Summary:
When she was only seven years old, Harleen Quinzel witnessed her father being beaten up by thugs, and then arrested by the police. That night she ran away to the safest place she could think of: Coney Island amusement park. But there, pursued into the Funhouse by the men who brutalised her father, she beheld unimaginable horrors.
Years later, Harleen has put her past behind her and used her intelligence and ambition to escape her childhood of poverty with a career in psychiatry. Assigned to her first position at Arkham Hospital, she will discover, deep in the asylum, something dangerous and alluring, something quite unlike anything else she has ever known before: the Joker. Because why would you settle for love, when you could have Mad Love?
My Thoughts:
It was really interesting to me what her childhood was like, as she has always interested me in a deeper level than just a woman in love with a psychopath. On the night she runs to the amusement park, she is about to be sold to a pedophile when she runs away again and is rescued by her mother. Her parents get arrested by the police, and that is when Harleen's distrust of law enforcement starts. Why did they not try to catch who did this to her and her father? It seems to me as well that this is part of the reason why she believes that the Joker can be saved. Of course, she didn't save him, she just freed him and let him walk all over her for a while before she tries to start anew. Which, of course, doesn't work for long.
I do wish this book was longer.
I can honestly understand her hatred and distrust toward Batman now. Although she doesn't really seem to trust anyone.
My Rating: 4 stars
19 November 2019
20 October 2019
The Last Tudor by Philippa Gregory REVIEW
Summary:
Jane Grey was Queen of England for nine days before Mary Tudor mustered an army to depose her. When Jane refused to betray her Protestant faith, Mary sent her to the executioner's block and tragic martyrdom.
"Learn you to die" is the advice Jane leaves in a letter to her younger sister Katherine, who has no intention of dying. She plans to enjoy her beauty and fall in love, but Queen Mary, and then Queen Elizabeth will never let their heir marry or produce a Tudor son. When Katherine's pregnancy betrays her secret marriage, she faces imprisonment in the Tower, only yards from her sister's scaffold.
"Farewell, good sister" writes Katherine to the youngest Grey sister, Mary. A beautiful Little Person disregarded by the court, Mary keeps family secrets, especially her own. What will happen when the last Tudor defies her ruthless and unforgiving cousin Queen Elizabeth?
My Thoughts:
To be quite honest, I never had a negative opinion toward Elizabeth until I read this book. It is actually quite sad that she knew nothing but fear that she would be betrayed.
As the book starts, one can clearly see that Jane never wanted to rule; she was quite literally dragged into it. And that became Jane's downfall.
Katherine does not want to rule either, she wants only to be married to someone she loves. She marries in secret, but her pregnancy starts to show and the queen sends her away to confinement, never to see her husband and second child again (she dies within a few years).
Mary also only wants to marry the man she loves. However, when she finally does in secret, she too is sent away to confinement, never to see her husband again (he dies before she is eventually freed).
You feel a lot of sympathy toward pretty much everyone except for the queens Mary and Elizabeth.
I definitely enjoyed reading this novel and learning about the three doomed sisters.
My Rating: 5 stars
Jane Grey was Queen of England for nine days before Mary Tudor mustered an army to depose her. When Jane refused to betray her Protestant faith, Mary sent her to the executioner's block and tragic martyrdom.
"Learn you to die" is the advice Jane leaves in a letter to her younger sister Katherine, who has no intention of dying. She plans to enjoy her beauty and fall in love, but Queen Mary, and then Queen Elizabeth will never let their heir marry or produce a Tudor son. When Katherine's pregnancy betrays her secret marriage, she faces imprisonment in the Tower, only yards from her sister's scaffold.
"Farewell, good sister" writes Katherine to the youngest Grey sister, Mary. A beautiful Little Person disregarded by the court, Mary keeps family secrets, especially her own. What will happen when the last Tudor defies her ruthless and unforgiving cousin Queen Elizabeth?
My Thoughts:
To be quite honest, I never had a negative opinion toward Elizabeth until I read this book. It is actually quite sad that she knew nothing but fear that she would be betrayed.
As the book starts, one can clearly see that Jane never wanted to rule; she was quite literally dragged into it. And that became Jane's downfall.
Katherine does not want to rule either, she wants only to be married to someone she loves. She marries in secret, but her pregnancy starts to show and the queen sends her away to confinement, never to see her husband and second child again (she dies within a few years).
Mary also only wants to marry the man she loves. However, when she finally does in secret, she too is sent away to confinement, never to see her husband again (he dies before she is eventually freed).
You feel a lot of sympathy toward pretty much everyone except for the queens Mary and Elizabeth.
I definitely enjoyed reading this novel and learning about the three doomed sisters.
My Rating: 5 stars
02 October 2019
Seven Sides of Self by Nancy Joie Wilkie REVIEW
Summary:
The stories in Seven Sides of Self explore the various sides of one's personality: the storyteller, the skeptic, the saint (or the sinner), the scholar, the seeker, and the savior. Through the lives of central characters such as Zarce Sun De'oggo, Sister Othrosa Vella, Jarka Moosha, and Old Mims, Nancy Joie Wilkie explores themes of battling strong emotions, the lengths we might go for self-preservation and self-sacrifice, the inability to accept difference, and taking responsibility for what we create in pieces that inhabit the worlds of both sci-fi and fantasy. Original and thought-provoking, these are stories that will stimulate the intellect and engage the imagination.
