Penny, her 18-month old daughter, is Maggie's world and she'd do everything to keep
How far would you go to protect your child?
Penny, her 18-month old daughter, is Maggie's world and she'd do everything to keep her safe. But aren't all mothers like that? This is the heart of Keep Her Safe. Someone who calls himself Babysitter is targeting mothers making them do something in exchange for their child's safety. So when Maggie woke up one night facing Holly, another mother, she did exactly what mothers do - keep her baby safe. And maybe keep another babies safe too. ♦My Thoughts♦ For me, the plot is refreshing. I haven't read a thriller before that resembles this book's plot. Having a mother or mothers as protagonists and their babies the ones at stake was really brilliant. Just by thinking of it already brings thrill to me, and I know to you too. Because we know how mothers are when it comes to their babies. They become desperate and superhumans when their babies are hurt or in danger. And babies are vulnerable and fragile. I expected to care for the characters (Maggie and Holly) more than I did but it's okay. They just did fine.
Just as the short synopsis said, this one is an edge-of-your-seat thriller. Thus 4 stars for me because the story was true to its genre. The thrills are really there and suspense started right away and continued-from chapter 1 until the end. Though I don't quite agree with the synopsis when it said that this will keep me guessing until the last page. I was curious who really Babysitter is, but there was no point guessing. Throughout the stories, hints and clues were given but they seem pointless. They were all connected and mattered, yes, but they seemed to me just random facts dropped here and there just so at the end they support the big reveal. Really, who would ever guess that Babysitter is him and more importantly, NO ONE WILL EVER GUESS HIS MOTIVES? There was no "Aha!!!" moment. It seems random.
Despite my complain, I still give this one a high rating because like I said, this is a thriller and I was thrilled while reading it. That's what matters and I REALLY recommend this to all of you thriller fans. :) :) :)
Thanks to the author and Bookouture for granting me an ecopy thru Netgalley.
Thank you for reading,
[image]
Merged review:
How far would you go to protect your child?
Penny, her 18-month old daughter, is Maggie's world and she'd do everything to keep her safe. But aren't all mothers like that? This is the heart of Keep Her Safe. Someone who calls himself Babysitter is targeting mothers making them do something in exchange for their child's safety. So when Maggie woke up one night facing Holly, another mother, she did exactly what mothers do - keep her baby safe. And maybe keep another babies safe too. ♦My Thoughts♦ For me, the plot is refreshing. I haven't read a thriller before that resembles this book's plot. Having a mother or mothers as protagonists and their babies the ones at stake was really brilliant. Just by thinking of it already brings thrill to me, and I know to you too. Because we know how mothers are when it comes to their babies. They become desperate and superhumans when their babies are hurt or in danger. And babies are vulnerable and fragile. I expected to care for the characters (Maggie and Holly) more than I did but it's okay. They just did fine.
Just as the short synopsis said, this one is an edge-of-your-seat thriller. Thus 4 stars for me because the story was true to its genre. The thrills are really there and suspense started right away and continued-from chapter 1 until the end. Though I don't quite agree with the synopsis when it said that this will keep me guessing until the last page. I was curious who really Babysitter is, but there was no point guessing. Throughout the stories, hints and clues were given but they seem pointless. They were all connected and mattered, yes, but they seemed to me just random facts dropped here and there just so at the end they support the big reveal. Really, who would ever guess that Babysitter is him and more importantly, NO ONE WILL EVER GUESS HIS MOTIVES? There was no "Aha!!!" moment. It seems random.
Despite my complain, I still give this one a high rating because like I said, this is a thriller and I was thrilled while reading it. That's what matters and I REALLY recommend this to all of you thriller fans. :) :) :)
Thanks to the author and Bookouture for granting me an ecopy thru Netgalley.
