E.G. Stone (Author of The Innocence of Death)

E.G. Stone rated a book it was amazing The Gifts of Pandora (Tapestry of Fate, #1) by Matt Larkin (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
There are some authors out there who, when they have books for you to read, demand all your attention. You then stumble back into the world a little bleary-eyed, but so much the better for it. Matt Larkin’s books have this effect. Always. 1. Thoughts ...more
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E.G. Stone rated a book liked it Ravenne by Claudia Blood (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
I have a fondness for time travel that is probably a bit overwhelming to people who encounter me on the street. So when I got the chance to read a time travel novella by Claudia Blod, I was quite excited. 1. Thoughts on the plot This book follows Raven ...more
Feb 03, 2023 11:03AM · like · see review
E.G. Stone has read Princess of Beasts: A Children of Chaos Novel by Joanna White (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Jan 24, 2023 04:28AM · like · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Princess of Beasts by Joanna White. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Princess of Beasts by Joanna White <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
E.G. Stone rated a book it was amazing Host: Systemic - Book 2 (Systemic Series) by Chris Lodwig (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
I like reading sequels to books, because sometimes I know precisely what I’m getting into and am thrilled, and other times I have absolutely no idea what’s going to happen and am still thrilled. Chris Lodwig’s Host, the second book in the Systemic no ...more
Jan 20, 2023 12:04PM · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Host by Chris Lodwig. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Host by Chris Lodwig <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
E.G. Stone rated a book really liked it Zaidy's War: Four Armies, Three Continents, Two Brothers. One Man's Impossible Story of Endurance by Martin Bodek (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
It has been a while since I’ve read a story, fiction or non-fiction, about World War II. Mostly because a lot of the books I review happen to be in the fantasy genre (though I read everything, it just happened that a lot of fantasy authors signed up ...more
Jan 13, 2023 11:15AM · 1 like · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Zaidy's War by Martin Bodek. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Zaidy's War by Martin Bodek <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
E.G. Stone rated a book liked it My Daddy the Serial Killer by Cindy Kovacik	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
I don’t know precisely what I was expecting when I picked up My Daddy the Serial Killer by Cindy Kovacik, but what I got was a very intriguing story indeed! 1. Thoughts on the plot This book follows Katelyn from the age of six into adulthood, as she di ...more
Dec 07, 2022 08:50AM · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of My Daddy the Serial Killer by Cindy Kovacik. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — My Daddy the Serial Killer by Cindy Kovacik <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
E.G. Stone rated a book really liked it Journey to Justice: The Adventures of Spider and Ruby by Tanni Haas	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
It can be difficult, sometimes, to explain concepts to people of all ages in a way that can be easily understood. Especially when the concepts are as complicated as climate change and social justice. I think, though, that Tanni Haas does a very good ...more
Nov 16, 2022 08:45AM · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Journey to Justice by Tanni Haas. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Journey to Justice by Tanni Haas <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
E.G. Stone rated a book it was amazing Destiny Is Yours: Far from home the soul can roam (Life Is Yours Trilogy, #2) by Abigail Yardimci (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
You know that feeling when you get invested in a story, and no matter where the next journey goes, you have to follow? Yeah, I’m now that invested in Abigail Yardimci’s Destiny is Yours, the second book in her trilogy about overcoming heartbreak and ...more
Oct 26, 2022 08:44AM · like · see review
E.G. Stone rated a book it was amazing A Peddler of Chains by Allegra Pescatore (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
I will say, before I even get into the proper review, that once I finished this book, I was up for several hours just running it over in my brain. If I’d had a physical copy, I would have chucked it across the room, because the authors just took my h ...more
Oct 14, 2022 08:43AM · 2 likes · like · see review
E.G. Stone rated a book liked it Life is Yours: From heartbreak to heart awake by Abigail Yardimci (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
I am not normally one to read women’s fiction, but I was intrigued when Life is Yours crossed my review desk. So, I gave it a go and was pleasantly surprised. 1. Thoughts on the plot This book follows Jess as she tells her story of overcoming heartbrea ...more
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E.G. Stone rated a book it was amazing

The Gifts of Pandora (Tapestry of Fate, #1)
by Matt Larkin (Goodreads Author)

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There are some authors out there who, when they have books for you to read, demand all your attention. You then stumble back into the world a little bleary-eyed, but so much the better for it. Matt Larkin’s books have this effect. Always.

