“Words and good intentions, yes. Many challenges can be solved that way.”
This exquisitely illustrated and written book by the author is filled with po“Words and good intentions, yes. Many challenges can be solved that way.”
This exquisitely illustrated and written book by the author is filled with positivity. It also proves to be a wonderful teacher to children about kindness and bringing goodness in to the world by the actions we take and the words we use.
Readers will have the opportunity to follow this fairy tale through the adventures of Mur, a kitty-knight who dreams of “protecting others, making the world better, and being a symbol of kindness and bravery.”
And, not only will the adventure be fun, it will also provide good learning lessons for kids, along the way. The illustrations by the author are stunning, and certainly showcase his amazing artistry, which will no doubt captivate the adults who read along with the kids.
I want to thank the author for this complimentary book for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review.
This story, although historical fiction, is based on actual people in post-World War I London. In this way, the author provides an interesting and imaThis story, although historical fiction, is based on actual people in post-World War I London. In this way, the author provides an interesting and imaginative perspective on the lives of these individuals, and the people they may have touched through their actions and life in general. For further information on the people, be sure and read the author’s note at the end for more details.
This novel also brings to life criminal and police circles in that era and the unwitting people caught in the middle. And, it is focused on the women who rise in those positions.
One of our main characters is Diamond Annie who is tall and tough, and head of a women’s gang called the Forty Elephants. She rules over her girls and allows them to share in the benefits of their heists. Thus, all gaining a lifestyle far above what would be expected in the London slums. But there is also Inspector Lilian Wyles, our other main character, who is based on one of the first policewomen in English history. Lilian is intelligent, courageous and intent on proving herself to her male bosses and counterparts. And, bringing Diamond Annie in would score her important points.
This story brings the Roaring Twenties in London to life, as well as show the solidarity among women. It also explores the deeper issues of social justice.
This is a fierce feminist tale. Which makes this a worthwhile read for those interested in this “historical fiction” view of history....more
It has been a joy to read this book about “maritime disasters that shook the world” in-between my other books. I hav“For humans will be…well, humans.”
It has been a joy to read this book about “maritime disasters that shook the world” in-between my other books. I have also been reading this author’s short stories “Driftwood,” as well and simply enjoying his writing. For anyone who is fascinated by maritime history, this peek into some of the most famous disastrous ship stories by a Veteran sea captain, now author, is excellent!
Chatterjee gives his own opinions on what he sees after doing extensive research of his own on 13 maritime ship stories, some that readers will surely recognize. My favorites were the Mary Celeste (Ghost Ship) and the Titanic. But there were also some I did not know that well, in which I appreciated his insights. Especially when he spoke about the Exxon Valdez, which he also titled, “Don’t Drink and Drive!”
It will also be important for readers to read the epilogue in which the author shares a note about a wreckage that affected him personally.
As stated earlier, this is a well-researched, well-organized and well-written book that is an easy read. It is also a fascinating read for anyone who enjoys or is curious about maritime history.
I want to thank the author for this complimentary book for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review. ...more
This author is a beautiful storyteller. His characters are fascinating and at times quirky. Mostly they are interesting to follow, as they all have a This author is a beautiful storyteller. His characters are fascinating and at times quirky. Mostly they are interesting to follow, as they all have a connection to the sea. As does the author. Chatterjee, is a ship’s captain by profession, and his knowledge lends itself beautifully as he captures the essence of sea life in his characters stories. Readers can’t help but see what he sees as he describes the surroundings. As an example…
“Have you ever looked at the sea on a clear sunny day in the middle of the morning? It is sapphire blue when calm…blue like the gemstone…and it smiles and twinkles in the light.”
He also gives us insights into how seamen believe when he shares in one story…
“Seamen are basically simple folk. They have faith in God and their superiors. In that order.”
In one story we can see the sense of superstition felt by the seamen as they experience a pigeon and a sparrow who come on board their ship. How will these birds guide their journey to safety, and/or give them a feeling of their own group pride and internal fears on their own trip?
“Here were two different species of birds sticking together, forgetting their cultural differences, overcoming their racial prejudices if any, united in their bewilderment about the strange surroundings and probably terrified of the circumstance that had befallen them.”