My Thoughts:
I've never quite read a book like this. I'm not usually into short stories, but these are really entertaining and kind of relatable to me.
The first story is about a man who wants to write, but can never find the time; when he does find the time, nothing comes to him. I have had this problem a lot, but I am good at ideas. The writing and putting everything into a fleshed-out story is hard for me. At the end, he started to write a memoir.
The second story was about a man who didn't believe something called the Ledge existed. He ended up being brought there because he wasn't supposed to know about it. It erased his memories. I think that this would honestly make a great novel.
The third story was about a man who went back to his hometown to explore a place that he wanted to since he was a kid. The Microwave Man. The guy dodged all of his questions and disappeared to another world only to leave him a note explaining everything.
The fourth story is about a woman who believes in the bonding of souls and is trying to explain it to the man she believes she is bonded to in order to get him to appreciate his life. The ending of it...made no sense at all.
The fifth story was about a man going to visit another planet to find out what the people are like. Their society seems perfect...until he discovers a dark secret.
The sixth story is about a man on a journey to find a place he believes exists, despite it sounding like a myth. He succeeds in finding it, and joins a godly figure as well as the man that was in the stories.
The seventh story is about an author who copes with his problems by giving them to his characters in his books. He is prompted by a dream to give his characters happy endings or he will be in eternal torment. This is probably the only story that seemed kind of weird to me. It didn't make much sense at all.
All in all, this was a quick yet enjoyable read.
My Rating: 4.5 stars
The stories in Seven Sides of Self explore the various sides of one's personality: the storyteller, the skeptic, the saint (or the sinner), the scholar, the seeker, and the savior. Through the lives of central characters such as Zarce Sun De'oggo, Sister Othrosa Vella, Jarka Moosha, and Old Mims, Nancy Joie Wilkie explores themes of battling strong emotions, the lengths we might go for self-preservation and self-sacrifice, the inability to accept difference, and taking responsibility for what we create in pieces that inhabit the worlds of both sci-fi and fantasy. Original and thought-provoking, these are stories that will stimulate the intellect and engage the imagination.
My Thoughts:
I've never quite read a book like this. I'm not usually into short stories, but these are really entertaining and kind of relatable to me.
The first story is about a man who wants to write, but can never find the time; when he does find the time, nothing comes to him. I have had this problem a lot, but I am good at ideas. The writing and putting everything into a fleshed-out story is hard for me. At the end, he started to write a memoir.
The second story was about a man who didn't believe something called the Ledge existed. He ended up being brought there because he wasn't supposed to know about it. It erased his memories. I think that this would honestly make a great novel.
The third story was about a man who went back to his hometown to explore a place that he wanted to since he was a kid. The Microwave Man. The guy dodged all of his questions and disappeared to another world only to leave him a note explaining everything.
The fourth story is about a woman who believes in the bonding of souls and is trying to explain it to the man she believes she is bonded to in order to get him to appreciate his life. The ending of it...made no sense at all.
The fifth story was about a man going to visit another planet to find out what the people are like. Their society seems perfect...until he discovers a dark secret.
The sixth story is about a man on a journey to find a place he believes exists, despite it sounding like a myth. He succeeds in finding it, and joins a godly figure as well as the man that was in the stories.
The seventh story is about an author who copes with his problems by giving them to his characters in his books. He is prompted by a dream to give his characters happy endings or he will be in eternal torment. This is probably the only story that seemed kind of weird to me. It didn't make much sense at all.
All in all, this was a quick yet enjoyable read.
My Rating: 4.5 stars
08 September 2019
Julian Fox: The Dream Guardian by E. J. Miranda REVIEW
Summary:
Thanks to their dreams, dreamers can receive the special visit of eternal wisdom that has inspired the creativity of great inventors, scientists, musicians, and even writers throughout the ages.
This creative wisdom is not always the type that appears to the eager conscience. Sometimes, a Defiler, a destroyer of dreams, is the one who tries to appear before the dreamer. These creatures were once humans, but they allowed their pain and desire for revenge to take over and seek the same miserable fate for the one who dreams. You must not fear-Dream Guardians, also known as Kelsdrant, will always protect the one who dreams, even with their own life. They are people of flesh and bone, just like you and me, or at least they are on earth.
The following story is dedicated to the fun, extravagant, and enlightening life of Julian Fox, the Dream Guardian.
My Thoughts:
I went into this book not really knowing what to expect. I knew it would be fantasy, but the synopsis was one that I had never heard of before and had no clue how it would go.
About one-third into the book, the story picks up a little and becomes more interesting.
I really loved the emphasis on family in this book; most fantasy novels don't have that and it was fun to see the characters develop throughout the novel.
Most of the characters were useful in some kind of way, but Henry did not seem to serve a purpose except to make Julian annoyed.
I absolutely loved the world building. It was well done. There was enough description, but not too much.
I would love to see more books that take place in this world from the author. Especially since the ending did not make much sense to me.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone, it is like a breath of fresh air in the fantasy genre.
My Rating: 4 stars
Thanks to their dreams, dreamers can receive the special visit of eternal wisdom that has inspired the creativity of great inventors, scientists, musicians, and even writers throughout the ages.
