Eve Koguce's Blog, page 16

Book Review / "Broken" by K.M. Harding

Broken by K.M. Harding

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


How much can a person take and not break down? Is it possible to get through the hardships alone, without any help from those who care about you? What can heal a shattered soul?

K.M. Harding answers these difficult questions in her book “Broken”. And while doing it she puts the readers on such a rollercoaster of twists and turns that you just keep turning the pages.

“Broken” is a blend of thriller and romance. The book begins with a soul-chilling scene, and from there, Dani’s story starts to unfold, stirring a kaleidoscope of emotions. For me, the central emotion while reading the first half of the book was an acute hope that something would happen to change Dani’s life for the better. She has gone through so much that I felt she deserved a kind of miracle to finally make everything all right. In real life, unfortunately, it doesn’t happen to everyone. All the more satisfying the romantic plotline felt for me.

When Dani meets Damien, that hope I wished to emerge appears. Still, the rollercoaster ride for the reader becomes even more extreme. I absolutely didn’t expect what was coming!

The book is full of characters that feel absolutely real. And “visiting” places in England I’ve been to a long time ago, was an added bonus to the overall amazing reading experience. Dani is a musician, and I could deeply relate to what her music meant to her. Writing was and continues to be a faithful companion on my own healing journey. I loved how the power of art is shown in the book, not only through Dani’s but also through other characters’ experiences.

“Broken” by K.M. Harding is a kind of book that sends chills down your spine in one chapter and fills your heart with warmth in the next.






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Broken

Book Review / "The Onyx Seed" by R.W. Harrison

The Onyx Seed by R.W. Harrison

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Everyone knows that it’s not wise to bring unfamiliar things from travels and keep them in the house. We all have seen in movies what usually happens when one does that. Margaret McConnell learns this truth the hard way. And it wasn’t she who brought home a mysterious thing that turned out to be the most horrible threat to her little son.

What I especially liked about “The Onyx Seed” by R.W. Harrison is how the story’s mood changed from chapter to chapter making my heart leap. The story begins with a scene of human cruelty and then, through some turbulence, lands into pure domestic bliss.

I’m not a fan of horror books or movies. I haven’t read anything in that department since, probably, William Peter Blatty’s “The Exorcist”, which I read in the times when those who discover their passion for reading grab anything they can get hold of. For the record, I liked that book and reread it quite a few times when I was a teenager.

In “The Onyx Seed” we get to see some of the ugliest sides of human character. Cruelty, greed, and the inability to control them. The book takes the reader on a rollercoaster of events making one’s hair stand on end. I won’t lie, at one point my mother’s heart, which is weak by definition where children’s safety is concerned, was pounding in my chest and I wasn’t reading a book – I was living through the story.

While reading the book, I tried to imagine what I would do if something strange would begin happening around me. I don’t blame Margaret who agrees to talk to a psychic. I’d say the best thing about this decision is that we get to meet Winston, the palm reader’s gorgeous cat.

The book introduces the sinister legend from the Philippines about a creature you wouldn’t want to meet even only in your nightmares. A shiver runs down my spine when I think about what will happen to those who’ll be unfortunate enough to encounter it in book two.







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The Onyx Seed

Book Review / "A Dutiful Son" by Kelly Miller

A Dutiful Son: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Kelly Miller

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


What an exquisite delight it was to immerse myself again in the wonderful Austenesque atmosphere created by Kelly Miller! In this “Pride and Prejudice” variation, I found everything I love Jane Austen's original books for.

As a true fan of Jane Austen, I have a habit to reread her six full novels. I must confess, I’ve read “Lady Susan” only once, and it just doesn’t feel like I’ll reread it ever again. Austen books are my comfort reads. The ones you get snuggled in your favourite blanket with, sometime in mid-February when the daylight makes a fleeting appearance and you need something to stir up your frozen spirit. But after a couple of decades of this practice, I can recite these books almost by heart. So, I’m deeply grateful to Kelly Miller for writing books that capture the true Austenesque atmosphere perfectly and have the same vibes as the original works.

In “A Dutiful Son” Mr Darcy’s father is alive. And despite having his son’s best interest at heart, he presents him with a dilemma, which, for a responsible and sensible person like Fitzwilliam Darcy, it wouldn’t be so easy to solve. Besides, as a side effect of Mr Darcy’s changed views on people of his class communicating with those with a lower status, vulnerable Georgiana’s spirits are in danger.

