![]() 26/2/16 Break My Fall Jessica Scott ****/***** This book wasn't what I expected. I was thinking it would be the usual fluff read about a girl who falls for a military man. It was and it wasn't. 'Break My Fall' touches on the lives of soldiers who come back after going to war, men who are still considered young by society's standards with experiences that affect them beyond most people's comprehension and age them beyond their years. Scott delves into PTSD in its multiple forms, the psychological affects of war on young men as well as the physical (and sometimes unexpected) results even after leaving the battlefields. PTSD isn't something that is openly discussed these days, despite evidence that it affects more than half the military men and women who serve and have served. Scott demonstrates genuine examples of soldiers dealing with PTSD in its various forms. The romance between the two main characters was sweet and enjoyable while the inner monologue of the lead male was gritty and honest. My only complaint was that Josh's 'problem' was suddenly solved overnight. I would have thought a little more psychological support might have made the difference considering he had been considered physically fit on all other accounts but I'm no doctor or psychologist. Overall, this was a sweet read that made me think and made me want to read more about Scott's military anti-heroes.
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![]() 24/2/16 Feverborn Karen Marie Moning *****/***** A lot of people on Goodreads seem to be very down on K.M.M right now so I decided to add my own voice to support the lady and her work. I am a self -admitted 'Moning Maniac'. I have been following this series since it was first released and I wait with baited breath every time they announce a new release date for the next installation. Moning has not disappointed in her latest continuation. The story has come back around to Mac's POV, the 'original' protagonist but also touches on another couple of familiar perspectives that help it from becoming a little tedious in places (as Mac can sometimes be a bit of a downer with an ongoing internal monoloque- which, ironically, is commented on in the story!) and definitely answers some questions left over from the previous books. My only pain with Moning is that she is the Queen of Twists and I rarely see the cliffhanger coming- there always is one to keep us coming back, of course, but I can never quite tell what it is going to be. I'm looking forward to seeing Dani's/Jada's development through the next few books, finding out what happened to her Silverside, more about Shazam and of course, her relationship with the enigmatic Ryo. Then there is the all consuming evil that has its clutches into Mac, the men that don't die, the holes tearing apart space, time and reality and the diabolical Fae Prince scheming his way out of his prison. Once again, Moning has me chomping at the bit for more and I can't wait for her next instalment to hit the shelves (in about twelve to eighteen months- cue the tears #bookloverproblems).
![]() 16/2/16 Eona Jennifer Ashley ****/***** Again, a teen fantasy fiction but pleasing to an older audience as well- I enjoy them for their focus on adventure and fantasy and their lack of seriously mushy stuff (sometimes). I enjoyed the fantasy elements and the descriptions of the dragons, a slightly different take on most author creations. I wasn't overly keen on the relationship triangle, sometimes the chemistry dropped out between the two main characters and sometimes it was beautifully written and very sweet but Goodman did have me cheering for the 'bad guy' for a while there, almost convinced he had changed. I can't say it is exactly a happy ending, more bitter-sweet than anything but it is fitting. This series is very well written for a wide audience. ![]() 16/2/16 Eon Alison Goodman ****/***** I found this novel in an airport book store and was curious so I jumped online and checked out the reviews- there weren't many but the storyline caught my attention so I gave it a go! I really enjoyed this novel. It put me in mind of Tamora Pierce's Lionheart series (aside from the 'hidden' gender of the main character). The writing is pure young adult adventure with darker undertones that older minds will pick up, which only makes the story behind it all the better. **Just a warning, this and the next novel both touch on issues of gender identification and society's acceptance of related differences** It took me a while to realise where and when this tale is set but I learnt a lot about that area and period that I hadn't known, or considered previously. Goodman has used history as a guide, added some whimsy and created a new(ish) world for her characters to thrive in. A great read! ![]() 15/2/16 Radiance Grace Draven ****/***** This was something different to what I usually read, classed somewhere between fantasy, adventure and science fiction, at least that was my feeling. The Kai aren't human, but an 'Elder Race' which I'm assuming alludes to some sort of Fae. I really, really like the relationship between the two main characters and their pragmatism upon first meeting. They both agree that, to each other, they are hideous and then move on. I don't know how realistic that sort of acceptance is these days but I liked the idea- it is definitely a comment on beauty being more than skin deep, but these people agreed that they were beyond foul looking to one another. Still, love and personalities won out this time. I'm on the fence about continuing the series just because I feel like their relationship is settled where it needs to be (for a novel) and, from what I understand, their