This creative wisdom is not always the type that appears to the eager conscience. Sometimes, a Defiler, a destroyer of dreams, is the one who tries to appear before the dreamer. These creatures were once humans, but they allowed their pain and desire for revenge to take over and seek the same miserable fate for the one who dreams. You must not fear-Dream Guardians, also known as Kelsdrant, will always protect the one who dreams, even with their own life. They are people of flesh and bone, just like you and me, or at least they are on earth.
The following story is dedicated to the fun, extravagant, and enlightening life of Julian Fox, the Dream Guardian.
My Thoughts:
I went into this book not really knowing what to expect. I knew it would be fantasy, but the synopsis was one that I had never heard of before and had no clue how it would go.
About one-third into the book, the story picks up a little and becomes more interesting.
I really loved the emphasis on family in this book; most fantasy novels don't have that and it was fun to see the characters develop throughout the novel.
Most of the characters were useful in some kind of way, but Henry did not seem to serve a purpose except to make Julian annoyed.
I absolutely loved the world building. It was well done. There was enough description, but not too much.
I would love to see more books that take place in this world from the author. Especially since the ending did not make much sense to me.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone, it is like a breath of fresh air in the fantasy genre.
My Rating: 4 stars
18 August 2019
The Taming of the Queen by Philippa Gregory REVIEW
Summary:
Kateryn Parr, a thirty-year-old widow with a secret new lover, has no choice when Henry VIII-a man who has buried four wives-commands her to marry him. Kateryn knows the dander she faces: the previous queen lasted sixteen months, the one before barely half a year. But Henry adores his new bride, and Kateryn's trust in him grows as she unites the royal family, creates a radical study circle at the heart of the court, and rules as regent.
But is this enough to keep her safe? Kateryn stands out as an independent woman with a mind of her own. As a leader of religious reform and the first woman to publish under her own name in English, she is an easy target for the traditional churchmen and rivals for power who accuse her of heresy-the punishment is death by fire and the king's name is on the warrant.
My Thoughts:
I thought this was a wonderful book. I haven't seen many books about Henry's last wife, so this was an easy one to pick up.
While I have heard of her, I knew nothing of her life until I picked up this novel.
She is obviously (from the summary) a reader and a writer, which interested me a lot, as many woman in the past would stop once they married. It was interesting to see her find a way back into the king's favor once she found out she was going to be arrested. I don't understand why past queens never tried that???
All in all, this was a very good red, and at times impossible to put down.
If you have any interest in historical fiction, I definitely recommend picking this one up.
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Kateryn Parr, a thirty-year-old widow with a secret new lover, has no choice when Henry VIII-a man who has buried four wives-commands her to marry him. Kateryn knows the dander she faces: the previous queen lasted sixteen months, the one before barely half a year. But Henry adores his new bride, and Kateryn's trust in him grows as she unites the royal family, creates a radical study circle at the heart of the court, and rules as regent.
But is this enough to keep her safe? Kateryn stands out as an independent woman with a mind of her own. As a leader of religious reform and the first woman to publish under her own name in English, she is an easy target for the traditional churchmen and rivals for power who accuse her of heresy-the punishment is death by fire and the king's name is on the warrant.
My Thoughts:
I thought this was a wonderful book. I haven't seen many books about Henry's last wife, so this was an easy one to pick up.
While I have heard of her, I knew nothing of her life until I picked up this novel.
She is obviously (from the summary) a reader and a writer, which interested me a lot, as many woman in the past would stop once they married. It was interesting to see her find a way back into the king's favor once she found out she was going to be arrested. I don't understand why past queens never tried that???
All in all, this was a very good red, and at times impossible to put down.
If you have any interest in historical fiction, I definitely recommend picking this one up.
My Rating: 4.5 stars
28 July 2019
Balance of the 12 by Ania REVIEW
Watch the book trailer here
Summary:
The universe was created by twelve energies which turned into the 12 races on earth. Eleven of these races live in secret among mankind, coexisting in precarious harmony and dependent on the Balance between them to keep the universe alive. If one race falls, the universe falls.
With war at the door, a domino effect of events is about to begin that could bring about universal annihilation. Only Jane, a Reader, and Samuel, a human, have the power to save the threatened races and protect the Balance. Unsure of each other and what lies ahead, they have one chance to learn about the true nature of the 12 races. But what they uncover reveals more than they ever believed possible.
Brought together by the Balance, Jane and Samuel must choose to follow the legacy left to them, or watch as the 12 races erupt in a war that will destroy them all.
My Thoughts:
The Book Itself:
I went into this not knowing what to expect other than what the summary provided. At first it was a bit slow going, but then it picked up and I just couldn't put it down. While the summary only mentions Jane and Samuel, who are technically the main characters, most of the book is set in the past. Jane and Samuel are shown through the past what they have to do and who they can trust. In the past, the story revolves around Shasta and Dwade, a Reader and a human as well, who are going through a similar crisis: they have to retrieve a Creator who is pregnant with a baby that will restart the human race if they go instinct. However, it is revealed that the Chancellor they trusted and a travel companion they relied on, were corrupted and wanted to use the child as a pawn in their war. The story seemingly ends fine, with Jane and Samuel coming back to reality and being sent off to complete their quest, trusting no on but each other.
