Fine book with an interesting And captivating storyline. Some twists And turns keep up the pace. The only thing I disliked was the ending, although it...moreFine book with an interesting And captivating storyline. Some twists And turns keep up the pace. The only thing I disliked was the ending, although it leaves me wondering if there isn't going to be a sequel.(less)
3 and half out of 5 stars - because when I started it there was no mention anywhere that this would turn out to be a trilogy, so the ending was puzzli...more3 and half out of 5 stars - because when I started it there was no mention anywhere that this would turn out to be a trilogy, so the ending was puzzling and very surprising for me. Otherwise it's a very well written book, around a newish storyline, with exciting twists and turns. I'm looking forward the release dates of future books.(less)
Creating Personal Presence is a book divided into four main sections, from the subtitle, Look, Talk, Think and Act - from the most noticeable/least im...moreCreating Personal Presence is a book divided into four main sections, from the subtitle, Look, Talk, Think and Act - from the most noticeable/least important to least noticeable/most important. Not that you won't need all of them to be more than you are right now.
Dianna spaces advice and some tips, with some funny snippets from real cases, but despite describing the qualities, the actions, the attitudes one should take to succeed, she doesn't offer many solutions on how to get them. Let me try to be clear, she describes what you want to achieve, but doesn't explain the road taken to get there, and that's for me is the only fault of this book - lack of something more, some further steps.(less)
Beautiful covers hides beautiful prose with a "but", it's too hard to follow. I'm 26 and found it hard sometimes, so knowing this book is aimed at a y...moreBeautiful covers hides beautiful prose with a "but", it's too hard to follow. I'm 26 and found it hard sometimes, so knowing this book is aimed at a younger age group startles me. It's not that the sory is complex (it's actually a very simple storyline), it's the many twists and turns Sandra puts the words through, that loses the reader. There's a bit of sparkle here and there, in moments that stay with the reader for a while, but overall it just comes across as a words-too-big for the story told kind of book.
(Looking at the cover of book 2 - so pretty! I hope the writing and the simplicity of following the sroryline improves!)(less)
A collection of very short horror stories written by … . I’m a huge fan of short stories (oh, I also enjoy the long, drawn out in various tomes ones),...moreA collection of very short horror stories written by … . I’m a huge fan of short stories (oh, I also enjoy the long, drawn out in various tomes ones), but there’s something about the simplicity of short stories, the fact that you can pick one from a book in the 5 minute commute to work, on those last few moments of your lunch break, that I really enjoy. I also really enjoy dark themes, but I had never read a book of short horror stories before. I felt a bit dsappointed. The story writing is very good, don’t take me wrong, but a lot of the stories featured have a morale, and more behind them that you could write long essays on their meaning and metaphors. So yes, they’re great from an English class viewpoint, (and students all over the country would relinquish in reading them over some boring old texts from the past), but they’re not the easy “snack” that I’d have been looking for in a compilation of short stories. Inside you’ll find dark tunnels and passageways, aliens from other worlds and from this one, lifes that are your own but then aren’t, stolen dreams and much more. Some could keep you awake at night if you keep thinking long about them. None you’ll make you laugh. This book is for fans of the genre and all of you who like to find the hidden message behind things.(less)
Absolutely magnificient. I was deeply captivated by this tale’s premise: Devil bets with God that if Jesus were born today, He wouldn’t sacrifice His...moreAbsolutely magnificient. I was deeply captivated by this tale’s premise: Devil bets with God that if Jesus were born today, He wouldn’t sacrifice His Life for any human. Not being too religious I don’t have any strong convictions that would preclude me from loving or hating the book on principle, so I was able to enjoy it from a purely entertainment point of view. And what a great work of fiction this is.
The characters are strong, behave true to themselves throughout the book, while keeping the power to surprise us. Some are likeable, some are frightening, and none will keep you indifferent. There’s a bit of romance but it’s not too intrusive. The pace moves forward steadily, keeping me awake at night to read “just one more chapter” that always turns out to be more than that. The mistery… I won’t talk about that, you’ll have to read for yourself. It’s good, so very good. I also love the cover and marketing, with hints that it’ll turn out to be a big studio movie, and I’d love to see that. It’s a great book, and I’m so curious to know what else Ken Policard has in store for us!
I'm not one to read many self-help (or any non-fiction on my free time actually!), but this book grabbed my attention with its quircky cover and title...moreI'm not one to read many self-help (or any non-fiction on my free time actually!), but this book grabbed my attention with its quircky cover and title. Maybe I do need diva advice for myself.
What is found within the book aren't make-up tips or which dress suits your form better or how to find a look-a-like for those designer shoes and bag you've been oggling for ages. What you get is sound advice and good tips on how to lead your life to be a better person and live happier. As simple as it sounds. Most of it could be gathered from common sense but I know some women who need to read it to get in their heads. And for those ones, this book is just ideal.(less)
Andrea is the youngest of 4 daughters of the King of a medieval reign. Unloved by a father who desired a male heir, she longs to be a knight from youn...moreAndrea is the youngest of 4 daughters of the King of a medieval reign. Unloved by a father who desired a male heir, she longs to be a knight from young age, contrasting with her beautiful and polished lady sisters - which herself must transform into. When she discovers a portal to modern-day California she sees an escape from such fate.
