***Advance Review Copy generously provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I recently had an ARC for I Hope This Helps by Tommy Si ***Advance Review Copy generously provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I recently had an ARC for I Hope This Helps by Tommy Siegel and while that was not the biggest hit with me, in my review I said that my favourite parts from the book were those which included the candy hearts. So, of course, I could not pass on this one.
And I was not disappointed. It was a very quick read. Very clear, concise and straight to the point/punch line.
It took the best from I Hope This Helps and gave it it's own space. It feels more neet, that there is something connecting all the comics.
So, if you are trying to decide which Tommy Siegel book to get, I would recommend Candy Hearts. But! I have to say that it only shows a part of his cartoon style. (Though, in my opinion, the best). Which means that if you like this still does not mean you will like all of his other work or the other way around. This is more of a sample....more
I got lucky so lucky with this book that I still cannot understand it.
Sometimes, I read the blurb for a book, reviews from my favourite reviewers, a I got lucky so lucky with this book that I still cannot understand it.
Sometimes, I read the blurb for a book, reviews from my favourite reviewers, a couple of chapters which are free somewhere and yet the book is a huge disappointment for me.
Here? I just saw this book on BookDepository, I loved the title, and I bought it.
I had no idea what's this book about, who wrote it, what's the genre.
Starting with this book, I immediately enjoyed it. It was not a quick read for me, but every time I read it, the story pulled me inside, several times I missed my stops! I wanted more. I kept wondering how it all connected because it did not seem like it did.
Then I recognised a name, and I realised that this book is not a fiction.
And suddenly it all made sense how all this connected. And it started to terrify me.
It reminded me of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. In the most horrifying way.
Where is the line between normal human quirks and a mental disorder? How terrifying that people might be misdiagnosed?
How do you prove your sanity?
I enjoyed how the author struggled with his knowledge of how to spot psychopaths because he was right if you're not careful, you'll suddenly see them everywhere.
“I've always believed society to be a fundamentally rational thing, but what if it isn't? What if it is built on insanity?”
What I know is that I won't be reading Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. While I enjoyed the information about it included in this book, how it went from a thin booklet to the monstrosity which now has close to a thousand pages. Because I'm certain it would make me paranoid, and I would feel like everybody around me has some mental disorder. And maybe they do. Perhaps we all do. Or none of us does.
“Trying to prove you’re not a psychopath is even harder than trying to prove you’re not mentally ill,’ said Tony.”
This is not a good review, I know it, but the book left such an impression that I have a hard time voicing my opinion on it.
“If you want to get away with wielding true, malevolent power, be boring.”
What I can say is that I enjoyed it. It was nothing I expected. But it is a book which will keep me awake for days and I will be thinking about it for weeks. ...more
So, I've seen the movie several times when it was on TV, and I have to say that I even watched a scene or two a couple of dozen times on Youtube. Yes,So, I've seen the movie several times when it was on TV, and I have to say that I even watched a scene or two a couple of dozen times on Youtube. Yes, the action and visuals are fantastic. (Okay, except the one where the guy tears his own tooth, yuck!) But after reading the comments where people were angry at the movie, saying that it does not hold a candle to the book, I knew I had to read it. And yes, I do agree that the only things the movie took from the book were the zombies and Israel building a wall. Oh, and the title.
Right away, I was very surprised by the format of this book; it was not all what I was expecting. And the more I think about it; I believe it would be better if I picked up an audiobook instead of a book. Yeah, shocking, I never thought I would say such a thing. Every interview is done with a different person, so, soon I stopped paying attention to their names, so when they again appeared later in the book I had a hard time connecting them with their previous chapters.
Also, like one third into the book, I got stuck after several boring chapters where I seriously considered DNFing this book, but then I pushed through, and yes, it was worth it.
I loved that we got to see how so many different parts of the world battled with the zombies. The different approaches, what do to the countries, did they go all savage? Did they bomb their own people? Did they just lose all control? That was fantastic to watch.
And surprisingly, this book made me even laugh! I just loved the boy who almost missed the zombies because he was focused on his computer. I did not expect that.
That's the one thing you can always depend on; as we're fighting on war, we're always preparing for the next one.
I did not very much grasp how they were suddenly able to fight the zombies when they previously failed with much better equipment but alright. But I have to say that zombie cleaning is funny to imagine. Especially of those underwater, I bet it will be fun if a zombie managed to get stuck in the Mariana Trench.