I really liked the development of Shasta and Dwade's characters, although I would love to know more about Shasta's past with Han and the backstory of Violen. I would also love to know more about Jade and Samuel, who are barely in the book at all.
Hopefully there will be a sequel or novella released later to clear up questions and tie up loose ends.
I hope this book does well, because I really enjoyed it.
The Packaging:
I don't know if what I got was just for early reviewers or for everyone once the book is officially released, but it came with a lot of stuff. It was in a nice, decorated box that contained the book, an embroidered bag to hold the book, a letter from the author, a necklace and candle with a symbol from the book on it, and a horse figure thing. Everything was really well put together and it arrived in perfect condition.
My Rating: 5 stars
Summary:
The universe was created by twelve energies which turned into the 12 races on earth. Eleven of these races live in secret among mankind, coexisting in precarious harmony and dependent on the Balance between them to keep the universe alive. If one race falls, the universe falls.
With war at the door, a domino effect of events is about to begin that could bring about universal annihilation. Only Jane, a Reader, and Samuel, a human, have the power to save the threatened races and protect the Balance. Unsure of each other and what lies ahead, they have one chance to learn about the true nature of the 12 races. But what they uncover reveals more than they ever believed possible.
Brought together by the Balance, Jane and Samuel must choose to follow the legacy left to them, or watch as the 12 races erupt in a war that will destroy them all.
My Thoughts:
The Book Itself:
I went into this not knowing what to expect other than what the summary provided. At first it was a bit slow going, but then it picked up and I just couldn't put it down. While the summary only mentions Jane and Samuel, who are technically the main characters, most of the book is set in the past. Jane and Samuel are shown through the past what they have to do and who they can trust. In the past, the story revolves around Shasta and Dwade, a Reader and a human as well, who are going through a similar crisis: they have to retrieve a Creator who is pregnant with a baby that will restart the human race if they go instinct. However, it is revealed that the Chancellor they trusted and a travel companion they relied on, were corrupted and wanted to use the child as a pawn in their war. The story seemingly ends fine, with Jane and Samuel coming back to reality and being sent off to complete their quest, trusting no on but each other.
I really liked the development of Shasta and Dwade's characters, although I would love to know more about Shasta's past with Han and the backstory of Violen. I would also love to know more about Jade and Samuel, who are barely in the book at all.
Hopefully there will be a sequel or novella released later to clear up questions and tie up loose ends.
I hope this book does well, because I really enjoyed it.
The Packaging:
I don't know if what I got was just for early reviewers or for everyone once the book is officially released, but it came with a lot of stuff. It was in a nice, decorated box that contained the book, an embroidered bag to hold the book, a letter from the author, a necklace and candle with a symbol from the book on it, and a horse figure thing. Everything was really well put together and it arrived in perfect condition.
My Rating: 5 stars
09 May 2019
Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco REVIEW
Summary:
Groomed to be the perfect highborn Victorian young lady, Audrey Rose Wadsworth has a decidedly different plan for herself. After the loss of her beloved mother, she is determined to understand the nature of death and its workings. Trading in her embroidery needle for an autopsy scalpel, Audrey secretly apprentices in forensics. She soon gets drawn into the investigation of serial killer Jack the Ripper, but to her horror, the search for clues brings her far closer to her sheltered world than she ever thought possible.
My Thoughts:
I was waiting quite a while to read this, but I'm glad I picked it up. I have a weird fascination for literature that has to do with Jack the Ripper.
I instantly fell in love with Audrey. She doesn't want to be a gossiping housewife, she wants to be a scientist. (if I wasn't so bad at science, I would want to go into forensics too).
I originally thought that Thomas would turn out to be Jack, but it ended up being (spoilers) her brother trying to successfully perform a transplant and attempt to bring their mother back to life. I briefly suspected the father, but I thought it would be too much of a cliche for it to be him.
I hope that in the sequels we get to know Thomas and Audrey's father better. In the meantime, I have another fantastic book to add to my concerningly growing stack of books about serial killers.
My Rating: 5 stars
Groomed to be the perfect highborn Victorian young lady, Audrey Rose Wadsworth has a decidedly different plan for herself. After the loss of her beloved mother, she is determined to understand the nature of death and its workings. Trading in her embroidery needle for an autopsy scalpel, Audrey secretly apprentices in forensics. She soon gets drawn into the investigation of serial killer Jack the Ripper, but to her horror, the search for clues brings her far closer to her sheltered world than she ever thought possible.
My Thoughts:
I was waiting quite a while to read this, but I'm glad I picked it up. I have a weird fascination for literature that has to do with Jack the Ripper.
I instantly fell in love with Audrey. She doesn't want to be a gossiping housewife, she wants to be a scientist. (if I wasn't so bad at science, I would want to go into forensics too).
I originally thought that Thomas would turn out to be Jack, but it ended up being (spoilers) her brother trying to successfully perform a transplant and attempt to bring their mother back to life. I briefly suspected the father, but I thought it would be too much of a cliche for it to be him.
I hope that in the sequels we get to know Thomas and Audrey's father better. In the meantime, I have another fantastic book to add to my concerningly growing stack of books about serial killers.
