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pelicanfreak's reviews
854 reviews
Mallory by Trish Marie Dawson
5.0
This book was perfect - my only complaint that I read it in mere minutes and I can never seem to get me enough Trish. In taking a deeper look at Mallory, we get some at some of the other Station characters as well while, for me being reminded of some of the details. I read book 1 in the Station series awhile ago now so it refreshed my memory without dwelling on anything or being redundant.
This look at Mallory provided an interesting perspective on her character as well as the Station in general and gives a new look at an old character - who I will not name for spoiler purposes.
Trish does it again!
This look at Mallory provided an interesting perspective on her character as well as the Station in general and gives a new look at an old character - who I will not name for spoiler purposes.
Trish does it again!
Of Moths and Butterflies by V. R. Christensen
3.0
As I delve into this book, it so far holds my interest about a quarter of the way through but that could change so I wanted to put down what I do like about it so far:
Reading between the lines, one cannot help but notice and appreciate some of the values that come across. Just because one chooses a life in a job of servitude does not mean they can do no 'better'. As someone who has worked (over-qualified) in some customer service / retail / etc. positions - by choice - it still is degrading at times when well-intended clients/guests/customers make remarks that imply I should be doing better. This is true for many of us and those who do serve us would like us to remember this.
That said, now I'm nearly finished and while I will see it through, I'd quite like to be finished. The book has turned rather redundant as if the author was more concerned with word count than quality. Also the writer seems to know only one adjective: veritably. Writers should be more articulate, in my opinion.
This story gives a look at lower upper class of the late 1800's, the way women are so devalued, viewed as property even. Annoying of course but interesting to be reminded that it was that way not so long ago.
Every step of this story has been incredibly predictable and the style of writing is poor. Okay for a quick read but, definitely there are much better things out there. The author would do well to stick to the point, not repeat things so much and learn a larger vocabulary.
Reading between the lines, one cannot help but notice and appreciate some of the values that come across. Just because one chooses a life in a job of servitude does not mean they can do no 'better'. As someone who has worked (over-qualified) in some customer service / retail / etc. positions - by choice - it still is degrading at times when well-intended clients/guests/customers make remarks that imply I should be doing better. This is true for many of us and those who do serve us would like us to remember this.
That said, now I'm nearly finished and while I will see it through, I'd quite like to be finished. The book has turned rather redundant as if the author was more concerned with word count than quality. Also the writer seems to know only one adjective: veritably. Writers should be more articulate, in my opinion.
This story gives a look at lower upper class of the late 1800's, the way women are so devalued, viewed as property even. Annoying of course but interesting to be reminded that it was that way not so long ago.
Every step of this story has been incredibly predictable and the style of writing is poor. Okay for a quick read but, definitely there are much better things out there. The author would do well to stick to the point, not repeat things so much and learn a larger vocabulary.
Niles by Trish Marie Dawson
5.0
"I can taste the smells and feel the sounds..." this is just one example of how reading NIles gives us Station fans a greater taste of the Station itself. Detailed description worked into Niles' experience provide a better vision while telling us more about the Series' beloved character.
We get to find out what happened to Edith subsequently and we are treated to a much different kind of 'awakening' as the reader gets to 'hear' Niles' innermost thoughts while he takes in the Station, in denial about how he got there for much of the time. A different take than Piper's and Mallory's and a welcome one.
We also get a brief glimpse into Piper - but only enough to serve as a spoiler. I very much enjoyed getting to know Niles & the Station that much better. Highly recommend.
We get to find out what happened to Edith subsequently and we are treated to a much different kind of 'awakening' as the reader gets to 'hear' Niles' innermost thoughts while he takes in the Station, in denial about how he got there for much of the time. A different take than Piper's and Mallory's and a welcome one.
We also get a brief glimpse into Piper - but only enough to serve as a spoiler. I very much enjoyed getting to know Niles & the Station that much better. Highly recommend.
Plastic Hearts by Lisa De Jong
3.0
The story initially captured my attention and so I wanted more and saw it through. About 25-35% of the way through it became highly predictable and the author's inability to use proper grammar was grating on my nerves but I still felt a need to see it through so the story was decent, though done a thousand times before.