I didn't really enjoy this one as much as I had hoped. I love the friends-to-lovers trope, but this didn't do it for me. I was bored half the time andI didn't really enjoy this one as much as I had hoped. I love the friends-to-lovers trope, but this didn't do it for me. I was bored half the time and kept putting it down. I even read the next book in the series before finishing this one. To be fair, this is not a bad book. Maybe I'm the problem. I'm really not sure about this one, because like I said, I love the trope. Anyway, I still encourage everyone to not skip this book if you're a fan of the series. ...more
Eve's story is my favourite in the series, and probably one of the best contemporary romances I've ever read in the last 5 years.
The story hits home mEve's story is my favourite in the series, and probably one of the best contemporary romances I've ever read in the last 5 years.
The story hits home more than I expected. I wasn't expecting the story to affect me the way it did. I wasn't expecting that Eve was on the autism spectrum, I thought it was just Jacob. But then even before the story reveals that Eve might be in the spectrum but undiagnosed, I saw it. The signs were there and read about Eve who had no idea really affected me coz, well...
Anyway, I love this so much. The humour is top-notched. I love it when the humour is part of the characters' personalities and that they're not just making it. For me, there's a difference, characters who only knows how to make joke would sometimes feel forced, while the characters with which humour is part of them, they don't even know they're funny and that makes the humour more genuine.
And Jacob and Eve are so funny, especially Eve. I was teary-eyed laughing when she wished that she didn't hit a dog with her car, and she even told Jacob how relieved she was that he wasn't a dog. And now, I kinda agree with her reasoning. If Jacob was a dog, and she hit him, he could already be dead, so thank God Jacob was not a dog. LOL.
I just love this so much and I find it hard to review this book....more
"For anyone who wants it all," she begins, "may you find something that is more than enough."
She wonder
I'm leaving this passage from the book:
"For anyone who wants it all," she begins, "may you find something that is more than enough."
She wonders whether what comes next could ever live up to the expectations.
She doesn't know. You never can.
SHE TURNS THE PAGE ANYWAY.
I will not properly review this book because I plan to reread it someday. Just know that I love this book so much and I relate to Nora more than I thought possible....more
I thought Dance of Thieves was awesome, but Vow of Thieves is EPIC!!!!
In my short review for book 1, I said, it's my favorite this month, reading Vow I thought Dance of Thieves was awesome, but Vow of Thieves is EPIC!!!!
In my short review for book 1, I said, it's my favorite this month, reading Vow of Thieves changed my mind. Because VoW of Thieves IS my favorite this month. But then again, it's only the 13th so it might change again. But for now, THIS is my favorite this month.
Vow of Thieves started right where Dance of Thieves left off. Kazi and Jase are on their way home, home being Tor's Watch, Jase's kingdom. Thanks to the Queen, Tor's watch would be its own kingdom. But an ambush was waiting for this couple and as soon as they entered Tor's Watch, they were separated tragically. The thing about Jase and Kazi was separation was never an issue for them. They're a couple and what a couple they are.
"We wove our dreams together like armor. Nothing could stop us now."
All the main characters were not together for the most part of the book and for a while, Jase and Kazi weren't even sure if the other was alive, but still, their commitment to each other is so great, that they still did what they vowed they will do together and for each other. Jase was very determined to be the best man he could be for Kazi and at the same time, be a good leader for his kingdom. Kazi, on the other hand, vowed to protect Jase's family and that's exactly what she did. There was even a scene where I cursed loudly because even though the Ballengers didn't trust Kazi, she was still helping them. It was a heartbreaking scene for me, but I don't blame the Ballengers siblings for that scene. It was the most realistic reaction that they could have. They didn't know and the Ballengers are most loyal ever.
That said, Family is still a big theme in Vow of Thieves, and now that includes Kazi. I fell in love with all the characters in this book in book 1, and I love them even more in this sequel. Especially Kazi and Jase. They've become one of my favorite fantasy couples, along with you know, Kaz and Inej, which is amazing because Kaz, Kazi, street thieves...you guys get it, I'm sure. LOL. Anyway, I fell in love with Kazi and Jase in book 1, they're smart, committed and loyal, and imagine combining the two of them - they're the best couple, I swear.
"I'm sorry. An apology from Death? Now I knew. Worse things than dying still lay ahead for me."