My Rating: 5 stars
15 April 2019
Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han REVIEW
Sequel to All the Boys I've Loved Before and P.S. I Still Love You
Summary:
Lara Jean is having the best senior year. And there's still so much to look forward to: a class trip to New York City, prom with her boyfriend Peter, Beach Week after graduation, and her dad's wedding to Ms. Rothschild. Then she'll be off to college with Peter, at a school close enough for her to come home and bake chocolate chip cookies on the weekends.
Life couldn't be more perfect!
At least, that's what Lara Jean thinks...until she gets some unexpected news.
Now the girl who dreads change mus rethink all her plans--but when your heart and your head are saying two different things, which one should you listen to?
My Thoughts:
While (in my opinion) unneeded, it was a nice wrap up to Lara Jean's story. It was also well written (as usual when written by Jenny Han).
Lara Jean gets unexpected news when she's not accepted into UVA but is accepted to UNC later on. Which makes almost no sense? She gets into a highly respected college but not the local one?
She and Peter nearly break up because his mom wants him to not give up his dreams for her. There's nothing worse than a parent that doesn't want her son to keep dating you just because he might give up the things he wants for you. That doesn't even happen! Turns out, Peter was only considering it and wasn't likely to do it!
Anyway, this book was surprisingly hard to put down.
I'd definitely recommend this trilogy to anyone who isn't normally a fan of romance novels.
My Rating: 4 stars
Summary:
Lara Jean is having the best senior year. And there's still so much to look forward to: a class trip to New York City, prom with her boyfriend Peter, Beach Week after graduation, and her dad's wedding to Ms. Rothschild. Then she'll be off to college with Peter, at a school close enough for her to come home and bake chocolate chip cookies on the weekends.
Life couldn't be more perfect!
At least, that's what Lara Jean thinks...until she gets some unexpected news.
Now the girl who dreads change mus rethink all her plans--but when your heart and your head are saying two different things, which one should you listen to?
My Thoughts:
While (in my opinion) unneeded, it was a nice wrap up to Lara Jean's story. It was also well written (as usual when written by Jenny Han).
Lara Jean gets unexpected news when she's not accepted into UVA but is accepted to UNC later on. Which makes almost no sense? She gets into a highly respected college but not the local one?
She and Peter nearly break up because his mom wants him to not give up his dreams for her. There's nothing worse than a parent that doesn't want her son to keep dating you just because he might give up the things he wants for you. That doesn't even happen! Turns out, Peter was only considering it and wasn't likely to do it!
Anyway, this book was surprisingly hard to put down.
I'd definitely recommend this trilogy to anyone who isn't normally a fan of romance novels.
My Rating: 4 stars
05 April 2019
Girl Waits With Gun by Amy Stewart REVIEW
Summary:
When Constance Kopp and her sisters suffer a run-in with a ruthless, powerful crook, Constance leaves her quiet country life to team up with the local sheriff and exact justice. As a war of bricks, bullets, and threats ensues, Constance realizes that this raacketeer's history may be more damning than she thought, but now that she's on the case, he won't get away.
My Thoughts:
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It starts out with humor before the Kopp sisters are run into by a car driven by Mr. Kaufman, a wealthy man in charge of a company who cares nothing for his workers or the people around him. Constance goes after him, at first just for the money he owes her sisters from the damage, but when he starts sending threatening letters and shooting into their windows, she goes to the police for help. In the midst of all this, she somehow is able to help another victim of Kaufman--one of his employees who was raped by him and got her child sent away. Constance goes to several orphanages around town to find the girl's son. At the end of the book, it seems like Kaufman was sent to jail, but it wasn't really clear on that. And there's a sequel that I can't wait to read!
I would definitely recommend giving this book a try. It is a historical fiction novel based on the adventures of a real person.
My Rating: 5 stars
When Constance Kopp and her sisters suffer a run-in with a ruthless, powerful crook, Constance leaves her quiet country life to team up with the local sheriff and exact justice. As a war of bricks, bullets, and threats ensues, Constance realizes that this raacketeer's history may be more damning than she thought, but now that she's on the case, he won't get away.
My Thoughts:
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It starts out with humor before the Kopp sisters are run into by a car driven by Mr. Kaufman, a wealthy man in charge of a company who cares nothing for his workers or the people around him. Constance goes after him, at first just for the money he owes her sisters from the damage, but when he starts sending threatening letters and shooting into their windows, she goes to the police for help. In the midst of all this, she somehow is able to help another victim of Kaufman--one of his employees who was raped by him and got her child sent away. Constance goes to several orphanages around town to find the girl's son. At the end of the book, it seems like Kaufman was sent to jail, but it wasn't really clear on that. And there's a sequel that I can't wait to read!
I would definitely recommend giving this book a try. It is a historical fiction novel based on the adventures of a real person.
My Rating: 5 stars
16 March 2019
Mimadamos: The Eden of Choice by Chadi B. Ghaith REVIEW
Summary/Description:
Did the ending precede the beginning? Are we only here on earth to comprehend its machinations? Is there room for choice to shape our destiny in the wake of fate and its brutal logic? Mimadamos is a unique, philosophically rich fantasy which journeys through the depths of conflict and harmony that we understand as the spirit. It decodes the magic of the most ancient scripts known to man, the symbolic fall from Eden and the long anticipated armageddon, revealing a logic so unique that it brings history to its conclusive end.
My Thoughts:
This was a very interesting read. It did take me a lot longer to finish than most books because it is very philosophical and deep.
