Samantha Cook's Blog, page 12
September 17, 2016
Book Review: American Monsters
AMERICAN MONSTERS (Demon Road #3) by Derek Landy 5 Stars Verdict: A brilliant end to the trilogy.
Amber struggles between her confident but demonic skin, and her average-but-caring human side in her newly acquired position as the ‘Devils Lapdog’. Between her morally questionable tasks, she’s on the hunt for her parents who once tried to eat her, but learns that embracing her demonic
Amber struggles between her confident but demonic skin, and her average-but-caring human side in her newly acquired position as the ‘Devils Lapdog’. Between her morally questionable tasks, she’s on the hunt for her parents who once tried to eat her, but learns that embracing her demonic
August 16, 2016
Book review: And I Darken
AND I DARKEN by Kiersten White3 StarsVerdict: Not for me, thanks.
The imagery, the language, the feels… The writing in this book is fantastic, laced with beautiful lines and natural dialogue that hold a weighty punch. Unfortunately, the heavy politics means this series is not for me, but I would definitely read more from this author.
Lada is a fascinating main character based on a gender
The imagery, the language, the feels… The writing in this book is fantastic, laced with beautiful lines and natural dialogue that hold a weighty punch. Unfortunately, the heavy politics means this series is not for me, but I would definitely read more from this author.
Lada is a fascinating main character based on a gender
August 6, 2016
Book Review: The Giver
THE GIVER by Lois Lowery
5 Stars
Verdict: Why didn’t I read this sooner?
I almost can’t put my finger on what I enjoyed about THE GIVER. I didn’t necessarily connect with twelve-year-old Jonas, but I felt oddly proud of him as he took his first steps towards adulthood and chose to learn about the world in a different light. The plot seemed so simple and almost slow paced at times, yet I just
5 Stars
Verdict: Why didn’t I read this sooner?
I almost can’t put my finger on what I enjoyed about THE GIVER. I didn’t necessarily connect with twelve-year-old Jonas, but I felt oddly proud of him as he took his first steps towards adulthood and chose to learn about the world in a different light. The plot seemed so simple and almost slow paced at times, yet I just
June 18, 2016
Book Review: A Court of Thorns and Roses
A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES by Sarah J. Maas3 StarsVerdict: Well, the last 10% was entertaining.
This review has taken me a long time to write because I was almost certain I was going to love this book. I loved book one and two of THE GLASS THRONE series, I love Maas’ writing style, and I think she’s a brilliant writer. I love fairy-tale retellings, and the blurb sounded perfect, but I
This review has taken me a long time to write because I was almost certain I was going to love this book. I loved book one and two of THE GLASS THRONE series, I love Maas’ writing style, and I think she’s a brilliant writer. I love fairy-tale retellings, and the blurb sounded perfect, but I
June 14, 2016
Book Review: The Selection
THE SELECTION by Kiera Cass 5 Stars Verdict: Unexpectedly enjoyable dystopian romance
I wasn’t expecting to like this as much as I did. Just look at how pretty and girly the cover looks – and the blurb screams romance, squabbling girls, pretty dresses… But then again, the book had a lot of popularity so I wanted to know what the fuss was about!
Right from the start there’s a dystopian feel
I wasn’t expecting to like this as much as I did. Just look at how pretty and girly the cover looks – and the blurb screams romance, squabbling girls, pretty dresses… But then again, the book had a lot of popularity so I wanted to know what the fuss was about!
Right from the start there’s a dystopian feel
June 11, 2016
Book Review: The Kind Worth Killing
THE KIND WORTH KILLING by Peter Swanson
4 Stars
Verdict: Light and thrilling, with darkness and killing.
Two strangers meet in a airport bar and plot to kill a cheating wife. It starts fast and builds steadily, with a clever plot and devious characters. There are a couple of truly unpredictable moments making it a very entertaining read.
In a book full of unethical characters, I’m surprised[...]
4 Stars
Verdict: Light and thrilling, with darkness and killing.
Two strangers meet in a airport bar and plot to kill a cheating wife. It starts fast and builds steadily, with a clever plot and devious characters. There are a couple of truly unpredictable moments making it a very entertaining read.
In a book full of unethical characters, I’m surprised[...]
Book review: The Kind Worth Killing
THE KIND WORTH KILLING by Peter Swanson
4 Stars
Verdict: Light and thrilling, with darkness and killing.
Two strangers meet in a airport bar and plot to kill a cheating wife. It starts fast and builds steadily, with a clever plot and devious characters. There are a couple of truly unpredictable moments making it a very entertaining read.
In a book full of unethical characters, I’m surprised
4 Stars
Verdict: Light and thrilling, with darkness and killing.
Two strangers meet in a airport bar and plot to kill a cheating wife. It starts fast and builds steadily, with a clever plot and devious characters. There are a couple of truly unpredictable moments making it a very entertaining read.
In a book full of unethical characters, I’m surprised
May 14, 2016
Book Review: The Martian
THE MARTIAN by Andrew Weir5 Stars Verdict: Original, witty, intelligent - what more could you want?
This is a futuristic novel about a man stuck on Mars, yet the details and atmosphere make it feel like it could be based on real events. Sci-fi isn't a genre I roam into often, but I'm glad I did for this one!Mark Watney is a fantastic main character. He’s resourceful and intelligent. He
This is a futuristic novel about a man stuck on Mars, yet the details and atmosphere make it feel like it could be based on real events. Sci-fi isn't a genre I roam into often, but I'm glad I did for this one!Mark Watney is a fantastic main character. He’s resourceful and intelligent. He
May 11, 2016
Book Review: The Master Magician
THE MASTER MAGICIAN (The Paper Magician #3)
2 Stars
Verdict: Disappointing.
In book one, Ceony journeyed through a stolen heart and learned to love an intelligent but reserved man.
In book two, we learn more about Gaffers and other magics in an action packed sequel.
What happened in book three?
All I know is I didn’t care about any of it.
Ceony crosses the line from a strong willed woman,
2 Stars
Verdict: Disappointing.
In book one, Ceony journeyed through a stolen heart and learned to love an intelligent but reserved man.
In book two, we learn more about Gaffers and other magics in an action packed sequel.
What happened in book three?
All I know is I didn’t care about any of it.
Ceony crosses the line from a strong willed woman,
April 25, 2016
Book Review: Desolation
DESOLATION by Derek Landy4 StarsVerdict: Would work better as a film.
DESOLATION was mostly an enjoyable read, and overall I’ve give it 3.5 stars. I enjoy Landy’s quirky style and attention to pace. It wasn’t as good as DEMON ROAD, but I found myself drawn in by the mystery and promise of demon deals and life-or-hell situations.
Where book one was a series of episodes leading up to a
DESOLATION was mostly an enjoyable read, and overall I’ve give it 3.5 stars. I enjoy Landy’s quirky style and attention to pace. It wasn’t as good as DEMON ROAD, but I found myself drawn in by the mystery and promise of demon deals and life-or-hell situations.
Where book one was a series of episodes leading up to a
