I grew up loving to read all of the Nancy Drew series, oddly enough I did not continue to read mystery or detective works until...now. Roughly 30+ yeaI grew up loving to read all of the Nancy Drew series, oddly enough I did not continue to read mystery or detective works until...now. Roughly 30+ years after I read all the Nancy Drew series. As such, my birthday bff (we're 3 days apart) pointed out Agatha's works, which I have always had a desire to read, but never put forth the time or effort, until now! This is my first Agatha Christie novel to read, and I can honestly say I enjoyed it overall. It was interesting to see how many different points of view came into play, the types of unfounded prejudices and misguided beliefs that can dominate a person's point of view. I felt this was built on the precipice of the true nature of people, the core foundations, and the mixture of lies/white lies in the mix. The flow was interesting, as well as the design of how the reader is taken through the investigation. The ending was my favorite piece - not because the book was over, but because of how it ends. Who will you root for?...more
I wanted to love this book, I was looking forward to a good, scary book. This had potential to be so much more, but ran into several problems. First, I wanted to love this book, I was looking forward to a good, scary book. This had potential to be so much more, but ran into several problems. First, the characters. I legit hated these people, I could not understand why any of them were connected, why they were so desperate to keep the MC involved when there was nothing but bitterness, jealousy/insecurity, and animosity. Follow up with the fact this book is riddled with metaphors, similes, and the vernacular utilized felt like someone blended up the thesaurus and regurgitated it, and this was the result. I did Love the idea, the theme. It was simply...fell short. Really, need characters that people can connect to, and it just didn't happen. I appreciated the diversity, but their personalities were atrocious. In the end, it felt rushed and sloppy, the ending itself felt a bit like a cop out. You didn't really get the sense they were in any real danger-I feel if that had been expanded upon, why they were in danger, that would have set the stage, otherwise they were just a group of scared, drunk 20-somethings. Knowing the lore behind yokai could be beneficial to readers, but still...nothing happened to impress the threat....more
I loved this story, beginning to end. The struggles of the characters weren’t as deep as one might hope/expect. Maybe a little juvenile, but they are I loved this story, beginning to end. The struggles of the characters weren’t as deep as one might hope/expect. Maybe a little juvenile, but they are trying characters who you watch grow. Self discovery, love, betrayals/double crossings! It really has been inspiring to read these stories. The wrong style reminds of another beloved (indie) author whose newest series I’ve been buying-can’t wait to read! However, been plowing through my reading list and there are a few others I have to work through! I enjoyed this immensely, and know of Adrienne Young’s other novels I wish to collect and read. Fable is a strong female lead you want to see win, and her story is one with following....more
First book I've read all the way through in 2-3 years(?). I read this on a business trip, and read the first 2/3 on the flight to, and finished the laFirst book I've read all the way through in 2-3 years(?). I read this on a business trip, and read the first 2/3 on the flight to, and finished the last 1/3 on the flight back. I loved this book, without a doubt. It was a good read, fun, engaging, a little danger and now I move on to book 2! I loved the rough world Adrienne Young has created here, the open sea, her attention to the details which transported me to this world not deserving of Fable. It created a desire to know the sea, to go out in a boat/ship, and I am Deathly afraid of open water! Though, I am entranced by its beauty and always wishing to be near the ocean. Do not miss out on this read, it is worth the time....more
Oh, Clayton, you genius you ;)! So, please, nobody judge this book in contrast to how long this took me to read and review! 2020 has been an absolute Oh, Clayton, you genius you ;)! So, please, nobody judge this book in contrast to how long this took me to read and review! 2020 has been an absolute chicken coop floor, if you catch my drift-both for the world and me personally. Onto the review!