In the beginning, Destiny is marrying Fate. She travels with him back to his home. When she gets pregnant, she goes back home because of a tradition of her people to be cared for by her family. But no one is there. She ends up having and raising the child, Choice, alone. What I never understood about this was why didn't she go back to Fate? There wasn't really a reason for her to stay there.
Choice eventually leaves Destiny to explore outside his home, unknowingly led into the enemy's territory by someone he thought he could trust. He ends up meeting Hope, and they become friends and sort of allies against the enemy. Time and Space are threatened into helping the enemy get into Destiny's brain and hack into her thoughts. They don't seem to want to, but they do it anyway (I can sort of understand that). What I don't understand is why they obey the enemy when they are summoned? They could just not show up?
I also did not really understand the thing with Choice eating the apple? He did not become evil afterwards, so was it just a reference to the Fall?
Everything works out in the end though, Destiny is reunited with Fate and Choice and the enemy loses his followers when they find out the truth about him.
I found this book very intriguing. I would definitely recommend trying out this book if you are a fan of philosophical narratives or religious themes.
My Rating: 4 stars
You can learn more about this book and the author here
**I was provided a free copy of this book for my honest review
Did the ending precede the beginning? Are we only here on earth to comprehend its machinations? Is there room for choice to shape our destiny in the wake of fate and its brutal logic? Mimadamos is a unique, philosophically rich fantasy which journeys through the depths of conflict and harmony that we understand as the spirit. It decodes the magic of the most ancient scripts known to man, the symbolic fall from Eden and the long anticipated armageddon, revealing a logic so unique that it brings history to its conclusive end.
My Thoughts:
This was a very interesting read. It did take me a lot longer to finish than most books because it is very philosophical and deep.
In the beginning, Destiny is marrying Fate. She travels with him back to his home. When she gets pregnant, she goes back home because of a tradition of her people to be cared for by her family. But no one is there. She ends up having and raising the child, Choice, alone. What I never understood about this was why didn't she go back to Fate? There wasn't really a reason for her to stay there.
Choice eventually leaves Destiny to explore outside his home, unknowingly led into the enemy's territory by someone he thought he could trust. He ends up meeting Hope, and they become friends and sort of allies against the enemy. Time and Space are threatened into helping the enemy get into Destiny's brain and hack into her thoughts. They don't seem to want to, but they do it anyway (I can sort of understand that). What I don't understand is why they obey the enemy when they are summoned? They could just not show up?
I also did not really understand the thing with Choice eating the apple? He did not become evil afterwards, so was it just a reference to the Fall?
Everything works out in the end though, Destiny is reunited with Fate and Choice and the enemy loses his followers when they find out the truth about him.
I found this book very intriguing. I would definitely recommend trying out this book if you are a fan of philosophical narratives or religious themes.
My Rating: 4 stars
You can learn more about this book and the author here
**I was provided a free copy of this book for my honest review
16 February 2019
P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han REVIEW
Sequel to To All the Boys I've Loved Before
Summary:
Lara Jean didn't expect to really fall for Peter. They were just pretending. Until they weren't. And now Lara Jean has to learn what it's like to be in a real relationship and not just a make-believe one.
But when another boy from her past returns to her life, Lara Jean's feelings for him suddenly return too.
Can a girl be in love with two boys at once?
My Thoughts:
This is one of those sequels that is well written yet isn't quite as good as the first one. This one seems like a filler book, it tidies up all the gaps from the first one. At least it isn't one of those mandatory weird sequels though.
Gen is hiding something, the boy we briefly saw in the first book returns for a 'love triangle', and Lara Jean is confused about everything. It seems to Lara Jean like Peter is cheating on her with Gen but it turns out he's just being there for her during a (very disturbing) family problem. We see John and Lara Jean reconnect, and find out he still has feelings for her (and she kind of does too, but she still loves Peter). She tries to reconnect with Gen, but Gen still has a grudge that Peter kissed Lara Jean while Gen liked him.
Anyway, this was a mess of a book, but worth reading if you want to see the loose ends from the previous book all tied up.
My Rating: 3.5 stars
Summary:
Lara Jean didn't expect to really fall for Peter. They were just pretending. Until they weren't. And now Lara Jean has to learn what it's like to be in a real relationship and not just a make-believe one.
But when another boy from her past returns to her life, Lara Jean's feelings for him suddenly return too.
Can a girl be in love with two boys at once?
My Thoughts:
This is one of those sequels that is well written yet isn't quite as good as the first one. This one seems like a filler book, it tidies up all the gaps from the first one. At least it isn't one of those mandatory weird sequels though.
Gen is hiding something, the boy we briefly saw in the first book returns for a 'love triangle', and Lara Jean is confused about everything. It seems to Lara Jean like Peter is cheating on her with Gen but it turns out he's just being there for her during a (very disturbing) family problem. We see John and Lara Jean reconnect, and find out he still has feelings for her (and she kind of does too, but she still loves Peter). She tries to reconnect with Gen, but Gen still has a grudge that Peter kissed Lara Jean while Gen liked him.
Anyway, this was a mess of a book, but worth reading if you want to see the loose ends from the previous book all tied up.
