Source: from Netgalley (in exchange for honest, unsolicited review)
Overall Rating: 3/5 stars
Overall, this was a good novel, but I did have a couple problems with it. The primary had to do with the relationship between the main characters. It seemed to be primarily based on attraction, though I think they did eventually grow a strong relationship.
There were a couple other things, some of which affected my enjoyment of the book. There were also some content issues.
PLOT: 3/5 Overall I did like the plot. It was a wild ride with traitors and smugglers and a Bow Street Runner and the inn almost going under and Mr. Nutbrown.
However, there were a couple problems. First, I don’t think gambling is right? Pretty much ever? Especially not for high stakes. Yet it’s never really dealt with that Alex is a pretty frequent gambler.
Also, there was a lot – and I mean a LOT – of physical attraction between the main characters. Alex acts like he’s never seen a girl before Johanna, and from the moment he meets her, he seems to think she’s the most attractive creature he’s ever met. Johanna reacts in a similar manner.
I was very surprised by the ending! I really had no idea how the plot would turn out.
CHARACTERS: 4/5 The characters were very well developed. I liked Johanna a lot, though at times she was a bit stubborn, and Alex was honestly one of the coolest heros I’ve read about in a long time.
Mr. Nutbrown was a favorite minor character of mine. I wonder about his future, though … I feel that the plot concerning him wasn’t completely resolved? Thomas was also pretty awesome.
SETTING: 5/5 Very well done! I felt sucked up into the setting and era! I loved the feeling of the inn, the seaside town, etc.
WRITING: 4/5 Well done! The style was flowing and easy to understand.
CONTENT: 3/5 Language: n/a
Violence: lots of gunfights, injuries, etc. Probably mildly disturbing.
Sexual: lots of attraction between the main characters, oftentimes semi-detailed, a couple kisses described in detail.
Other: disturbing scenes at a prison with lots of filth, being trapped in a small area, etc. Drinking and gambling, not necessarily condemned.
15+ for the extreme attraction between the main characters, gambling and drinking not seeming to be dealt with properly, and some mild gore.
OVERALL: 3/5 It was an excellent concept, but there was a bit more content than I was comfortable with personally and a few plot points were left unresolved. The ending was just too sudden!
Because I have yet to read books 1 or 2 yet, it was just a wee bit confusing, but that was all my own fault for not getting The Bachelor's Gu3.5 stars
Because I have yet to read books 1 or 2 yet, it was just a wee bit confusing, but that was all my own fault for not getting The Bachelor's Guide to Murder when I first saw it. Now I really want to read it. ;)
Okay, so, this was both amusing and fun. I loved the writing style, the plot, and the characters. All pretty awesome and well done. Bravo to the author! I definitely am looking forward to getting my hands on her longer stories.
The negatives: I felt that it wasn't historically accurate. Maybe that's just me, but it was a feeling I had. I commented that I felt it had an almost steampunk-ish style despite the fact that, of course, there were no steampunk devices or science-fiction-y details. It was just a straight-up historical mystery.
However, I felt that the social attitudes expressed (political correctness, etc.) weren't befitting to the time, and it was just a little bit strange that these ladies from the early 1900s were wearing trousers and all the rest of their rebelliousness. Probably was explained in earlier books or something, though. I wouldn't know since, as I said, this is my first experience with Herringford and Watts.
Still, it was amusing and sweet, the mystery was well-done and intriguing (maybe a little rushed, but it was a short story after all), and can I comment again on the hilarious characters? :)
I honestly can't remember this too well (it's once-again been too long), but I do know it was an exciting story with lots of adventure and a great mysI honestly can't remember this too well (it's once-again been too long), but I do know it was an exciting story with lots of adventure and a great mystery and it was a little creepy ... but in a good way. (What? I like being scared ...)
I disliked What's-His-Name's daughter. She was annoying. Get over yourself, kid, and stop being so stupid! It's like you want to be kidnapped. (I know, I have no sympathy for anyone ... I'm a terrible person ... but these are my honest feelings, y'know?)
And ... I honestly can't remember any of my other thoughts? Other than Olivia is awesome as is What's-His-Name. And the Elite Guardians are just about the coolest organization in the world. Also, Olivia's friend's death was a little over-the-top. Like, seriously?
