I don't read many political thrillers but I do watch a lot of television shows centred around this genre, and after reading the synopsis of The Serpen...moreI don't read many political thrillers but I do watch a lot of television shows centred around this genre, and after reading the synopsis of The Serpent's Head, I was eager to read the book. As soon as I finished the first two chapters, I was hooked into the storyline. The main focus of the story lies with Liu Peng and Harriet who both seek revenge for the killing of their children who died in a London bombing. The first half of the story had me glued to the book. Here are two people who would go to any lengths to avenge the death of their loved ones. We see their plan unfold before our eyes in very specific details. The second half of the story didn't grab me as much as by this time it became a little too predicatable. I will say that I did not expect the cliffhanger at the end. It was a nice way to end it as it shows that Liu Peng and Harriet's mission hasn't been completely resolved.
It was a good story full of intrigue and adventure. The problem I had was with the execution. A lot of the times, it felt as I though I was reading a manual. I could see the outcome and the building blocks to complete the plan. The narrator explaining how to get from A to B killed the suspense, so whenever something took place, I was never surprised. There was a great build up of tension but not a lot of suspense, which was a shame as it's a good story.
Overall, I did enjoy the book. I think it gave a great insight into certain events and issues that are taking place in the world, and it opens your eyes up a little more in the way of understanding why certain things happen.(less)
This was an enjoyable book. It was gripping right from the start. I found that for the first half of the book, I didn't want to put it down. We're int...moreThis was an enjoyable book. It was gripping right from the start. I found that for the first half of the book, I didn't want to put it down. We're introduced to Lia Weaver and her world where danger lurks in the dark. The second half of the book didn't really grab me as much. I was actually losing interest as I kept waiting for something huge to happen or to be introduced to the Watchers that we here so much about, but they never seem to make an appearance until right at the end and still, I didn't feel that sense of danger I had heard so much about at the beginning of the book.
I felt the last half of the book had a different vibe. It was almost as if it became a different story. I felt as if this book ended with a different story than what it began with. I just felt it lost my interest in the second half. Although I liked the character of Gabe, I didn't get the chance to connect with him. Lia's siblings were likeable, though, at times, I felt as though the author was telling me about the characters as opposed to showing me what they were like and allowing me to form my own opinion based on their interactions and behaviour.
Still, I found it to be an enjoyable read. There are a lot of unanswered questions which will make readers want to come back for more. It's a good start. I found Lia to be a strong, likable character.
This was an interesting read, a little slow to begin with but I stuck with it and was glad as the story does pick up and the action takes off. I won t...moreThis was an interesting read, a little slow to begin with but I stuck with it and was glad as the story does pick up and the action takes off. I won this book in a giveaway, and while I'm certain the end result is perfectly formatted, my version had no paragraph breaks and the dialogue were all clumped together so it was hard at times to figure out which character was speaking. Nonetheless, I still got the essense of the story.
We follow Pearl Underwood as she tries to find her place in a confusing and confining world. The story had a certain colonial mentality that pervades the contemporary lifestyle of the world outside of Pearl's little bubble. Pearl is a very conflicting character. While she wishes to break away from her oppressive lifestyle and seek more independence, she's not certain she can trust the people in the world she longs to be part of.
There's definitely great potential here, and I feel it could have been executed better with more character and plot development. The grammatical errors were a little intrusive at times, which pulled me out of the story every now and then. Apart from Pearl, I didn't feel a connection to the other characters. There are certainly some interesting twists that keep you on your toes. There are unanswered questions that leaves you wondering what is to come for Pearl and where the next adventure will take her.
It was a good read. It needs to tighten up in places but the messages of friendship, family and trust are strong enough to keep you reading on and rooting for the main character.(less)
Okay, so when I bought this book I wasn't expecting originality, so I wasn't surprised by all the cliches, but what I was hoping for was a great read,...moreOkay, so when I bought this book I wasn't expecting originality, so I wasn't surprised by all the cliches, but what I was hoping for was a great read, and I got just that. We're introduced to Alex and Brittany, who are from different worlds but have so much in common and such a great attraction towards each other that you can't help but root for them to get together.
