This was so-so at best. Honestly it started off as pure bdsm sex. The story was a joke. A bit gets added later on, but at that point I felt it a littlThis was so-so at best. Honestly it started off as pure bdsm sex. The story was a joke. A bit gets added later on, but at that point I felt it a little too late. It is also very jumpy and sporadic which I didn't like. This has a different take on elves though. Not one I persay like but I don't hate it either. Just different. The characters themselves are mediocre. I didn't feel they were very fleshed out. I know this was a short novella, but still...I was hoping for more.
Merged review:
This was so-so at best. Honestly it started off as pure bdsm sex. The story was a joke. A bit gets added later on, but at that point I felt it a little too late. It is also very jumpy and sporadic which I didn't like. This has a different take on elves though. Not one I persay like but I don't hate it either. Just different. The characters themselves are mediocre. I didn't feel they were very fleshed out. I know this was a short novella, but still...I was hoping for more....more
Maybe 3.5...Not sure though... (2020-Nope. Solid 3. Best I can give it)
I sort of enjoyed this but also hate parts I really did not like. A lot of the Maybe 3.5...Not sure though... (2020-Nope. Solid 3. Best I can give it)
I sort of enjoyed this but also hate parts I really did not like. A lot of the book felt over messaged (the whole being treated the way humans treat animals concept is starting to get annoying). BUt with aliens, I feel it a bit more acceptable of a twist. Especially when aliens are mostly more advanced. I liked the mystery of why they were there, whom to trust, etc. I was not a big fan of the characters through much of the book. Cora often got overemotional, Leon loses it, Lucky acts like a puppy following whomever seems to be his master in the moment. At first Rolf seemed okay, but he goes way downhill, and Nok I could not stand! I probably liked Mali best. The whole setup they live in is both strange and interesting with the mix of environments, time and place settings all mixed together. There were times early on, I was bored and almost DNFed it. I am glad I pushed on, as it did get better overall with an end that has me wondering what is to come.
2020-Okay, so nitty-gritty. I liked the flow of the story. It just moves. I decent balance of description, action and character development. Or is it character de-evolvement? These characters, for the most part, get worse. Although I am not sure how much is their fault or the aliens... Still, it gets annoying! I love to hate on a character but I don't like hating them all for being annoying and stupid! This really borders on being a flop for me. The only reason I even re-read it is that I don't remember what all happened, especially in the end so I am trying to go through them again. I plan for this to be the last time.
Merged review:
Maybe 3.5...Not sure though... (2020-Nope. Solid 3. Best I can give it)
I sort of enjoyed this but also hate parts I really did not like. A lot of the book felt over messaged (the whole being treated the way humans treat animals concept is starting to get annoying). BUt with aliens, I feel it a bit more acceptable of a twist. Especially when aliens are mostly more advanced. I liked the mystery of why they were there, whom to trust, etc. I was not a big fan of the characters through much of the book. Cora often got overemotional, Leon loses it, Lucky acts like a puppy following whomever seems to be his master in the moment. At first Rolf seemed okay, but he goes way downhill, and Nok I could not stand! I probably liked Mali best. The whole setup they live in is both strange and interesting with the mix of environments, time and place settings all mixed together. There were times early on, I was bored and almost DNFed it. I am glad I pushed on, as it did get better overall with an end that has me wondering what is to come.