I really don’t know what to say about this book! I liked it, but at the same time, it was greatly disturbing. WhiOriginally posted on Reveries Reviews
I really don’t know what to say about this book! I liked it, but at the same time, it was greatly disturbing. Which, seeing as it’s somewhat of a horror story (at least until that last plot twist), is probably a bit of a compliment.
Also, I was a bit annoyed by the cussing. It wasn’t really the number so much as the fact that the words were F-bombs, which is not something I like to read. However, I understand that this is an adult, non-Christian book, and I can’t expect it to be picture-perfect clean.
PLOT: 3/5 It was so confusing. I’m not sure if I quite understood what the whole thing was about! It skipped back and forth between the main character’s childhood, his adulthood, various instances in his life, etc. It even hopped forward a couple times! I couldn’t follow it!
Basically, confusing … but also intriguing. I enjoyed the final plot twist. The following paragraph is full of spoilers:
It turns out that all the ghosts, horror, etc. were just the main character’s attempt to delay the inevitable grief caused by his son’s death. This was confusing at first – I mean, the whole direction of the book changes after this revelation, making it no longer a horror story but the story of a father recovering from the loss of his son – but I eventually realized it was quite genius!
(End of spoilers)
CHARACTERS: 4/5 Ian, his wife, and his son were all quite vivid. In fact, the characters were all very well done. This was probably one of the story’s strongest points. I felt really bad for Ian, especially towards the end when I realized that he’d be (spoilers) living in a delusion for so long! (end of spoilers)
SETTING: 4/5 Beautiful description of the English countryside, creepy as its beauty can sometimes become for Ian Perkins. I felt like the setting was very well-portrayed. It was almost like watching a movie sometimes.
WRITING: 3/5 Except for the fact that I was oftentimes confused (and annoyed by the language, which, again, was something I kinda-sorta expected), it was well-written. I did enjoy the author’s voice.
CONTENT: 4/5 Language: about five f-bombs, maybe d**n a couple times, and then oh my g*d three or four time.
Violence: mentions of dying, sometimes in violent ways. Mentions of a dog being hung (don’t ask). Descriptions of open coffins with various people in them. A semi-detailed description of a child being run over by a car. Basically, a lot of scary, ghostly stuff (though it ends up its all in Ian’s imagination).
Sexual: mentions of birth control, trying to conceive (few to no details), pregnancy and birth. A mention of a baby conceived out of wedlock. A married couple doesn’t share a room.
Other: lots of talk about curses, a lot of creepy stuff, thematic elements, scary ghosts, open coffins, etc. All your average horror stuff.
Not recommended for most teens. Older teens proceed with caution.
OVERALL: 3/5 Great story for lovers of horror, paranormal, and family relationships as well as generational curses. Still, not recommended for teens or sensitive readers. It is quite scary and disturbing, and extremely confusing.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher**
Okay, to be honest … I found this one a little dull. It was just a lot of Richard Hannay rambling through ScotlanOriginally posted on Reveries Reviews
Okay, to be honest … I found this one a little dull. It was just a lot of Richard Hannay rambling through Scotland meeting random people, most of whom had thick accents I couldn’t decipher. And occasionally he’d almost get caught by the bad guys in an attempt to liven things up.
Just not my thing. The prose was unnecessarily lengthy, and it worked too hard to be funny. In a conceited way. It was hard to understand and hard to barrel through. I had to skim several times because I just couldn’t take it any longer.
Source: from author (in exchange for honest review)
Overall Rating: 5/5
A clever detective short story which I really enjoyed. I'm really looking forward to reading more about Rory Greyhood (and his crazy friends). I had the pleasure of beta-reading Diamond, and then I got to read it again in its completed form, and I enjoyed it both times!
Plot {4/5}:
Well-paced, clever, and exciting. I admit I had some trouble understanding certain things, but I figure you don't need to know everything all at once (especially in a mystery), and I eventually caught on, which is what counts. :P
Characters {5/5}:
For a short story, the characters were really well-developed, especially Rory and Henry. I really liked Henry (needless to say) and Rory's "cop friend" was really cool. I hope we get to see Henry again. :D
Setting {4/5}:
There wasn't really a lot of talk about where the story was taking place or anything (some big city in the United States is my guess), but it wasn't really necessary, partially because of the shortness of the story and partially because it just wouldn't have added anything.
