I had forgotten how much I enjoy reading Kate Morton's books. Her expertise at weaving a mystery with family drama all in an architectural background I had forgotten how much I enjoy reading Kate Morton's books. Her expertise at weaving a mystery with family drama all in an architectural background that doubles as a character in its own right. Homecoming is not an exception. I couldn't put the book down. I listened to the audio book (paperback ordered) every chance I had. The thing about Morton's mysteries is that they're like onions; you peel one layer just to find out there's another and another beneath. Nothing is predictable in her stories. Yes, I suspected who Polly was for at least half of the book but the story that went along with it just blew me away. Such an intricate web, masterfully unraveled one strand at the time by Ms. Morton. And her love for old homes and the strange and almost magical pull they have as if buildings can absorb memories and replay them later came through loud and clear in Homecoming as well. As always a very atmospheric novel, heartbreaking and so very human. One that proves that you never really know the people around you and that history can be, and often is subjective. Claire Foyle, the voice actress who read this fabulous story, did an amazing job at making the characters and the settings come alive. Give it a listen if you have a chance. Highly recommend it. Now to search for that one Morton book in my library I never got around to read...
I picked up this book on a whim since it was on sale and the cover was truly lovely. Turns out a really liked it. Great story along the likes of C-perI picked up this book on a whim since it was on sale and the cover was truly lovely. Turns out a really liked it. Great story along the likes of C-period fantasy dramas, a weakness of mine. The characters were well developed, the world building was great without being overwhelmingly detailed, and the romance was beautiful. An easy but interesting read. I already have book two lined up. ...more
This was a fabulous read in a not-your-usual world in the fantasy genre. Great characters, great writing, lots of twists that made me yell out in surpThis was a fabulous read in a not-your-usual world in the fantasy genre. Great characters, great writing, lots of twists that made me yell out in surprise and a romance that has been through the wringers. And kudos for the cover. Beautiful. I will definitely read the sequel. There were a couple things that bugged me, not enough to ruin the pleasure of reading it but enough to make me go, "Why?" There were a few typos throughout the book, a book that is published by one of the big guys of publishing. No fault on the author. Being an author myself I know how many times a book is read and edited before publishing. But it was still a weird thing to find in a traditionally published book. The other one was that to me the main male character, Malik, comes through as too young to be having romantic feelings for anyone. In fact it wasn't until well through the middle of the story that I realized he is indeed a teenager, at least 16 years old, possibly older (even though it's never really stated). I thought he was a ten-eleven year old because he is constantly referred to as a "boy", and was shocked when he began to have feelings for Karina. She comes through as much older than he is when I believe (I could be wrong) they're supposed to be about the same age. Despite this, I so loved this book and can't wait to read the next one....more
I'm always afraid that if I really liked the first book in a series, I might be sorely disappointed with the following books. I needed not worry in thI'm always afraid that if I really liked the first book in a series, I might be sorely disappointed with the following books. I needed not worry in this case. Lady Smoke was as good, if not better, than the first in the series. I'm still loving all the characters, especially those who have grown so much since the beginning and can't wait to see what happens in book 3 between our Queen and her once best-friend Cress. My only gripe with this series is that I wish Theo would make up her mind between her two love interests. Every time I think she took a step forward in that area, she takes two back. Make up your mind already, Theo! This fiercely monogamic (is that a word?) woman can't stand the ambivalence of Theo's feelings, lol. Ember Queen is in my library already. Can't wait to read it. Laura Sebastian is definitely one of my favorite authors right now....more
I haven't read a whole book in one day in many years. To be fair, I had already started this book a few days prior but I did read the bulk of it on NeI haven't read a whole book in one day in many years. To be fair, I had already started this book a few days prior but I did read the bulk of it on New Year's Eve. I even stayed up past midnight to finish it. I just couldn't put it down and thankfully I had the time to read it. What an amazing story. The characters are extraordinarily well developed and there are so many layers to the plot/mystery that I'm left thinking of Kate Morton's "Distant Hours" ( a book I absolutely loved). Even though this is a contemporary story, it has a definite gothic feel to it, reminiscent of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. Even at the end, as the mystery comes to a conclusion (or does it?), we discover another layer underneath it. Every time I thought I had the mystery solved, I didn't really. Yes, there were a couple things I was able to kind of figure out (I'm a puzzle lover) but there was always something new about it, something I didn't expect. I'm heading to the bookstore to purchase the sequel today. Kudos Ms. Barnes....more
A quick fun read. Perfect to bring a smile to your face. The characters are likable and well-developed despite the shortness of the story and I loved A quick fun read. Perfect to bring a smile to your face. The characters are likable and well-developed despite the shortness of the story and I loved the idea of the not-so-accidental exchange of anonymous letters between them. As a bonus that bickering at the end between her grandma and Arden was awesome....more
I wish I could give this book more than five stars. Laura Sebastian is by far one of my new favorite authors. After reading her "Castles in Their BoneI wish I could give this book more than five stars. Laura Sebastian is by far one of my new favorite authors. After reading her "Castles in Their Bones" I needed more. Darker than most romantasy I read and so good. I finished the book last night and I already went to the bookstore to buy the sequels. Cannot praise this enough. I love the characters and the fact than other than the king himself none of them are monochromatic in terms of personality. Even the evil ones have shades, redemptive qualities. And the "good" ones just like the main character, Theo, also have streaks of wickedness. There is a definite feminist tang to the whole story as the plot questions the morality of war and the fight for survival. Is killing acceptable for a good cause? Is it okay to sacrifice one for the safety or many? Love it! Highly recommend it....more
