There are parts of Nightbirds that I really enjoyed and parts that seemed convoluted and pulled away my attention. Positive: I enjoyed the FMC. The coThere are parts of Nightbirds that I really enjoyed and parts that seemed convoluted and pulled away my attention. Positive: I enjoyed the FMC. The concept behind the novel of magical prohibition and the setting were great ideas and probably what kept my attention the most. I look forward to seeing what comes next. I actually enjoyed it. Negative: There are a lot of characters, many that aren't fleshed out, that readers should be keeping up with or caring about, but I really didn't. I am sure this a me thing. The magic system seems unclear, but this could be a plot point since it isn't something the MC really understands at this point.
Overall, fans of YA fantasy will find something to enjoy in reading this book. ...more
Well-research and highly informative. This very much reads academically, but I appreciated it. I have spent years studying ancient history, and I am aWell-research and highly informative. This very much reads academically, but I appreciated it. I have spent years studying ancient history, and I am always excited to learn more and to find works that add to the discussion especially for women. I felt the biographical details were well written and I can see how this work will appeal to readers of ancient history, biographies, women's history, and while it can be a bit more difficult for a person new to the topic, I can see where this could even be a place for those readers to begin their journey into a study of ancient Egyptian history through the lens of Western archeologists. ...more
I received a dARC of The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
ThI received a dARC of The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
This is one of my favorite books of the year. Sullivan's work explores the question of what and who is in a place before we get there. On the surface this is a story about Jane and the struggles she faces with alcoholism and its effect on the women in her family. Told through the perspectives of several women, past present and future, the story focuses on a house and piece of land on the Maine coast. Overall, Sullivan beautifully weaves mystery, history, love, friendship, and family throughout the plot.
At times, the story does seem a bit convoluted and sluggish, but it is worth it once everything comes together.
If you are a fan of historical fiction, family stories, and strong women then this is one you should absolutely read. ...more
This is a cute, quick read that will appeal to lovers of sweet YA romance. I enjoyed Leo and Abby's trek around NYC as they learn about each other andThis is a cute, quick read that will appeal to lovers of sweet YA romance. I enjoyed Leo and Abby's trek around NYC as they learn about each other and explore not only the city but the possibilities of the future. Lots of wonderful representation. Overall, a likeable enough set of characters, plot, and conclusion. A few times the flow of the narrative seemed stalled because a character steps outside of the action to explain something rather than letting the reader figure things out.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the eARC of this work in exchange for my honest review. ...more
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this work in exchange for my honest review.
As a first book in a series, O"Hearn does a great joThank you NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this work in exchange for my honest review.
As a first book in a series, O"Hearn does a great job of setting up the world, establishing characters, and setting up for what comes next. I enjoyed the weaving of past and present, the mystical elements, and the clearly well-researched history. I like the idea of the plot and look forward to reading what happens next.
I did think the pacing seemed off at times, and this hindered some of the enjoyment while reading. A few times the story was dragging, and I had to put the book down and come back to it later. I also felt that some of the character development, particularly the supporting characters, was superficial. ...more
Gagnon's Love You, Mean It is a cute romance involving fake engagement, family affairs, and opposites attracting.
I was excited to find that the plot Gagnon's Love You, Mean It is a cute romance involving fake engagement, family affairs, and opposites attracting.
I was excited to find that the plot wasn't completely predictable from the beginning. The characters are likable enough, though it doesn't really delve to deep into them as characters. It is a quick read that is sure to keep most rom-com readers interested and satisfied by the end.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this work in exchange for my honest review. ...more
Cute, predictable, Rom-Com, with like able characters, just enough tension in the enemies to friends to lovers, one jalapeno worth of spice, but the pCute, predictable, Rom-Com, with like able characters, just enough tension in the enemies to friends to lovers, one jalapeno worth of spice, but the pace moves along well. If you want a sweet, quick read, about humorously finding love again, then this book is for you. ...more
A sweeping family saga rooted in exploring the ideals of generations and the way the shifts and changes happen while exploring at its heart what familA sweeping family saga rooted in exploring the ideals of generations and the way the shifts and changes happen while exploring at its heart what family is and can be.
I loved this book and couldn't put it down. I appreciated Shattuck's commitment to weaving truth of history as a backdrop to one family's life stretching from WWII to 2026. I could tell it was well researched without being preachy or self-important. The characters, all of the characters, are well developed in their own way. I did find some phrases repetitively used, and a few times the narration seems to slip between two different styles, but not so much it put me off from finishing the work. I understand some if not all of this may not be in the final book.
This book is for anyone that loves a family drama, historical fiction, or simply good literature.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this work in exchange for my honest review. ...more
Entertaining and sweet. I actually enjoyed reading the perspectives from both the male and female characters, which is something that usually irritateEntertaining and sweet. I actually enjoyed reading the perspectives from both the male and female characters, which is something that usually irritates me. There were a few times I thought, "finally, they will stop pining and just get together because this is dragging on," but I understand that would have made the book too short. Overall, a pretty good read and a tad bit spicy.
Readers that enjoy sweet, romances that are a level one jalapeno spice will enjoy this work.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the eARC of this work in exchange for my honest review.
This one slipped past me and therefore this review is very late. ...more
Lynn's work is descriptive, and the world building is done very well. I enjoyed getting to read a story about the Amazons and the two queens. I admit,Lynn's work is descriptive, and the world building is done very well. I enjoyed getting to read a story about the Amazons and the two queens. I admit, even with the description, I did not expect the plot to go the way it did. This was a pleasant surprise. The characters are well developed and easy to believe /root for. Overall, I liked the book.
I think readers that enjoy the retelling, and the reimagining of ancient myths and legends will enjoy Hannah Lynn's work.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the eARC of this work in exchange for my honest review. ...more
I wanted to love this, as I am a fan of Blackwood's other works, but this one isn't for me. The breaks in dialogue for the time period and the pining I wanted to love this, as I am a fan of Blackwood's other works, but this one isn't for me. The breaks in dialogue for the time period and the pining was a bit much for me. (I will say I have a background in History, therefor, this is probably why this didn't fully work for me) There is some great world building, a complex character creation, and the overall idea of an alternate history of vampires openly fighting during the American civil war is great. There are moments of written description and dialogue that are simply magic and reflective of Blackwood's capability as a great author. I can see readers of fantasy, alternate histories, and general literature enjoying this work.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the eARC of this work in exchange for my honest review....more
Connally's work has an interesting mystery woven throughout, and I found myself occasionally liking Lady Petra and her dedication to being herself andConnally's work has an interesting mystery woven throughout, and I found myself occasionally liking Lady Petra and her dedication to being herself and solving the mystery. I can see why this work was nominated for an award, but sadly I can also see why it didn't win. Don't get me wrong there are some good things about this work, and I know that there are many readers of historical mystery that will love this work.
The other characters and often even Lady Petra pulled me away from fully enjoying the story. I enjoyed the setting and appreciated Connally's use of language and description.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this work in exchange for my honest review....more
Kaltenegger's book is easy to read, full of easy to understand information, and uses an easy to read narrative. If you are looking to learn more aboutKaltenegger's book is easy to read, full of easy to understand information, and uses an easy to read narrative. If you are looking to learn more about the science used to discover planets outside of our solar system, then this is a great book to get you started.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this work in exchange for my honest review....more
Loading...