Sometimes fast-paced, sometimes slow, this young adult reading shows us Andrea growing up, falling for her first crush, breaking her heart and finding true love, all while fighting to keep her kingdom and those she loves safe from oncoming war. The transitions from one world to another are well depicted, and while sometimes predictable, the ending managed to surpride me a bit with its turn. Andrea grows up, and each of us can a grow a little with her.
Regarding the cover, while pretty, I have picture Andrea differently (her hair longer, her clothes more detailed and victorian - see the two moons on the ski? It's her world she's depicted in and not ours). Regardeless it's a pretty cover and I'll love to have it on my shelf when the books comes out.(less)
I sadly wasn't able to ready every page of this one, but like the publisher adverts, it's a book you get to when you need to brush up one of your skil...moreI sadly wasn't able to ready every page of this one, but like the publisher adverts, it's a book you get to when you need to brush up one of your skills or when you're searching for a new approach into a issue at work perhaps.
Clear and concise it first explains the basis of the DiSC psychological model, and then procedes to get you through a brief explanation of the 8 leadership dimensions, guiding you (with the help of web material and questionary, if needed) to find your dominant attitude. From there, it procedes in two branches, the first one adverting for your pitfalls, so you can avoid them, and the second one showing how to improve, based on the quealities of the other leadership models.
Useful to those who are strugling with liderance problems at work, interesting for everyone in leadership roles, and entertaing to psychology lovers.(less)
I cannot be forgiven for not having written this sooner, because I absolutely loved this book, and it's still (after many books), my favorite so far t...moreI cannot be forgiven for not having written this sooner, because I absolutely loved this book, and it's still (after many books), my favorite so far this year.
In very few words: 1- This could be the new "Twilight". Forget the other angel books around, this is the ONE, this will make you happy, will make you sad, will make you cry for these characters and made you hope everything turns out alright for them - I truly believe that was all Twilight was about, the empathy we felt for those characters. These are much more "human" and likeable. Their dramas are truer. Their story is tronger. Yes, so much better than Twilight. 2- Gorgeous (US) cover. 3- Strong plot, nice prose.
LOVED it and cannot wait for the next one in the series to come out.(less)
Warning: Spoilers for book one - Once a Witch in this review!
The final installment of the Witch duology brings a new flavor to Tamsin’s life. Starting...moreWarning: Spoilers for book one - Once a Witch in this review!
The final installment of the Witch duology brings a new flavor to Tamsin’s life. Starting with the first impression – this cover is darker, lacking the touches of colour of the Once a Witch, and bring a girl in full view. The cover is modeled (and art) by Brazilian Fernanda Brussi, the same model/artist of the Fallen series cover art, and the resemblance will not be missed by the target audience, likely to be familiar with both works. My biggest issue is the straight hair of the female. Tamsin in depicted with curly, difficult to tame, hair, which sometimes frustrates her, and I deeply empathize with her, having been genetically endowed with such locks myself. Despite that missed detail, the colours and sense of longing that the cover inspired me, are very much in tune with the book and the path it leads us on.
Book one left us with the near escape of Tamsin, Rowena – her sister, and Gabriel – her boyfriend, from Alistair from the enemy family Knight and his blood spells, with the help of the Domani – an artifact long made by the Greene family to contain the Knights’ power, not long after the discovery of her powerful Talent. But Alistair escaped as well and it doesn’t take long for us to find out he Travelled in Time to alert his ancestors, putting in danger various generations of the Greenes.
Book two leads us on as Tamsin tries to stop him and the actions of her family, on a quest to save her own. I really can’t say more with fear of spoiling the unraveling of the story, but I assure you it’s worth it. Fast paced, fresh and full of emotion, I couldn’t put in down until the very final tears. Recommended to everyone with a deep sense of family union. (less)
I’ve been coming across the subject steampunk every so often while browsing through my favorite genre Urban Fantasy. It seems only appropriate that I...moreI’ve been coming across the subject steampunk every so often while browsing through my favorite genre Urban Fantasy. It seems only appropriate that I venture for the first time in the genre with the classic Infernal Devices.
The book introduces us to Dower Junior, son of renowned clockwork maker who inherits his shop and trade, but not his skill. The visit of a mysterious client starts a most disconcerting chain of events that will lead him far from the safety of his house.
The narrative is told from the point of view of the protagonist, recalling on the events that have come to pass. The book rolls out in different parts, which while following the same story path, introduce new elements or a scenery change in the story, and can be a little confusing until the reader (along with the main character) adapts to the new situation and the additional set of questions and unanswered riddles. Through a journey of mixed breeds, loony scientists, unique creations, devoted friends and unlikely allies it all comes together in a surprising and fully satisfying conclusion.
Well written and solidly constructed I found it a pleasant introduction to the steampunk genre and I’m looking forward my next clockwork expedition.
A last positive note to the preface/introduction, very informative, and to the cover, detailed and intriguing.
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