1. Thoughts There are some authors out there who, when they have books for you to read, demand all your attention. You then stumble back into the world a little bleary-eyed, but so much the better for it. Matt Larkin’s books have this effect. Always.

1. Thoughts on the plot
The Gifts of Pandorais the first book in the Tapestries of Fate series, which I just realised is a prequel series to the Gods of the Ragnarok Era series (did I think otherwise literally the whole book? Pffff). No matter what order you read the series in, I can say that the books will not disappoint. This book follows Pandora as she navigates a world ruled by Titans and Olympians, not all of whom take into account the Men around them. Oppressed, especially as a woman, Pandora tries to survive. But when an encounter with the Oracle Prometheus brings about a series of events that are ordained by Fate, Pandora does whatever she can to change it. Including stepping through time.
This book is fascinating in the way that it combines some of the stories that are familiar about the Greek gods, and makes them entirely different, yet recognisable. Stories weave together to create a tapestry, if you will, of events that will change the world. I really can’t say a whole lot about the plot, because a) spoilers and b) everything is so well woven together that it’s impossible to talk about without a) spoilers. All I can say is that it was definitely fascinating, entertaining, and twisty!

2. Thoughts on the characters
Now, I’ve read several other of Matt Larkin’s books, and have some theories on the interweavings of the characters. One character in particular. And I am gratified to say that I am correct. Of course, I shall say nothing on that matter because, a) spoilers.
All the characters, though, have a depth that is hard to find in other books. I like the history of the characters, their personality, the way that they interact. It’s all fascinating, and whether I liked the character as a person or not, I was eager to read more. A difficult feat when recrafting familiar legends.

3. Favourite part
Having my theories confirmed. I am ridiculously pleased that I managed to piece some of the interweavings together.

4. Critique
Frankly, my only critique is that it ended. I must, as such, immediately go out and read the next book.

Overall, you cannot possibly go wrong with any of Matt Larkin’s books, but The Gifts of Pandora is a great place to start. Be prepared, though. Once you delve into this world, it’s really hard to pull yourself out. Excellent read! ...more

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Ravenne
by Claudia Blood (Goodreads Author)

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I have a fondness for time travel that is probably a bit overwhelming to people who encounter me on the street. So when I got the chance to read a time travel novella by Claudia Blod, I was quite excited.

1. Thoughts on the plot
This book follows Raven I have a fondness for time travel that is probably a bit overwhelming to people who encounter me on the street. So when I got the chance to read a time travel novella by Claudia Blod, I was quite excited.

1. Thoughts on the plot
This book follows Ravenne, whose daughter perished in a terrible accident. Only, Ravenne learns that she may not have, and must travel through time to find her again. Using such methods as near lightspeed travel, bending space, and other really cool technology, Ravenne learns that her future-self has been manipulating things, and that she may not be the only one.
As far as plots go, I think the premise of this book is really interesting. Time travel is always interesting, partly because there are so many different ways to go about it. I liked the exploration of the technology, and the different changes that Ravenne experienced during her near lightspeed journeys. However, I think the plot itself was a little thin. The entire novel seemed to focus on the technology, which is fine, but the drama of the beginning and the search for her daughter never seemed to expand past the basic plot point stage.

2. Thoughts on the characters
As far as characters go, I think Ravenne could have been very interesting indeed. She is a mother on a mission, and there are so many different ways to go about exploring her psyche and character. Some of that was there, especially with Lucky, but otherwise the whole focus was on the technology. I especially was disappointed in that we never really learned about the enemy in Ravenne’s future, who is so determined to see her fail. This person only appeared about 3/4 of the way through, and even then it was vague. There were other side characters who I think where interesting, but none really seemed to stand out.

3. Favourite part
I really liked the worldbuilding in this book, because it looked at Earth at several different points in its theoretical future, which is both very cool and slightly disturbing. I liked the extrapolation of certain events and the way that these events became such major, world-changing things.