However, the scene I was sort of hoped for was post-war when some scientists have a zombie in a lab for studying, that would be fantastic! I honestly would love to see some experiments on these creatures. The book stated that it seemed that the state of the zombies deteriorated, but I wonder what would happen if they maybe starved for years. So many possibilities!
What sort of surprised me is that I expected that when the humans would go so close to extinction that the environment would get better, no factories running, no one is dumping anything in the water etc. but it was otherwise and it sort of made sense! There had to be so many fires; it's terrifying to imagine. But I wonder about the impact of all those nukes used!
And that's another thing I wish was different, the last part was sort of jumping from character to character, for short conclusions but I would love to see more about the brand new world. Honestly, I think I would be able to read a book dedicated to each country! Especially Russia, Iceland and Israel would be interesting. Also, I wish we really knew what happened in North Korea.
I also wonder about Patient Zero, because when the doctor in China informed his friend, they knew what was going on, the military seemed ready for what was happening there. That does not seem like the first case
***Advance Review Copy generously provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm not even going to lie here; I picked up this book on***Advance Review Copy generously provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm not even going to lie here; I picked up this book only because I loved the cover.
I had no idea what it was about. Or what genre it was.
So, what a surprise it was for me when I opened the book and verses were staring back at me, which was a bit shocking because I tried to stay away from modern poetry. However, after finishing, I would say that it was more of prose written in verse. But that's beside the point.
It was almost fascinating, at first having no idea what's going on and then slowly, the story started to unravel in front of my eyes.
The taxidermy line, Lottie's mother, who is Annie, the life of German immigrants in Australia and more.
I have a hard time deciding what to really say about this one. I would not say that I really enjoyed this book to the point I would go back to it, but at the same time it was very fascinating, and I'm still a bit marvelling at what I read. And as some of you may know, I'm not a fan of modern poetry, but with this book, I even considered liking the poetry part of it!
Yeah, and the cover is really pretty if I forgot to mention that....more
I am very pleasantly surprised here! For a debut? It is pretty damn good!
And also the fabulous buddy-read with Mary helped me to enjoy this book even I am very pleasantly surprised here! For a debut? It is pretty damn good!
And also the fabulous buddy-read with Mary helped me to enjoy this book even more!
[image]
- This was me while reading all the time! Since we were reading only 5 or 6 chapters per day (okay except for the last but one when we read 12 but WE NEEDED ANSWERS!)
- Mary had to suffer through numerous of my conspiracy theories and since I had so much time to think about those theories. Some of them were crazily correct! I have to say; my theory game was on point with this one!
- When I first found out about this book, it really reminded me about Three Dark Crowns. With the title, with the cover (I know it's blue, now but my screen colour is always so much down that it seemed black). And I even thought that this was the last book in that series. And now I just hope that people won't mistake it for TDC because this is worth reading!
- You get action from the first page! Somethings happening all the time and you're trying to connect all those dots, and then you find out that you completely overlooked something. (Or you did not think that it was important!)
- I like Kera! She's snarky, rude and resourceful! She's fun, and I really liked her, it was a long time since I liked the main female character that much!
- This book made me laugh at the most inappropriate moments!
"To be safe, she emptied half the bottle."
“So no to breaking into the palace, but yes to stealing more clothes?”
- Varin is cute and everything... but I'm not here for the cute!
“Go, you stupid Eonist!”
- Talking about Eonists, I could not imagine living in Eonia! That Quadrant freaked me out! (view spoiler)[ The moment you're born they determine when you'll die. But not determine, they set the date! Like finding that you have an illness, but you will be fine for the next 20 years, so they give you the 20 years and then set your death date because you would be a burden on the society! Or if you fail at your job, they can move the death date closer! (hide spoiler)]
- And Mackiel? That's what I'm here for! I loved his character! Loved to watch his plans!
- The timeline of the story was a killer!
- Romance: (view spoiler)[Not a fan of it. Kera is going to eat Varyn alive! I still don't get it how they got "in love". (hide spoiler)]
- And obviously the one thing I did not question (but messed every my theory) came to bite me!
- This book made me slightly paranoid!
- And huge thanks to the author that she made this a stand-alone! Because most would try to make a trilogy out of this, but thankfully this was not the case. Instead, we got actioned packed one book which is totally worth it!
