First thought— silly as in the kind that can be fun but also the kind that inspires eye rolling.
A better description— if Evanovich’s Stephanie Pl2.5
First thought— silly as in the kind that can be fun but also the kind that inspires eye rolling.
A better description— if Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum was a princess and met a guy who was a good balance of both those hotties in her life. Then add a royal family from a made up country, and you’ve got the gist of it.
I really wanted to like it because the premise sounded fun (although the fake country wore on me— gotta give props to the author for all the history she created for her made-up locale) but after awhile I was nearly skimming just to reach the end… and with the villain getting away, I’m sure there’s a next book. Just don’t think I’ll be rushing to check it out!
There are few contemporary authors who can balance an incongruous number of issues, characters and timelines as well as Jodi Picoult. I admit to beingThere are few contemporary authors who can balance an incongruous number of issues, characters and timelines as well as Jodi Picoult. I admit to being very particular when choosing one of her novels… thanks to Goodreads I know I’m a mood reader. So, if I’m not prepared to use the Kleenex, then Picoult is not for me.
This book truly surprised me— I was initially drawn in by the haunted house in rural Vermont — I knew there would be some social issues and was pleasantly surprised when it looked like Picoult was addressing the plight of how we’ve treated Native American tribes. We were the interlopers.. and Picoult sure gets it. But as the plot ratcheted up, I started to realize that she wasn’t just scratching the surface, she was going deep into eugenics. The anger and disgust I felt was palpable and the ugliness impossible to ignore. ‘ But she never stops with just the social issues; she introduces seemingly unrelated characters and begins to build a layered plot line that continues to shock. And then what began as a rundown house and unexplained phenomena that haunts a town (complete with crazy psychics and paranormal investigators) becomes a story about love, prejudice, injustice, and the simple will to survive. This particular novel made me think of how a painting begins as a bunch of dots, lines, shadings and as those begin to fill the canvas with the mixture of colors, a sharper image emerges. That’s how I felt about this story.
I agree with other reviewers— yup, too much stuff in here and a stutter step ending, despite its brilliant reveal and solid story telling. So pick up this ghostly tale, but it’s like getting five stories for the price of one. /...more
I’ve had the pleasure of reading several fun books in a row. Of the three, this had everything I wanted in a slightly spooky read for the Halloween seI’ve had the pleasure of reading several fun books in a row. Of the three, this had everything I wanted in a slightly spooky read for the Halloween season.
I’d call myself a “horror-lite” reader. Love Stephen King. Love a good ghost story. Love a good mystery. But I don’t particularly like too much violence with the malevolence in horror books.
I really enjoyed this ghostly tale of Victorian seances, hoaxes, murderous secrets, gothic mansions and, a total must, a brooding hero.
The plot line shifted from one time line to another with the use of diary entries and memories. Tension built, broke, and built again. Characters are not always who they seem to be and the question of the ghostly hoax only complicates matters.
For those of you who like a little romance along with your ghost stories, you will be happy. For those of you who do not, I definitely don’t think it will ruin your read.
This was just spooky enough for me— and I look forward to reading more from this talented author (it’s not easy balancing a whole lot of characters, twists and ghostly details)!...more
Had I written this review right after I read this HF spooky tale, it would have fared better. I love a spooky house with potential hauntings so I “2.5
Had I written this review right after I read this HF spooky tale, it would have fared better. I love a spooky house with potential hauntings so I “dove” right into this tale of early 20th century power, love, greed and retribution.
Great premise and super disappointing resolution. Too much time with one character (and lots of belated moaning that I totally lost patience with) and the silly idea that 15 years later a naive little rich girl can solve it all. (Ahhh, now that older sister of hers would have given the plot a real shot of interest!)
There were some glorious moments detailing the Florida coast in the 1920s and 1940s. I could sometimes see and smell the grand home on Biscayne Bay. I certainly got the creepiness of an overgrown maze. This author can write but the characters seriously fell flat.
Some of the female characters who played bit parts or became victims would have been better as the focal point. They were certainly more interesting than our entitled homemaker and orphaned heiress. And don’t get me started on the one-dimensional dudes in this parable about the unsavory side of obsession and power.
Le sigh. I’m sure others will enjoy it more and turn this into an outlier review, but I need more substance— even in a plot-driven ghost story!! ...more
Disappointing historical fiction romance. Had all the right pieces but just never fit together. But the Americanized language really sealed the dea2.5
Disappointing historical fiction romance. Had all the right pieces but just never fit together. But the Americanized language really sealed the deal. One and done with this series.
PS- and not a patch of heather or kilt in sight— worst offense of all when the Scottish border is the setting.
For me, the perfect (not-too) sick day is one spent reading a HF romance novel complete with a swoon-worthy hero and “bluestocking” heroine. I’ve b3.5
For me, the perfect (not-too) sick day is one spent reading a HF romance novel complete with a swoon-worthy hero and “bluestocking” heroine. I’ve been reading some older novels in Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz’ title list. This one was just what the patient ordered!
What I most loved was the fairly unique storyline and how it unfolded. There was also an underlying mystery (lost star for the easy villain guess BUT a few other mild twists were pretty clever).