The plot is amazing. It was well crafted and intricately woven. To be honest, I don't have any bad thing to say about Vow of Thieves, like seriously, this is a page-turner. Right from the start, it was intense and just got more intense as the story goes on. My favorite thing about the plot is it was unpredictable. Of course, the ending is easy to guess, but the journey towards it was very unpredictable. I didn't have any idea what would happen next. maybe because right from the start, I was thrown into a plot that was so not what I was expecting from the ending of book 1. Several characters were not as they seem as they were in book 1. The antagonist was so unexpected. And there is a character from book 1 that became a favorite of mine in this sequel even though he was annoying before.
The Goodreads description of this book put it this way: a tangled web of deceit woven by their greatest enemies and unlikeliest allies, a place where betrayals run deeper and more deadly than either had thought possible and where timeless ambitions threaten to destroy them both. And that's exactly the perfect way to describe the plot.
The action scenes or fight scene in this book was very well-written. They're not cliche scenes as well. Like I said, unpredictable. I had no idea how the characters would act or how the protagonists will solve their problems. And Kazi was the most unpredictable! I literally was thinking WHAT WOULD KAZI DO all throughout the book because wow, the things she did, her solutions and strategies are so refreshing and genius. Jase's strategies are amazing too. There is no better leader for Tor's Watch than him. Not even Kazi could take that place from him. He's born to be Tor's Watch Patrei and I'm so proud of him.
Another thing I love about this book, or the entire series, is the touch of magic in it. magic is not a strong element in the plot, but it's there. I love Kazi's ability to see Death, it added flavor to the already-amazing story. Speaking of Death, I love the closure of Kazi to her past. And speaking of Past, the history of the plot, the backstory is amazing. I love the letters/history written by Greyson Ballenger and his crew that are inserted between chapters.
And finally, that reunion, sort of, at the end with all the important characters from the Remnant Chronicles is so cute. Again I haven't read the Remnant Chronicles yet but it wasn't hard to tell that these characters were from that series. And I will really read TRC now.
First, I didn't read The Remnant Chronicles because love triangle is one of my bookish pet peeves, but after reading Dance of Thieves, I might give itFirst, I didn't read The Remnant Chronicles because love triangle is one of my bookish pet peeves, but after reading Dance of Thieves, I might give it a chance. I already met the Queen and King here anyway.
Another reason why I might read The Remnant Chronicles is because I fell in love with Mary E. Pearson's writing. She is a true crafter of words. She weaved her sentences and verses so artful and I couldn't help but be jealous of how poetic she could be in her novel.
The plot was good, mostly politics but what really captured my heart in the story is the characters and their relationship. I love Kazi and Jase. They're both very well-developed characters. I liked Kazi's relationship with the other Rhatans. Their friendship seemed so genuine and fun. In Jase's case, I loved his relationship with his family. I actually love the Ballengers. Even though at times they seemed so hardheaded, still their loyalty and love for family are very commendable.
Overall, this is such a great read and my favorite this month so far....more
The truth is I'm so surprised how much I ended up loving this book. I didn't even think I would give it 5 stars even when I was already halfway througThe truth is I'm so surprised how much I ended up loving this book. I didn't even think I would give it 5 stars even when I was already halfway through reading, but here I am.
There's something about this book that makes it somehow addicting and I found myself still invested in the fictional world. Is it the characters? The world itself? Adrienne Young's writing? I'm not sure maybe all those factors are the reason why FABLE is such an amazing read.
I love Fable. She's very strong-willed and resourceful. She didn't do anything grand or magical in the story but I'm very amazed by everything she does. Like, I'm very proud of her. Maybe it's the fact that she's the daughter of two significant individuals. She has a bit of both of her parents' qualities and character. Speaking of parents, I LOVE SAINT so much. Yes, in this book, he can't be considered as a protagonist, only a main character but not once did I doubt him. I know, or rather hopeful, that behind that strong facade, a FATHER is hiding. I guess I will see it in the next book.