Writing {5/5}:
Mr. Willis has got to be one of the most amusing writers out there! His writing style is just so witty and bouncy and fresh. I was quietly chuckling at a lot of his similes and descriptions.
Content {1/5}:
I honestly can't think of a single thing. I suppose there was a (non-descriptive) fist-fight of sorts towards the end.
Okay for all ages.
Overall {5/5}:
A simple amazing detective story, comparable with Sherlock Holmes and Father Brown mysteries. I'd recommend Diamond to almost anyone, but especially to lovers of old-fashioned detective stories, amusing characters, and witty writing.
I really enjoyed this book. It has definitely earned a place amongst my favorites! I think it’s one of those books everyone should read, along with Austen. It’s both humorous and thrilling, romantic and adventurous.
Plot: 5/5
This is genius. Absolute genius.
A dashing hero is saving the aristocrats from the dreaded guillotine. A beautiful woman fights for her marriage, which seems to be falling apart at the seams. An evil man plots to capture the dashing hero.
The plot is sooo good! I can’t begin to describe how much I enjoyed all the twists and turns. I swear I didn’t guess a single plot twist before it happened … not a single one! I was surprised every time.
It was so good that I’m just gonna have to send you off to read it. ‘Cause I can’t tell you with words how amazing it is.
Characters: 5/5
The characters were awesome, too! They were all beautifully developed and loveable – or hateful, in the case of the villains. I’ll describe a few of my favorites.
Marguerite … who can hate this girl? She comes off as a little silly and self-centered at first, but we soon learn her true mettle. She’s awesome.
Percy: *swoons* HE IS SO AMAZING I LOVE HIM! He’s got to be my favorite hero. Well, my favorite hero from classic fiction, anyway. Except … well, maybe he’s not my absolute favorite hero, but he’s up there! Top ten at least!
Chauvelin: I hate you. Die. But really, he was so absolutely despicable that I kinda admired the character development. Such evil! Such malice! Such hatred!
There were several other notable characters, but I won’t go into them.
Setting: 4/5
There wasn’t a ton of work done on setting, but I did enjoy everything about English social life at the time and then the French upheaval. The more I read about the French Revolution, the angrier I get. *glares at the evil French Revolution peeps* Seriously, that was so awful! I was shocked … I hadn’t realized it was that bad until I started studying it this year.
Writing: 5/5
*grins* I’m a sucker for old books. And old writing. I wish I could write like that and magically not bore secular readers. So yes, loved the writing. I really enjoyed the author’s style.
Content: 2/5
Language: Percy exclaims, “Odd’s fish!” and “Sink me!” and such. Otherwise, no.
Violence: mentions of the guillotine and people getting killed by it. Lots of talk of killing (’cause it’s Le Revolution!).
Sexual: Percy and Marguerite kiss a couple times (I think), but there are no details.
This was a pretty clean book, though the whole thing with the French Revolution might scare younger readers. Okay for any young adult.
Overall: 5/5
I LOVE THIS BOOK IT’S SO GREAT READ IT NOW AAAAAAAH!!!
*clears throat* Um … this is an excellent book. You may want to procure a copy and devour it. I enjoyed the plot, characters, and setting thoroughly. I’d recommend it to any lover of classics, adventure, romance, or simply good books.
I have no words. *sobs, laughs, smiles, etc.* It can't be over, can it?! I just can't be ... and yet it is. I'm honestlyOriginal Review Back in March:
I have no words. *sobs, laughs, smiles, etc.* It can't be over, can it?! I just can't be ... and yet it is. I'm honestly a little disappointed but that's just because I want there to be more, not because this isn't the most amazing book ever. Because this book ... wow. It's so good! Real review coming soon. :)
Thoughts Now: Um ... it has been too long to write a review. *bows* BUT IT WAS GOOD....more
I'm going to give this book the right-in-the-middle rating of 3 stars. It deserves both no stars and all the stars. It was a weird book. One of my favI'm going to give this book the right-in-the-middle rating of 3 stars. It deserves both no stars and all the stars. It was a weird book. One of my favorites for 2017 ... but still super weird.
I read it with my mom, so we were talking about it and still can't make sense of it. The ending was sudden and without any real resolution ... but that kinda adds to it, I suppose? Still. It leaves you unsettled, with a twisted gut and a lot of questions.