Each of his stories has captivating characters, with a moral readers could probably relate to in some ways. But mostly, there is something to appreciate about life on the sea.
“Wasn’t it Darwin who said that it is not the strongest of the species that survive, or the most intelligent, but the ones most responsive to change?”
The author also provided at the end of the book a glossary of marine terms.
Readers will delight in this collection of stories to read in-between their novels.
I want to thank the author for this complimentary book for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review. ...more
This is my final “old” stand-alone read from this author, that is not connected to his Andy Carpenter series.
The story opens with the death of a JudgThis is my final “old” stand-alone read from this author, that is not connected to his Andy Carpenter series.
The story opens with the death of a Judge. Who and why would anyone want him dead? Is it related to any of his open or closed cases?
And, thus, the author sets things in motion with his police officer Luke Somers immediately on the case to track down the Judge’s supposed killer, Steven Gallagher. But did they get the right person?
And, what happens when Steve’s brother, Chris doesn’t believe his brother was the killer, and decides to force Luke to reopen the investigation? What is he holding over Luke to make him comply? (No spoilers from me.)
The clock is ticking as readers wonder, was Steven Gallagher the killer or not? And, if not, will there be justice in the end?
And, what will it take to protect the person they love?
Another tense, page-turner from this author, with a lot of explosions and some unnecessary distractions, that will still find its way to keeping readers engaged....more
Obviously, or not so obviously, lately I have been on a kick reading this author’s earlier books.
In this second stand-alone book by the author, separObviously, or not so obviously, lately I have been on a kick reading this author’s earlier books.
In this second stand-alone book by the author, separate from his Andy Carpenter series, we have another story about an ordinary man who seems to be the “target” of someone. Consider his first stand-alone, “Don’t Tell a Soul,” where something kept happening to his main character, Tim Wallace who seems to be the focus of someone’s supposed “frame” job.
In this story, we have reporter Chris Hurley who is looking forward to talking with an anonymous tipster about “corruption by a high-level government official.” But suddenly an explosion rips through an office building opposite the park where Chris is supposed to be meeting the tipster. (The explosion scenario, although different setting, still seems to follow a similar pattern to what was experienced in “Don’t Tell a Soul.”) By being so close to the explosion, Chris now has the opportunity to write and make headline news with his story about it. But it doesn’t stop here. More tips keep coming in from his source, who refers to himself as “P.T.”. As wonderful as these tips are, who is this PT., and why are they leading Chris in this way?
Chris seeks help from his editor girlfriend, and also readers find an FBI agent and a homicide detective involved, to now figure out who P.T. is. Because quite honestly, P.T.’s behaviors seem rather “unusual” and quite suspicious. Who could this person be and why are they doing this? And, why involve Chris? Will Chris find this person in time before something more terrible happens? Will others believe Chris is not creating these headlines?
The pacing of this novel is quick, the plot twists keep turning, and pages kept moving towards a showdown that will take readers to New Year’s Eve in Times Square. What will readers discover? Will it lead readers to a satisfying conclusion?
As alluded to earlier, the slight problem with this book was that it followed a similar “script” to the author’s first stand-alone, “Don’t Tell a Soul.” Which took away from some of the intensity of this one. It could have been a more enthralling read, had I not found myself comparing it to his other book, as much. Other than that, it still was a relatively good read.
This fast paced, action-packed, page-turning thriller is this author’s debut novel. With captivating characters, and a complex plot, readers will not This fast paced, action-packed, page-turning thriller is this author’s debut novel. With captivating characters, and a complex plot, readers will not be disappointed as they tackle the shocking twists and red herrings that will make this a book one cannot put down, until the very last page. At least, that is what happened to me.
Our heroine is Chelsey Calhoun who became a cop to follow in her late father’s footsteps. He was a police chief. Two years ago, she became a detective, and her first case was of a missing girl named, Ellie Black. But as this story opens, Ellie is found. What happened to her? And, where has she been for the past 2 years? And, why won’t she talk about it?
