My book club picked this for November for a short read, and it was fun. We tend to accidentally pick some cheesy and awful books at time, but I'm happMy book club picked this for November for a short read, and it was fun. We tend to accidentally pick some cheesy and awful books at time, but I'm happy to say that's not the case here. The title is humorous and the cover fun, the writing easy and flowing to follow, the intensity of grief well explored for a short book and considering the age of the protagonist, and it does that dark but uplifting touch of Christmas. Great for a short horror christmas novella. ...more
This was an excellent book that firmly addresses the lack of common sense with many of today's school policies and how the system fails many kids or pThis was an excellent book that firmly addresses the lack of common sense with many of today's school policies and how the system fails many kids or puts undue pressure on their families. This is a topic near and dear to me because, while I am not ancient, I was also a victim of a bizarre school structure growing up in this region, and now work in the system with mental health counseling and hear so many stories from intakes with saddened and overburdened parents confused and helpful with schools here.
Beyond that, though, it delves into those who are painted as the "good kids" and the "bad kids", and those kids who give up basically and are only used to negative attention. It deals with the personality differences of these kids, but also of adults who clash with irony and hypocrisy where this realistically is mixed with compassion and love ultimately at the same time when things work out. Overburned and hated school staff who end up hating students is another thing often not discussed in books, especially children's books, but is another very real societal issue that happens quite a bit.
So, kudos for the author for being blunt and honest without being overinflated. She did not make things melodramatic or unrealistic really, kept to situations that actually occur while digging into more issues at once to keep the complexity lifelike and interesting. Writing style is well done and well absorbed. ...more
An interesting novella that feels like two or three extended scenes strung together. Still, the writing is gothic and beautiful, the atmosphere is potAn interesting novella that feels like two or three extended scenes strung together. Still, the writing is gothic and beautiful, the atmosphere is potently rich and the shining star of the book, there are genuinely creepy scenes, and it plays with a creative lore and intrigue blended with manor and legend.
Full review to come.
Merged review:
An interesting novella that feels like two or three extended scenes strung together. Still, the writing is gothic and beautiful, the atmosphere is potently rich and the shining star of the book, there are genuinely creepy scenes, and it plays with a creative lore and intrigue blended with manor and legend.
Buzz books is a great way to sample upcoming books and sample what you may be interested. 16 Debut Novels, among dozens of others from authors who alrBuzz books is a great way to sample upcoming books and sample what you may be interested. 16 Debut Novels, among dozens of others from authors who already one or more books released. Besides telling the plot of upcoming fiction, I appreciate the preview samplers so I can test whether the writing fits me or not before plunging in. Divided into Part One: Fiction; Part Two: Debut Fiction; Part Three: Non-Fiction. They also have a YA Line that is released each year. Both of these are free Read Now Features on Netgalley.
Merged review:
Buzz books is a great way to sample upcoming books and sample what you may be interested. 16 Debut Novels, among dozens of others from authors who already one or more books released. Besides telling the plot of upcoming fiction, I appreciate the preview samplers so I can test whether the writing fits me or not before plunging in. Divided into Part One: Fiction; Part Two: Debut Fiction; Part Three: Non-Fiction. They also have a YA Line that is released each year. Both of these are free Read Now Features on Netgalley....more
Another good book in the series overall, but it did have annoyances. Before my complaints, I'll go over the positive parts - Jordan's still into VictoAnother good book in the series overall, but it did have annoyances. Before my complaints, I'll go over the positive parts - Jordan's still into Victor to the point to where I realize it's a type of psychological kink thing, the humor is as funny as ever in Vic's internal monologue, there's a plot that's creatively invented (villain mixed with supernatural in a bizarre way....).
The instant messenger thing was especially hilarious.
On the negative side, there's a few things that don't make sense. I get that Vic is freaked out about his existence seeming hidden, but I don't get why he's looking to blame others who know about it for not bringing it to him. As they told him, they figured he already knew. I would in their shoes. It's not like they are part of a massive conspiracy against him. And he should have known and done a little research himself, it's his fault he was in the dark about it.
Second, it was totally unacceptable, ridiculous and childish that he would be inclined to storm to a retirement home where his boyfriend is investigating a vicious rape of an elderly woman to confront him there about cheating. Really, it can wait, no matter how enraged you are. There's such a thing as decency, and that was just stupid.
He's too attracted to Crash since he's supposed to be in love with Jacob, even if he is staying faithful. The only way I could consider this okay is if the author is leading up to a three way. Between Vic and Jacob, bedroom play is still steamy but growing a little repetitive and too frequent.
The end of the book is a minor cliffhanger, too - but it's not so brutal it left me upset. I'm curious about how that will lead in the next book, which is thankfully a decent length novel compared to the others.
Merged review:
Another good book in the series overall, but it did have annoyances. Before my complaints, I'll go over the positive parts - Jordan's still into Victor to the point to where I realize it's a type of psychological kink thing, the humor is as funny as ever in Vic's internal monologue, there's a plot that's creatively invented (villain mixed with supernatural in a bizarre way....).
The instant messenger thing was especially hilarious.
On the negative side, there's a few things that don't make sense. I get that Vic is freaked out about his existence seeming hidden, but I don't get why he's looking to blame others who know about it for not bringing it to him. As they told him, they figured he already knew. I would in their shoes. It's not like they are part of a massive conspiracy against him. And he should have known and done a little research himself, it's his fault he was in the dark about it.
Second, it was totally unacceptable, ridiculous and childish that he would be inclined to storm to a retirement home where his boyfriend is investigating a vicious rape of an elderly woman to confront him there about cheating. Really, it can wait, no matter how enraged you are. There's such a thing as decency, and that was just stupid.