I highly recommend that De Jong get an editor, or a new one if she did in fact use one. Poor grammar down to not knowing the difference between there and their is discouraging to see and brings out my '#nohopeforhumanrace' attitude when seeing it published like this. That aside... what started out as a young adult finding her way in life turned into a steamy romance - not my cup or tea but again stuck with it and did get the expected (and likely desired by most ending).
I highly recommend that De Jong get an editor, or a new one if she did in fact use one. Poor grammar down to not knowing the difference between there and their is discouraging to see and brings out my '#nohopeforhumanrace' attitude when seeing it published like this. That aside... what started out as a young adult finding her way in life turned into a steamy romance - not my cup or tea but again stuck with it and did get the expected (and likely desired by most ending).
Glass Hearts by Lisa De Jong
3.0
Plastic Hearts was okay -enough so that I did want to read on into more of the lives of Dane & Alex, despite the predictability and poor grammar in the first.
Glass Hearts went about the same as Plastic Hearts. I enjoyed the lengthier look into the above-mentioned characters however this author seems more into writing the steamy parts than the story - that's fine as there's a large market for that; I'm just not a part of it. It did hold my attention for the most part and while I would liked to have read more about what WAS bothering Jade (I suspected she was knocked up myself) I did not get to and so there were lose ends.
I do recommend if you're into romance - not my favorite 'cup of tea' but the grammar was improved over its predecessor and the story (the parts that were squeezed in around the sex) was good enough.
Glass Hearts went about the same as Plastic Hearts. I enjoyed the lengthier look into the above-mentioned characters however this author seems more into writing the steamy parts than the story - that's fine as there's a large market for that; I'm just not a part of it. It did hold my attention for the most part and while I would liked to have read more about what WAS bothering Jade (I suspected she was knocked up myself) I did not get to and so there were lose ends.
I do recommend if you're into romance - not my favorite 'cup of tea' but the grammar was improved over its predecessor and the story (the parts that were squeezed in around the sex) was good enough.
Second-Hand Jane by Michelle Vernal
1.0
I rarely come across a book that is so boring to me. This started out by grabbing my attention but it then proceeded to just ramble on, from a first person point of view. I've nothing against first person POV at all; it's just the particular character telling this story, Jess, is a horrible bore.
Wanting to give it a chance and fully expecting it to shape up given the description, I kept going waiting for something to happen/ things to pick up.
Nothing to speak of did - the book was 100% predictable and told and a horribly tedious manner.
I rarely say this but: do not recommend. I see now, why it was free.
Wanting to give it a chance and fully expecting it to shape up given the description, I kept going waiting for something to happen/ things to pick up.
Nothing to speak of did - the book was 100% predictable and told and a horribly tedious manner.
I rarely say this but: do not recommend. I see now, why it was free.
The Dry Lands by Simon J. Townley
5.0
As the book opens, I am immediately sucked in, wondering just what the heck Krane Hutch is, that he an heal his broken bones within an hour of being thrown deeply and exactly what realm or planet we are talking here. The description is spot on, where I can get a lea image in my head, without being too wordy that I get bored - to the point I want to keep going.
So I do... I am quickly caught up on what I need to know about the situation when introduced to the planet's royalty. The rebel princess instantly has the making of a hero - and a much needed one at that. A'rissandra is far from the princesses you're used, which I love. She breaks the mold! She's great, full of personality and good values - a strong mind of her own. (Love that name by the way.)
The story has some good vs. evil, various class welfare & the discrimination that comes with it, along with the srtuggles of both sides of each battle. A rare story where one can see evil's perspective as well, aside from the usual desires to rule the world. Depspite the 'fantastical' setting, many real-world, relatable issues are going on throughout this book. Political issues are underlying as well - it seems people never change, even after having destroyed our planet.
What's better - for me personally, is my usual annoying tenancy to predict as I read hasn't been an issue here as Trish knows how to keep things different. None of the 'been done before' feeling can be found here - only the need for more!