But, you know me, I have to point out some things that I did not like. Four quadrants and the kingdom (or should I say queendom?) is called Quadara? A bit originality, please! (view spoiler)[ The end is a bit too happy for me! I know, three Queens are dead, but it's written in such a way that you know that the things will move towards the better. That the one Queen will unite the Quadara and will be Queen for everyone! She will try to remove the death date for Eonist and stuff like that! Kera's father is healed; she will reunite with them, they will love her again. And she'll live happily ever after with Varin... (hide spoiler)] --> This would be minus 0,5 ⭐....more
I still feel a bit confused, because, for the first time in any of these novels, I actually really liked the main female character!
I was excited aboutI still feel a bit confused, because, for the first time in any of these novels, I actually really liked the main female character!
I was excited about Remo's book, because, let's be honest here, he is the kind of character I like. I love how cruel and twisted he is. And I feared he would just turn into a nice, lovestruck slob.
When the pairing with Serafina was revealed, I was not convinced. I wanted some really strong character. Why not some mercenary? That would be fun.
However, I loved Serafina, who I expected to be a second Arya, actually stood her ground.
My favourite about this series is the dynamics between the Falcone brothers, that did not change.
However, while reading, I did not wish for Serafina to disappear so we could get to the Falcone brothers. It was fun.
Speaking of brothers, I loved the relationship Serafina had with her brother at the beginning of the book.
Remo is officially my favourite psycho.
(view spoiler)[I already mentioned it in some other reviews, I'm not a fan of the "insta-children" but... I sort of did not mind. It's fun seeing the Falcone brothers with children. However, I wish there was more or Remo and Serafina really like a couple. They went from kidnapping to being parents. Btw, what did they expect there? None of them even mentioned contraception? And Remo being Remo, I would expect Serafina to freak out because of STDs.
Then the thing I did not really like was Dante letting Remo just go. Like, really? Does not really seem plausible.
And can I say that the fact that Danilo was engaged to Serafina is now engaged with Sofia seriously gives me the creeps? Danilo is already older than Serafina. And Sofia is what? 11 or 12? I just cannot. And okay, Danilo seems decent, but still.
Also, I hoped that Rocco's children (Fabiano's half-brothers) and their mother would be mentioned. (hide spoiler)]...more
***Advance Review Copy generously provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Well hello, I'm very pleasantly surprised here! Sometime***Advance Review Copy generously provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Well hello, I'm very pleasantly surprised here! Sometimes I have a little problem with these comic strips which were first published online and then in a book version. Because I see so many of them online, the book becomes unnecessary with nothing new, redundant if you will.
But, I do not know if it's because I did not follow Safely Endangered that closely, I can say that I was only familiar with two or three drawings from this comics!
And I thoroughly enjoyed the rest! I laughed at the most horrible things and giggled at the cutest things ever! I love the land octopus! That's such a clever idea! (Though I have to say my brother's girlfriend who hates spiders was not impressed by it. 😂)
I loved the pacing of this comic where it did not seem like the strips were too much on one note. It had a great flow, lots of different topics.
I can already say that I will be coming back to this comics....more
****I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
I am seriously confused by this. But right from the st****I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
I am seriously confused by this. But right from the start, I want to say that this was a very pleasant read which surprised me. However, there are certain things I need/want to point out, but I would say that those are mostly minor things. I’m certainly going to read the rest of the series because the end was just shocking, and I need to find out more.
Oh, and did I forget to mention that the cover is gorgeous? It's gorgeous!
I am still on the fence whether I should rate this three or four stars. (Okay, after writing the review I decided to give this three stars. But it has great potential. If the author would go over this one more time, tweaked some things, added a couple of chapters to spread the information I would not hesitate to give this four stars.) ⭐⭐⭐
I was surprised how much I liked Taylor, she was generally very likeable character which felt surprisingly real. Not some overly strong superwoman. I felt so bad for her when she was forced to accept her role. And when her mum basically told her “just make him happy.” I wanted to take Taylor out of the story and protect her from all evil. It was so hard to watch, and I’m surprised that she was the only one who had a problem with it. However, the one issue I had, not only with her, was that they were sneaking around/doing something they should not and they kept yelling or screaming. I don’t care how scared you are or whatever, if you do not want to get caught, you do not yell.
The action starts right at the beginning, so, at least there is always something happening, and I was focused on the mystery. However, I have to say that from the beginning I was a bit confused and I had so many questions regarding their society, how they work and why. Which was a bit confusing at first and it even seemed like maybe the author did not think about it. But when I’ve got past the halfway or a bit more, we got a bit of an information dump. And so many things suddenly started to get explained that I was struggling to keep up and even had to re-read some of it to make sure that I’ve got everything. I would appreciate if it was more spread throughout the story. The book is relatively short. Several more chapters to start the book more slowly and to explain things more at the beginning may go a long way.
