]> The Alien (Animorphs, #8) 324508
Life on Earth is pretty different for Ax. But there is one thing he, Cassie, Marco, Jake, Rachel, and Tobias have in common. Something that one alien, four kids and a hawk know they have to do: stop the Yeerks. . . .]]> 159 K.A. Applegate 0590997289 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 owned, 2022-reads 3.94 1997 The Alien (Animorphs, #8)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.94
book published: 1997
rating: 4
read at: 2022/03/31
date added: 2022/04/10
shelves: owned, 2022-reads
review:

]]> The Secret (Animorphs, #9) 363362
Now Cassie, Marco, Jake, Rachel, Tobias, and Ax have to figure out a way to stop a bogus logging camp. Because if Visser Three finds Ax in the woods, nothing will stop him from finding the Animorphs...]]> 158 K.A. Applegate 0590997297 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 owned, 2022-reads 3.73 1997 The Secret (Animorphs, #9)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.73
book published: 1997
rating: 4
read at: 2022/04/01
date added: 2022/04/10
shelves: owned, 2022-reads
review:

]]> The Capture (Animorphs, #6) 125332 them. It was even worse when Tobias stayed in his morph too long. But nothing compares to the horror the Animorphs are about to face. Nothing.

Jake, Rachel, Tobias, Cassie and Marco have a feeling they know where the Yeerks' new base is located. And they've even figured out how to get in—how many people notice a few flies on the wall? But they never figured they might get caught. Or that Jake could fall into the Yeerk pool. That Jake could become a human controller.

A Yeerk.

The enemy.]]> 154 K.A. Applegate 0590629824 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 owned, 2022-reads 3.96 1997 The Capture (Animorphs, #6)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.96
book published: 1997
rating: 4
read at: 2022/03/30
date added: 2022/04/10
shelves: owned, 2022-reads
review:

]]> Mini Rabbit Must Help 45168999 32 John Bond 0008264899 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 5 picture-books, 2022-reads 4.09 Mini Rabbit Must Help
author: John Bond
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 4.09
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2022/04/01
date added: 2022/04/10
shelves: picture-books, 2022-reads
review:

]]> The Invasion (Animorphs, #1) 776877
Now Jake, Rachel, Cassie, Tobias, and Marco have the power to morph into any animal they choose. And they must use that power to outsmart an evil that is greater than anything the world has ever seen...]]> 184 K.A. Applegate 0590629778 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 owned, 2022-reads 3.88 1996 The Invasion (Animorphs, #1)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.88
book published: 1996
rating: 4
read at: 2022/03/23
date added: 2022/04/10
shelves: owned, 2022-reads
review:

]]> The Visitor (Animorphs, #2) 324505
Rachel and her friends knew they were in for some pretty strange stuff from the very beginning. How often do you run into a dying alien who gives you the power to morph into any animal you touch? But that was before they knew what they would be up against. Now they know. And they know what they have to do. Before it's too late...]]> 175 K.A. Applegate 0590629786 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 4 owned, 2022-reads 3.84 1996 The Visitor (Animorphs, #2)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.84
book published: 1996
rating: 4
read at: 2022/03/26
date added: 2022/04/10
shelves: owned, 2022-reads
review:

]]> The Message (Animorphs, #4) 366784 151 K.A. Applegate 0590629808 Amy (Lost in a Good Book) 3 owned, 2022-reads 3.89 1996 The Message (Animorphs, #4)
author: K.A. Applegate
name: Amy (Lost in a Good Book)
average rating: 3.89
book published: 1996
rating: 3
read at: 2022/03/30
date added: 2022/04/10
shelves: owned, 2022-reads
review:

]]>