Harmony Kent's Blog, page 15

#BookReviews: Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro and The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

Hi everyone. Today I have two book reviews for you. The first one is written by a Nobel Prize winning author, and the second one by the well-known author of the Hunger Games Trilogy. What fascinates me is that these two vastly different reads have similar average scores on their review ratings on Goodreads, yet Klara and the Sun fell flat for me, while I loved The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. I’d be interested to hear your thoughts. So, without further ado, here are my reviews >>>

First Review:

About the Book:

‘The Sun always has ways to reach us.’

From her place in the store, Klara, an Artificial Friend with outstanding observational qualities, watches carefully the behaviour of those who come in to browse, and of those who pass in the street outside. She remains hopeful a customer will soon choose her, but when the possibility emerges that her circumstances may change for ever, Klara is warned not to invest too much in the promises of humans.

In Klara and the Sun, his first novel since winning the Nobel Prize in Literature, Kazuo Ishiguro looks at our rapidly-changing modern world through the eyes of an unforgettable narrator to explore a fundamental question: what does it mean to love?

 

My Review:

Nothing Special

I discovered this book and author via my local library’s eBook loan scheme, and the sci-fi element intrigued me. Sadly, the read didn’t deliver that well. With the Premise of an AI developed to be an Artificial Friend (AF) to a teen and the robot’s ‘outstanding observational abilities’ this promised to be a gripping read. But it wasn’t. The POV fell flat and was disjointed, and I didn’t find Klara’s insights that remarkable at all.

The plot and pacing was glacial, and the many references to ‘boxes’ left me wanting. I kept on going to the end of the book because I had invested so much time already and wanted to know what the heck happened. In short, I should have quit while I was ahead, as the ending didn’t answer any of the questions raised, and Klara’s fate was all too predictable.

Usually for a review, I will pull out quotes that stuck with me, but the narrative gave me little to work with. Also the writing is passive and contains too many filter words and over use of things such as ‘very’ and ‘own’, etc. Add to that my pet hate of too much name-dropping in dialogue, and we have a book that left me bored and frustrated rather than entertained. Finally, the layout proved difficult, as the novel doesn’t contain chapters, but instead is broken into five sections, which makes for a long spell of reading with no easy stopping places. The sections do have section breaks, but few and far between. So this isn’t an easy book to dip in and out of.

I haven’t read this author before, and although he’s a Nobel Prize winning author, I don’t think I’ll be checking out his other books. Klara and the Sun gets 2 soft stars from me. I may have liked a few things, but it just didn’t do it for me.

For anyone interested, here are the Amazon links …

UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08B8BDLW1/

US https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08B8BDLW1/

Second Review:

About the Book:

It is the morning of the reaping that will kick off the tenth annual Hunger Games. In the Capital, eighteen-year-old Coriolanus Snow is preparing for his one shot at glory as a mentor in the Games. The once-mighty house of Snow has fallen on hard times, its fate hanging on the slender chance that Coriolanus will be able to outcharm, outwit, and outmaneuver his fellow students to mentor the winning tribute.

The odds are against him. He’s been given the humiliating assignment of mentoring the female tribute from District 12, the lowest of the low. Their fates are now completely intertwined — every choice Coriolanus makes could lead to favor or failure, triumph or ruin. Inside the arena, it will be a fight to the death. Outside the arena, Coriolanus starts to feel for his doomed tribute… and must weigh his need to follow the rules against his desire to survive no matter what it takes.

 

My Review:

A Deep Look at Human Nature

I somehow missed this prequel to The Hunger Games, a series I loved. So I was delighted to be able to pick up an eBook via my local library’s eBook loan app. The book didn’t disappoint, and I enjoyed it so much, I’ve now ordered a paperback copy.

‘Coriolanus released the fistful of cabbage into the pot of boiling water and swore that one day it would never pass his lips again. But this was not that day’ and […] ‘ … one of a long list of precautions he took to mask the fact his family, despite residing in the penthouse of the Capitol’s most opulent apartment building, was as poor as district scum.’ … from these opening lines, the reader is introduced to the world of Panem and the Capitol about ten years after the war. We meet a young Coriolanus Snow, who would become the president in the trilogy, and see him struggle with poverty, family pride, and ambition.