What complicates this case for Chelsey, is her memory of her own missing sister, Lydia, whose disappearance happened when they were teenagers. Not being able to solve the case of Ellie as a new detective, brings a whole new energy to Chelsey when Ellie returns. In fact, Chelsey’s mission has been to find and save missing girls, so what will she and/or has she learned on her quest?
But as more is revealed, readers can’t help but wonder, what happens when Ellie returns, and why is Chelsea suspicious of her? Could Ellie’s case be related to her missing sister, Lydia? What other layers will be unraveled as readers turn pages?
A word of caution. This won’t be an easy read. It is dark and haunting. There are multiple P.O.V.’s telling the story (which made it tough to follow, sometimes), and the story will be difficult to bear at times. (Trigger warning: monster men preying on women.)
Sometimes I was concerned about Chelsea’s decisions, but there was an interesting message that could not be ignored. Who holds the power, and what are they willing to do to keep it? And, how will Chelsea overcome this realization?
So many questions for readers. (No spoilers from me.) Just keep turning pages. The story may be imperfect, but it is a compelling read....more
This is Rosenfelt’s first stand-alone book. So, if you were looking for Andy Carpenter, his criminal defense attorney, you will not find him here. NorThis is Rosenfelt’s first stand-alone book. So, if you were looking for Andy Carpenter, his criminal defense attorney, you will not find him here. Nor, will you find the typical snarky humor which is a centerpiece of the author’s writing that makes readers joyfully gravitate to his books. So, what will we find?
A young successful New York businessman, Tim Wallace suddenly finds himself widowed by an explosion that kills his new wife, Maggie on his boat, and a lot of people looking at him as the murderer. Not only that, but a conspiracy that seems to reach beyond this one death, to politics. What?
As pages turn, readers also wonder, why? Who? And, will it all make sense after all the dead bodies have been counted? Also, will Tim Wallace be vindicated when it seems like every turn is pointing to him as the perpetrator? How will this unassuming supposedly innocent “framed” guy get through this tangled mess? And, will readers be grateful for the final conclusion if and when he does?
Seemingly well-written, with short chapters, the story is fast-paced and somewhat inventive, but it fell flat towards the end. Like after all this time of getting readers to know what was finally going on, suddenly we are finding ourselves at an abrupt conclusion. In some ways, this end spoiled the feel of the original pace of the book that started out engaging with a complex mystery. Still, for love of the author, it was a worthwhile read, just not up to the standards that I have grown to love with his Andy Carpenter series.
“The world is filled with people living the most extraordinary, ordinary lives.”
When I saw this one at my local library, I thought at first, “you have“The world is filled with people living the most extraordinary, ordinary lives.”
When I saw this one at my local library, I thought at first, “you have got to be kidding me!” But then it made sense. This really seemed like an almost perfect premise. And, a truly quick read! Yes! It took me just a day to read.
How could you not like a story where two people meet on a train and their next kill orders are for each other for romance in this Mr. & Mrs. Smith way? (Think Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie when they liked each other.) And, they didn’t know that they were both assassins. But not only were they both assassins, but they were both assassins set up with kill orders to kill each other! How do you do that, after you meet each other on a train and practically fall for each other? (And, I’m not giving away spoilers, this is all told to readers from the get-go.)
So, obviously this is a rom-com mixed with suspense and assassins.
What we really have is 2 people who really are awkward, due to their careers and early lives. Here they are meeting. Their first encounter with each other. On a night train to Paris. How romantic is that?
But they both have pasts. Right?
They know they are damaged goods. But they finally found the one person they think can finally accept them. For themselves. But they also think they will never see each other again.
Fast forward six months. And guess what. Who is their kill target? Yep. Now what are they to do?
How about as readers enjoy a “killing” good time?
“My old life has ended. My new life is only just beginning.”
Just let the pages fly. Readers will not regret it....more
Full disclosure: I only decided to read and review this one because it was a donation to my Little Free Library Shed and I loved the Jack Ryan Amazon Full disclosure: I only decided to read and review this one because it was a donation to my Little Free Library Shed and I loved the Jack Ryan Amazon Prime series. Would I be happy with my decision?