West is very mysterious and I learned so little about him, along with the crews of Marigold, West's ship. But again, I'm hopeful book 2 will give me more. But despite the lack of info about these characters, I still love them. West, being mysterious and indifferent makes him more interesting as a character. The little I learned about his past makes for a great backstory and I'm so excited to learn more about him in Namesake.
The plot is very well-crafted. Like, everything that happened in the book seemed important. And the intensity of the challenges Fable faces is gradual and with each goes some revelation. There were twists after twists in the story. They're not grand or big but they're really good and make you want to read more.
The world is amazing. I like that every part of the fictional world is very distinguishable and very interesting. Most of all, each place, even the ones, that are not part of the story yet, is unforgettable. Like Jeval is known for specific things, as does Ceros, or the Narrow Seas or like I said places that are not in the story yet are already unforgettable like Bastian.
Overall, obviously, I love this book so much and I can't wait to read Namesake....more
Anyway, Namesake picked up from where the story left in FABLE and there are new characters, imporOMG, I so wanna read SAINT now, because SAINT!!!!
Anyway, Namesake picked up from where the story left in FABLE and there are new characters, important characters. These characters played big roles in the story. They've only been mentioned before but now they're part of the narrative.
Namesake is more political than its predecessor. Now, people are fighting to have a place in their society and I love how the plot was intricately-constructed but at the same time, easy to navigate. I was never confused about anything even though lots of backstories were told. Overall, the plot wrapped up well and I'm so satisfied with everything that happened.
Romance is not the focus of this book, or the entire series really, but it's there. Romance is a big part of the story but it's not the focus, but rather the adventure that the characters took. I mentioned that Namesake is more political than Fable because all the characters are trying to get or reach something, but still, the story is centered to Fable and her adventures. The ending is a big proof of that. The ending was very satisfying.
The story of Fable started with her trying to get back to her father. She had lots of questions about herself and everything that happened to her. She was so young when her life was turned upside down and then she was left alone, knowing so little about what happened and even about the people that she thought she knew. And Namesake ended with the best possible closure for Fable's story. And the title is perfect. She got her namesake. Most of all, she got all the love she deserves. She's such an amazing and empowering character.
I read and reviewed Watching Glass Shatter few days ago and in my review, I gushed about how amazing the author’s writing is and how I enjoye4.5 stars
I read and reviewed Watching Glass Shatter few days ago and in my review, I gushed about how amazing the author’s writing is and how I enjoyed the book despite it having a trope that I’m not a fan of. That said, I was excited to read the sequel. I’m happy to say that I was right to be excited because Hiding Cracked Glass is even better than book 1.
First of all, let me just point out how witty the titles are. Titling is one of the things the author is really good at. His other series has the wittiest titles as well.
So the book…Hiding Cracked Glass takes place eight months after Ben Glass died and the events of book 1. Olivia is back from Italy and is ready to be the best matriarch to the Glass family but new conflicts arose when a mysterious letter arrives and the recipient’s name is accidentally erased. I loved the tension that arose once it’s known that someone wants to harm the family. In book 1, lots of secrets of the family were revealed but it turns out, the Glass family are still hiding something from one another.
I think the plot is brilliant and really clever. It’s layered and it’s like the drama is unending. And the way things unfold, slowly unfold, as I read is a very enjoyable ride. I think one of the reasons I enjoyed it even more is because I loved the characters so much. I’m still very invested in each one of them because I just read book 1. I’m still very familiar with their personalities which I loved, including their flaws. The author really created such realistic characters. They feel so human to me and that is why it is so easy to get invested in their stories and care for them. It is also very apparent that they all went through some development. In book 1, I said I have no favorite but in this one I think Olivia really stood out. She’s one incredible, unforgettable character.
Once again, I liked how and where the story went. The mystery kept me invested till the end. I liked that we get to know more about the side characters in book 1. The resolution is very realistic as well. The thing about this series is I always have an idea on how it will end but just like in book 1, I was wrong. LOL. And then after reading I realized that it makes sense that the story went that way.