I loved the book. It was addictive. I'm looking forward to reading the other books in the series. Elkeles really does know how to grab the readers attention and keep them glued. So glad I picked the book up.(less)
I really enjoyed this book. So glad I finally finished it, and it's not because of lack of enthusiasm. Just too much workload. I loved Cassidy and Eme...moreI really enjoyed this book. So glad I finally finished it, and it's not because of lack of enthusiasm. Just too much workload. I loved Cassidy and Emery. They had great chemistry. The story was well executed. It's a simple storyline: Cassidy Jones starts off as your average teen dealing with sibling rivalry and boy crushes until an accident at a laboratory turns her world upside down.
It's a well written book, and a good start to a series. It was full of adrenaline. There were moments when the pace slacked a little, but it often quickly picked up pace again that it wasn't much of an issue. The character of Arthur King was annoying, I must say. He just kept talking, so much so that I felt I could shoot him just to shut him up. I'm not sure if that was the intended reaction I was supposed to have towards this character, but that's how I felt.
I sense there's a lot more adventure to come with Cassidy and Emery - and hopefully what seems to be a budding romance. It's a good read.(less)
I have to say, if all memoirs are like this one, then I’m obviously missing out. American Wop surprised me. I didn’t anticipate the impact it would ha...moreI have to say, if all memoirs are like this one, then I’m obviously missing out. American Wop surprised me. I didn’t anticipate the impact it would have on me. I’ve always loved history but haven’t quite heard it being told in such a way that is filled with so much passion and personality. The characters were brilliant. I learned quite a bit – from info on JFK to the story behind Moby Dick, which I still need to read. It’s a very informative book with a wonderful blend of humour and gentle melancholy. I even found a new poem to add to my favourite list.
This is a story with heart. Jack’s story is moving and it makes you wonder about the world we live in and the people who are a great part of our lives. American history and boxing ... What more could you want? This is a must read.(less)
Okay, what can I say? First, it wasn't as epic as I thought it would be. There wasn't really a climatic moment. It was a smooth journey - not many bum...moreOkay, what can I say? First, it wasn't as epic as I thought it would be. There wasn't really a climatic moment. It was a smooth journey - not many bumps along the way. Very easy to get into. The atmosphere was consistent throughout the entire book, which at times made it slightly boring, as it seemed to drag along. Some scenes and stops they made on the way seemed pointless and didn't add much in terms of propelling the story forward. They could have easily been edited out and would have had no impact on the story.
There were many cliches that made it seem corny at times. The relationship between Roger and Amy, albeit adorable, didn't have me jumping up and down. I didn't sense that great chemistry I was longing for. Two teenagers stuck together for a few days ... There should have been a Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On.
Considering this was on my wish list, I was very much looking forward to reading it. I must say, I was greatly disappointed. It started off well, intr...moreConsidering this was on my wish list, I was very much looking forward to reading it. I must say, I was greatly disappointed. It started off well, introducing us to Tally and her utalitarian world. The story held my attention for about the first 100 pages before I started to become frustrated with the plot development and the fact that I wasn't connecting to any of the characters.
There is one goal: to be a Pretty.
Tally longs to join the folks in New Pretty Town and become what society deems as 'perfect'. After the first 100 pages, I started to get bored as the story was just dragging along. There was always constant movement, yet the story was not progressing. Many scenes lacked significance. At times, I felt as if I was in a parked car, and everything around me was moving. Although we get to see Shay and Tally go on adventures, it felt as if the story wasn't going anywhere. I felt as if I could do without those scenes as they didn't add much to the story. I wanted Westerfeld to just get to the point and stop lollygagging.
The story just didn't fly off the pages for me. I didn't feel the presence of the character, I didn't particularly care for the romance that was forming between Tally and David nor did I care much for how the story would end. I skimmed a few pages, particularly towards the end, which I don't like to do, as I feel I'll miss out on important information. It's a good concept. It just wasn't executed well. At least, that's how I feel.
Westerfeld writes well, but the story just didn't grab me. Uglies was an okay read, but I don't think I'll be continuing on with the rest of the books in the series.(less)
I've been meaning to read this book for a long time now. I've heard about it since my school days but never really had the urge to pick it up. Honestl...moreI've been meaning to read this book for a long time now. I've heard about it since my school days but never really had the urge to pick it up. Honestly, I'm glad I waited. I don't think I would have appreciated the novel quite as much as I do now if I had read it in my teen years.
Though this book was published in the 50's, it is relevant today. It is raw human nature at its finest. It is audacious, and I love it! It is a haunting depiction of society - an allegory of civilized mentality, which is revealed here as chaos.
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