Many reviewers failed to connect with or like Coriolanus, but I found myself both rooting for him and hating him a little–both signs of a skilled writer if she’s managed to make a reader feel conflicted and strongly for any character. Add to that the real life struggles this young man faced, and I could empathise with many of his choices and attitudes, even if I wouldn’t have chosen those paths myself.

The plot, pacing, world-building, and characterisation were all done excellently, and I sped through this read. Only real life got in the way of my finishing it more quickly, and at over 500 pages it’s a long novel. Honestly, the story entertained me so much it felt way too short a book! Here are some lines I loved …

‘… self-control was an essential skill, and he should be grateful his grandmother provided daily opportunities to practice it.’ … this shows the wonderful humour that threads throughout this novel.

And …

‘She waved as if to raucous applause, not dead silence.’

And …

‘… try not to look down on people who had to choose between death and disgrace.’

And …

‘The heat and humidity turned the air to some state halfway between a liquid and a gas, and he could not confirm if he was inhaling or exhaling.’

Whether or not you’re into the Hunger Games world, this is some impressive writing. As you may have guessed, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes gets a resounding 5 stars from me.

For anyone interested, here are the Amazon links …

UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08B8BDLW1/

US https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08B8BDLW1/

NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.

5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.

I’d love to hear what you think of these reviews. I won’t post any further reviews from today until January 5th, as I’ll be reducing my time online over the holiday period. Enjoy the holidays, everyone! Thanks for stopping by  

 

The post #BookReviews: Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro and The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins first appeared on Welcome to Harmony Kent Online.

Oh Baubles at Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore today! #ChristmasReads @sgc58 #Romance

Hi everyone! I had a lovely surprise just now to find my Christmas Romance Novella, Oh Baubles, at Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore Archive Posts today. This is such an incredibly generous shoutout, and I’m delighted!

I’m so awed by her kindness and would be thrilled if you could hop on over and leave us some love … HERE

Thanks so much, everyone, and have a wonderful week!

The post Oh Baubles at Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore today! #ChristmasReads @sgc58 #Romance first appeared on Welcome to Harmony Kent Online.

#NewBook #BlogTour: Sorrowful Soul–Book 3 in the #SoulPoetrySeries #Poetry #Grief #Grieving #Loss @JanSikes3

Hi everyone! Today, I’m excited to share my next stop on my three-week blog tour for my new book of poetry, Sorrowful Soul.

I’m thrilled to be visiting fellow author, blogger, Story Empire member, and friend, Jan Sikes. As well as being a spiritual, generous, and inspiring human being, Jan is the author of many books of biographical fiction, fiction, short stories, and novellas. Jan is active in supporting her fellow authors around the web, as well as offering weekly posts on various meditations, runes, and author spotlights. You will find her works on her Amazon Page, and they’re well worth a look! Thanks for stopping by, everyone! 

I’ve closed comments so you don’t have to comment here as well as on today’s blog visit!

Where I have the links ahead of the day’s post, I’ve added them below, but they won’t work until the date they go live.

Thanks so much for all your support. Hugs

TOUR STOPS:

Tuesday 22/11/2022 …………… Beem WeeksWednesday 23/11/2022 ……….. John HowellTuesday 29/11/2022 …………… Yvette M. CalleiroWednesday 30/11/2022 ……….. Gwen PlanoThursday 01/12/2022 ………….. Joan HallFriday 02/12/2022 ……………… Staci Troilo and Debby Gies KayeMonday 05/12/2022 ……………. David ProsserTuesday 06/12/2022 …………… Jacqui MurrayWednesday 07/12/2022 ……….. Robbie CheadleThursday 08/12/2022 …………… Stephen GeezMonday 12/12/2022 …………….. C. S. BoyackTuesday 13/12/2022 ……………. D. L. FinnWednesday 14/12/2022 ………..Jan SikesThursday 15/12/2022 …………… Mae Clair

 

The post #NewBook #BlogTour: Sorrowful Soul–Book 3 in the #SoulPoetrySeries #Poetry #Grief #Grieving #Loss @JanSikes3 first appeared on Welcome to Harmony Kent Online.

#NewBook #BlogTour: Sorrowful Soul–Book 3 in the #SoulPoetrySeries #Poetry #Grief #Grieving #Loss @dlfinnauthor

Hi everyone! Today, I’m excited to share my next stop on my three-week blog tour for my new book of poetry, Sorrowful Soul.

