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b00kw0rms0fthew0rldunite's reviews
678 reviews
The Crimson Snow by Laura Vega
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This book has so much hidden depth, as I read on and on and peel back layer after layer, I'm more and more intrigued!
Laura Vega has made this whole experience magical and heartwarming. The time she spends chatting to her readers and putting out tidbits, quotes, images and teams, makes it so much more than reading a book, it's creating a whole new realm!
The story itself is not complete in this book, it has an insane cliffhanger and I'm already hungry for it!
There is so much history, and magic, and world changing views that it is impossible to put down.
I love how the more I read the more questions are answered but also the more I need to know.
Seraphine and her Grim Wanderer are exquisite together and I definitely want what she has got.
My toe was only just dipped into this genre before but now I have been gripped by a soul snatcher and don't want to go back.
Thank you so much to Laura Vega for the ARC and all the fun that being a street member has brought! Hurry up and finish the next book!!
Laura Vega has made this whole experience magical and heartwarming. The time she spends chatting to her readers and putting out tidbits, quotes, images and teams, makes it so much more than reading a book, it's creating a whole new realm!
The story itself is not complete in this book, it has an insane cliffhanger and I'm already hungry for it!
There is so much history, and magic, and world changing views that it is impossible to put down.
I love how the more I read the more questions are answered but also the more I need to know.
Seraphine and her Grim Wanderer are exquisite together and I definitely want what she has got.
My toe was only just dipped into this genre before but now I have been gripped by a soul snatcher and don't want to go back.
Thank you so much to Laura Vega for the ARC and all the fun that being a street member has brought! Hurry up and finish the next book!!
Cross Bones: The dead won't rest in the third book in this quirky crime series by Tracy Whitwell
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
The Spy Test: Use Your Wits and Tradecraft to Solve the Puzzles by JOEL JESSUP
adventurous
challenging
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
4.5
I love puzzles and using logic to work out the answers. This book is themed on spies and is cleverly worked to let you work out a lot of puzzles that spies might use and have used themselves. The history and pictures used inside the book are fascinating as well.
The puzzles themselves range from 'I know immediately what this is' to 'I have no idea where to even start'. They are very enjoyable and mostly very easy to apply logic to and work out. Being a digital copy, it was a tad hard to check answers at the back of the book as I was constantly losing my place and flipping back and forth. Maybe there could be answers at the end of each section?
All in all, this was completely up my alley and I hope it is part of a series or there are more from this author. I have the makings of a tired spy at the moment but nothing to write home about so 'mum's the word!'
Thank you to Netgalley, Joel Jessup and Quarto Publishing Group – Ivy Press for an ARC to puzzle through. I understand that this copy wasn't fully edited and had a few parts to fix before publication.
The puzzles themselves range from 'I know immediately what this is' to 'I have no idea where to even start'. They are very enjoyable and mostly very easy to apply logic to and work out. Being a digital copy, it was a tad hard to check answers at the back of the book as I was constantly losing my place and flipping back and forth. Maybe there could be answers at the end of each section?
All in all, this was completely up my alley and I hope it is part of a series or there are more from this author. I have the makings of a tired spy at the moment but nothing to write home about so 'mum's the word!'
Thank you to Netgalley, Joel Jessup and Quarto Publishing Group – Ivy Press for an ARC to puzzle through. I understand that this copy wasn't fully edited and had a few parts to fix before publication.
Dead Late by Anise Eden
adventurous
challenging
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
This was absolutely an action packed, thrilling ride! The last in the series and yet the first one read by me. It can definitely be read as a stand alone book and I love spoilers so I will get onto reading the first 2 books asap. The inclusion of a psychic medium, special agents, presidents, gardai's and skateboarding do-gooders, makes for some interesting reading!
Neve and Con were fantastic characters. The kind that don't make you roll your eyes as there is something obvious they should have thought of by now. It is very obvious that they care for each other deeply and respect each other. They should work out secret signals or something as although they don't actually work in the same team or are a crime fighting duo, they sure find themselves in those situations over the 3 books. They are very human although there is something 'Willis' about Con, the way he repeatedly gets hurt but keeps popping back up to save the day.
I think its amazing to be able to write action adventure stories like you would see on TV and get the parts written so you can see them in your head exactly like they would be acted out. A talent indeed and one that Anise Eden definitely possesses. I loved the pace of the book and how so much was covered in a book under 300 pages. The writing flowed really well and the calmer moments with lots of conversation were really good as well.