4. Critique
Apart from the plot being a bit thin on the ground (which, honestly, I do get because this is technically a prequel novella), my biggest critique for this book is a nitpicky, indie author thing: the cover does not fit the genre at all. The current cover looks like a fantasy novel, or perhaps a romantic fantasy or something similar. I was not expecting time travel at all until I read the blurb just before my review read. I still enjoyed the book, but was not expecting it.

Overall, I would say that Ravenne was an interesting, entertaining time travel adventure. I really enjoyed the technology and am always pleased to read a book about time travel. A good book. ...more

E.G. Stone has read

Princess of Beasts: A Children of Chaos Novel
by Joanna White (Goodreads Author)

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Host: Systemic - Book 2 (Systemic Series)
by Chris Lodwig (Goodreads Author)

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I like reading sequels to books, because sometimes I know precisely what I’m getting into and am thrilled, and other times I have absolutely no idea what’s going to happen and am still thrilled. Chris Lodwig’s Host, the second book in the Systemic no I like reading sequels to books, because sometimes I know precisely what I’m getting into and am thrilled, and other times I have absolutely no idea what’s going to happen and am still thrilled. Chris Lodwig’s Host, the second book in the Systemic novels, was a case of the latter. And, oh, my, did it work well.

1. Thoughts on the plot
This book takes place a couple hundred years after the events of book one, where the System (technology, AI, etc.) was powered down. The world continues under the care of the Professors who teach the System to villages under their care. Reyan is a girl who doesn’t quite fit into her village and goes with the Professors when they come on their annual trip. But as she starts learning about the System, she discovers that things are not quite what they seem, and maybe what’s being taught isn’t quite right.
This book’s plot was fascinating to me. I honestly could not predict what was going to happen moment to moment, and yet everything flowed well and made perfect sense. Reyan’s unique experiences really illustrated the world, and the events fit in with that distinct world view with drama and intent. And THAT ENDING! AAAAAAHHHHH!

2. Thoughts on the characters
I really, really liked Reyan as a character. She was very clearly neurodiverse, and as someone ND as well, it was something I intimately understood. The particular issues she had, the quirks, the way of seeing the world were all very well described without being “othering” as often happens with ND representation. I liked that she was described as a girl just trying to find her place in a world that she didn’t quite understand, and that didn’t quite understand her.
I also liked the other characters, and how they interacted with the world as seen through Reyan’s eyes. There were a few other POV segments, and those worked well for the story, but I liked viewing the characters from Reyan’s perspective, because they felt more real somehow.

3. Favourite part
That ending! AAAaAAAAAHHHhhhhhh!

4. Critique
My only real critique is that some of the description of the Systemic requirements (such as decision matrices) were a little vague as to be almost throwaway details, despite being central to the story. I understand that giving mathematical analyses is not always possible in fiction, especially when it’s complicated maths, but I would have liked a little more clarity on how it worked. It’s a very small detail, though, and really doesn’t detract from the story at all.

Overall, I would say that Host is a fantastic second book and I would highly recommend it, and the whole series. ...more

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Zaidy's War: Four Armies, Three Continents, Two Brothers. One Man's Impossible Story of Endurance
by Martin Bodek (Goodreads Author)

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It has been a while since I’ve read a story, fiction or non-fiction, about World War II. Mostly because a lot of the books I review happen to be in the fantasy genre (though I read everything, it just happened that a lot of fantasy authors signed up It has been a while since I’ve read a story, fiction or non-fiction, about World War II. Mostly because a lot of the books I review happen to be in the fantasy genre (though I read everything, it just happened that a lot of fantasy authors signed up all at once), but also because these stories really hit hard. But I think they are very important stories and should be told, so when I got the opportunity to read Martin Bodek’s Zaidy’s War, an account of his grandfather’s time during the war, I was very keen indeed.

1. Thoughts on the plot
This book follows Benzion “Zaidy” Malik, a Hungarian Hassidic Jew who was conscripted into the Hungarian army on behalf of the Germans during WWII. The story follows Zaidy as he crosses continents, joints multiple armies, faces down potential canibalism, treks 2600 kilometers, and settles in new lands. Without getting too much into the plot, because it is deep, and I don’t want to spoil it, I can say this is a story about bravery, staunch faith, and determination. It also is not an easy read, because this topic in general is just a hard one to explore. Still, it is well written, well organised, and worth a read.