The story begins with the Pemberly patriarch finding out about Wickham’s dishonourable behaviour towards Georgiana. He is full of rage and regrets, and he blames himself for having allowed it to happen. From now on, George Darcy demands from his son to stop indulging in fraternisation with those from a lower class. And it happens right before Mr Darcy meets the lady who is about to steal his heart. He is forced to admit the unavoidable truth: “In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you,” Jane Austen, “Pride and Prejudice”.

But can a man of his standing and upbringing go against his father’s wishes?

“A Dutiful Son” by Kelly Miller is pure joy for all Jane Austen and “Pride and Prejudice” fans. You’ll get leisurely walks and horse rides amidst the picturesque countryside, balls and dinners in grand mansions, matrimony schemes discussed in elegant sitting rooms.

I’ve read all of Kelly Miller’s books, and I am eagerly waiting for more.



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Book Review / "Metamorphosis" by Ivy Logan

Metamorphosis by Ivy Logan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


“When I lost my forever, my light withered and ebbed,” says Amelia Diaz, introducing herself to the reader in “Metamorphosis”, book two in The Breach Chronicles series by Ivy Logan. As the story unfolds Amelia’s light flares up, dims and at times almost dies out. Will it survive or will it succumb under the weight of hardships that befall the girl with a beautiful soul and strong spirit?

“For what is a heart if not an instrument of torture? It allows you to love, and then snatches it all away.” Amelia is forced to ask this question again and again when she loses the people she loves, unable to learn to stay cold and impassionate. Even though she knows that everyone she cares about is in danger, she can’t persuade her heart to stop being warm and loving.

Amelia lives in the most luxurious palace while the whole country – Peradora – is drowning in poverty, fear and sorrow. To the world, Peradora is a fairy tale, the only place, where exclusive pink diamonds can be found. And Amelia, the niece of the Peradora’s ruler, is the Diamond Princess, who spends her time between fashion shows and glamour parties all around the globe. No one cares to look deeper. And why should they if the picture drawn by social media is so perfect?

“…connections between people exist because it is their hearts that bind them and not external paraphernalia.” External paraphernalia means nothing to Amelia. It serves solely as a way to survive. If she does what her uncle, Peradora’s dictator wants, she stays safe. And as long as she stays safe, she can do something to save her country and the people she loves.

“Metamorphosis” is a poignant coming-of-age story. Much more significant things are at stake than spoiling one’s chances to find a good job by choosing the wrong university. Growing up, Amelia faces struggles the outcome of which will influence the lives of thousands or maybe even millions. One by one, Amelia reveals the horrifying secrets of her home country.

What does it take to gather enough courage to stand against unspeakable and seemingly unstoppable evil? For Amelia, her path to becoming unstoppable herself starts with a determination to make a difference. And when she learns there is magic inside her that can help her execute her plan, she is already strong enough to start her battle.

Just like in “Broken”, book one of The Breach Chronicles series, the author treats the reader to an intricate blend of fantasy and romance with magical creatures and ordinary people going through similar experiences. Everyone falls in love no matter how averse they are to the idea. Everyone craves to be close to someone no matter how hard one tries to close one’s heart thinking that love is a weakness. Everyone makes mistakes.

The characters in “Metamorphosis” learn their life lessons the hard way. But by going through their personal struggles without giving up, they learn how to fight epic battles that await them later.




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Metamorphosis

Book Review / “The Late Night Pasta Party: An Untold Story of Brexit” by Piero (Pierrot) A. La Franca

Brexit a Musical: The Late-Night Pasta Party by Piero (Pierrot) A. La Franca

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Two things made me interested in reading “The Late Night Pasta Party: An Untold Story of Brexit” by Piero (Pierrot) A. La Franca. First, the mention in the description about it being written in 2002, which is long before Brexit actually happened. Second, that it is a musical comedy.

I don’t often read books – or anything else – about politics, simply because any event is viewed from the perspective of whether it was to its author’s advantage or not. I liked Kate Andersen Brower’s books about the domestic side of life in the White House: “The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House” and “First Women: The Grace and Power of America's Modern First Ladies”. But that’s about how deep I go into reading about politics.