Tom Clancy actually died on October 1, 2013. So, it is very important to note that he obviously no longer writes this series. (This book was published this year, 2024.) However, a lot of Tom Clancy fans, may look at the cover, which has his named emblazoned on it in large letters at the top, and not realize this fact. The marketers don’t hide the other fact that it also says at the very bottom in smaller letters, “By Andrews & Wilson.”
So, who are Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson? They are Navy veterans who happen to be a writing team. Brian is a nuclear engineer and Jeff is a vascular surgeon and jet pilot who conducted combat operations with an East Coast-based SEAL team. Their credentials seem to lend themselves to continuing Clancy’s characters and legacy.
This 548-page novel, is part of the Jack Ryan series. Not to be mistaken for what any of us may have watched on the Amazon Prime series of the same name. This has moved Ryan forward as the now President of the United States. Yet, this storyline gives more “screen time” to Ryan’s daughter Katie who is now a Lieutenant Intelligence Agent.
The easiest way to describe this book is in free flow words. Fast. Intense. Suspenseful. Well-placed plot. Page-turner. Twists and turns. Thriller.
If you loved Clancy’s “The Hunt for Red October,” this one may work for you. Just don’t be intimidated by all the Naval acronyms!...more
This children’s book was quite the adventure. Four children crash-land when their pilot suffers a heart attack. They are alone and in peril in the lush Amazon rainforest. How will they manage on their own?
What the author does is provide a rich scene which will mesmerize young readers. Swimming with river dolphins. Discovering a ruined city. Eating bugs. What more could they ask for? Perhaps a mystery in which a map is discovered that the kids can follow?
Readers will enjoy the 4 young characters as they take off on their journey of self-discovery and immense bravery to tackle the unknown. There is a sense of warmth, love, hope and courage that permeates throughout the pages that makes this an enticing read....more
I thought I had already posted my review of this book, but as it turns out, I posted the review for his book “Origin” accidentally under tCatching up…
I thought I had already posted my review of this book, but as it turns out, I posted the review for his book “Origin” accidentally under this one. So, whatever happened to my original review is a mystery. Which is why I am here today, catching up and posting a review now.
I actually read this book before I saw the movie. And, I am so glad I did. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the movie, but the book definitely provided more details and background than what could be captured in a 2-l/2-hour screen version of it. Although there is no denying the brilliance of Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou in their roles.
If you have already read this, or have seen the movie, which did you like best – the book or the movie?
I realize that this book has been around since 2003, but it still captivates in its storytelling. By referencing historical events and locations, and the art of Leonardo Da Vinci into his plot, Brown helped make his story feel plausible.
Robert Langdon is our protagonist. As a Harvard professor and symbologist he has been asked to help solve some of the symbols that have been laid out next to the murder victim in the Louvre Museum in Paris. We have the opportunity as readers to race through the streets of Paris and London, along with him, to solve a series of intricate codes and puzzles.
What are the hidden truths behind the religious symbolism? Is there such a thing as a secret society? What will Langdon discover? And, why are there so many people trying to stop him?
The mystery was thrilling, thought-provoking and intense. And, the conspiracies involving the Holy Grail, the Vatican, and a secret society known as the Priory of Sion were compelling.
There will be high speed car chases, escapes from the police, and real villains that will keep readers entranced until the last page. ...more
This is the latest in the Bones series by Reich featuring her forensic anthropologist, Temperance Brennan. And, as is typical, if you are a fan, readeThis is the latest in the Bones series by Reich featuring her forensic anthropologist, Temperance Brennan. And, as is typical, if you are a fan, readers won’t be bored as Tempe finds herself in the midst of an older building in Washington DC addressing arson and burn victims and attempting to unravel a mystery that may be more than recent history.
She also finds herself working alongside a new ally, Ivy Doyle, a telejournalist. She met Ivy reluctantly through her daughter Katy, as a favor. But as it turns out, they form a good alliance in attempting to learn more about the past of the building, the history, the property’s ownership and what really happened and why.