Finally, the writing style changed a bit too. Compared to book 1, Hiding Cracked Glass has more parts that are almost lyrical. It’s obvious right from the very start. This kind of writing is not common in this genre so I love it. ...more
"After the Wedding isn't like other Historical romances I've read. Not that it lacks the usual romantic stuffs in HR genre. For me, there ar3.75 Stars
"After the Wedding isn't like other Historical romances I've read. Not that it lacks the usual romantic stuffs in HR genre. For me, there are just enough romance in it but rather, the plot includes some points that HR romances don't usually have.
The characters are diverse and very likeable. The MCs, Camilla and Adrian, were both regular people, not some dukes and socialite Lady, though Adrian has some connections. That alone is something I'm not used to in this genre, but I liked it because it's very refreshing. I love that the author made the characters this way. It made them unique in so many ways in comparison to other HR MCs. Adrian, by the way, is a POC which is amazing. Also I love the relationship between Cam and Adrian. Yeah, they started not seemingly like husband and Wife, not even really friends. But that made the development of the romance amazing. I like it how this couple resolved REAL conflicts instead of petty angst and resentments. I think they avoided those stuffs because they're too honest with each other. They tell each other what's wrong and what's not. And that made the plot unique as well. I know forced-marriage or marriage-before-love is already cliched but the clicheness end there. Adrian and Camilla's real struggle comes from their own current states; Camilla finding a place/person to stay and Adrian as a POC, and though throughout they are somehow helping each other, it is apparent that not one of them is really dependent to the other, showing their maturity. And I found myself sad for these two as I read their story.
The only reason I only gave it 3.75 stars is it started a little slow and the first chapters are almost like much info dumps. But it's worth it to keep reading as it got better. From the moment they were married, the pace, though not that fast, it didn't drag too. It was okay. Also I found some repetitions of infos throughout the narration. Like one info was already mentioned and then the next chapter it's mentioned again or sometimes they're on same chapter. It would be okay to repeat an info as long as it's mentioned one in a dialogue and the other is in narration but if it's both in narration and narrated by the same person, well...anyway, I think it could've been edited and so make the book shorter.
It didn't bother me that much really, and surely won't bother other readers, but well, I just noticed it and hoping next time I won't notice it again in this author's work. BECAUSE, I'm planning to read more from this author. I mean, it's obvious she's a good writer and put unique characters alive. I like her style. :) :)
*I received an arc from the publishers thru Netgalley. Thank you. :)...more
I REALLY love second chance Romance and I always mention that. So anyway, when I saw this on Netgalley.uk., I was excited to read it. But 3.5 Stars...
I REALLY love second chance Romance and I always mention that. So anyway, when I saw this on Netgalley.uk., I was excited to read it. But I wasn't expecting Adam to have a current girlfriend and FOR ME that was a big turn off.
But to the good stuffs first. I love almost everything about this novel. I love Laura and how she managed to take care of her son, William, all these years and how her parents included in his son's life. Her parents are my favorite characters, seriously. Of course just next to William. :) :) I find the story heartbreaking and funny at the same time. I can say this is a story with a heart. It was also incredibly well-written. I know I mentioned a little complain about something in this book, still the author's talent in writing is apparent. Not everyone can create such heartfelt story.
Now my only complain is Adam. I hate it that he has a jealous girlfriend and that said situation played a big part on Adam's development as a character. Oh wait. There was no development on Adam's character. None at all. He was as immature as he was ten years ago. Just a question, what if Laura and William didn't come to Paris? would he even have the guts to be a father to his son. I hate him. And the fact that Laura accepted him easily at the end doesn't help. Though I enjoyed reading this because of the other characters, I felt like I've tasted some bitter fruit when I reached the end.
This book simply isn't for me. Having a third wheel, a jealous freaking third wheel, and an immature hero, are big no for me. Yeah I gave it 3.5 stars because I'm trying to be professional. Though my review is my own, still I can't review a book mainly because of my emotion. There are other aspects to be considered.
#I thank Netgalley and the Publishers for providing me an e-copy.