Brexit is one of those “big scene” events that felt personal to me, for I spent a few years living in a beautiful place in Dorset and travelling for work all around England. The first time I flew to London, I had a rather unpleasant experience going through thorough customs control since it happened before Latvia became a member of the EU. “Crossing the border” at those times was a synonym for a “formidable experience”. But the next time I had to go to England, it was almost right after we entered the “Happy Farm of Friendly EU’s Nations Project” as the author calls it in the book. The difference between the two arrivals was so vast that I still remember it vividly despite almost two decades having passed since then.

Just like any project, entering the European Union brought advantages and disadvantages for the people of Latvia. I don’t discuss politics publicly, so I won’t go into details. One thing I want to mention though is that England was the country to which the majority of people, who chose to use the benefit of the free workforce movement and leave Latvia, went to live. So, for us, Brexit wasn’t yet another event in the big political arena. It did have direct consequences.

“We must always keep in mind that nothing is falser and more perilous than the illusion of knowledge that is always the result of incorrect information,” says Pericles Cleisthenes Dormouseon of Athens or simply Peris, Cleis, or Peric. He is an Olympic dormouse and an attorney, who volunteered to defend the group of farm animals in the court trial. What did those animals do? They misbehaved really badly, causing such a ruckus that shook the whole EU.

I won’t include any spoilers, but I’ll add this quote: “…progress is not just the end result of academic studies, but foremost of situations driven by necessity and solved with inspiration, curiosity, creativity and dedication.”

“The Late Night Pasta Party: An Untold Story of Brexit” is a story that is easy to read, but it’s also one of those books that make readers think about global things without feeling the burden of their importance.





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Book Review / "Alpha" by Kat Kinney

Alpha by Kat Kinney

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Since I pre-ordered this book and read it right after its release, it’s needless to say that I absolutely love the Blood Moon, Texas Shifters series by Kat Kinney. The more I find out about the lives of the Caldwells and those who get pulled into the enigmatic werewolf family orbit, the more fervently I want the series not to end. The author has a talent for drawing a vivid picture you feel stepping into while turning the pages. Emotions, flavours, and smells – all come alive during reading.

“Alpha” is a story of Brody and London, two leaders. Both are tortured by hardships the power and authority usually bring, which probably is the main reason why both are perfect for their roles.

Brody is the alpha of the Blood Moon shapeshifters pack, assigned this role after the former alpha – his father – was kidnapped. In the previous instalment of the series, the patriarch of the Caldwells was found and rescued from the horrible vampire prison. There are reasons why he can’t get back into the alpha role, but it doesn’t make Brody’s life easier.

London is a former alpha of another pack. It’s probably one of the shapeshifters’ unwritten rules that there isn’t such thing as ex-alpha. True leaders don’t stop being who they are if they formally lose power. London is definitely one of those leaders who think primarily about what she could do for the people she is responsible for. Not what privileges she can acquire using the advantages of her position. Taking care of people is in her blood. As it’s an integral part of Brody as well. Does it make them perfect mates or turn their union into a threat to the paranormal community?

“Leadership wasn’t about absolute power. Leadership was about being there at midnight when your pack had a problem. It was about keeping the people assigned to you safe… I might not have been anyone’s first choice. But that didn’t mean I wasn’t the right one for the job.”

Brody and London’s story – warning: sizzling hot scenes will make your blood run faster! – once again proves that love isn’t about weakness. It’s also not about being afraid of losing the person you have feelings for. Love is about finding the one who makes you feel stronger. The one who stands by your side against all odds. Love is when thinking about spending your life with that person, fills your whole being with joy you’ve never experienced before.

As in all other books in the Blood Moon, Texas Shifters series, besides love, angst, hot scenes, and incredibly alluring food descriptions, there are political intrigues, conspiracies, secrets revealed, and new questions asked.





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Alpha

Book Review / "Road to Malevolence" by Samyra Alexander

Road To Malevolence: A Novel by Samyra Alexander

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book made me think about many things. We usually think about these things fleetingly, too busy with our everyday worries. Still, “Road to Malevolence” by Samyra Alexander gives us a chance to see where such negligence might lead to.

