Showing posts with label power. Show all posts
Showing posts with label power. Show all posts

Saturday, December 2, 2023

Book Review - Lake Silence by Anne Bishop

 


Lake Silence by Anne Bishop is about a human woman, Vicki DeVine, who is trying to get her life back in order after going through a divorce. Vicki was awarded her husband, Yorrick’s, family resort as part of her divorce settlement. She decides to fix up the place and open it up as a resort for both humans and Others alike. She hopes that she can get enough visitors to help support herself.

In this world, humans and animals are not the only beings that populate the world. There are extraordinary creatures that are called Others. They can be elemental, vampires, shape shifters, and even other scary things that go bump in the night.  The area that her resort is located on, Lake Silence, is controlled by these Others. Human laws do not apply here. It is something that every visitor and resident of Lake Silence must remember because if someone breaks the rules, they will face the consequences. 

As Vicki hopes to finish renovating the resort and start over, her lodger, Aggie Crowe, found a dead body on the property. Aggie is a member of the shape shifting Crow Other group. Vicki worries that the dead body would cause more trouble to be stirred up and may interfere with her renovating plans.

Detectives are called to the scene to help figure out who the victim is. As they investigate the murder, it is made very clear that nothing human could have killed the victim based on the condition the body was left in. However, the detectives still try to pin the death on Vicki. Vicki is desperate to prove that she is innocent and tries to find out who is behind the murder. As Vicki enlists her friends for assistance, it is discovered that someone has broken one of the rules set by the Others, and the Others will stop at nothing to enact punishment.

The novel is a standalone but takes place in the same world as another book series by the author. The book was easy to follow even though I am not familiar with the world. It did move a bit slowly with chapters after chapters of nothing happening. There were a few things I had to learn, like the days of the week in this fictional world, and the different types of Others. The author included a nifty section detailing some aspects of the world to make it easier for readers who are not familiar with her books and characters. I was confused that they put the “Lady of the Lake” on the cover as she was a minor character and didn’t really have much to do with the plot. It was a bit annoying because I had picked up this book based on the cover alone. I guess this teaches me not to judge a book by the cover.

The book started off okay but after a few chapters in I couldn’t stand Vicki DeVine. She was an annoying, blubbering fool. She sits there and feels sorry for herself yet does nothing. The only thing she does is talk about how “yummy” her vampire lawyer is and about various characters’ “vigorous appendages”. This novel reads like amateur and juvenile fan fiction.  Vicki’s behavior doesn’t seem like it would be something a grown woman in her thirties would be acting like. She constantly mentions the sex thoughts about the men around her.  Some of the other elements in the book are just plain laughable. For example, the “club” that the bad men belong to is called the “Tie Clip Club”. That name  seems like something a child came up with, and does not jive with the adult theme of the book.

If the book didn’t include Vicki, I would have enjoyed it alot more. She was a completely useless character and I found her annoying. She and other characters kept mentioning she had body issues and anxiety but the story never did anything to address them. Instead, Vicki would just shut down around men who were mean to her. And for some odd reason, men either acted cruel to her or treated her really nicely. Those same men are the ones who make all of her decisions. It feels at times, she is just a secondary character in her own story.  While I am in no rush in reading more of the author’s books, I will say that she is skilled in creating detailed worlds. In my opinion, her main characters were not so great.

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Book Review - All You Have to Do by Autumn Allen

 


All You Have to Do by Autumn Allen is about two Black male students who struggle to gain acceptance and equality in the prestigious schools they attend. In April 1968, Kevin was a student at Princeton and lived through the day when Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated. He and his fellow students decide to join a protest to protect the neighboring community from losing their homes as Columbia University gobbles up more real estate to expand their institution to build a new gym. Kevin and his fellow students are disappointed in the college because those homes belong to low income people of color who won’t have anywhere else to go. The school made it seem that it cares about the community and its students of color but the move made the students think otherwise. Kevin is unsure where he falls in the spectrum because his family has afforded him more privileges in comparison to other Black students. At times, he questions if he should be pushing hard for equality or should be grateful for his opportunities and keep quiet.