He's too attracted to Crash since he's supposed to be in love with Jacob, even if he is staying faithful. The only way I could consider this okay is if the author is leading up to a three way. Between Vic and Jacob, bedroom play is still steamy but growing a little repetitive and too frequent.
The end of the book is a minor cliffhanger, too - but it's not so brutal it left me upset. I'm curious about how that will lead in the next book, which is thankfully a decent length novel compared to the others....more
The first was a bit better but this was still charming - they're such a cute and heart-tugging pair. I also dug the added brother Joey and the family The first was a bit better but this was still charming - they're such a cute and heart-tugging pair. I also dug the added brother Joey and the family drama. Not much of a plot though.
Merged review:
The first was a bit better but this was still charming - they're such a cute and heart-tugging pair. I also dug the added brother Joey and the family drama. Not much of a plot though....more
Actually very good horror story hard to put down. Started reminding me a little of Let Me in almost, although not due to author borrowing anything. ThActually very good horror story hard to put down. Started reminding me a little of Let Me in almost, although not due to author borrowing anything. The end made me think of a demented little mermaid a bit, not sure if that was out of left field or not. Interesting and tragic backstory with the MC and the side characters of Mr Yarrow and the sherriff came to life grimly and full force. Very well done....more
Fun and adorable. So much has been done with powers of the UF heroines but there's some unique enough twists in this one, and I adore the main charactFun and adorable. So much has been done with powers of the UF heroines but there's some unique enough twists in this one, and I adore the main character. Not sure full feelings on Hugh but it doesn't really matter. The storyline was full action-adventure majority, dynamite ending, even her delivery boss is fun. And of course her two brownies Hester and Otis along for the ride. ...more
There’s always an automatic, free-pass-given brownie point bonus when the protagonist is a book lover, because – seriously - as a reader, reading stor There’s always an automatic, free-pass-given brownie point bonus when the protagonist is a book lover, because – seriously - as a reader, reading stories about characters who obsess with books makes sense – especially when they have to use books in the adventure at hand.
The Camelot Shadow focuses on Lord Alfred Fitzwilliam, a man who not only loves reading, but who loves collecting valuable tomes (he blows me out of the running with that since I only indulge in cheap books.) The story is a historical Arthurian fantasy adventure type, something I have little experience with. It seems everyone in the world but me knows about King Arthur and tales surrounding, to the point where there is even a fantasy sub-division named about him.
Even though I know little about it, I found the subject interesting as it unraveled; it wasn’t too out there for me to grasp. There are a few hints and jabs in the wrong directions to leave the reader a few surprises, and the historical feel is one that slowly twists and reveals as you go through the motions with the main character. It’s multiple POV, yet thankfully the shift changes only when needed, staying mainly in Lord Alfred’s head.
Alfred was likeable – he was older, enjoyed keeping to himself, a sympathetic friend, intellectual type who remained humble. His best friend was a favorite of mine, the bookseller who had more up his sleeve than he was showing. The villain was creepy, unusual, and made even more interesting because of the other semi-villains he surrounded himself with. And Trusty John was just awesome, really, that’s all there is to say about him.
What made the book so enjoyable wasn’t so much the day old power-struggle of good and evil, but the political machinations that kept popping up in both the good and bad circles. Some people change face later, some hesitate, some follow because they’re misled, and others stay so loyal throughout that they fit the definition of fanaticism.
It’s a slower novel, which works since the plot is directed by scholarly types. Instead of getting an excitable, energetic adventurer, we get a man who can’t resist the lure of this mystery and the potential hope it holds for his wife. I loved Sean Gibson’s writing style - I think it fit the historical time period and this sort of adventure ideally.
The Camelot Shadow has layers of intrigue, some epic battles, intelligent twists, and characters who stand out and stand up. Recommended.
Merged review:
There’s always an automatic, free-pass-given brownie point bonus when the protagonist is a book lover, because – seriously - as a reader, reading stories about characters who obsess with books makes sense – especially when they have to use books in the adventure at hand.
The Camelot Shadow focuses on Lord Alfred Fitzwilliam, a man who not only loves reading, but who loves collecting valuable tomes (he blows me out of the running with that since I only indulge in cheap books.) The story is a historical Arthurian fantasy adventure type, something I have little experience with. It seems everyone in the world but me knows about King Arthur and tales surrounding, to the point where there is even a fantasy sub-division named about him.
Even though I know little about it, I found the subject interesting as it unraveled; it wasn’t too out there for me to grasp. There are a few hints and jabs in the wrong directions to leave the reader a few surprises, and the historical feel is one that slowly twists and reveals as you go through the motions with the main character. It’s multiple POV, yet thankfully the shift changes only when needed, staying mainly in Lord Alfred’s head.
Alfred was likeable – he was older, enjoyed keeping to himself, a sympathetic friend, intellectual type who remained humble. His best friend was a favorite of mine, the bookseller who had more up his sleeve than he was showing. The villain was creepy, unusual, and made even more interesting because of the other semi-villains he surrounded himself with. And Trusty John was just awesome, really, that’s all there is to say about him.
What made the book so enjoyable wasn’t so much the day old power-struggle of good and evil, but the political machinations that kept popping up in both the good and bad circles. Some people change face later, some hesitate, some follow because they’re misled, and others stay so loyal throughout that they fit the definition of fanaticism.
It’s a slower novel, which works since the plot is directed by scholarly types. Instead of getting an excitable, energetic adventurer, we get a man who can’t resist the lure of this mystery and the potential hope it holds for his wife. I loved Sean Gibson’s writing style - I think it fit the historical time period and this sort of adventure ideally.
The Camelot Shadow has layers of intrigue, some epic battles, intelligent twists, and characters who stand out and stand up. Recommended....more
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