2020-Okay, so nitty-gritty. I liked the flow of the story. It just moves. I decent balance of description, action and character development. Or is it character de-evolvement? These characters, for the most part, get worse. Although I am not sure how much is their fault or the aliens... Still, it gets annoying! I love to hate on a character but I don't like hating them all for being annoying and stupid! This really borders on being a flop for me. The only reason I even re-read it is that I don't remember what all happened, especially in the end so I am trying to go through them again. I plan for this to be the last time....more
3.5 STARS is more accurate. I enjoyed it, but it never fully grabbed my undivided attention. It got better as it goes along. I like how the author hit3.5 STARS is more accurate. I enjoyed it, but it never fully grabbed my undivided attention. It got better as it goes along. I like how the author hits on Jerry's wheelchair use and how not every disability is the same. This was a nice touch. Her character is still strong and independent and I adore her. Paul is my favorite character though. No surprise there. It really takes a long time to get the the mystery of the story, let alone the magic/paranormal aspects (excluding Paul). Cute lessons, not so smart adults and a girl who is mostly confident in herself as long as she doesn't connect to other youth. ...more
3.5 stars A curious time setting for this story and one I was deeply enjoying (as much as one can enjoy such a time) it at first. While I have read and3.5 stars A curious time setting for this story and one I was deeply enjoying (as much as one can enjoy such a time) it at first. While I have read and studied the time period a bit, I have not done much from the perspective of what happened in Italy. I just wish it pulled in more of the creepy factors, the paranormal. It had the right vibes but the execution was a bit lacking and minimal outcome. The history and what was happening in and to Italy was the bigger focus. While an important message was there for us, I felt it also covers part of the story. Some dark Jane Eyre feels which I did like. I don't know any Italian so I stumbled a bit over some of the words and terms but that is on me, not the author. Overall, a decent read but I had hoped for a but more....more
Woah, this one had quite the reveal on the brothers! I had a lot of fun with this and cannot wait to revisit this series know, armed with new insight Woah, this one had quite the reveal on the brothers! I had a lot of fun with this and cannot wait to revisit this series know, armed with new insight into the headmasters, and the school. This one seemed to have more depth than the original books. A lot less cliche with more original characters and also some name drops. I liked Hook's character, I think, but I haven't locked down an opinion yet. The brothers are fantastically written and the trouble that brews kept me in constant anticipation....more
A must for any fans of 'The Turn of the Screw." A curious investigation into the story, mixed with Eqyptian beliefs and some magic from a modern casteA must for any fans of 'The Turn of the Screw." A curious investigation into the story, mixed with Eqyptian beliefs and some magic from a modern caster and this might be a look behind the mysterious curtain that protects Bly Manor. I applaud Kelsey Ketch on the details of research she puts into her books! It brings an interesting level of realism to this ghost story. And has me curious to do some studying myself. My favorite character was the cat, Litten. Loved that guy with his protective nature, playful spirit and AMAZING training results! A few things were a bit obvious earlier on but the way the story unfolds kept me glued to the story. The dream sequences in particular caught my attention. In addition to a good story, perfect for this time of year, I also got some new tea mixes I will have to try. I am always looking for new blends, and this book tosses a few out there. Another great book by Kelsey Ketch! You always know how to captivate an audience!...more
Woah, this really did take some of the stories we know in a different direction! Some of these I really enjoyed, others were more odd. My least favoriWoah, this really did take some of the stories we know in a different direction! Some of these I really enjoyed, others were more odd. My least favorites were Sleeping Beauty Beauty and the Beast & Rapunzel. Just not my taste. Favorites include Hansel and Gretel & Peter Pan. Great diversity in this collection! Although it was shelved at the library as Juvenile (middle grade) I feel some of the topics make it more solid YA. Topics can lightly include incest, rape, and infidelity. ...more
A short but enjoyable peek into Charissa. Her origin story.
I loved the historical setting. Kelsey Ketch makes the times come to life with her beautifA short but enjoyable peek into Charissa. Her origin story.
I loved the historical setting. Kelsey Ketch makes the times come to life with her beautiful writing. It is well research and then presented to us in a way where I felt I was right there with Charissa, on her walk. Amazing, and for our further learning, I like that the author includes what she used for her research, so we can even broaden our own knowledge. A huge plus for any history buffs!
It was interesting to get an idea of what Charissa went through in these early days. I wish we got a but more of what those years held. The image we get of her in Dark Reflections isn't very nice so seeing this other side was curious....more
A good story, but a slightly annoying MC. Zurretta is so naive in this. She makes a lot of rookie mistakes one minute but then tries to carry her weigA good story, but a slightly annoying MC. Zurretta is so naive in this. She makes a lot of rookie mistakes one minute but then tries to carry her weight around with more pride than she deserves. I like the slight paranormal aspect to this. It underlines the story but doesn't take away from the legend or true horror. This has re-sparked an interest in studying more ab out HH Holmes and the Castle. I can imagine this is how one might feel in such a situation. I admire her determination and willingness to risk herself for the truth but when her cockiness and pride show up she drove me a bit crazy! I wish the ending was a bit more accurate just a bit but I get that would be harder to wrap up perhaps. Creepy moments, mystery and yet knowing who the villian is in advance makes this such a curious story of cat and mouse....more
Based on how far along we were, I thought this would be the last book. NOT! I loved all the info in it, and how things have parts that were not in theBased on how far along we were, I thought this would be the last book. NOT! I loved all the info in it, and how things have parts that were not in the main story. I expected more when he half broke his oath though. Same with the Dragon League scenes. But I really appreciated the interactions with George. I never got the chance to get a strong feel for him in the main series. Sadly, Dean I still have no real opinion on. It was a bit too slow for me. This one dragged too much and kept this from being a 5 star read. ...more
This was more thought-provoking than I expected. Normally, when people ask me if I could go back in time and change my mistakes, what would I change aThis was more thought-provoking than I expected. Normally, when people ask me if I could go back in time and change my mistakes, what would I change and my answer was always "nothing." My mistakes and hardships in life is what makes me whom I am today. For better and worse. But what about when this life I live is over? Would I want the answers to those "what ifs?" Would I want a second chance at a life? This book explores those possibilities. From relationship regrets, to what about that fleeting thought to a different career path that you dismissed. Granted this novel isn't about my regrets and wishes but anothers. But it does leave a reflective impact.