I’m thrilled to be visiting fellow author, blogger, Story Empire member, and friend, D L Finn. As well as being a talented and inspiring human being, with an avid interest in the magical, Denise is the author of many books of fiction, non-fiction, short stories, and poetry for both adults and children. You will find her works on her Amazon Page, and they’re well worth a look! Thanks for stopping by, everyone!

I’ve closed comments so you don’t have to comment here as well as on today’s blog visit!

Where I have the links ahead of the day’s post, I’ve added them below, but they won’t work until the date they go live.

Thanks so much for all your support. Hugs

TOUR STOPS:

Tuesday 22/11/2022 …………… Beem WeeksWednesday 23/11/2022 ……….. John HowellTuesday 29/11/2022 …………… Yvette M. CalleiroWednesday 30/11/2022 ……….. Gwen PlanoThursday 01/12/2022 ………….. Joan HallFriday 02/12/2022 ……………… Staci Troilo and Debby Gies KayeMonday 05/12/2022 ……………. David ProsserTuesday 06/12/2022 …………… Jacqui MurrayWednesday 07/12/2022 ……….. Robbie CheadleThursday 08/12/2022 …………… Stephen GeezMonday 12/12/2022 …………….. C. S. BoyackTuesday 13/12/2022 ……………. D. L. FinnWednesday 14/12/2022 ………..Jan SikesThursday 15/12/2022 …………… Mae Clair

 

The post #NewBook #BlogTour: Sorrowful Soul–Book 3 in the #SoulPoetrySeries #Poetry #Grief #Grieving #Loss @dlfinnauthor first appeared on Welcome to Harmony Kent Online.

#NewBook #BlogTour: Sorrowful Soul–Book 3 in the #SoulPoetrySeries #Poetry #Grief #Grieving #Loss @Virgilante

Hi everyone! I hope you all had a good weekend. Today, I’m excited to share my next stop on my three-week blog tour for my new book of poetry, Sorrowful Soul.

I’m thrilled to be visiting fellow author, blogger, Story Empire member, and friend, C S Boyack. As well as being a generous and talented human being, Craig is the author of many books–both stand alone and series–fiction, short stories, and novellas. A wonderful thread of humour runs throughout all of Craig’s stories and his reads are sure to keep you entertained. You will find his works on his Amazon Page, and they’re well worth a look! Thanks for stopping by, everyone! 

I’ve closed comments so you don’t have to comment here as well as on today’s blog visit!

Where I have the links ahead of the day’s post, I’ve added them below, but they won’t work until the date they go live.

Thanks so much for all your support. Hugs

TOUR STOPS:

Tuesday 22/11/2022 …………… Beem WeeksWednesday 23/11/2022 ……….. John HowellTuesday 29/11/2022 …………… Yvette M. CalleiroWednesday 30/11/2022 ……….. Gwen PlanoThursday 01/12/2022 ………….. Joan HallFriday 02/12/2022 ……………… Staci Troilo and Debby Gies KayeMonday 05/12/2022 ……………. David ProsserTuesday 06/12/2022 …………… Jacqui MurrayWednesday 07/12/2022 ……….. Robbie CheadleThursday 08/12/2022 …………… Stephen GeezMonday 12/12/2022 …………….. C. S. BoyackTuesday 13/12/2022 ……………. D. L. FinnWednesday 14/12/2022 ………..Jan SikesThursday 15/12/2022 …………… Mae Clair

 

The post #NewBook #BlogTour: Sorrowful Soul–Book 3 in the #SoulPoetrySeries #Poetry #Grief #Grieving #Loss @Virgilante first appeared on Welcome to Harmony Kent Online.

Harmony is Vocal! #Haiku in @Vocal_Creators #Poetry inspired by #blue #challenge #WritingCommunity #poetsoftwitter #poetrylovers

Inspired by Blue …

Hi everyone. I’ve written 11 … ahem, yes, 11 … poems for Vocal’s Blue-Haiku Challenge. Vocal’s criteria for this Haiku challenge is simply a 5-7-5 syllable format without any of the usual rigid requirements of nature, etc.