I'd like to thank Hot tree Publishing and Anise Eden for allowing me the chance to read this ARC and the first 2 in the series as well.
Neve and Con were fantastic characters. The kind that don't make you roll your eyes as there is something obvious they should have thought of by now. It is very obvious that they care for each other deeply and respect each other. They should work out secret signals or something as although they don't actually work in the same team or are a crime fighting duo, they sure find themselves in those situations over the 3 books. They are very human although there is something 'Willis' about Con, the way he repeatedly gets hurt but keeps popping back up to save the day.
I think its amazing to be able to write action adventure stories like you would see on TV and get the parts written so you can see them in your head exactly like they would be acted out. A talent indeed and one that Anise Eden definitely possesses. I loved the pace of the book and how so much was covered in a book under 300 pages. The writing flowed really well and the calmer moments with lots of conversation were really good as well.
I'd like to thank Hot tree Publishing and Anise Eden for allowing me the chance to read this ARC and the first 2 in the series as well.
Wish by Sara Flanagan
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This book will eat away at your emotions. I was taken on a complete roller coaster with them and the worst of it being a couple of Dother villains. They were so evil that they are my most hated characters since Professor Umbridge. And that took it out of me!
I was not quite aware of how the magical realms worked or how the bindings took place or worked but the plot line was truly unique. A fae version of the Genie in the lamp but with spice and a LOT of violence.
Not my most read genre but I really liked the way this book gave me something I hadn't read before. The story is the first of a series and doesn't completely resolve the story line at the end and therefore making me want to read the next one to find out.
I enjoyed the dual time lines and multiple POV and Can't decide whether Mora or Zabriel were my faves. If you like Romantasy saga's, don't hesitate to pick this one up.
I was not quite aware of how the magical realms worked or how the bindings took place or worked but the plot line was truly unique. A fae version of the Genie in the lamp but with spice and a LOT of violence.
Not my most read genre but I really liked the way this book gave me something I hadn't read before. The story is the first of a series and doesn't completely resolve the story line at the end and therefore making me want to read the next one to find out.
I enjoyed the dual time lines and multiple POV and Can't decide whether Mora or Zabriel were my faves. If you like Romantasy saga's, don't hesitate to pick this one up.
Gin Palace by Tracy Whitwell
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Murder at the Millpond by Dan Moore
challenging
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
For non-book records, review text and ratings are hidden. Only mood, pace, and content warnings are visible.
The Accidental Medium by Tracy Whitwell
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
If I had to choose a word to describe this book it would be hilarious. or mysterious. or intriguing. But I won't stop at 1 word so they all apply! I loved this book and have found in Tanz a down to earth, cracker of a lady who is a straight shooter. I'd love her to be my spirit guide!
I was attracted by the front cover and realised that I have number 2 in this series in my TBR pile. I so wanted this to be good as it sounded fantastic in the blurb. I also read that the narrator was actually the author which gave me mixed feelings as on the upside they know how to pronounce all their character names correctly and when to emphasize certain words in a sentence. On the downside, most authors are much better at authoring and not as crash hot on the actual narrating. Tracy Whitwell blew me away as the most amazing author to narrate their own book that there ever was! I loved her! So much so, that I am not going to read number 2 or 3 but I will hunt down audio copies and listen with delight to those. Number 4 is due soon and I am busting to get my hands on that!
The story line was a bit segmented in a way that the first bit was all flowing about Tanz, her gift and how she got on with various aspects. The murder didn't happen until half way through. I was absolutely ok with this as it seemed more natural than a book that only revolves around one happenstance. The characters were very detailed and I liked them all, even Mr Weasely McWeaselface in the end. Tracy did an amazing job on the different accents and personalities of each character.
I adore the subject of mediums and spirituality and find that there aren't enough books around on the subject, especially fiction, not with a down to earth person that finds themselves to have this gift.
5 stars from me and on to the next one!!
I was attracted by the front cover and realised that I have number 2 in this series in my TBR pile. I so wanted this to be good as it sounded fantastic in the blurb. I also read that the narrator was actually the author which gave me mixed feelings as on the upside they know how to pronounce all their character names correctly and when to emphasize certain words in a sentence. On the downside, most authors are much better at authoring and not as crash hot on the actual narrating. Tracy Whitwell blew me away as the most amazing author to narrate their own book that there ever was! I loved her! So much so, that I am not going to read number 2 or 3 but I will hunt down audio copies and listen with delight to those. Number 4 is due soon and I am busting to get my hands on that!