The main characters also attend school, and they are currently tasked to pass the final test which is based on struggles the original founders faced when they came. And I loved this idea; it was so fun. I would love to see the other questions the other teams got. But even here I have to question, how is it possible that some kids did not try to get the answers back at home, their parents had to pass the same test. Big potential for cheating if you ask me.
The “castes” were confusing at first, I wondered how they worked, but then we got little pieces along the way. I liked the idea, but it does not seem like a sustainable system. (view spoiler)[They are there for several generations. The Fallen (Christians) can have only one child, and if the child dies, then there will be no more children for them. I would suspect that their population would be down pretty fast. Because each generation is smaller by half than the previous one! (hide spoiler)]
I have to say that I do not read Christian fiction or any other religion, to be honest. So, if I knew how much religion is a part of this book, I would probably pass on this. And that would be a shame. „divided by religious castes “ – When I read this in the description of the book I’ve expected more “fiction”, different religion not only Christianity. But I do not find this problematic. It was interesting to see the(view spoiler)[Taylor’s (hide spoiler)] struggle to understand. (view spoiler)[Thought, I have to say that Taylor going from not believing in God and needing evidence, to believing was rather fast. Maybe if she started with acceptance, that they have no right to limit someone’s faith and then maybe believing herself in the second/third book? (hide spoiler)]
Some other questions I have or some observations I would like to share but could be a bit spoiler-ish. Better safe than sorry. (view spoiler)[Okay, so the Fallen are Christians. What about other religions? Were the people specifically chosen that no other religion was included? I cannot buy that some Fallen families were taken and promoted to Founders. Every single person had to see it happening. And I can get that they were threatened into silence but what about the other Founders? Do they want their children, unknowingly, mix with Fallen’s children? Don’t they suspect that maybe that those Fallen did not leave their faith behind? Which sort of showed to be true with Priya (their teacher) revealing herself as a Christian. They failed, they only managed to force the Christian to hide their faith if they wanted to move past their caste and now you can imagine that Christians might be almost everywhere. A serious flaw in the system.
Also, it seems that people can move from Fallen into Reformed by marriage. But the marriage is agreed to by their parents. So, how does this work? Children are brought up in a religious family, but then they are “forced” to marry someone and leave their faith behind? Or at least hide it?
When Teresa gave those books to Taylor, it was just stupid, especially Bible. If someone saw Taylor with it… I can only imagine that she would be executed pretty fast. Also, she then took the Bible with her, to school and took it out of her bag. For everyone to see! I would expect more common sense from her.
I’m sorry, but I do not see any chemistry between Taylor and Isaiah. It seems very forced for the sake of the storyline. (hide spoiler)]...more
I feel a bit ashamed that the only part I've remembered is this scene:
“I'm sure you're wondering why I've brought you here." I moved to the center of I feel a bit ashamed that the only part I've remembered is this scene:
“I'm sure you're wondering why I've brought you here." I moved to the center of the room, my strappy sandals clacking on the marble floor. "I'm assuming this is where the punishment part comes in," I said. "So do I need to clean all these mirrors, or do I have to, like, stare at myself until I feel shamed or something?" Surprisingly, Dad gave a tiny smile. "No, nothing quite that abstract. I want you to break one of the mirrors." "Excuse me?" Dad leaned back against the now-drapeless window and folded his arms over his chest. "Break a mirror, Sophie." "What what, my head? Because I'm pretty sure that'd be corporal punishment, and Mom would not be cool with that." "With your powers." Ugh. I took in the dozens of mirrors and muttered, "I think I'd rather use my head.”
Which is still my favourite, :D I cannot help, I love Sophie's humour, and I love that her father has it as well. I sort of felt like reading it for the first time because I just wanted to scream "what!"
The first book is slightly better, but it was still awesome.
I love Nick and Daisy; they are so cute together! I want more of them. And Archer is awesome as well. But Cal is getting a bit on my nerves as well as Jenna is....more
***Advance Review Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Well, I did not see this coming. I expected many things, but***Advance Review Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Well, I did not see this coming. I expected many things, but this book left me speechless. I liked the whole worldbuilding; characters were believable (can I already say that I love Ashwin (view spoiler)[Well, Ashwin 😉 (hide spoiler)]), it was amazing that it had the feel you get from YA books but the characters were actually older. That was absolutely great and very nice and refreshing change!