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Deaths, Sexual Assaults, VIOLENCE, Bloodshed, ABUSE, slavery and more… (this might not be suitable for pre-teens though the MainTRIGGER WARNINGS: Deaths, Sexual Assaults, VIOLENCE, Bloodshed, ABUSE, slavery and more… (this might not be suitable for pre-teens though the Main Character is a 17-year old)
When was the last time I read a book that stars Vikings? Or have I ever read one? Lol.
There are two Viking clans, Aska and Riki that fights against each other every five years because of an ancient feud started by their Gods, Sigr and Thora (respectively). Both clans are fueled by hatred towards each other and fighting is just the way it is with them but Fate and the Gods might have set another path for them five years ago. Eelyn, an Aska warrior, watched her brother, Iri, died in a war, yet she came upon face to face with him five years later and fighting for the enemy clan, Riki. Still with so much unanswered question, she was captured by the Riki and thanks to Fiske, Iri’s new brother, she found herself a slave in his brother’s new family. It was a family belong to a clan she vowed to kill ever since she was a child. But unbeknownst to Aska and Riki, a stronger and more fearful clan is bound to destroy both of them and maybe the only way to stay alive is to fight alongside. But how can they forget all the deads they brought to each other’s people?
This one took me by surprise. I wasn’t expecting I’d enjoy it as much as I did. The story is well executed and fast paced. Filled with actions, in fact it started right with an action and that was such a kick-ass way to start a novel. (Should I do the same with mine- hehe) I was never bored and that’s saying a lot coz I read this at 2 a.m to 5 a.m. I think there wasn’t a single scene nor any line that isn’t necessary to the plot. The author indeed knows how to make use of every single page and it’s hard to believe this is a debut novel. The fight scenes were well-written as well.
Eelyn, our heroine, made me worried at first. She was TOO badass but you must understand this is how she was raised-to fight and to kill. I mean I love badassness but I think it was too much that had me worried I won’t see a semblance of humanity in her. A weakness-for it was what makes a character more believable and relatable. And Bam! the author suddenly threw her in a situation, in a position where she got to learn more values other than loyalty to her clan. I saw her strong then seemingly weak. Then strong again, even stronger than she’d ever been, because now she knows more truth and learn how to love. Her development was one of the most amazing thing, especially the way it was done.
“We find things, just as we lose things. If you’ve lost your honor, you’ll find it again.”
“I could still see a young Eelyn standing on the beach turned into the wind, a sword in one hand and an axe in the other. I hadn’t lost her. I hadn’t buried her. I’d only let her change into something new.”
Because of it, this book, for me, ended up being more character-driven and I loved it. Especially that not only one or two characters have captured my heart, All MC did. I repeat, ALL MAIN CHARACTERS CAPTURED MY HEART. I love Fiske. I love how loyal he is to Iri and then to Eelyn. Jesus, that Romance, that slow-burn romance that had me asking for more. I will never get tired of hate-to-love relationship. It’s my favorite trope in Romance. And hurrah for the absence of love triangle.
Note to Self (and other writers): YOU DON’T NEED TWO or more LOVE INTERESTS TO MAKE THE ROMANCE AMAZING!
Iri
, Eelyn's brother is a BIG part of the story. In fact everything started with him and it's amazing. I love his relationship with Eelyn, their sibling love. I could see it despite the hurt words. And his brotherly love for Fiske. Fiske and Iri's relationship is the kind I was looking for in The Oddling Prince. I also love
Halvard
, Fiske's younger brother, the firs Riki who made it to Eelyn's hardened heart. Lately, I've been reading novels with siblings relationship and I'm loving it. I also love
Inge,
Fiske and Halvard's mother, she's very understanding. With all these amazing characters, this book is family-oriented, EMOTIONAL, but not dramatic. You guys, you have to read to know what I'm saying...
The World was fine. But even though I liked it, I would've liked it more if there's more background, more history. But overall, in terms of world-building, this book wasn't lacking.
Would I recommend this? Ahm hello, OF COURSE. You guys, you have to read this. Though I can't promise you any surprising, mind blowing stuff that will come, this book, the story and the characters are PERFECT!!! And you will never get bored and never feel unsatisfied.