The story line was a bit segmented in a way that the first bit was all flowing about Tanz, her gift and how she got on with various aspects. The murder didn't happen until half way through. I was absolutely ok with this as it seemed more natural than a book that only revolves around one happenstance. The characters were very detailed and I liked them all, even Mr Weasely McWeaselface in the end. Tracy did an amazing job on the different accents and personalities of each character.
I adore the subject of mediums and spirituality and find that there aren't enough books around on the subject, especially fiction, not with a down to earth person that finds themselves to have this gift.
5 stars from me and on to the next one!!
Murder at the Foundling Hospital by Irina Shapiro
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
In my opinion, Irina Shapiro can do no wrong! This historical fiction mystery series is outstandingly researched and she has the tone and mood of the time perfectly. She can transport you back to Victorian London as quick as a flash and you will know exactly what to see, hear and even smell as if you were actually there.
I love the characters Gemma Tate and Sebastian Bell and couldn't believe that it had only been 4 months (in book time) since the first three books had all happened. I appreciate how Gemma is a no nonsense lady with a heart of gold and an exceptionally caring and nurturing side. She is a heroine of the times having nursed in Crimea and she is a couragous and honest. Sebastian is an honest man in a profession that many can and have corrupted. He lives through the trauma of losing his family every day and the diligence of wanting to only put away the actual criminals and not just any handy scapegoat. I keep waiting for the romantic side of their relationship to develop but since it has only been 4 months since they met I can understand the delay.
This tale, was unputdownable and I was so sure that I had figured out the reason for the murder, cleverly, before the protagonists too...but...alas...I hadn't. The ending was put together very well indeed and I enjoyed every minute of the telling. Can't wait for the next book in the series and to see how Gemma gets on at her new job.
Thanks very much to Netgalley, Storm Publishing and Irina Shapino for a cracker of a book to read as an ARC. All viewpoints are my own.
I love the characters Gemma Tate and Sebastian Bell and couldn't believe that it had only been 4 months (in book time) since the first three books had all happened. I appreciate how Gemma is a no nonsense lady with a heart of gold and an exceptionally caring and nurturing side. She is a heroine of the times having nursed in Crimea and she is a couragous and honest. Sebastian is an honest man in a profession that many can and have corrupted. He lives through the trauma of losing his family every day and the diligence of wanting to only put away the actual criminals and not just any handy scapegoat. I keep waiting for the romantic side of their relationship to develop but since it has only been 4 months since they met I can understand the delay.
This tale, was unputdownable and I was so sure that I had figured out the reason for the murder, cleverly, before the protagonists too...but...alas...I hadn't. The ending was put together very well indeed and I enjoyed every minute of the telling. Can't wait for the next book in the series and to see how Gemma gets on at her new job.
Thanks very much to Netgalley, Storm Publishing and Irina Shapino for a cracker of a book to read as an ARC. All viewpoints are my own.
The Peculiar Garden of Harriet Hunt by Chelsea Iversen
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I was intrigued by the title and the blurb of this book and was very interested to see how it would play out. We are introduced in the start to a poor mite called Harriet who has suffered an enormous amount of trauma in her life, mostly be her father. I wasn't expecting this to be a sinister, emotional ride but I think it was definitely a genre bender for me. I was expecting a paranormal book reticent of a Cinderella tale but got a lot more than I bargained for.
For most of the book, I tried and failed to get to know Harriet and like her. She just wouldn't open up or show backbone and all of the times I thought her character would shine, she made stupid choices and did the equivalent of a girl in a horror movie who, when chased, runs up the stairs. I must admit that this book did get good in the end but only the last 40%. I'm still a little in the dark at the ending of a few plot points and the beginning was so slow, I had to force myself to pick it back up again.
A really novel idea, but it didn't do it for me, I'm sorry. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
I appreciate the opportunity to read this ARC and thank Netgalley, the author and publisher for the chance.
For most of the book, I tried and failed to get to know Harriet and like her. She just wouldn't open up or show backbone and all of the times I thought her character would shine, she made stupid choices and did the equivalent of a girl in a horror movie who, when chased, runs up the stairs. I must admit that this book did get good in the end but only the last 40%. I'm still a little in the dark at the ending of a few plot points and the beginning was so slow, I had to force myself to pick it back up again.
A really novel idea, but it didn't do it for me, I'm sorry. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
I appreciate the opportunity to read this ARC and thank Netgalley, the author and publisher for the chance.