You can find my poems below …

 

1. What Lurks Beneath? HERE

 

 

 

 

2. Why? HERE 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Tough Love HERE

 

 

 

4. Invincible HERE

 

 

 

 

5. Cold Comfort HERE

 

 

 

 

6. Morning Ripples HERE

 

 

 

7. Nothing Personal HERE

 

 

 

 

8. Victim Blaming HERE

 

 

 

 

9. Cycle HERE

 

 

 

 

10. Work In Progress HERE

 

 

 

 

11. The Blues HERE

 

 

 

At 17 syllables each, they’re nice and short I’d love to know what you think! And I would be delighted if you could read and heart … even just one or two! To heart and/or comment, you’ll need to sign in to Vocal, which is free to do.

Thanks for all your support! Hugs  

The post Harmony is Vocal! #Haiku in @Vocal_Creators #Poetry inspired by #blue #challenge #WritingCommunity #poetsoftwitter #poetrylovers first appeared on Welcome to Harmony Kent Online.

#NewBook #BlogTour: Sorrowful Soul–Book 3 in the #SoulPoetrySeries #Poetry #Grief #Grieving #Loss @StephenGeez

Hi everyone! Today, I’m excited to share my next stop on my three-week blog tour for my new book of poetry, Sorrowful Soul.

I’m thrilled to be visiting fellow author, blogger, and friend, Stephen Geez. As well as being a generous and compassionate human being with a wonderful sense of humour, Stephen is the author of many books of fiction and non-fiction, including a ‘how to’ series on the craft of writing. You will find his works on his Amazon Page, and they’re well worth a look! Together with Beem Weeks and Fresh Ink Group, Stephen does weekly podcasts, which you don’t want to miss! You can find those HERE. Thanks for stopping by, everyone! 

I’ve closed comments so you don’t have to comment here as well as on today’s blog visit!

Where I have the links ahead of the day’s post, I’ve added them below, but they won’t work until the date they go live.

Thanks so much for all your support. Hugs

TOUR STOPS:

Tuesday 22/11/2022 …………… Beem WeeksWednesday 23/11/2022 ……….. John HowellTuesday 29/11/2022 …………… Yvette M. CalleiroWednesday 30/11/2022 ……….. Gwen PlanoThursday 01/12/2022 ………….. Joan HallFriday 02/12/2022 ……………… Staci Troilo and Debby Gies KayeMonday 05/12/2022 ……………. David ProsserTuesday 06/12/2022 …………… Jacqui MurrayWednesday 07/12/2022 ……….. Robbie CheadleThursday 08/12/2022 …………… Stephen GeezMonday 12/12/2022 …………….. C. S. BoyackTuesday 13/12/2022 ……………. D. L. FinnWednesday 14/12/2022 ………..Jan SikesThursday 15/12/2022 …………… Mae Clair

 

The post #NewBook #BlogTour: Sorrowful Soul–Book 3 in the #SoulPoetrySeries #Poetry #Grief #Grieving #Loss @StephenGeez first appeared on Welcome to Harmony Kent Online.

#BookReviews: Creature Wisdoms: A Short Story Collection by Amber Night

Hi everyone. Today I have a book review for you from an author I’ve read previously. You can find my review for her novel Within You HERE. And here’s my review for her short story collection >>>

About the Book:

Sometimes spicy, sometimes sweet, sometimes hopeful, sometimes eerie—but always with a touch of whimsy and the poetic. This short story collection explores the deeper layers of the romantic connections we make by reinterpreting common mythological creatures in unexpected ways. So if you want to look at the grim reaper, sandman, zombies, witches, or a firefly with new eyes, then come right inside and travel from dark to light.

Please note that some stories contain adult themes and language, so reader discretion is advised.

 

My Review:

Fun, Relatable Short Reads

This is a light, easy to read collection of short stories with a theme of romance but with a twist. Each story covers social awkwardness, low self-esteem, and the search for companionship with a theme related to mythological creatures. I enjoyed guessing, where guessing was needed, the ‘what’ of certain characters. The prose is wonderfully written, and I related to each and every character and their struggles.

Here are some lines I loved … 

‘Like we’re grinding each other into sand, leaving permanent tattoos on each other’s skin.’ 

And … 

‘My heart flutters in my ribcage like a bird. Or like an impending panic attack.’

And … 

‘… full of compliments that I can’t quite believe but which still trickle inside me like beams of sunlight.’

And …

‘Each day, you come home and make a microwave meal, molecules vibrating into a warmth you can’t reach.‘ 

I could go on! This book can be read straight through or dipped in and out of, and most certainly, can be savoured. I highly recommend this collection of shorts from Amber Night, and it gets a solid five stars from me.