world is basically falling into war, but I intend to have a look soon. ![]() 10/2/16 Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage Jennifer Ashley ****/***** I hadn't realised that I hadn't read Mac and Isabella's story until I went through and re-read the rest of the Mackenzie clan stories. I adore Jennifer Ashley's characters and her strong emphasis on home and heart. I enjoyed watching the torture and upheaval the two main characters put each other through, probably well deserved depending on your perspective, and loved reading about all my old favourites as well. I think Ashley has done another wonderful job of introducing us to another mysterious Mackenzie and the woman who broke his heart as well as giving us a peek into their world so many years later. ![]() The Stolen Mackenzie Bride Jennifer Ashley *****/***** I love all of Ashley's Mackenzie men but I enjoyed reading about the older generation and 'Old Malcom' who rebuilt the famous Mackenzie home after fire. Having read all the others, it was clear to see where the Mackenzie brothers got their peculiarities from and that it is definitely a genetic thing. From what I understand, Ashley also showed great insight and respect when describing what happened at the final stand of Scotland's Highlanders, although this can hardly be confirmed as to what happened exactly, I think she did a wonderful job bringing to light the real plight of Scotland's people in a small moment of history. I quite enjoyed this one and would recommend it! ![]() The Many Sins of Lord Cameron Jennifer Ashley ****/***** Another mysterious, problematic Mackenzie man and a strong willed woman to stand against him. Ashley has a good formula going in her novels and manages to make each one individual to the characters personalities. It was curious to read one interpretation about London's Queen and the schemes and politics of the time and their involvement with Scotland. Not entirely my favourite but still well written with familiar characters to draw the Mackenzie storyline along. Ainsley, a gutsy little spy is a fitting addition to the slightly mad household. ![]() 8/2/16 Whippoorwill Sharon Sala ***/***** I was kind of confused reading through this who the main characters were. It wasn't until the second half of the book that I could confidently say, yes, that is them. There were a number of shorter snippets about different characters in the first half of the book that came together to make sense towards the last few chapters. That said, I liked the gutsy female main and the 'preacher' who replaces the original (he was an *ss) and the trouble they get into made me laugh. Not my usual cup of tea, but good for a light read. ![]() 12/2/16 Omega, Beta, Alpha & Pas A.M. Reine ****/***** When I originally started reading this series, I wasn't sure what I was in for and if someone had told me prior, I probably wouldn't have bothered with it but that would have been a mistake. Reine creates a complex, dirty world where hard decisions have to be made in order to survive. This is not your average story of shape shifting love or anything like it so if you are looking for romance, look elsewhere. Without spoiling it, it involves a rebellion, Fae politics and other magics but it is the complicity of the characters that really make it shine. From the main character who starts out certain of who and what she is and what she intends to do but ends up all twisted about in Pas, to the violent, possessive anti-hero/nemesis who sometimes comes across as salvageable, all of Reines characters are strikingly human even when they are not. **Just a warning, some strong violence is involved in some scenes** It is hard to rate these books individually as, personally, I wouldn't usually go for this sort of dark fantasy but as a whole, the story is well written and surprisingly realistic considering the circumstances. It is easy to relate this story to modern times and the rebellions and wars going on today. There are ups and downs in every book, parts I really loved and parts I hated but that was more to do with the characters actions and decisions than the writing (which is kind of proof of Reine's suck-you-in writing skills!). So I'm rating and reviewing them overall; Omega, Beta, Alpha and Pas. ![]() 10/12/15 Dragon Actually (Dragon Kin Series) G.A. Aiken ***/***** I liked the premise of this story and the characters were interesting. Unfortunately, I had a difficult time getting through it. Maybe it's my short attention span, but there were some slow bits in the middle that clogged it up a bit. Some of the language and the sentence structure is a little too unpolished for my liking and a little young considering the content. I liked how Aiken created her dragons and described their use of magic, though. She has a very creative mind and with some honing, will do wonders in the future. Unfortunately, not the novel for me. ![]() My rating: 3 of 5 stars I really liked this book, it has a tough heroine and a nice level of romance without becoming gushy. The mystery is well written and although I found Deaths 'confession' to be super sudden and a little predictable, I can't wait to pick up the next in the series to see what happens between Alex and *them*. Who will she choose?! What adventure is she in for next? I'm going to buy it now. View all my reviews (Goodreads) |
AuthorI am a self-confessed #bookworm. I started reviewing novels online in 2013 and have brought my most recent reviews into my Blog in 2016 because here, I am writing about things that affect me, things I love and those that I hate. Books have always been a big part of my life and so affect me as much as any person can. ArchivesCategories |