2. Thoughts on the characters
It can be difficult, sometimes, in non-fiction pieces to really get to know a character, simply because they often focus on events rather than personal interactions. However, I think this book does well at expressing Zaidy’s reactions to the events in such a way that lets the reader know exactly what sort of man Zaidy is. It is impressive and difficult, especially given the style in which the story is written—facts and events placed first, with people as facilitators of those events.
I will say that some of the other people in the story do not always come through as clearly as Zaidy, but that is understandable.

3. Favourite part
The description of Zaidy’s home life in Hungary was fascinating, and a very good foundation for the rest of the book. I think it coloured things perfectly and gave a lovely undertone of hope for the people moving through the story.

4. Critique
My only real critique is not really a critique so much as a point of confusion. I received this book in hardcover to read for review, and it is well formatted and crafted, but the actual story only takes up about half of the book. Now, I know that non-fiction pieces require a fair amount of reference material, but I was surprised at how much reference material was actually included in the book. (For example, the original transcripts of the author’s interview with Zaidy.) I know this is common in academic pieces, but I was not aware that it was necessary in trade non-fiction pieces. If I am mistaken, then obviously I need to read more non-fiction pieces! But be aware that the story only takes up about half the pages.

Overall, I would say that Zaidy’s War was a very impactful piece of literature about a man’s journey through the perils and trials of WWII. I think it was well written, crafted finely, and definitely worth a read. ...more

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My Daddy the Serial Killer
by Cindy Kovacik

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I don’t know precisely what I was expecting when I picked up My Daddy the Serial Killer by Cindy Kovacik, but what I got was a very intriguing story indeed!

1. Thoughts on the plot
This book follows Katelyn from the age of six into adulthood, as she di I don’t know precisely what I was expecting when I picked up My Daddy the Serial Killer by Cindy Kovacik, but what I got was a very intriguing story indeed!

1. Thoughts on the plot
This book follows Katelyn from the age of six into adulthood, as she discovers her father is considerably more than he seems. She must figure out her place in his plans, and try to escape as best she can. But it’s not quite that easy. It all starts with finding a woman chained in the cellar… Honestly, there’s not a lot I can say about this book that won’t spoil the plot a fair bit, but it was definitely very interesting.
I really liked seeing Katelyn’s change in perspective on the situation as she grew older. I do think that some of the later events in her teenage years felt more like she was rebelling rather than dealing with her life as the daughter of a serial killer, but it did end up making sense in the end. And there were a few plot holes, but they were fairly minor. I would say that the plot was very interesting!

2. Thoughts on the characters
This book was definitely more about delving deep into Katelyn’s mind than anything. The plot feels fairly mundane compared to the psychological exploration we get. I liked all of her reactions to situations; they felt very much like what a rational person would do under the circumstances, which are very dire indeed. I especially liked the change in her perspective over the years, as both her understanding changes and the situation changes. And it was a very nice interpretation of a serial killer’s unsteadiness, psychologically speaking, as viewed through the eyes of a child.

3. Favourite part
The progression of Katelyn’s perspective over the years was definitely my favourite part. I think it was really intriguing and very disturbing, but in the best way.

4. Critique
The biggest critique I had were the few plot holes. (This section may contain spoilers.) At the part where Katelyn fakes the bruises to show to a teacher and therefore get taken from her father, things don’t turn out as Katelyn expects. However, I am fairly certain that Child Protective Services would not believe a potentially abusive parent over a bruised child when directly told that the parent did it. It’s normal that they would lie to cover up their image, so it doesn’t make sense that Katelyn wasn’t removed. This, and a few other circumstances (like no one ever seemed to question why so many people went into their house but not out) pushed the book a little outside the realm of believability for me. The psychology was great, the practical application was a little lacking.

Overall, I would say that this book was a delightfully disturbing adventure into the world of serial killers. It was entertaining and a quick read. A good book. ...more

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Journey to Justice: The Adventures of Spider and Ruby
by Tanni Haas

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It can be difficult, sometimes, to explain concepts to people of all ages in a way that can be easily understood. Especially when the concepts are as complicated as climate change and social justice. I think, though, that Tanni Haas does a very good It can be difficult, sometimes, to explain concepts to people of all ages in a way that can be easily understood. Especially when the concepts are as complicated as climate change and social justice. I think, though, that Tanni Haas does a very good job of exploring both those topics in a way that is inclusive for people of all ages. Not to mention the book is fun!