***

 

 

NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.

5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.

For anyone interested, here are the Amazon links …

UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08B8BDLW1/

US https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08B8BDLW1/

I’d love to hear what you think of these reviews. Thanks for stopping by  

 

The post #BookReviews: Creature Wisdoms: A Short Story Collection by Amber Night first appeared on Welcome to Harmony Kent Online.

#NewBook #BlogTour: Sorrowful Soul–Book 3 in the #SoulPoetrySeries #Poetry #Grief #Grieving #Loss @bakeandwrite

Hi everyone! Today, I’m excited to share my next stop on my three-week blog tour for my new book of poetry, Sorrowful Soul.

I’m thrilled to be visiting fellow author and blogging friend, Robbie Cheadle. As well as being a generous and talented human being, Robbie is the author of many books of fiction, poetry, and anthologies. Robbie also has a number of books on baking, which she has written with her husband and son, and blogs regularly to share recipes from around the world. You will find her works on her Amazon Page, and they’re well worth a look! Thanks for stopping by, everyone! 

I’ve closed comments so you don’t have to comment here as well as on today’s blog visit!

Where I have the links ahead of the day’s post, I’ve added them below, but they won’t work until the date they go live.

Thanks so much for all your support. Hugs

TOUR STOPS:

Tuesday 22/11/2022 …………… Beem WeeksWednesday 23/11/2022 ……….. John HowellTuesday 29/11/2022 …………… Yvette M. CalleiroWednesday 30/11/2022 ……….. Gwen PlanoThursday 01/12/2022 ………….. Joan HallFriday 02/12/2022 ……………… Staci Troilo and Debby Gies KayeMonday 05/12/2022 ……………. David ProsserTuesday 06/12/2022 …………… Jacqui MurrayWednesday 07/12/2022 ……….. Robbie CheadleThursday 08/12/2022 …………… Stephen GeezMonday 12/12/2022 …………….. C. S. BoyackTuesday 13/12/2022 ……………. D. L. FinnWednesday 14/12/2022 ………..Jan SikesThursday 15/12/2022 …………… Mae Clair

 

The post #NewBook #BlogTour: Sorrowful Soul–Book 3 in the #SoulPoetrySeries #Poetry #Grief #Grieving #Loss @bakeandwrite first appeared on Welcome to Harmony Kent Online.

#NewBook #BlogTour: Sorrowful Soul–Book 3 in the #SoulPoetrySeries #Poetry #Grief #Grieving #Loss @WordDreams

Hi everyone! Today, I’m excited to share my next stop on my three-week blog tour for my new book of poetry, Sorrowful Soul.

I’m thrilled to be visiting fellow author and blogging friend, Jacqui Murray. As well as being a generous and talented human being, Jacqui is the author of over 60 books, both in fiction and non-fiction. Her love of research and education comes across delightfully. You will find her works on her Amazon Page, and they’re well worth a look! Thanks for stopping by, everyone! 

I’ve closed comments so you don’t have to comment here as well as on today’s blog visit!

Where I have the links ahead of the day’s post, I’ve added them below, but they won’t work until the date they go live.

Thanks so much for all your support. Hugs

TOUR STOPS:

Tuesday 22/11/2022 …………… Beem WeeksWednesday 23/11/2022 ……….. John HowellTuesday 29/11/2022 …………… Yvette M. CalleiroWednesday 30/11/2022 ……….. Gwen PlanoThursday 01/12/2022 ………….. Joan HallFriday 02/12/2022 ……………… Staci Troilo and Debby Gies KayeMonday 05/12/2022 ……………. David ProsserTuesday 06/12/2022 …………… Jacqui MurrayWednesday 07/12/2022 ……….. Robbie CheadleThursday 08/12/2022 …………… Stephen GeezMonday 12/12/2022 …………….. C. S. BoyackTuesday 13/12/2022 ……………. D. L. FinnWednesday 14/12/2022 ………..Jan SikesThursday 15/12/2022 …………… Mae Clair

 

The post #NewBook #BlogTour: Sorrowful Soul–Book 3 in the #SoulPoetrySeries #Poetry #Grief #Grieving #Loss @WordDreams first appeared on Welcome to Harmony Kent Online.