I loved the whole worldbuilding, different nations/cultures and I wanted more of it. The one thing this book is begging for is a map! Because I was sometimes lost, trying to imagine the location and I think the visual would really benefit this book.
I was really intrigued by the Aeriels; I wanted to know more!
Also, the fighting scenes? Awesome!
But unfortunately for me, the book was a bit up and down for me. Sometimes I could not wait for the next line, basically wanting to drown myself in the story but then on other times I had a feeling like it was dragging a bit and I found myself skimming through once or twice. But then "snap", and it's amazing once again. I am not sure if the pacing was a bit off for me. I kept thinking that maybe some chapters should be separated into two. Then, I was not really convinced by some dialogues, which did not always feel... believable? But it is not anything that cannot be repaired by more editing.
I kept thinking about a book I could compare this to and I came up short. This was one of the most original stories I've read in a very long time. So, great job!
This was actually read for my university course. We were tasked to read a book (or watch a movie but...) and write a paper about how a journalist is pThis was actually read for my university course. We were tasked to read a book (or watch a movie but...) and write a paper about how a journalist is presented in the.
Unfortunately, there was a blacklist as well and all the books I had in my mind were on it. So I had to look for a new one. And I am a bit angry that I did not know this book before! Graham Greene has a unique way how to tell a story and I really liked it.
“Death was far more certain than God.”
The most interesting was the difference between Fowler and Pyle. Fowler is cynical, he saw all of it, he has no illusions. Pyle is new, full of hopes, believing in pretty theories he read about. Pyle is naive to a point where he is delusional.
“Sooner or later...one has to take sides. If one is to remain human.” ...more
Several years ago I read a book by this author, and I was not a fan, so I never intended to read anything else from her.
And then, I kept seeing updateSeveral years ago I read a book by this author, and I was not a fan, so I never intended to read anything else from her.
And then, I kept seeing updates and reviews for the Villains series. It seemed like something I would very much like. But I was not sure. I kept thinking about that book I did not like. And with every new review from my friends, I kept thinking that maybe it was just the book and I should give her another chance. That I'm all in for not exactly good or positive characters. And then I found out about this and thought that it might be a good test.
And I really liked it. It's intriguing, I want more. And I really need to find out who is Victor because based on the reviews he seems like a character I may simply adore....more
Temporary EDIT: Per the author's page there is a discount on this book until February 23rd if any of you are interested in reading this one!
***AdvancTemporary EDIT: Per the author's page there is a discount on this book until February 23rd if any of you are interested in reading this one!
***Advance Review Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I have so much to say, so I just hope I won't forget. When the author offered me the book, I was not entirely sure whether I should accept. The blurb did not sound like something I would usually read, and I'm not exactly drawn in by the cover. I know, I'm vain when it comes to book cover. The thing is, the cover works very well with the story. But I'm still honestly going to say that this cover would not get me to read it. Which would be a shame! Because I really like this novel. And if you are in a market for a novel that is well written and is nothing you ever read, then pick up this one.
Whether she willed it or not, those memories were always the reality. As is life. As is death. Or the path that binds them.
The first thing I need to say is that the author's English is absolutely marvellous. She has an amazing way with the language. It is that great that I had to double check whether she is a native speaker or not. (She's not if you are wondering.) There are so many writers that are native speakers that should ask this author for help with English. The only problem I sort of had in this department was a huge overuse of ellipsis. I decided to ignore all of the ellipsis because a majority of them should have been replaced by periods. But the author said that she's working on removing them, so that should be resolved.
This is not a book you could just randomly open and read a bit and then close it. It is a bit harder to read, mostly due to a complicated story (in a good sense!). The author created a very complex world where you really have to pay attention to what is going on. It seems she took inspiration in Greek history/mythology or even language which worked brilliantly. Everything made sense, and I could not find anything that seemed strange or out of place.
If I had to describe the novel's writing style with one word it would probably be rich. As I already said, the author has a great way with words, but it sometimes created a situation where you need to re-read a sentence to make sure you understood correctly. But then that was the beauty of the novel. It is not an easy read, but it is an amazing read! Also be ready for a bit more "descriptive" style. Sometimes there are pages and pages without dialogue. Which from the beginning were a bit hard to get into but I would say that after three chapters I did not pay attention to any of this. I was just flying through the pages!