1. Thoughts on the plot
This book follows Spider, a HouseBoater who lives on the water with his family. His twin brother Luke gets arrested for leaving their designated area and taken to The Island. Spider goes after him, and meets Ruby, an AquaGrower, who lives in an underwater greenhouse. Together, they learn that this world of water that they inhabit was not always that way, and that their society is inherently unfair. But maybe they can change that…
I think the plot of this book is actually quite inventive, given the two topics that are the primary focus of the book. The plot never felt predictable, though it wasn’t so unfamiliar that I was at all lost. I liked it quite a bit.

2. Thoughts on the characters
Spider and Ruby are interesting characters, I think, especially as far as heroes go. They’re sort of outsiders, at least from the main society on The Island, and have to navigate a new world while also keeping in mind how to fix their own. I think they were perhaps a little stereotypical, in that they seemed to fulfil their roles without having a fully-formed personality of their own, but frankly I still enjoyed reading about them.

3. Favourite part
The inventiveness of the world is absolutely my favourite part. Figuring out how everything works together in a world where the planet it 99% water is very interesting, especially moving from a water-going setting to a land-dwelling one. Well done.

4. Critique
There were, unfortunately, a few logic issues in this book. Granted, it’s middle grade, so you don’t need to have the answers to the universe at your finger tips. However, there were a few small issues, such as how Spider could have lived to the age of 12 by only consuming fish (essential nutrients being missing and such). Also, the time Luke was in prison was only a matter of days, yet the skills he learned were long in the making. There were several other little things like that (such as how Ruby knew how to swim). None of them broke the plot in any way, but they were enough to make me think outside the story.

Overall, I would say Journey to Justice: The Adventures of Spider and Ruby was a fun, entertaining book that had a good message at heart. I enjoyed it. A good book. ...more

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Destiny Is Yours: Far from home the soul can roam (Life Is Yours Trilogy, #2)
by Abigail Yardimci (Goodreads Author)

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You know that feeling when you get invested in a story, and no matter where the next journey goes, you have to follow? Yeah, I’m now that invested in Abigail Yardimci’s Destiny is Yours, the second book in her trilogy about overcoming heartbreak and You know that feeling when you get invested in a story, and no matter where the next journey goes, you have to follow? Yeah, I’m now that invested in Abigail Yardimci’s Destiny is Yours, the second book in her trilogy about overcoming heartbreak and learning to live again.

1. Thoughts on the plot
This book follows Jess and her friend Gilly on their month-long sojourn in Turkey, while they try to figure out what comes next. Jess has already dealt with heartbreak, and the failure of her business. Now, she has to figure out what’s next, and what better place to do that than on holiday in Turkey? Only, once there, she has a series of challenges from a friend to complete, and there are people she may not be able to let go.
Okay, honestly, I had no idea what to expect from this book. The first book, while very good, had a few moments where the character development felt a little textbook. This book was not like that at all. It flowed from situation to situation and felt very natural, but also intriguing in a way that I was not prepared for. Jess’ relationship with Gilly, with Mesut, with Ekrem and all the others…I mean, my goodness! It was really great to read this book, and now I’m highly invested.

2. Thoughts on the characters
Jess’ development definitely started in book one, but I feel like it really took hold in this book, and was done in such a way that it felt perfectly normal. The journey that she went on, the way she started looking at the world, I really enjoyed reading it and was fascinated to think like that. (I’m also just the teensiest bit in love with Mesut.)
I’m also really curious about Gilly, and what’s going on with her. I feel like that was touched on in just the right amount of depth for this book to set up the next book (or so I assume, as I haven’t actually read the next book yet).

3. Favourite part
The stars!

4. Critique
The ending. Not because the ending was bad, no, but because I am desperate to know what’s going to happen next. Silly author, making me wait until I read the next book. Pfft.