My Rating: 3.5 stars
01 February 2019
The Apollyon Game REVIEW
My Thoughts:
This book was SUCH A GOOD READ. I loved it. The only problem with it was that it was too short and I think there could have been a lot of room for character development. The game itself was an interesting concept. I don't know if the author made it up or not, but if they did, it's genius. I would kind of want to play. It's like a twisted truth or dare, but better than the movie that came out last year. I really hope that the author continues to write more novels/novellas like this. I can see a very bright future for the author if they continue with well written and interesting stories. Definitely recommended.
My Rating: 5 stars
This book was SUCH A GOOD READ. I loved it. The only problem with it was that it was too short and I think there could have been a lot of room for character development. The game itself was an interesting concept. I don't know if the author made it up or not, but if they did, it's genius. I would kind of want to play. It's like a twisted truth or dare, but better than the movie that came out last year. I really hope that the author continues to write more novels/novellas like this. I can see a very bright future for the author if they continue with well written and interesting stories. Definitely recommended.
My Rating: 5 stars
28 January 2019
The Witch's Daughter by Paula Brackston REVIEW
Summary:
In the spring of 1628, the witchfinder of Wessex finds himself a true witch. As Bess Hawksmith watches her mother swing from the Hanging Tree, she knows that only one man can save her from the same fate: the warlock Gideon Masters. Secluded at his cottage, Gideon instructs Bess, awakening formidable powers she didn't know she had. She couldn't have foreseen that even now, centuries later, he would be hunting her across time, determined to claim payment for saving her life.
In present-day England, Elizabeth has built a quiet life. She has spent the centuries in solitude, surviving plagues, wars, and the heartbreak that comes with immortality. Her loneliness comes to an abrupt end when she is befriended by a teenage girl called Tegan. Against her better judgement, Elizabeth opens her heart to Tegan. But will she be able to stand against Gideon--who will stop at nothing to reclaim her soul--in order to protect the girl who has become the daughter she never had?
My Thoughts:
This was such an interesting read. Bess's past was so heartbreaking yet I still want to know more.
It was a bit confusing, jumping from past to present for pretty much the whole book.
I would have loved to know more about Gideon's past and why he turned out to be the 'evil force' in this novel.
The book kept me hooked from the first page and I would definitely recommend giving this book a try, especially if you like historical fiction and fantasy.
My Rating: 5 stars
In the spring of 1628, the witchfinder of Wessex finds himself a true witch. As Bess Hawksmith watches her mother swing from the Hanging Tree, she knows that only one man can save her from the same fate: the warlock Gideon Masters. Secluded at his cottage, Gideon instructs Bess, awakening formidable powers she didn't know she had. She couldn't have foreseen that even now, centuries later, he would be hunting her across time, determined to claim payment for saving her life.
In present-day England, Elizabeth has built a quiet life. She has spent the centuries in solitude, surviving plagues, wars, and the heartbreak that comes with immortality. Her loneliness comes to an abrupt end when she is befriended by a teenage girl called Tegan. Against her better judgement, Elizabeth opens her heart to Tegan. But will she be able to stand against Gideon--who will stop at nothing to reclaim her soul--in order to protect the girl who has become the daughter she never had?
My Thoughts:
This was such an interesting read. Bess's past was so heartbreaking yet I still want to know more.
It was a bit confusing, jumping from past to present for pretty much the whole book.
I would have loved to know more about Gideon's past and why he turned out to be the 'evil force' in this novel.
The book kept me hooked from the first page and I would definitely recommend giving this book a try, especially if you like historical fiction and fantasy.
My Rating: 5 stars
16 January 2019
Killer Among by S. E. Green REVIEW
My Thoughts:
This book was very interesting. Lane, the main character, has a few secrets that she hasn't told anyone. She killed her mother and aunt after finding out that they were serial killers. Now, there's a killer called 'The Strangler' on the loose. She goes in for the kill...and then realizes it was the wrong person. She then befriends and teams up with Adam, the brother of the man she accidentally killed to find the real Strangler. Along the way, she discovers more secrets of Adam's past.
I have never read a book like this in my whole seventeen years alive. I missed out a lot. I have always wanted to read a book with a main character like Lane.
This book is a good, quick read. Despite the fact that this is the third book in a series, it can be read as a stand alone.
I do wish that this book would have gone into more details about Adam's past. But hopefully there may be another book coming out with some answers.
My Rating: 4 stars
This book was very interesting. Lane, the main character, has a few secrets that she hasn't told anyone. She killed her mother and aunt after finding out that they were serial killers. Now, there's a killer called 'The Strangler' on the loose. She goes in for the kill...and then realizes it was the wrong person. She then befriends and teams up with Adam, the brother of the man she accidentally killed to find the real Strangler. Along the way, she discovers more secrets of Adam's past.
I have never read a book like this in my whole seventeen years alive. I missed out a lot. I have always wanted to read a book with a main character like Lane.
This book is a good, quick read. Despite the fact that this is the third book in a series, it can be read as a stand alone.
I do wish that this book would have gone into more details about Adam's past. But hopefully there may be another book coming out with some answers.
My Rating: 4 stars
10 January 2019
To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han REVIEW
Summery:
Lara Jean keeps her love letters in a hatbox her mother gave her. They aren't love letters that anyone else wrote for her; these are ones she's written. One for every boy she's ever loved--five in all. When she writes, she can pour out her heart and soul and say all the things she would never say in real life, because her letters are for her eyes only. Until the day her secret letters are mailed, and suddenly Lara Jean's love life goes from imaginary to out of control.