Reich keeps readers moving along quickly through her short chapters, and forensics and setting change of Washington, DC. The question will be, will readers be surprised by the twists and turns that she has a tendency to deliver? And, will readers be patient with her challenging relationship with Ryan?...more
You know you have read a lot of books when you pick up a book as if you are looking at it for the first time and begin reading it and realize it soundYou know you have read a lot of books when you pick up a book as if you are looking at it for the first time and begin reading it and realize it sounds familiar. I can’t begin to count on my fingers how many times I have done this to myself. Of course, it has to happen with classic Connelly. And, Bosch. I love Bosch.
So, when this book was deposited as a donation to my Little Free Library Shed recently, I couldn’t help but think, is this one of his stories I missed? Of course not. It is one, that I forgot I had read. And, now I am reviewing it.
This is where Detective Hieronymus “Harry” Bosch is now working for the Open-Unsolved Unit, hoping to find a way to find closure for those “chorus of forgotten voices” and certainly justice for the unresolved cases. This is also an opportunity for Bosch to learn about the advances in forensic science that have been made since he retired 3 years earlier.
What I love about Connelly is his beautiful attention to detail. Basics in investigative police work – police procedurals at its best.
As Bosch takes on his first case, the reader gets an inside tour of the streamlined LAPD and all the advanced techniques used in comparative analysis of DNA, ballistics and fingerprints.
As a reader, I am soaking up the methods of modern forensics, and it is obvious that it is revitalizing Bosch, too. But we also get a taste of his old-fashioned police detective work in action, as well. As well as his gut instinct at following the clues. What we appreciate the most is his way of speaking for the dead.
In true Connelly fashion, this will be a page-turning, well-done read for fans. And those new to Bosch, will want to get to know him. But as in all series, it is always best to start at the beginning. The first Harry Bosch book was “The Black Echo.”...more
I love when an author has a purposeful name for their book, and we as readers get to spend some time with it trying “Where you are is where I belong.”
I love when an author has a purposeful name for their book, and we as readers get to spend some time with it trying to figure out what and why it was named the way it was, like this one.
With this book, could it be because Rafe and Jeremy as friends 15 years ago, got lost in the forest, and thus, as the lost boys, something changed because they were gone?
Or, could it have been when they were found, Rafe came back with no memory of what had happened to him, and thus he lost his story?
And, how will those two points even make sense to readers without continuing to turn pages?
Or, when Emilie came to Jeremy to find her sister, since now that is what Jeremy does, find lost girls, that perhaps they might have lost their stories, too?
Or, will Emilie’s entrance into the story be a catalyst to unraveling the mystery to Rafe and Jeremy, and possibly more?
Or, is there something about the forest of Red Crow that makes one wonder that maybe that is where stories end up? Lost?
Or, is there another mystery within this story that is bigger than we ever thought possible?
Well, I’d like to believe that with this little enriching, fairy tale of magic and mystery and love and (possibly) lost stories, it will capture readers in a way that makes those reading want to turn pages until answers are found.
And, because this is a story of unusually talented boys, now grown up, readers will undoubtedly want to know more about the main characters, Rafe and Jeremy’s back stories. And, will most likely be curious about the sisters, who are (possibly) lost and maybe…? (To say more would be a spoiler, and that is not my thing.)
I believe this is a story that is beautifully, and artfully told. With prose that guides readers through a unique magical realm that makes it hard to put this book down. And, that is what makes Shaffer such an exquisite storyteller.
The question remains, can we hope for a HEA ending? (Again, if you are looking for spoilers, you have come to the wrong place! ☺️) Just, take your chance on a little adult fairy tale.
Lastly...There may be some triggers within this story that are not always seen but may be alluded to (while some are obvious): domestic and family violence, adoption, depression, mental illness, death of parents, implied gay character....more
If you are a fan of Sherlock Holmes, readers just might find themselves attracted to Isaiah Quintabe, better known as IQ, a 26-year-old African AmericIf you are a fan of Sherlock Holmes, readers just might find themselves attracted to Isaiah Quintabe, better known as IQ, a 26-year-old African American “private eye.” He takes on cases the police are less likely to involve themselves in. And, he is the star protagonist of this novel, which is this author’s debut.