Another fabulous book by Maas. This woman can tell a story. I liked almost everything about this book: the character growth, the new budding relationshAnother fabulous book by Maas. This woman can tell a story. I liked almost everything about this book: the character growth, the new budding relationships among the side characters, the unexpected twists to the plot, the found-family trope. One of the things Maas excels in--and this book is no exception--is in creating side characters who are as fascinating or more than the protagonists. I think I am as much in love-or more actually-with Rune than Hunt and Ethan has turned out to be an amazing sidekick. My only complaint is that there is really too many sex scenes. And actually it is not even the sex itself as the language Maas uses to describe it. Here's a loving couple who are soulmates and never once do they refer to having sex with each other as making love. The F-word is always preferred and for an old linguist like me that word carries a crass, purely physical, even slightly animalistic meaning. At times it seemed as their feelings for each other were always described through a purely physical reaction. That said, I just began skimming over those parts and focused on the real good stuff. And there is a LOT of it. No spoilers but holy crap that ending made me scream in surprise. Cannot imagine where Maas is going with this but I like it! ...more
Great book. The world building was fantastic and there was not one info dump in sight. Bravo. Great characters, great suspense (especially toward the Great book. The world building was fantastic and there was not one info dump in sight. Bravo. Great characters, great suspense (especially toward the end when I really believed all was lost), great magic system, and I loved the folktales included at the beginning of every chapter even if some were a bit nonsensical; they gave the story such a real feel. My only pet peeve with the story was that the sex scenes felt a bit awkward which took away from the romance (which by the way was great. What a great love story. Swoon) and the heat of the moment. Otherwise I have nothing but great things to say about this book. I will be reading more from this author....more
I listened to the audio version of this book. I had read some bad reviews but also had heard great things about this series. I have to say I really enI listened to the audio version of this book. I had read some bad reviews but also had heard great things about this series. I have to say I really enjoyed it overall. The main character seemed a little too naïve at times, but I think it worked well for the purposes of the overall plot. The boorish prince was a great character, I thought. Well written and developed. I did hate the way he reacted at the end during the judgement. I thought something didn't jive with his character and the romance between them. I'm looking forward to learning more about him and his relationship with his brother who surprised me quite a bit. I smell a love triangle and I'm not quite sure how I feel about that. I do have to say that the voice actress did an awesome job on dialogue, but the way she read the narrative was jarring to me as she chose a very monotone voice. Everything she read sounded the same and at times it was read very fast as if she was trying to cram as many words per minute as she could. It may be she was trying to sound neutral when she read the narrative, but it came across to me as bland and unemotional. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series....more
I loved the novel and I equally loved this graphic adaptation (the first two books). The illustrator captured the mood and feelings of the characters I loved the novel and I equally loved this graphic adaptation (the first two books). The illustrator captured the mood and feelings of the characters perfectly, which allowed me to go over the whole rollercoaster of emotions again. Perfect. Except for the fact I have to wait until next year for the next book :)...more
What a lovely book. From the beautiful cover to the themes and language of the story everything was beautiful. I'm a huge fan of C-Dramas and Chinese What a lovely book. From the beautiful cover to the themes and language of the story everything was beautiful. I'm a huge fan of C-Dramas and Chinese mythology so I dove in with enthusiasm. I was not disappointed. I must say that the extremely detailed description of the settings--however beautifully done--threw me off the story a bit (maybe because in my head I am already pretty familiar with the traditional Chinese historical fantasy settings and the description was just overkill) especially in the first half of the book, but everything else was perfect. And what a surprise--more like shock--about the huge plot twist toward the end. Love that kind of surprise and I so didn't see it coming. I have already pre-ordered the sequel so it's safe to say this was a definite winner for me. Congrats, Ms. Tan!...more
Not sure how to start. Okay, I do. This book was right up my alley; a mixture of different genres, a rom com set in a medieval-type society with magic Not sure how to start. Okay, I do. This book was right up my alley; a mixture of different genres, a rom com set in a medieval-type society with magic and a lot of heart. I loved it! It had all the things I liked. Let's see: magic, friends to lovers trope, love conquers all, reluctant hero and his wonderful Scooby gang, lots of humor and sarcasm, diversity, fated mates trope, a bit of a fairytale flavor, and even a giant octopus. What's not to love? All kidding aside, the friendships in this story plus the swoony, sweet love between the two main characters are heartwarming and just what the doctor ordered for my romantic soul. Wrap it all up in a slightly demented plot and you have a winner. I highly recommend this book to all lovers of romance, magic, or really anyone who just wants a break from reality....more
I started reading this book because it came highly recommended by several readers and writers on TikTok and Instagram. I'm always suspicious of hype bI started reading this book because it came highly recommended by several readers and writers on TikTok and Instagram. I'm always suspicious of hype but since this one was a standalone I figure I had nothing to lose. And dang, am I glad I read it. Even though this a YA fantasy set in a historical-looking era it has a definite MG ring to it, not sure why (it might just be me). But it works. The character arcs are wonderful and so well done, especially that of Silas, the demon. The budding romance between Nathaniel and Elisabeth is well done and very sweet. The world created by the author is believable and rather original. And the fact that the whole story revolves around libraries filled with books (grimoires) with a life of their own is just the cherry on top. Highly recommend it to anyone (YA or adult) who loves a good fantasy adventure....more
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