In September 1995, Gibran attended a prestigious private prep school. He and his fellow Black male students want to attend the Million Man March to show support of their culture. When they try to convince the school to allow them to attend, they face backlash which might lead to several consequences for Gibran if he doesn’t get in line with the policies at school. Gibran feels that even though the school has a Black principal, his and his fellow classmates' needs are not being met. They are expected to conform to their White classmates and other faculty’s perspectives of them. Gibran is quick to anger and he feels with every injustice that he consecutively faces, that his fuse gets smaller and smaller. The people around him worry about him and for him, especially when he seems to be ready to explode at any given moment. 

The two students are connected and their struggles overlap in many different ways. They both want to emphasize the struggles and inequalities that Black people face on a daily basis. Both Gibran and Kevin came from families that were able to provide them with opportunities that other people of color might not have. They want to protest the quality of treatment Black people receive but, calling attention to the cause might cause them both to lose their opportunities that their parents worked hard to provide them with. Will Kevin and Gibran be able to discover who they want to be instead of accepting who society tells them they are?

I thought the book was an emotional read. It spoke of two turbulent times in history where racial tensions were high. I never knew about the Columbia gym fiasco and that was interesting to read and learn about. The book was narrated by Gibran and Kevin who were born decades apart but had similar struggles. It was interesting seeing how they both navigated what society and their respective families wanted for them and how they wanted the world to perceive them. Both character arcs were well developed and coincide with historical events to add more depth to their stories.

The book showcases how different people experience different things. In Gibran’s chapters, he talks about how he and his fellow Black students had to watch a talent show in which white students were mimicking their culture and how disrespectful it felt to them. When he tried to explain how it made them feel, he was expected to show them respect about their thoughts and feelings but he  didn’t get the same respect back. It was hard to read that because we are taught to show respect but I can relate to how he was feeling of not being seen and respected. I feel like these chapters might be hard to digest for some readers but it is important to understand other people’s feelings and culture and treat them respectfully. 

I thought the book was thought provoking and had many important heartfelt moments. However, I was surprised at the language the book had included for young readers. Personally, I wish the author didn’t include this but, I can understand if they felt that it made the characters more authentic. This was the author’s debut novel and I look forward to reading more books by the author.

Friday, March 19, 2021

Book Review - Looking Glass (The Chronicles of Alice) by Christina Henry

 


Elizabeth is a young girl who lives in New City who has a secret. She can do magic but, someone has learned her secret who has an hidden agenda of their own. They want to release a butterfly that was supposed to be locked away forever. That butterfly was once known as the Jabberwock.

Alice and Hatcher are looking for a place to call their own. They dream of their own place by the lake that is surrounded by a field of wildflowers. During their journey, they end up being caught in a severe snowstorm. Alice comes across a house that seems empty and abandoned.

Hatcher had a past life before he became known as Hatcher. He was once known as Nicholas. He was one of the best fighters in New City. He has never lost a match until, his boss wants him to fight a person who never left their opponent leave the ring alive.

As Alice and Hatcher continue looking for their new home, they come across a village in the mountains. The village inhabitants all fear and hate magic. Anyone who is caught practicing magic in the Village of Pure will be punished.

The book is composed of four novellas that are separate stories but, they are also interconnected. I didn't realize that this book was a part of a series. I felt that the book can be read as a standalone but, I felt like I was missing some nuances. I liked all four stories and found them entertaining. I think I might read the other books in the series to get the full story behind the characters.

Saturday, May 16, 2020

Book Review - The Third Mrs. Durst by Ann Aguirre

Photo Credit - Amazon

Marlena Durst lives and survives her husband's shadow. He controls her every move and every decision she can make. He decides what she will wear, where she can go, who she can talk too, and even what she can eat. If Marlena disobeys his command, she has to pay the dire consequences. In their marriage, he holds all the power.

On the outside, it may look that Michael is a doting husband and Marlena is living the fairy tale life. However, Marlena has traded her freedom and safety for a gilded prison. As the days go by, it seems the only way to escape is by death.