As for the characters... I usually don't like the main character. And I could not believe that I was actually liking Drynoe. She stands out from her group of friends which made me interested in her. Also, the conversations this group of friends have? Pretty hilarious! My second most favourite character would be probably Vryx. And for some reason, I cannot point out one character that I hated.
"I think honesty is my worst flaw,"
The novel has an extensive glossary and trust me, you are going to need it. Somewhere in the middle of the book I stopped reading and read the whole glossary, like twice!
Dear sister, don't give love any more importance than it deserves."...more
The national government was like the brain of a dinosaur: an insignificant mass of neurons inside a gigantic body.
It was pretty great. I was almost suThe national government was like the brain of a dinosaur: an insignificant mass of neurons inside a gigantic body.
It was pretty great. I was almost surprised how much information can be stuffed in such a short book. I'll definitely read more from Lawrence Friedman in the future. And if you are looking for a book that gives you an overview of the evolution of the American Law, definitely pick up this one!
The most memorable information from this book? That you can import an ostrich under 36 inches in height or/and 30 pounds in weight without having it inspected by a veterinarian.
Though, I have to take one star down because I fell asleep while reading the part about marriage....more
V posledních letech už moc česky nečtu, natož pak od českých autorů. Takže když se mi tohle dostalo pod ruku, tak jsem neměla nijak zvlášť vysoká očekV posledních letech už moc česky nečtu, natož pak od českých autorů. Takže když se mi tohle dostalo pod ruku, tak jsem neměla nijak zvlášť vysoká očekávání, zvlášť kvůli tomu, že to je na WP, který má u nás jistou pověst. Po dočtení? Mám sto chutí popadnout všechny naše nakladatelství, zatřást s nimi, aby jim došlo, že jsou naprosto slepí, když tohle nechají jen tak válet se na WP. Myslím si, že Třpytící se město by si u nás našlo hromadu čtenářů a určitě by dokázalo konkurovat zahraničním YA Fantasy knihám. Upřímně tedy doufám, že se některému z českých nakladatelství rozsvítí v hlavě a skočí po tom.
Postavy mi lezli na nervy, ale takovým tím způsobem, kdy máte chuť je popadnout a řvát na ně a pak máte radost, když jim dojde, že se chovali jako paka. Ale jsou uvěřitelné! Autorka nám nenaservírovala žádné Mary Sues, perfektní postavy, které nedávají smysl. Takže i když vám lezou na nervy, tak se s nimi dokáže člověk ztotožnit.
Upřímně pro mne největší plus a velký potenciál příběhu leží v Obchodnících, takže doufám, že v druhém díle budou podstatně víc. Protože jestli ano, tak to bude naprosto bombastická jízda.
A víte, co je smutné? Že tahle obálka vypadá milionkrát lépe, než některé věci, co profesionální nakladatelství dokážou vyprodukovat....more
“Didn’t you pledge to do no harm?” “I lied. Shocking.”
I'm no“Welcome to Chicago, the rats die first.”
So, here I am. Again in love with the Callahans.
“Didn’t you pledge to do no harm?” “I lied. Shocking.”
I'm not exactly a fan of spin-off series or adding to a finished series. And with the Children of Vice, it seemed to me that the series lost its spark. I rated it pretty low. Then Dona's book was better, and I could not wait for Wyatt's book, and even though I do not like everything about it, the Callahans are back, and they are back with a vengeance.
"Says who? Disney?"
There was not much of Dona in COR but I'm still looking forward to her book.
J.J.McAvoy is a master of unexpected and WTF moments.
I love Wyatt and how violent he is and that he does not really care. It brings the good memories of Melody&Liam burning the world to the ground.
I do not really like the couple, though I'm not as much against it as I was in the previous book when the idea was suggested. However, Helen proved much more capable than I thought she was so I think I can live with that.
I loved the whole book because it went from crazy to mindblowing and back to crazy. It did not stop, and no one was pulling any punches, all in.
The end really left me speechless. (view spoiler)[Okay, it seems sort of cheezy, which he was not braindead but you know what? I'm not even angry about it. (hide spoiler)]
I just want for Wyatt and Ethan to go full brothers. To have a lot of brotherly moments.
Also, love the dynamics between Thing 1 and Thing 2 aka Darcy and Sedric.
Why Ivy? Ethan could replace a wife, but a sibling is impossible-
I really like that Ivy is gone and that apparently no one really liked her either.