Isaiah is a bit moralistic, who happened to love his older beloved brother named Marcus. This will be important for readers to understand because what occurred, molds IQ’s character.
We begin, when the author takes readers directly into a crime in progress. There is an obvious creepy guy with nefarious ideals towards an innocent teenage girl. And then there is IQ, a bystander witness. He goes into action with his deductive skills, recognizing that a possible crime is in process. He has interesting ways of processing this scene, and, quite the tools in his “toolchest” to thwart the crime.
Of course, IQ won’t stick around for the hero status, he’s not interested in the credit or the accolades. This is another aspect of IQ’s character that makes him so likable.
So, what happened in IQ’s past that makes him want to right the wrongs for the locals? What happened to Marcus? And what happened in IQ’s past that brought him to become this present kind of Los Angeles private investigator who is gifted like Sherlock Holmes?
While readers contemplate this through their swift turning of pages, a case comes. And it involves someone who needs help, and perhaps some dogs. Is this a take on the Hound of the Baskervilles? If it involves protecting a dog, or any dog, I am all in, and I think readers will agree, as well!
Oh, and IQ has a sidekick that is similar to Dr. Watson, of Sherlock Holmes fame, in Juanell Dodson, a war veteran. Readers should just go with it and appreciate what he and other characters add to the story!
There is action. It is gritty. (A bit of foul language for the sensitive ears.) There is that Los Angeles scenery. The investigations are good. And, it almost feels like it is being written for the screen. Hmmm…wonder who has the rights?
And, Isaiah is a fascinating character to want to follow into a future series. Will the author continue to follow his Sherlock theme – perhaps adding a Moriarty type nemesis presence? I understand his next book is called “Righteous.” Maybe it might be worth checking out, too.
Whatever is decided, I liked that IQ also had his own dog named Ruffin. That makes him worthy and watchable in my eyes!...more
It seemed only fitting that I would take this older Bones (2013) with me to my first I.V. immunotherapy session to fight my cancer. Why not? Isn’t TemIt seemed only fitting that I would take this older Bones (2013) with me to my first I.V. immunotherapy session to fight my cancer. Why not? Isn’t Tempe Brennan, our favorite forensic anthropologist a fighter too? For whatever reason, I just feel at home in a Bones book. The characters feel like family, including her cat, Birdie.
Of course, going backwards, when I am already reading her most recent novels, reminded me that I had already read this one, but it was nice to re-visit it. It also reminded me how devoted she is to her cases. The importance she places on getting all the facts, her bossiness, her relentless pursuit for the truth, and her willingness to dive deep until she knows what really happened despite whether the victim was a “good” person or not. Because sometimes cops were just opinionated about the victims. And, she cared to know what really happened before putting the case to rest.
There is always good dialogue throughout, interesting banter, and of course, the never-ending tension with her soon to be ex-husband, Pete and what may come with her on-again-off-again partnership with Ryan. And, in this one, there will be some sadness that Ryan endures in this story, that will affect him deeply.
With this case, the more Tempe digs, the more she discovers, with the right amount of page-turning tension, which gives readers a very satisfying read.
As in all series, it is best to start from the beginning to get the full satisfaction of the characters back stories.
And, of course, as a treat, the author provides a “from the forensic files of Dr. Kathy Reichs” at the back of the book that should not be read until the end....more
For many fans of the late Michael Crichton, you might have been just as curious as I was when we heard that his widow, Sherri had released his notes fFor many fans of the late Michael Crichton, you might have been just as curious as I was when we heard that his widow, Sherri had released his notes for publication and collaboration with fellow author, James Patterson. Another possible novel from Michael Crichton? Of course, this isn’t the first one after his death. But it is one that apparently remained dormant on his hard drive for 20 years that needed an ending, according to Sherri.
So, why not hand it over to prolific author, Patterson? There is quite the gush acknowledgement by the widow at the end of the book, if interested.
With a story title like “Eruption,” and a book cover with a spouting volcano, I think it is fairly obvious to readers that we have an idea what we are in for from the beginning. What we don’t know is the underpinnings of what it all means. And, that is the tension of what the story wants to deliver to readers.