I usually love reading revenge thrillers as they often have a few bombshells. However, this book had almost zero bombshells and most were predictable or barely worth a yawn. I didn't even care for any of the characters. I understood why Marlena did what she did but, I am not sure if I agreed with some of her plans. I did wish we did understand a bit more of Michael as a character. I didn't like that the book seemed to have a lot of violence for just a shock factor. While I am not a fan of this novel, I will still be on the lookout for other books by the author.

**Disclosure -  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.**

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Book Review - The Bootlace Magician by Cassie Beasley + Listicle - Magical Powers

Photo Credit - Amazon

Magician in training, Micah Tuttle is still learning the ropes while he is living and working at the Circus Mirandus. The circus is filled with magical acts like fire and light shows, strong men performing amazing feats, magical animals, and magicians from every corner of the world. Micah feels like he needs to prove he belongs here. 

Everything seems to be going well when a dangerous enemy from the past is threatening the circus. Micah has to work to figure out his own magic while trying to help protect the circus from malevolent forces.  Will Micah be able to help the other magicians to fight off the evil forces?

This book was deliciously fun and an entertaining read. I love how Micah was able to grow into his own and his magic.  While I enjoyed the novel, I was a bit disappointed that Micah wasn't more involved in the final battle.  Overall, the book was an enjoyable read and I can't wait to read more books from the author.


Topic - Fun Circus Names & Abilities -

I thought it would be a fun treat to create a few imaginary circus names and their magical powers! After all, who doesn't love a fun + silly name?! Leave your favorites in the comments!

- Ivy Flowers - the ability to grow flowers from every surface
- Snow Melt - the ability to turn water into snow
- Tsumani - the ability to control water
- Fire Eater - the ability to control fire because they ate too much hot sauce
- Whirlwind - the ability to control wind
- Creepy Curlie Charlie - a man with the ability to control insects
- Reptile Ralph - a man with the ability to control reptiles
- Flaming Aces - the ability to transfer energy to objects
- Hairy Albert - just a really hairy guy
- Gwen the Gnome - a woman with good luck
- Vesper the Sand Maker - a woman who can tell stories with sand
- Fierce Bob - security protection

**Disclosure - I received a free unedited 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.**

Thursday, November 15, 2018

Book Review - She Did It!: 21 Women Who Changed the Way We Think by Emily Arnold McCully + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Women have made their mark throughout history but, we sometimes forget about them and their story. Take, for example, the women who helped NASA, Marie Curie, or Ada Lovelace, women who excel in their field but, were sometimes forgotten. This book introduces readers to twenty-one women who challenged the status quo and made their voices heard. These women are artists, business innovators to social justice advocates.

The inspiring book is filled with facts about women who help inspire and change the world. I found the book to be an interesting read to learn about these women lives. However, I was a bit disappointed that each one woman doesn't have an illustration. Overall, a good inspirational read for both children and adults.

**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 any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.** 


About the Book:
Title: SHE DID IT! 21 WOMEN WHO CHANGED THE WAY WE THINK
Author: Emily Arnold McCully
Pub. Date: November 6, 2018
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Formats: Hardcover, eBook
Pages: 272
Find it: GoodreadsAmazonB&NiBooksTBD

Prepare to discover new heroes among these twenty-one women who challenged the status quo, championed others, and made their voices heard. From Jane Addams to Alice Waters, from groundbreaking artists and social justice advocates to scientific pioneers and business innovators, a strong thread of trailblazing women runs through American history. Written in compelling, accessible prose and vividly illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Emily Arnold McCully, this collection of inspiring and expertly researched profiles charts the bold paths these women forged in the twentieth century.