Let me start by saying that 2018 is so far(for me) the best year for great releases. Thank you TheMore Bookish posts from me @Lili's Blissful Pages
Let me start by saying that 2018 is so far(for me) the best year for great releases. Thank you The Cruel Prince for starting it last January 2. The next thing I wanna say is to Tomi Adeyemi herself (who watches BTS videos in her free time. How cool is that?) Anyway, Ms. Adeyemi, write faster, revise faster. Please I need Book 2 right now. That ending was EVIL. But in a good way. (Oopps! I think my pastor won't like it me treating any kind of evil in a good way. Hehe.)
♦♦ SYNOPSIS FROM GOODREADS ♦♦
Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zelie’s Reaper mother summoned forth souls. But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji were targeted and killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope. Now, Zélie has one chance to bring back magic and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie must outwit and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good. Danger lurks in Orïsha, where snow leoponaires prowl and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be Zélie herself as she struggles to control her powers—and her growing feelings for the enemy.
♦♦
MY THOUGHTS
♦♦
As stated above, I want this review to be completely spoiler-free as this one is so new. Let's start with the world, Tomi Adeyemi took me into - Orisha. It was aesthetically and vividly imaginative. Not the colorful kind of aesthetic but the world, with no doubt, was a product of such a creative mind. A mind who knows what art is and that mind is from a person who knows how to be God in a way that she just created this whole new complex world that i can guarantee is flawless. There was no hole in it. Trust me, I looked for a hole in the world-building of this book. There was none.
The magic, the fantasy was brilliant and magnificent. It was something I saw before but with interesting and intriguing twists. By God, A Reaper? This is high fantasy and epic fantasy at their best. And a touch of magic realism. The author, indeed, has did well creating her own world with own rules. I liked it that there was not a single time I asked and wonder how the magic works because it was so well written, meaning all is clear. Again no holes, guys.
[image]
The Plot. It was filled with action. Though between the beginning and ending of this book, there were chapters that made me think this book is too long, it should be shorter . and there were times I was afraid the author will fail and the book will turn out as disappointment. I almost rate this 4.5 but I now stand corrected and proved wrong. The author is amazing. Overall, I can say the pace was incredible. From our MCs status quo, Call to Adventure, their acceptance of it and down to the journey they've been and still having, it was all good. I don't want to get technical that much but I think this book also followed the Fichtean Curve plot structure where the hero gets through crisis after crises like she's riding in waves. Truly, amazingly done.
[image]
The Characters. I admit, there were times Zelie grew in me, I wanna smack her and hug her brother Tsain o he stops worrying. But Zel, even a maji is human and the plot isn't complete without little foolishness. :) The other characters, the siblings, Amari and Inan were amazing too. Inan makes me worry at first, but I've grown to love him. I think one of the best reason why I loved the main characters is because their 2 pairs of siblings who have such incredible relationship though said relationships are bit marred. The affection was there and that made my heart melts. :) Also each character's development is too obvious and since this is only book 1, their growth is still ongoing. :)
I highly recommend this book to everyone. Really, this one can be intimidating because of how long it is and like I said there were times, I was worried the author will make a mistake throughout the novel, but get through the end, It's worth it.
An unconventional heroine and a scandalous, broken angsty Hero. She's the kind of woman who used to believe in fairytales. He's the man who was raisedAn unconventional heroine and a scandalous, broken angsty Hero. She's the kind of woman who used to believe in fairytales. He's the man who was raised to believe he doesn't deserve love and affection. What can possibly go wrong in this love story, right? None, guys. Because this love story is perfect. The plot was amazing and it was well-written. The romance was fairytale-ish in an unconventional way. it was very heartwarming at the same time heartbreaking as we know the H and h were both hopeless creatures. The MCs just stole my heart and made themselves my new favorite HR couple.
This isn't just a sweet romance story. This one has real characters and a real plot. The conflict wasn't cliche for me, or if it is, well the author made it appear like it isn't.
And yeah this book also made it to my To-Be-Reread-Forever List. It's amazing. :) :) :) ...more
Here's the truth, I like this book but there are just some things that keep bugging me making me not to like Grey Lore.