“The eruption was only days away.”
So, what does this mean exactly?
For the scientist characters working at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, how are they going to “vent the volcano,” warn the public, or what? And for those who have not heard the term, venting a volcano, that seems to suggest that they can safely direct millions of tons of lava wherever they (humans) choose. Wow! Didn’t know we had such power over nature! Did you?
But there is more. There is something that the Army has been doing that this eruption will unleash on to the residents. (No spoilers from me.) Will Mac and his team be able to save the Island in time? Maybe even the world?!
Sometimes I felt like I was reading a movie script. Hmmm…
Crichton was always one dappling in science. And, with Patterson’s thriller mystery voice, was he able to bring the two comfortably together?
Well, it was a bit of a strain, and when the disaster finally hit, it was almost like a relief – you know, like, we were expecting it, so, it finally came! Now we can get on with life.
To be honest, I wouldn’t have given this book a second look hadn’t I been reading an article in my local newspaper about it. Fantasy isn’t really my gTo be honest, I wouldn’t have given this book a second look hadn’t I been reading an article in my local newspaper about it. Fantasy isn’t really my genre, even if I love magical realism, this isn’t the way I love to read it or see it play out.
But it shared that this book was based on ‘Pride and Prejudice’ by Jane Austen. I recently re-visited that one earlier this year and loved it. My review is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
So, here I am. Attempting to make sense of it. But as I read it, I was wondering where the similarity was to Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. I could definitely see the fantasy retelling of Antony and Cleopatra. Was that supposed to be it?
I believe fantasy lovers will enjoy this plot. It is fast paced with a competition that is key to the plot. (Think Hunger Games.) Still, if readers are interested in getting information, it is slow to be revealed leading to many twists along the way.
In many fantasy realms, power and abuse of power is key, as well as what characters will do to gain it. So, what characters are willing to do, will be the moral question of the day in a story like this.
And, as I mentioned, this is not my thing, so I found myself bored, uninterested, disappointed, and ready to close this book and be done.
I believe, I am an outlier. Please read other reviews in which fantasy lovers will most likely feel more engaged with the plot. Like my Goodreads friend, Sara Machado and her beautiful review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show......more
Oh Alex, you had me at page 4. And, then you did it again. You kept at it with every chapter. What were you doing to me? My pulse couldn’t stop racingOh Alex, you had me at page 4. And, then you did it again. You kept at it with every chapter. What were you doing to me? My pulse couldn’t stop racing. I kept checking my Apple Watch to make sure I wasn’t hyperventilating from all the excitement, as you kept me hanging and wanting more from all the little shocker reveals at the end of each chapter.
Ryan and Ali(son) are so in love. They are at the end of their high school year, and they want to have this instant romantic evening together before they head off to their separate colleges. And, just as they might be able to have that loving teenage moment together at their favorite hang-out secluded spot, a storm hits.
But wait readers, there is more!
As they head for shelter to Ali’s car, did someone knock Ryan out, or are we imaging it?
And then, readers find Ryan waking up, Alison and her car are gone and it is daylight. Chapter ends.
And, thus this is how it is throughout the book. Moments like this with explicit tension.
Something dramatic happens at the end of each chapter where readers are left hanging with a piece of news hoping for some explanation…but not necessarily getting it. Yet!
And, that is where readers feel like they are attending a masterclass in expert plotting.
By chapter 2, readers find themselves fast forwarding 5 years later. What happened? Ryan has changed his last name and although he is evading his past, it seems to be catching up to him. Why?
Readers are still left wondering what happened to Alison that fateful night 5 years earlier. And, what happens when Alison’s car is found 5 years later? And, what happens when some (thing?) is found in Alison’s car that isn’t Alison? And, who is after Ryan now?
Will the past ever be resolved?
And, will Karen ever get some sleep? (That’s me! Spoiler reveal: No.)
So many questions…
I couldn’t turn pages fast enough to keep up with the twists and turns in this fast-paced, riveting story that will have readers guessing what really happened on that night long ago. And, if readers think they know…don’t be so sure of yourself!...more
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