What happened to the de Winters? Did they stay away from England forever, as is hinted in the epilogue? Well, what about WW2? They didn't just hang out in some Italian island during WW2, did they? Did they have children? Tell me they had children! What happened to Danvers? Please tell me she burned like in the movie. And that other fellow? And he seriously just got away with all this *coughs*???
This is one book where the movie was probably a lot better. In the book, people get away with things they shouldn't, and it was just unresolved, and ... for some reason the movie was just a lot more satisfying? Probably because the tweaked the plot. xD
I feel so bad for the Second Mrs. de Winter. I was sooo proud of her when she started taking charge of her life a little bit. But throughout most of the book, she was super annoying. She thought too much. Thinking too much is something I HATE about characters. JUST STOP THINKING AND START DOING. She's like an increasingly stupid Melly Wilkes with no guts ...
And ... I don't know. I don't know what to think about this book. There are no words. It is so good/terrible....more
I love this book. Partially because, simply enough, I am Gwen Jones. *shrugs* ;P
Reread 4/14/2019:
Aggghhh this book! It's so cute. A lot quicker and a I love this book. Partially because, simply enough, I am Gwen Jones. *shrugs* ;P
Reread 4/14/2019:
Aggghhh this book! It's so cute. A lot quicker and a lot simpler than I remembered when I was 12, but it's still sweet and precious and gives such a great peek into life of this era at this very important, very exhausting, very awesome job!...more
Wow, that was really a fantastic book! I’m considering buying a copy for my younger (12-year-old) brother for Christmas. I think he might like it, espWow, that was really a fantastic book! I’m considering buying a copy for my younger (12-year-old) brother for Christmas. I think he might like it, especially since my mother’s reading The Adventures of Robin Hood to him now. I think my nine-year-old brother might enjoy it, too.
This is an amazing retelling (or rather prequel) of the Robin Hood story. Told from thirteen-year-old Maid Marian’s point of view, A Viper in the Forest tells the story of Robin and Marian’s first escapade (at least, I assume this was the first one that put them in danger of anything but a whipping!).
This is an exciting, adventurous, twistful tale that anyone, male or female, over the age of ten is sure to enjoy. If you buy it, remember to set aside a weekend, because you will not be putting it down.
A pretty good historical fiction set in Egypt. I really enjoyed it - it's one of my favorite settings, and it had a great mystery.A pretty good historical fiction set in Egypt. I really enjoyed it - it's one of my favorite settings, and it had a great mystery....more
This novel is a well-written sweet romance with an intriguing mystery that kept me up reading pretty late. However, I just can’t get over my disappointment over one little detail.
I really enjoyed Treasures of Surrey, Book 1: The Curiosity Keeper (which I mini-reviewed here). It got four stars (the ending disappointed me), but I was hoping we’d get to revisit the characters. After all, as I’ve said before, the ending was a little rocky. I needed closure. But then I find that Dawn at Emberwilde is in no way related to The Curiosity Keeper.
Like, not at all.
I was so disappointed! How could Sarah E. Ladd do this to me? I mean, I guess it’s my fault for not researching the novel before I read it or whatever … but still. So, despite this being a pretty decent novel, I just can’t be fair with it … so it received 3/5 stars. The author cheated. She can’t just create stick together a random bunch of books that aren’t related in any way, shape, or form. Well, I guess she can … but I don’t have to like it. ;)
A little more wordy than my 12-year-old self could handle. I'd probably like it a lot more now. It was very clever. :)A little more wordy than my 12-year-old self could handle. I'd probably like it a lot more now. It was very clever. :)...more
Ah, that was sweet! I really enjoyed it. There were some problems, like it being hard to understand sometimes (especially the clues ... though technicAh, that was sweet! I really enjoyed it. There were some problems, like it being hard to understand sometimes (especially the clues ... though technically they're supposed to be hard, I guess; I just didn't get how the kids drew their conclusions sometimes) and the writing maybe needing a bit of polishing here and there, plus head-hopping.
But overall, it was a cute, quick afternoon read. Great for readers of any age. :)
4.5 stars. Sweet contemporary romance set in France. Completely clean, underlying Christian theme if not exactly a Christian novel. Great plot with tw4.5 stars. Sweet contemporary romance set in France. Completely clean, underlying Christian theme if not exactly a Christian novel. Great plot with twist I didn't see coming. Find the full review here.
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