Janet is nine. Her parents’ negligence of the fact that she is a child makes her life unbearable.
Janet’s father and mother expect their daughter to behave like an adult. I notice this trend in the nowadays society. People seem to expect children’s judgements and reactions to be the same as judgements and reactions of adults. It leads to permanent stress stemming from failed expectations and disappointment when the reflection of picture-perfect parenthood social media projects on us shatters into shreds under the pressure of reality.

Janet likes to dance, but her parents consider “worldly” dance styles sinful. Janet likes to discuss girly things with her best friend, but her parents expect her to sit still and quiet in church. Janet wants to explore the world, but her parents “build walls” of religious limitations and rules around her.

Isn’t it natural that when Janet sees that her pious father isn’t as God-fearing as he wanted to be seen, she rebels against the conservative life her parents impose on her? And isn’t it natural that being a nine-year-old girl, she gets the things that happen to her family wrong?

When Janet’s world, as unsatisfactory and vexatious as it was, crumbles, she acts not like an adult but as a child, unable to realise the consequences of her actions. She also doesn’t understand the motivations of grown-ups. “Road to Malevolence” by Samyra Alexander explores a possible scenario of what can happen if the fact that the workings of a child’s mind differ substantially from the way adults think is ignored.

The author included the following trigger warning in the book: corporal punishment, child kidnapping, and child murder without graphic details. I believe that author’s intentions were to make readers think rather than shudder with horror reading the story. For me, it has worked perfectly. After finishing the book, I can’t stop thinking about Janet’s struggle with the adults' world.



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Road To Malevolence: A Novel

Book Review / The Status Quo Autobiography

XS All Areas: The Status Quo Autobiography by Francis Rossi

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I love reading autobiographies, and this one didn’t disappoint. It is absolutely mesmerizing to follow the path to stardom of someone who made it. The thing I find the most curious is that there are no rules one can apply to become rich, famous, and loved by millions. Every star’s story I’ve read could have easily been a story of failure, although, of course, in that case, we wouldn’t have a chance to read it.

The Status Quo autobiography is on my personal top list of autobiographies along with Agatha Christie’s and Will Smith’s. I have no doubt that Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt didn’t share everything on these pages, but having read quite a decent number of such books I wish to believe that I can feel if the story is sincere or it was yet another promotional trick to attract attention to a fading star’s persona.

The book was released in 2004, and the updated version with an added chapter was published in 2005; eleven years before Rick Parfitt died. Both he and Francis Rossi shared their plans for the future in that added chapter. Knowing that Rick Parfitt had only a decade to fulfil is sad; as is the fact that this year Status Quo celebrates its sixtieth anniversary.

Rick Parfitt and Francis Rossi tell the story of how two boys from the part of London we don’t usually see on screen when the movie setting is the capital of Great Britain transformed their love of music into one of the most successful bands in the world.

Their way to the top wasn’t smooth and easy. Everything changed: the band’s names, its members and managers, even its musical style. Success came and went. There were times when it seemed Status Quo would be no more.

Both Parfitt and Rossi speak openly about their drug addiction, and the proportions of that addiction are truly inconceivable. I apologise for probably misplaced British humour, but the thing that came into my mind reading about how much cocaine they used was “it’s incredible they made it even to fifty.” But speaking seriously, the fact they virtually didn’t emerge from drug- and alcohol-induced stupor for ten years and managed to outlive it, is a direct promotion for using addictive substances rather than a warning against them.

The book is definitely worth reading, even though I’ve never been the band’s fan.





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XS All Areas: The Status Quo Autobiography

Book Review / "Bound" by Kat Kinney

Bound by Kat Kinney

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I love the Caldwells! They are now officially one of my favourite fictional families of all time. I am absolutely spellbound by their interpersonal dynamics and relationships with those who come into their circle. And the food! Yes, I applaud the author for making the tastes and flavours of Texas a part of her books’ charm.

“Bound” by Kat Kinney is the third book of the Blood Moon, Texas Shifters series. It follows the relationship between West Caldwell and Topher Greer. As it seems to be always the case when one of the Caldwells falls in love, it cannot be a smooth, straightforward love story. There are doubts, inner turmoil, and hurting the one they love and everyone around them in the forefront of the picture.