The only downside is going to be waiting for the next installment of this series - as I am also experiencing this with her Lost & Found Series
So I do... I am quickly caught up on what I need to know about the situation when introduced to the planet's royalty. The rebel princess instantly has the making of a hero - and a much needed one at that. A'rissandra is far from the princesses you're used, which I love. She breaks the mold! She's great, full of personality and good values - a strong mind of her own. (Love that name by the way.)
The story has some good vs. evil, various class welfare & the discrimination that comes with it, along with the srtuggles of both sides of each battle. A rare story where one can see evil's perspective as well, aside from the usual desires to rule the world. Depspite the 'fantastical' setting, many real-world, relatable issues are going on throughout this book. Political issues are underlying as well - it seems people never change, even after having destroyed our planet.
What's better - for me personally, is my usual annoying tenancy to predict as I read hasn't been an issue here as Trish knows how to keep things different. None of the 'been done before' feeling can be found here - only the need for more!
The only downside is going to be waiting for the next installment of this series - as I am also experiencing this with her Lost & Found Series
Conner by Miranda Stork
Right off the bat, I'm excited and drawn in by the sort of dark atmosphere. I mean this literally as it's a summer evening and the point of view is told from - we know not what ... yet. Some ideas come into place just as I am brought back to modern day and again pulled right in by the psychology professor whose ethics are more to my tune than the man who seeks her help. A not-so-subtle ethics debate is underlying as what appears to be a fascinating tale begins.
As I read on, the main character prompts me to wonder if he's what he says he is, or just a modern day Sybil. All the while the ethics question lingers and comes up repeatedly based on how he's being treated in his current facility. As I watch him transition back and forth the first few times, during his first examination by Dr. Miller, as Conner explains the incident that led to his incarnation, I cannot help but think of the line Jared Leto sings, "Tell me would you kill to save a life?" Read for yourself, you'll see what I mean & have your own opinions as to the 'right' answer to such a question.
Reading along I also thoroughly enjoy the author's references to pop culture, both classic and of my generation.
The adventure begins early into the book - I read it in one session, unable to put it down. An element of good vs. evil... or wait! Is it evil or only a group of people who aim to protect the planet & all of its inhabitants from the destruction we humans inflict? You'll have to read for yourself to see - you won't be sorry you did.
5.0
Right off the bat, I'm excited and drawn in by the sort of dark atmosphere. I mean this literally as it's a summer evening and the point of view is told from - we know not what ... yet. Some ideas come into place just as I am brought back to modern day and again pulled right in by the psychology professor whose ethics are more to my tune than the man who seeks her help. A not-so-subtle ethics debate is underlying as what appears to be a fascinating tale begins.
As I read on, the main character prompts me to wonder if he's what he says he is, or just a modern day Sybil. All the while the ethics question lingers and comes up repeatedly based on how he's being treated in his current facility. As I watch him transition back and forth the first few times, during his first examination by Dr. Miller, as Conner explains the incident that led to his incarnation, I cannot help but think of the line Jared Leto sings, "Tell me would you kill to save a life?" Read for yourself, you'll see what I mean & have your own opinions as to the 'right' answer to such a question.
Reading along I also thoroughly enjoy the author's references to pop culture, both classic and of my generation.
The adventure begins early into the book - I read it in one session, unable to put it down. An element of good vs. evil... or wait! Is it evil or only a group of people who aim to protect the planet & all of its inhabitants from the destruction we humans inflict? You'll have to read for yourself to see - you won't be sorry you did.
Raymond Francis Collins by Kerry J. Donovan
5.0
The excitement starts right in the opening of the book – and as it goes on we get a view from all perspectives: killer’s, victim’s, investigators. Love it. As an American reading a UK author, I’m enjoying the fact that I have no problem getting a clear picture in my head, nor in following the dialogue. Any expressions I do not already know are used in a way that makes them self-explanatory.
Kerry does an excellent job of writing in a way that should please readers on both sides of the pond while keeping up the suspense and interest!
The story contained a good amount of action and mystery; what I love is in this short story I already became attached to the characters and will be seeking out more of this ‘cast’.
Kerry does an excellent job of writing in a way that should please readers on both sides of the pond while keeping up the suspense and interest!
The story contained a good amount of action and mystery; what I love is in this short story I already became attached to the characters and will be seeking out more of this ‘cast’.