My Thoughts:
I picked up this book at my library, wondering why everyone seems to love it. A few hours later I have finished it, and wish that I also picked up the sequel.
Now, I normally hate romance novels. I cannot stand John Green's books (except for The Fault in Our Stars) and generally avoid the genre all together. But this book was nice. It wasn't just centered on romance, it also centered on Lara's relationship with her family and friends. Honestly, Lara is kind of like me. Except, I've never been kissed, never had a boyfriend (not even a fake one, only an imaginable one). But I can definitely relate to her reactions of when her personal secrets are revealed. I could never be able to tell someone I'm in love with that I love them, not even in a letter.
At first I was rooting for Josh...but now I want her to have Peter. This book is such an emotional rollercoaster.
Anyway, I do recommend giving it a try, even if you don't like romance novels.
My Rating: 4 stars
Lara Jean keeps her love letters in a hatbox her mother gave her. They aren't love letters that anyone else wrote for her; these are ones she's written. One for every boy she's ever loved--five in all. When she writes, she can pour out her heart and soul and say all the things she would never say in real life, because her letters are for her eyes only. Until the day her secret letters are mailed, and suddenly Lara Jean's love life goes from imaginary to out of control.
My Thoughts:
I picked up this book at my library, wondering why everyone seems to love it. A few hours later I have finished it, and wish that I also picked up the sequel.
Now, I normally hate romance novels. I cannot stand John Green's books (except for The Fault in Our Stars) and generally avoid the genre all together. But this book was nice. It wasn't just centered on romance, it also centered on Lara's relationship with her family and friends. Honestly, Lara is kind of like me. Except, I've never been kissed, never had a boyfriend (not even a fake one, only an imaginable one). But I can definitely relate to her reactions of when her personal secrets are revealed. I could never be able to tell someone I'm in love with that I love them, not even in a letter.
At first I was rooting for Josh...but now I want her to have Peter. This book is such an emotional rollercoaster.
Anyway, I do recommend giving it a try, even if you don't like romance novels.
My Rating: 4 stars
07 January 2019
The Lady Who Lived Again by Thomasine Rappold REVIEW
Summary:
Madeleine Sutter was once the belle of the ball at the popular resort town of Misty Lake, New York. But as the sole survivor of the community's worst tragedy, she's come under suspicion. Longing for the life she once enjoyed, she accepts a rare social invitation to the event of the season. Now she will be able to show everyone she's the same woman they'd always admired--with just one hidden exception: she awoke from the accident with the ability to heal.
Doctor Jace Merrick has fled the failures and futility of city life to start anew in rural Misty Lake. A man of science, he rejects the superstitious chatter surrounding Maddie and finds himself drawn to her confidence and beauty. And when she seduces him into a sham engagement, he agrees to be her ticket back into society, if she supports his new practice--and reveals the details of her remarkable recovery. But when his patients begin to heal miraculously, Jace may have to abandon logic, accept the inexplicable--and surrender to a love beyond reason . . .
My Thoughts:
I absolutely loved this book. I quite literally could not put it down. I finished it in a few hours after I started it.
Maddie is like that likable outcast character that I have seen in a few other books I've read, yet is still an awesomely strong character. She was originally loved by everyone, but after an accident in which some of her friends died, she was blamed despite her having nothing to do with their deaths.
Jace is a likable guy who likes her despite the gossip and hatred from the townspeople. The only problem I had with him was that he refused to admit his love for her, making her nearly leave the town without him. He's such an idiot sometimes.
I loved how well the characters in this book were developed, making me enjoy the book even more.
I definitely recommend giving this book a read.
My Rating: 5 stars
Madeleine Sutter was once the belle of the ball at the popular resort town of Misty Lake, New York. But as the sole survivor of the community's worst tragedy, she's come under suspicion. Longing for the life she once enjoyed, she accepts a rare social invitation to the event of the season. Now she will be able to show everyone she's the same woman they'd always admired--with just one hidden exception: she awoke from the accident with the ability to heal.
Doctor Jace Merrick has fled the failures and futility of city life to start anew in rural Misty Lake. A man of science, he rejects the superstitious chatter surrounding Maddie and finds himself drawn to her confidence and beauty. And when she seduces him into a sham engagement, he agrees to be her ticket back into society, if she supports his new practice--and reveals the details of her remarkable recovery. But when his patients begin to heal miraculously, Jace may have to abandon logic, accept the inexplicable--and surrender to a love beyond reason . . .
My Thoughts:
I absolutely loved this book. I quite literally could not put it down. I finished it in a few hours after I started it.
Maddie is like that likable outcast character that I have seen in a few other books I've read, yet is still an awesomely strong character. She was originally loved by everyone, but after an accident in which some of her friends died, she was blamed despite her having nothing to do with their deaths.
Jace is a likable guy who likes her despite the gossip and hatred from the townspeople. The only problem I had with him was that he refused to admit his love for her, making her nearly leave the town without him. He's such an idiot sometimes.
I loved how well the characters in this book were developed, making me enjoy the book even more.
I definitely recommend giving this book a read.
My Rating: 5 stars
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