West Caldwell is not a simple shapeshifter. He has powerful magic he has to control and suppress at all times. Besides, if the powerful people on the top of the supernatural world’s hierarchy find out about it, he is in trouble.

So, in “Bound” we witness how a good guy – not an ordinary one though! – struggles through the labyrinth of duty, emotions, and his own nature, trying to do the right thing. Even if doing that thing will break his heart.

Topher Greer has been through a lot. Too much, really. Having been abducted by vampires, held in prison and tortured, it’s probably because of his work as an EMT, that he is able to put himself together and go on living.

Just like in the previous two books of the series, “Dark” and “Crave”, we get to see more of what the world of vampires and werewolves hides from the human public. As you can imagine, their secrets aren’t bright and shiny. They are the darkest secrets there can be. The most dangerous vampire coven in Texas hides its secrets well. But when a family member’s life is at stake, no wall is too high and no lock too complicated for the Caldwells. And Topher Greer seems to be cut from the same cloth.

While West and Topher stumble on the way to their happy-ever-after – be prepared for some sizzling hot scenes! – more sinister secrets get revealed and more curtains hiding things that send chills down one’s spine get lifted.

I can’t wait to read “Alpha”, book four of this highly addictive series by the talented storyteller Kat Kinney.






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Bound

Book Review / "Philomena" by Martin Sixsmith

Philomena: The poignant true story of a mother and the son she had to give away by Martin Sixsmith

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The first thing that came into my mind when I sat down to write a review for “Philomena” by Martin Sixsmith was: it’s not “the poignant true story of a mother and the son she had to give away” as the book is advertised on its cover. Well, the story can indeed be called “poignant” but the meaning of the word is entirely different from the one associated with a mother’s pain over having to give away her child.

The book is supposed to be an account of a mother’s and her son’s search for each other after they were separated by the cruel rules of the government of Ireland. Back in the 50s, unwed mothers were sent to convents where they and their babies were under the supervision of nuns until kids got adopted by American families. Well, I was interested in reading such a story. Especially, since it was announced to be a non-fiction book, based on real people's lives. I don’t like to be critical, let alone judgemental, but the book couldn’t be further from what’s on its front and back covers.

I understand that after the book was adapted for the screen, and big names starred in the movie, both the author and the publisher had to capitalise on such a success. Still, I find it disrespectful toward readers to place misleading information in places that help customers make their choice when buying a book.

I found only ninety pages out of 450+ of the book worth reading. Absolutely, it is my personal and deeply objective opinion. But these first ninety pages were the reason I bought this book. Part one follows Philomena’s life with the nuns until her son was three before he was taken away to America for adoption. It also covers a little the turbulence that was going on in the political circles over the adoption laws.

Starting from part two and until the very last few pages, the book centres around the life of an extremely – I was trying to come up with a suitable word but couldn’t – unhappy individual, whose problems the author failed to link logically to the fact the man was adopted. Even his mother on those last few pages of the book says that “he had a good life, didn’t he? I could have never given him all of that.” And that’s the truth. Anthony/Michael wasn’t adopted by some horrible, abusive people who wanted to get money from the government by adopting foreign children. On the contrary, they paid a lot of money and went through a lot of trouble to adopt him. And while his adoptive parents weren’t perfect – how many people are? – they gave him a good start in life that helped him “climb the ladder”. As to his complaints about his father's attitude toward him – I won’t go into details not to give any spoilers – then, it could be argued that what the man did wasn’t what helped his son climb as high as he did.

Overall, the concentration on one of the main character’s life spheres the author, for some reason, felt obliged to pursue, is what put me off the most from the book. I don’t want to believe that detailing of sexual exploits of a person, irrespective of their personal inclinations, is what readers massively look for in books.

The conclusion I came to after reading about the main character’s “adventures”, which led to him hurting every person who truly loved him and whom he claimed to love, was that all that happened to him wasn’t because of the trauma from being separated from his mother at the age of three and being taken across the ocean from him home. The misfortunes befell him – and I say this even under fear of being called unfeeling and cruel – because he wasn’t a good person. The way the author portrayed him made him look like a mean, self-absorbed man who blamed everyone except himself for not even real troubles but for things that didn’t go as he would want them to.



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Philomena: The Poignant True Story of a Mother and the Son She Had to Give Away