“It is fair.” “What?” “She was murdered. So it’s fair. Her weakness got her killed.”
I love, love the epilogue and I want to know what is going to happen in the next book. And I can see Ethan's expression at Gigi, that had to be priceless. And I got a feeling that Wyatt will be angry that he did not take a picture of that. And you know what I'm looking forward to? The moment Ethan has to say no to Gigi.
(view spoiler)[I loved Melody's reaction when she thought Wyatt is dead. And I want to know what is going to happen next. (hide spoiler)]
Also, I would like to see the one brave person who is going to break the news to Dona. All of the news. I think she'll go full Melody and just shoot the Messenger. If it's someone from the family I think she'll just shoot at the Messenger. :D
My little problem with, probably, the whole series is that there are some problems in the timeline. Especially in regards to the ages. Once it says that something happened when they were 14 then 16 etc. There should be more proofreading in regards to that. It's really annoying for people who pay attention to that. I had to stop reading several times and go back to previous books and check if I'm mistaken or not....more
Good girls are Christians. Bad girls are Christian's.
I see what you did there!
Well, I don't think that this book is something amazing for a native speaGood girls are Christians. Bad girls are Christian's.
I see what you did there!
Well, I don't think that this book is something amazing for a native speaker of English. But since English is my third language, I think it gave me a lot! I sort of wish we had this in high school.
It certainly showed me a lot of things I did wrong and also things I never heard about. (Preposition at the end of a sentence... I know, I know.) What is the split infinitive? And some things I do, and I know that I should not. But I really love 'Tautology.'
I added a couple of bookmarks, definitely going to review some of the issues again....more
“There must be something in books, something we can’t imagine, to make a woman stay in a burning house; there must be something there. You don’t stay “There must be something in books, something we can’t imagine, to make a woman stay in a burning house; there must be something there. You don’t stay for nothing.”
Ray Bradbury did it. He presented a world where the population is completely controlled. And it was such a simple decision. Burn! The most frightening thing is that I could see glimpses of our society in Fahrenheit 451. And I thought about it. Are we slowly inching towards Bradbury's world? I was left breathless by this little novel. Reaching always for another page. Feeling strange pain in my heart for those characters completely swallowed by the simple entertainment. This novel is full of quotes I want to share and never to forget and for everyone to hear them.
“But you can't make people listen. They have to come round in their own time, wondering what happened and why the world blew up around them. It can't last.”
“We need not to be let alone. We need to be really bothered once in a while. How long is it since you were really bothered? About something important, about something real?”
“Oh God, the terrible tyranny of the majority. We all have our harps to play. And it's up to you to know with which ear you'll listen.”
“And when he died, I suddenly realized I wasn’t crying for him at all, but for the things he did. I cried because he would never do them again, he would never carve another piece of wood or help us raise doves and pigeons in the backyard or play the violin the way he did, or tell us jokes the way he did. He was part of us and when he died, all the actions stopped dead and there was no one to do them the way he did. He was individual. He was an important man. I’ve never gotten over his death. Often I think what wonderful carvings never came to birth because he died. How many jokes are missing from the world, and how many homing pigeons untouched by his hands? He shaped the world. He did things to the world. The world was bankrupted of ten million fine actions the night he passed on.” ...more
Okay, after seeing a bazillion of raving reviews for this one (and the sequel) I caved.
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This would be an easy answer. The more complicated and Okay, after seeing a bazillion of raving reviews for this one (and the sequel) I caved.
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This would be an easy answer. The more complicated and the true one is that I like it BUT.
So, let's have a look at the but. (No typo here 😊) And a fair warning might be a bit spoilerish.
- The first thing I have to say is that this might be a bit of my fault because through seeing a bazillion of reviews I did not manage to hide from some spoilers. So, I knew a bit what to expect.
- A thing I was dying to say: their school/lessons/lectures/whateveryouwanttocallit make no sense! Hear me out. It is for the Gentry children, but Jude and Taryn get to go as well. Supposedly Vivi should be there as well. And here is the first thing, is it mandatory? Or is it not? Because it seems like no one really cares if the kids are there. Vivi does not go. Taryn skipped classes once. Jude skipped them as well. Valerian skipped them. The teachers do not really pay attention to what's happening in their classes. They even change the topic of the classes when a Prince does not like it. Come on, I would guess that the King was the one who formed this "school" and the teachers should answer to him and not to the whims of his youngest son. I don't have a problem with the bullying (being in the book not that I think it's a normal thing. It's not). But I have a huge problem with the fact that it once took place in a class where the teacher clearly saw it and did nothing. Probably beside leaving. Like, what the...? All the kids in these class are somehow important. Their parents clearly are. And even if a Prince were to truly hurt a Generals daughter, there would be consequences. Maybe not for said Prince but I would bet that the tutor would be the one to face the consequences. It makes no sense! If they did all of it out of classes then okay but like this? Do not tell me that none of the kids talked about what they did to the General's daughter. And that none of their parents thought: "The young Prince has NO power, but the General is connected to the future King! Well, there is something to gain in telling him that his daughter is being mistreated."