Overall, I really enjoyed Destiny is Yours and am eagerly arranging my reading schedule so I can get to book three. An excellent book. ...more

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A Peddler of Chains
by Allegra Pescatore (Goodreads Author)

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I will say, before I even get into the proper review, that once I finished this book, I was up for several hours just running it over in my brain. If I’d had a physical copy, I would have chucked it across the room, because the authors just took my h I will say, before I even get into the proper review, that once I finished this book, I was up for several hours just running it over in my brain. If I’d had a physical copy, I would have chucked it across the room, because the authors just took my heart and ripped it out. Why would you do that?! I loved it.
Okay, on to the review.

1. Thoughts on the plot
A Peddler of Chains is the second book in the Mountain Fell series, so there are some details that you absolutely need to read book one for (which is also fantastic). But this book follows Willow of Herb as he tries to hunt down the infamous Asherah the Red, a warrior from the other side in the long-ended War that has been his obsession for years. But once he finds Ash, she claims that she isn’t the person he’s looking for. They both have to relive and forgive terrible things, all while discovering why it is, exactly, that they can’t seem to leave each other’s thoughts.
Okay, that’s a poor description for how twisty and imaginative this book is. It’s definitely dark, with some very intense scenes, but the plot itself was just…my goodness. Every time I thought that things couldn’t possibly get more dramatic, more intense, they DID! By the ending, I was engrossed and so sad that it was over.

2. Thoughts on the characters
Ash and Willow are so very interesting. They’re not my normal favourites for character archetypes (the big bad warrior, that is) but I was fascinated with their depth and development. I really enjoyed the banter, and the way they looked out for each other? Yep.
All the other characters, too, were quite fascinating in their own way. I really loved Maeve in this, probably because I wasn’t sure whether to throttle her or thank her. I think the way it was depicted was fantastic, and I was rooting for her at the very end.
I want to know more about everybody! Except Moss. He can stuff it.

3. Favourite part
That ending! My goodness, can you bring any more drama to the table?

4. Critique
My only critique is that it ended, and now I have to wait for the next book. Harumph.

Overall, A Peddler of Chains is an excellent book, designed for really getting into your head and taking over your thoughts. I would highly recommend this book. ...more

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Life is Yours: From heartbreak to heart awake
by Abigail Yardimci (Goodreads Author)

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I am not normally one to read women’s fiction, but I was intrigued when Life is Yours crossed my review desk. So, I gave it a go and was pleasantly surprised.

1. Thoughts on the plot
This book follows Jess as she tells her story of overcoming heartbrea I am not normally one to read women’s fiction, but I was intrigued when Life is Yours crossed my review desk. So, I gave it a go and was pleasantly surprised.

1. Thoughts on the plot
This book follows Jess as she tells her story of overcoming heartbreak. She and her fiance broke up after seven years of being together, and after that nothing seemed to quite go right with work or her emotions. But she worked and pushed through it to overcome the pain.
In general, I thought the plot was good. A person learning to continue on through grief and pain is a good topic because it’s so relatable. However, I will say that some of the “learning points” that were sprinkled throughout the book, where Jess made significant progress or changed her mental picture dramatically, were very obvious, almost to the point of taking me out of the story. It felt like a textbook for thinking positive rather than a fictional story, which is fine if this were a guidebook, but feels a bit much for a fictionalised depiction of events.

2. Thoughts on the characters
I liked the characters in this book. I think they felt very real, perhaps because they were going through such real circumstances. I think that Jess was really the primary focus, and so a lot of the secondary characters didn’t have quite as much depth or development, but as this was a first person pov story, and the events really revolved around her, that is perfectly fine. I didn’t feel like I was missing a whole lot.
I will say that Jack didn’t feel like a great person from the beginning, just because of the way that Jess was thinking about him and orienting her life around him. I know that hindsight, and being outside of the relationship can grant clarity, but I really didn’t get why she was so desperate to get back with him, as he seemed very controlling.

3. Favourite part
Taking back the pendants. Can say no more because of spoilers.

4. Critique
My main critique for this book is what I mentioned in section one. The lessons felt very forced, very much straight out of a textbook, and almost unnatural in terms of Jess’ character development. Granted, I’m not massively familiar with women’s fiction, so I don’t know if this is normal, but it really took me out of the story.

Overall, I would say that Life is Yours was a good book about overcoming heartbreak and grief, and living life to the fullest. ...more

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