Book Review - The Red Lotus by Chris Bohjalian

When Alexis met her boyfriend, Austin, it was on a Saturday night. They didn't meet at a bar but, in an emergency room where Alexis treated a bullet wound in Austin's arm. Six months later, the pair decided to travel to Vietnam on a bike tour. Alexis feels that Austin might be the one and decides to accompany Austin to Vietnam. Austin wanted to pay his respects to the place where his father and uncle fought in the war. 

Alexis is back at their hotel room waiting for him to return from his solo ride. She becomes worried as the night progresses and she hears nothing from Austin. The police arrive to the hotel and tells Alexis that Austin has disappeared. The only thing they have found is a yellow energy gel pack that he dropped on the side of the road. As Alexis tries to deal with her loss, she faces new uncertainties while dealing with the FBI, Austin's parents, and his colleagues at work. She uncovers a strange series of seemingly benign lies that forces her to wonder if she even knew Austin at all.

I usually read books during my lunch break and I found this book to be quite disgusting and off putting. One of the characters was obsessed with rats and went into too much detail than I felt was necessary. I found the plot to be boring, slow moving, and predictable while, the characters to be very dull. This was my first book by the author and probably the last.

Book Review - The Piper's Pursuit (Hagenheim #10) by Melanie Dickerson + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

The town of Hamlin is plagued and overrun by rats. A giant beast is roaming the city walls. And over several dozen children have gone missing presumably eaten by the beast. Katerina is determined to help her people. However, her evil stepfather seems to have plans of his own.

Steffan is the rowdy son of the Duke, who is hellbent on proving himself to his family. Steffan arrives in Hamlin desperate and broke for glory and reward. When he crosses path with Katerina, they both find they might be unlikely allies.  

I found the novel to be an interesting read. I liked both main characters but, I was annoyed by how Kat kept treating Steffan even though he kept showing her how much he liked her. I thought the novel moved at a good pace without tons of filler.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Piper’s Pursuit

by Melanie Dickerson

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Release date: December 3, 2019

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Retelling

Synopsis:

A plague of rats. A giant beast outside the village walls. A host of missing children. And one young woman determined to save her people.

In 1424 Hamlin, Katerina faces threats from all sides. An outbreak of rats has overtaken the village, a mysterious beast is on a killing rampage of the village’s children, and her evil stepfather is a dark presence inside the walls of her own home. Katerina is determined to hunt and kill the Beast of Hamlin herself before more lives are lost.

When Steffan, the handsome but brash duke’s son, comes to town seeking glory and reward, Katerina decides he might be the ally she’s been looking for—even though the sweet music he plays on his pipe seems the only gentle thing about him. But there’s more to Steffan than she suspects, and she finds drawn to him despite her misgivings.

Can Katerina and Steffan stop the enemy from stealing every child of Hamlin? Or will their interference create a worse fate for them all? Melanie Dickerson delivers another exciting fairy tale journey of intrigue and romance in this reimagining of the classic Pied Piper story.

BOOK LINKS

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44441981-the-piper-s-pursuit

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2QH8q15

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1130949135

TOUR SCHEDULE

https://fantasticflyingbookclub.blogspot.com/2019/10/tour-schedule-pipers-pursuit-by-melanie.html

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melanie Dickerson is the New York Times bestselling author who combines her love for history, adventure, and romance. Her books have won a Christy Award, two Maggie Awards, The National Reader’s Choice Award, the Christian Retailing’s Best Award, the Book Buyer’s Best Award, the Golden Quill, and the Carol Award. She earned her bachelor’s degree in special education from The University of Alabama and has taught children and adults in the U.S., Germany, and Ukraine. Now she spends her time writing stories of love and adventure near Huntsville, Alabama.

Website: http://melaniedickerson.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelanieDickersonBooks/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/melanieauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melaniedickerson123/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/dickerson3046/

GIVEAWAY

Prize: 1 finished copy of The Piper’s Pursuit by Melanie Dickerson (USA)

Starts: 11/18/19

Ends:  11/28/19

Direct Link:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d9681b86416/?