- Am I the only one who got a massive City of Bones feel at the beginning? You know the whole (view spoiler)[ Jude's mum, and Jocelyn both faked their death by setting their houses on fire and then hid away for years. With their husband's child. Until said husband found them. (hide spoiler)]
- So, of course, I have to talk about the HYPE. Do I think it deserves the hype? Maybe. Did I succumb to the hype? Not yet. Not yet? Yes. And here's why. The beginning of the Cruel Prince was a bit slow. Somehow cliché. Only around the half, it started to really move. However, if the second book will follow in the same manner as the second half of the Cruel Prince than you can bet that I will sign on the dotted line for the Hype.
So, enough for the but and let's move on.
- And of course, I have to talk about Cardan's tail! 🐩 I'm sorry, I cannot help myself. I have so many questions. Like does he wiggle his tail when he's happy? When he kisses someone? Sleeps with someone? And when he's afraid does he tuck his tail between his leg? (No double meaning here! 🤣) I'm so sorry, but I just need to know more about his tail!
- I'm sort of conflicted about Jude. I like her. Like half of her. I like the bloodthirsty side of her, the one that wants revenge and wants power and is very good at scheming! The Slytherin part of her. 🐍 However, I do not like that part of her that is impulsive good-doer.
I am an idiot. An impulsive idiot. 🦁
- I do not like Taryn. Not because she is a (view spoiler)[backstabber who thinks only about herself (hide spoiler)] But because she is no good at it. Because she will get herself hurt very bad with this approach and then she is going to blame others for it. But I'm willing to bet on one thing; she will have a moment before this book ends: (view spoiler)[She held the crown, she had the power. If she went and gave the crown to Balekin, she could have possible gain something. However, she let Jude take it from her and Jude is still angry so Taryn will be getting nothing. Taryn will be angry; she will believe she deserves a reward and then she'll do something stupid to backstab Jude. (hide spoiler)]
- And since I went down the road, talking about both twins. Now is the time to have a look at Locke. And you may be surprised what I'm going to tell you. I liked him. I want more of him. I'm not mad at him for what he did. Because no matter what for that particular play, he needed someone to dance with him. He had no obligation to anyone. No one should have expected better of him. And honestly, he even gave a fair warning at the beginning! He likes drama; if there is none he will create it! But all of it was based only on one thing. Taryn's silence. I hope there will be more of his schemes in the next books. And honestly? He might be a fabulous member of the Court of Shadows.
- And when I'm talking about twins who are not at the best terms together I have to wonder. The Ghost mistook them for each other. I say that he is a terrible spy! Come one, he knows about the fact that Jude has a twin. He saw Jude previously. He knows what she's wearing. Don't tell me that that it was a stressful situation! He should have been aware of the fact that it was Taryn and not Jude! However, that brings me to the next thing. Are we going to see one of the twins pretending to be the other? Will Taryn get her revenge by pretending that she's Jude?
“You’re scheming.” I am so tired of her suspicion, so very tired. “You always think that,” I say. “It’s just that for once you’re right.” Leaving her to worry what that might mean.
- I knew it was not all. I'm actually surprised that Jude was able to best Madoc. (view spoiler)[I would expect that King's General would be taking poisons to built up his resistance. But it seems that he did not do it, otherwise he would consider Jude and Taryn doing the same if it would give them a fighting chance. But I'm still surprised that a General would not be trying his best to be resistant to anything and everything! (hide spoiler)]
What I liked the most is the fact that the book is full of pain. There is no holding back. There is torture. They try to kill Jude. Jude purposely hurts herself to make herself stronger. It is full of stabbing, killing, murder, torture, more backstabbing and treason. There is murder by treason, and there is treason by murder. This book is a very Slytherin kind of a book. And I really hope that it won't change in the next book. I need more Slytherin books! I love stabbity stab kind of books!
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