The synopsis really3.5 Stars...
Here's the truth, I like this book but there are just some things that keep bugging me making me not to like Grey Lore.
The synopsis really caught my interest that's why I requested this book from Netgalley. And maybe first quarter of the book, I felt contented and somehow enjoying the reading. In fact I thought the this is so fairytale-like. I liked it. The tone that was set at the beginning was so mysterious, the chapters were divided into different parts, each part seemed cut so abruptly that I was always left wondering and asking what was that about or what will happen next. And so it was thrilling and of course I couldn't help but keep on reading.
Sadly, I grew tired of it. Sometimes, not revealing many things about the story or plot keeps the mystery going on but I think the approach used in this book isn't just very appealing and satisfying. See, each chapter is composed of many parts and most of the times each part was told in different POVs. Like in one chapter, there would be at least three POVs. Multiple POVs are okay but putting few or several POVs in one chapter isn't just that appealing especially if in every cut of POV the reader wasn't left satisfied.
Maybe after first quarter reading this, I'm not anymore thrilled to know the what's and why's, instead I'm frustrated. And Jesus Christ there are just too many POVs. I think it would have been better if the story sticks with Ella, Sara and Sam's POV... Besides the synopsis said, and I quote:
Ella, with her new friends, Sam and Sarah, might be able to find out what the strange occurrences mean. Except that they’re all being pulled in different directions by people who love them; and some who don’t.
If the story, whole story, was told thru their eyes, and little by little reveal to the readers what they FIND OUT, that would be more exciting. And I'm more interested on THEM, and what the occurrences in their town affect them...
I'm sorry I can't stop talking about POVs because really it made the story less beautiful and interesting. Because of this problem, the significance of Ella and her friends being the protagonists have been degraded. Not to mention I didn't get to connect with these three as well. They seem so bland.
On the other hand, I loves wolves. And like I said earlier I love the tone of this book and the idea of the wolves in their town was very thrilling. The mysterious killings. I also love the pace of this story. It's fast paced and maybe that's why I still got to finish this one. Now you may ask how on earth does a fast paced book have a bland protagonists.
I already said why... It's the multiple POVs... There is always something happening in the story but that doesn't mean our main characters are always doing something interesting.
Overall though I still recommend this book. If you want to be in a fairytale mood, this one is for you, with it's mysterious and dark tone.
I got this book from the publishers thru Netgalley. Thank you..
When Sarah unknowingly saved a young girl from an abduction, she didn't expect that the father of the one sheWarning: This book may contain triggers.
When Sarah unknowingly saved a young girl from an abduction, she didn't expect that the father of the one she saved Would offer her a possible solution to get rid a source of her problem .
Give me one name. One person. And I will make them disappear . . . Because everyone has a name to give. Don't they?
And with Sarah's situation, the offer seemed tempting. She has a good job in the Academia and dedicated to it. But her boss isn't making it easy for her as he keeps on advancing to her sexually. And with two young kids and no husband, Sarah needs her job and her disgusting boss really makes it clear that he has all the connection.
To begin, the idea of this story was captivating enough for me to request this book and thankfully it delivered well. The idea of 29 seconds phone call was really intriguing and it was done due to a desperation of a victim, Sarah, who suddenly lose control of the result of what she did. At first I found myself emotionally involved with Sarah because of what she's going through because of her boss, and then after the call, I was flooded with even more emotions. I felt fear for Sarah, frustrated, more desperate. Clearly, I liked Sarah as a character though in reality I might not agree with some things she did, (But this is fiction so let's just pretend it's ok. LOL) and it'sthe reason why I didn't give this one a complete five.
The whole book is a roller coaster ride that promises an interesting intriguing story with few twist and turns making the ride more thrilling. The pace is just fine with me and the way the author handled the plot points was just amazing, making me want to read his first book, Lies.
I personally and wholeheartedly recommend this book to Thriller lovers like me. :) I read this book in just five hours because I really liked it.. :)
I was provided a copy by the publishers and author thru Netgalley in exchange for a review. Thank You. :)
Loading...