Need an escape from the daily grind or stuck in bed for the day (and have to love HF romance) then this is a nice quick trip to the land of happily ever after.
The blurb sold me because it mentioned— archeology, spectacles and a Duke. Sadly not enough of the first, too much attention taken off the second and The blurb sold me because it mentioned— archeology, spectacles and a Duke. Sadly not enough of the first, too much attention taken off the second and way more than the third deserved (sad to say his arrogance stopped being attractive).
Despite getting a little better in the last third, all I can say is there was the guaranteed loved up ending. Le sigh!!
More than halfway in and I realized this book is giving me major literary anxiety— IMHO, the book is trying to be several different things, often DNF
More than halfway in and I realized this book is giving me major literary anxiety— IMHO, the book is trying to be several different things, often heavy-handed in tone which isn’t working for me!
Some would say that makes sense considering the time period. Its story is dismal, rarely hopeful, and the storylines seemingly punish both the poor and the well-to-do.
I spent more time debating whether I wanted to continue to read it more than actually reading (basically 4-5% per sitting). 900 pages is long especially when the threads become like the dirty streets of 19th century London. I admit that the pages kept turning and felt fast moving at first, but by the midway point, it was so weighted down by the social ills of the era, I just couldn’t keep reading. I saw no decency in any of the characters!
Not a prude by any definition, still I was slightly disappointed at how the language moved from bluntly sexual to proselytizing from the pulpit and back again to shallow characters being greedy or gruesome descriptions of Victorian prostitution, factory workers or lower class living. It’s just too heavy for this reader!
So, I’m waving farewell to Sugar and friends. I hope the writer provided his characters with some poetic justice (I should have read the last few chapters) at least. Some of them really were despicable!!...more
I won’t deny that I had fun reading this book. It’s pure escapism and that’s fine with me, but!! A big BUT— there were zero surprises and it stands3.5
I won’t deny that I had fun reading this book. It’s pure escapism and that’s fine with me, but!! A big BUT— there were zero surprises and it stands on top of better authors and savvier plot lines.
Take one part Mockingjay, two parts Fourth Wing and one part new stuff and you’ve got this book.
And if you’re okay with that ‘cuz you need a break from life and enjoy YA fantasy, I recommend it. If not, then I’d move along… ...more
About 24 hrs after finishing the first book, this dragon-loving reader devoured book two at a slightly slower pace (mostly because I had to work du4.5
About 24 hrs after finishing the first book, this dragon-loving reader devoured book two at a slightly slower pace (mostly because I had to work during the day).
As I mentioned in book one’s review— this isn’t a perfectly written series, but in some ways this was better and in other ways, a little clunkier… but still a rocking 4.5 entertaining read.
This time around the world building was heck of a lot better— after the cliffhanger from book one (which totally gave me a bit of a book hangover ‘cuz I didn’t see it coming), book two filled in lots of the missing world-building chinks. As a second book, at times it delved into background that upped the pace later on and introduced a whole host of new characters… loved that.
For all the romance naysayers— you’re not wrong, the romance fell into some cliched ruts along the way, but I just (slightly) skimmed and moved on. I’m still rooting for our star-crossed lovers, but I’m way more involved in the rest of the conflict playing out!
Just when is that next book due out? Until then, I’m enjoying all the dragon riding on the GOT House of Dragons series! ...more
Le sigh… a lost star for pushing “far-fetched” into the realm of “isn’t that convenient?”(said in a Church lady accent— lol) and another 1/2 star b3.5
Le sigh… a lost star for pushing “far-fetched” into the realm of “isn’t that convenient?”(said in a Church lady accent— lol) and another 1/2 star because of bad timing. (Mine, not the author’s).
I love a mystery/thriller that involves old crimes or secrets being revealed or solved decades later. This one has about 10 years in between and I have to admit the twists and turns were pretty good. I especially liked how the two time lines were skewed which made some of the reveals even better. The author may have traded shallow characterization for the thrills, but that worked for the most part.
Sadly, after a near 60-day wait between the first 70% and the ending, the rabbits being pulled out of one of the characters’ top hat (I think it’s safe to safe while on the run) was so unbelievably convenient, that I might have even cried out, “Oh, come on,” once or twice. Clever is great but that kind of preplanning was downright preposterous.
Despite those criticisms, it was a pretty good ending— justice was served.
I will definitely read another Alex Finlay book, but I’ll make sure not to wait until three days before the book is due back to start it ‘cuz that definitely killed some of the thriller vibes....more
Whether you call this YA, fantasy or the newest trope title, “romantasy” — this is a super FUN read.
I’ve been sitting on my review thoughts for al4.5
Whether you call this YA, fantasy or the newest trope title, “romantasy” — this is a super FUN read.
I’ve been sitting on my review thoughts for almost a month but let me just say this.
Dragons… check World building - check Kick ass characters - check Diversity - check and that totally earned the extra half-star from me Incredibly entertaining - check, check, and check mate!!
Despite hosting my youngest son over the 4th of July weekend, I spent every minute when I was alone DEVOURING this book. Is it perfectly written? Heck no, but that’s not what I wanted… was it a fun read? Heck yes! Like movies— sometimes you just want entertainment and not soul crushing stories!
The wait time between first and second books— about 24 hrs!...more
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