The story itself was well written and engaging. I can't say I am a huge fan of the character but you still end of routing for her to find a happy life....more
I rather enjoyed this. Good atmosphere to curl with late at night. Grab a blanket and something hot to drink. Part gothic mystery, part horror. I likeI rather enjoyed this. Good atmosphere to curl with late at night. Grab a blanket and something hot to drink. Part gothic mystery, part horror. I liked those house. Like our MC, it intrigued me. I would have been exploring too! Some parts were a bit hard to visualize the action though. Like when she first blacks out. BUt others I felt right there. I had some small chills. I read this in one sitting! I was suppose to just be taking a break from cleaning and the next thing I know, I am hooked! Lucky for my to-do list, it is short. I look forward to reading more by Darcy Coates in the future! This was a perfect read with Halloween in just a few weeks!...more
Woah! I did not think there would be enough here to justify the timeline vs length of the book. But there was! This explains so much. While Blake may Woah! I did not think there would be enough here to justify the timeline vs length of the book. But there was! This explains so much. While Blake may not be dark anymore, he still fights the dent like crazy and how it all works is explained so well. I was impressed! So many things he does that I had no idea about are brought to life and it filled in cracks and holes in the story, some of which I wasn't even aware of until now. How the dent works from his perspective and what Elaina means to him and how he feels about her was great to see. The only thing I didn't like were the hints dropped that elude back to the first Beam book, which I was less than thrilled with. Now on to the next book in the series (the last I think)....more
I was not able to fully appreciate this, nor did I find it a waste of time. It has some good tips and some good questions to ask yourself. But it didnI was not able to fully appreciate this, nor did I find it a waste of time. It has some good tips and some good questions to ask yourself. But it didn't actually motivate me. It also felt very detached. Personal or real experiences can really bring examples to life. I wish there was more about how to minimalize and what that can mean for different people. I wanted more on how to minimalize other parts of my life. This isn't a true declutter book either so it just was more in limbo and therefore had no lasting impact. No new tricks but if you are really new into decluttering your home, or living a slightly more "minimalist" life but are new to the idea it might be worth it....more
I remember reading the first original book and liking it. It had me curious what was happening. But this mix and how it went back and forth didn't do I remember reading the first original book and liking it. It had me curious what was happening. But this mix and how it went back and forth didn't do it for me. I was left feeling like I couldn't get into the characters. I felt completely disconnected. The two opposite communities were mildy interesting but the revelations left me lacking interest. Lots of name drop characters but no real connection to the story left me frustrated, trying to learn who there were just to get to a point that it really doesn't matter, it is just a random name! Most characters were lacking any personality. It felt flat. Leia was probably the best but she is one of the mains. Overall meh feeling when I finished. I doubt I will read the last book I just don't feel it worth buying and my library doesn't have it....more
Another fun book in this series. I didn't like it as much as the others due to it felt a little less fandom-like as the others. The focus of homecominAnother fun book in this series. I didn't like it as much as the others due to it felt a little less fandom-like as the others. The focus of homecoming did nothing for me. I wish it had the Con focus again, not just the first chapter. I really liked Rosie and her friends. I love her they called her Dad, 'Space Dad.' It made me smile every time. Vance I didn't get. He never really grew on me but I enjoyed scenes with his guardian, Elias. Overall a cute read, a potential nice finish to the series but a bit lacking in parts as well in a couple areas....more
I was so excited to finally get to this. After the "Not a Drop to Drink" and its sequel, I was looking for another edgy survival book. Well survival II was so excited to finally get to this. After the "Not a Drop to Drink" and its sequel, I was looking for another edgy survival book. Well survival I got, along with a few too many bucketful dumps of teen angst and drama. I thought once the others were out of the picture it would improve but no. She kept have flashbacks and delusions about it all. Toss in her being obsessed about a guy that she truly barely knew that had disappeared and I barely got through this. I still don't get how lost she gets in this for her supposed skills. I really just wanted more from this. Decent descriptions on some of the scenes and a couple cringe-worthy graphic moments is why it even got 2 stars...more