The subjects profiled include:

Jane Addams
Ethel Percy Andrus
Ella Baker
Gertrude Berg
Rachel Carson
Shirley Chisholm
Joan Cooney
Isadora Duncan
Barbara Gittings
Temple Grandin
Grace Hopper
Dolores Huerta
Billie Jean King
Dorothea Lange
Patsy Mink
Vera Rubin
Margaret Sanger
Gladys Tantaquidgeon
Ida M. Tarbell
Madame C. J. Walker
Alice Waters
Second Wave Feminism




About Emily:
Emily Arnold McCully received the Caldecott Medal for Mirette on the High Wire. The illustrator of more than 40 books for young readers, she divides her time between Chatham, New York, and New York City.


Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of SHE DID IT! 21 WOMEN WHO CHANGED THE WAY WE THINK, US Only.


Rafflecopter link:


Tour Schedule:

Week Two:
11/12/2018- Novel NoviceExcerpt
11/13/2018- 100 Pages A DayReview
11/14/2018- Texan Holly ReadsReview
11/15/2018- Two points of interestReview
11/16/2018- Do You Dog-ear?Review


Wednesday, July 4, 2018

Book Review - Just Let Go by Courtney Walsh + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon
Quinn Collins has never left her small hometown of Harbor Pointe. She wants to stick around in case, her mom who abandonded her and her family, decides to return. Quinn has bought the flower shop that her mother once owned. She wants to create a one of a kind design so, her mother can finally notice her. And, perhaps, her mother would see the woman Quinn has become and realizes her mistake of leaving her family behind.

Howver, Quinn is completely swamped with renovations and the flower expo. Luckily, Olympic skier Grady Benson, caused damage to a local shop and was court ordered to do community service. Grady has always taken the easy way out on life and never listened to his coaches. The duo are complete opposite and are constantly butting heads. But, as the continue to work together, they see glimpses of each other's vulnerability. Will Quinn and Grady realize that they need each other?

I thought the story was good but, I was annoyed that each character gave up on each other so quickly. They kept showing each other they cared but, as soon as one person makes a mistake or is at their lowest point, they are ready to throw in the towel. I felt like they like each other and want to fight for each other but, they failed to do it. Overall, I enjoyed the story but, I could do without the many "Oh, she's too good for me" or "He's a bad boy, and I am not like that".

**Disclosure - I recieved a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Title: Just Let Go  
Author: Courtney Walsh  
Release Date: June 5, 2018  
Genre: Contemporary Romance

For Quinn Collins, buying the flower shop in downtown Harbor Pointe fulfills a childhood dream, but also gives her the chance to stick it to her mom, who owned the store before skipping town twenty years ago and never looking back. Completing much-needed renovations, however, while also competing for a prestigious flower competition with her mother as the head judge, soon has Quinn in over her head. Not that she’d ever ask for help. Luckily, she may not need to. Quinn’s father and his meddling friends find the perfect solution in notorious Olympic skier Grady Benson, who had only planned on passing through the old-fashioned lakeside town. But when a heated confrontation leads to property damage, helping Quinn as a community-service sentence seems like the quickest way out—and the best way to avoid more negative press. Quinn finds Grady reckless and entitled; he thinks she’s uptight and too regimented. Yet as the two begin to hammer and saw, Quinn sees glimpses of the vulnerability behind the bravado, and Grady learns from her passion and determination, qualities he seems to have lost along the way. But when a well-intentioned omission has devastating consequences, Grady finds himself cast out of town—and Quinn’s life—possibly forever. Forced to face the hurt holding her back, Quinn must finally let go or risk missing out on the adventure of a lifetime.


Click here to purchase your copy!
 

About the Author

Courtney Walsh

Courtney Walsh is a novelist, artist, theatre director, and playwright. Her debut novel, A Sweethaven Summer, hit the New York Times and USA Today e-book bestseller lists and was a Carol Award finalist in the debut author category. She has written two more books in the Sweethaven series, as well as two craft books and several full-length musicals. Courtney lives in Illinois with her husband and three children. Visit her online at www.courtneywalshwrites.com.

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Courtney Walsh is giving away a grand prize of a library of Courtney Walsh’s books and a $25 Amazon gift card!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://promosimple.com/ps/d0a4/just-let-go-celebration-tour-giveaway