Loved this book. So. MUCH! Beautiful end that brought forth the struggles of the characters, discovering truths and strengths, and the ending was perfect. The progression was easy to follow, an excellent pace mixed with action and insight, and I've so desired finishing this book to see its fruition, and not disappointed. Thank you, C.E. Clayton, for writing such a Wonderful series! I cannot praise you enough in your ability to weave this wonderful story, and will share it every chance I get. The ability to see your writing flourish and your growth as a writer has been awe-inspiring to say the least, and these characters have left me feeling happy-something that's been lacking lately....more
Where do I even begin? I’m such a fan of C. E. Clayton’s works at this point, it’s hard to not gush about Book V, The Spark of Divinity, in The MonsteWhere do I even begin? I’m such a fan of C. E. Clayton’s works at this point, it’s hard to not gush about Book V, The Spark of Divinity, in The Monster of Selkirk series! Enthralled, enamored, so Much Action! It is a swift ride with so many elements moving within I’m honestly floored. If I can produce something even Half as good as what Clayton has given in this series, I could die a happy writer! There is love and loss, scores old and new to be settled, and in interesting turn that is unexpected. I love how the characters each have their different levels of understanding, individual roles, yet each knows they need one another without a doubt. It’s a bond of love and family beyond that of blood ties, all while incorporating political games that painfully believable. Excellent transition of chapters, and just the right amount of happiness to keep the reader readily engaged.
Let me identify first, I graciously received a copy of the book from the author. I have read the predecessors to this book, and will be reading its suLet me identify first, I graciously received a copy of the book from the author. I have read the predecessors to this book, and will be reading its successors! If you haven't read the first two in this series, DO! It's no secret I am in love with C.E. Clayton's writing, and will always be a fan of her ever growing skill as an incredibly talented author <3!
Now, onto the review :). This book was such a contrast to the first two it took me by surprise! My favorite experience as a reader is in seeing how authors blossom as they continue to progress in their craft, and Clayton has made impressive progress. The detail that was presented was well balanced with the intrigue and action, introducing new characters that you could completely understand the range of emotions that followed in their wake. We also get to revisit previous characters, which I will say no more on! Throughout this book we get to experience the blossoming relationship between Tallis and Tomas, and I love and appreciate just how well paced things are for the two. Their relationship is not like what is seen in today's society, but something that should be more aspired to, and that made me love their situation and characters all the more.
Through the discoveries that both Tallis and Tomas experience you are introduced to a land that is steampunk, which I adored. Personally, I have always been fascinated with it, and now I got to experience a taste of it in The Machines of Theda! I read the entire last half last night, foregoing several hours of sleep-that's how enthralled I was with the book to see where it went and how it ended, and am more than eager to start book IV! For as large of novel as this is, it went quickly, in my opinion. The last half is especially compelling, but I don't want to ruin this for anyone! Just know our Tally is as brave, and sometimes reckless, as ever, but that's what makes her so endearing and human.
Wonderful job, Mrs. Clayton! Can't wait to read the rest of your works!...more
What a rush! This was a joy to read, rough at times and in various places. Is it perfectly historically correct? No, and that’s fine by me! It’s a worWhat a rush! This was a joy to read, rough at times and in various places. Is it perfectly historically correct? No, and that’s fine by me! It’s a work of fiction worked around facts for the given time, and a roller coaster of a ride! More to come....more
I loved Rose Red when it came out, and have aimed to read this book for so long! I honestly really loved reading through this book, burned through it I loved Rose Red when it came out, and have aimed to read this book for so long! I honestly really loved reading through this book, burned through it in 3 days. Quick paced and detailed enough to depict the characters and tie you to their stories, very much styled as a diary-believable. I was a bit remiss to not have more paranormal details provided, which felt a bit lazy, but it gave background to the family. I had hoped for answers on what truly made Rose Red-hints but nothing confirmed or substantial. ...more
I Love this book. This was one handed down from my grandmother to my mother, my mother to me. It's a quick read, a story of time travel and mistaken iI Love this book. This was one handed down from my grandmother to my mother, my mother to me. It's a quick read, a story of time travel and mistaken identity. Lee is on her way to a party, dressed and ready to impress after not having seen many of her friends for years. However, when she stops her cab and decides to surprise everyone by walking up, unannounced, her walk through the woods leads to an encounter with a mysterious fog that propels her backwards in time, to a past that will forever change her future. The story follows Lee as she is seemingly abducted, taken "home" to a man claiming to be her husband and who calls her by another name, to discover the intricate and complicated relationship that was tarnished by her doppelganger. All Lee wants is to return home to her own time, but when constantly under lock and key how can she make her way back to her rightful place in time? This was a wonderful story of compassion, love, and hope. The descriptions are beautiful, depicting the time and place perfectly. The characters are believable and contain their complexities, certainly to be appreciated individually....more
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