{"user_id": "8842281e1d1347389f2ab93d60773d4d", "book_id": "18245960", "review_id": "dfdbb7b0eb5a7e4c26d59a937e2e5feb", "rating": 5, "review_text": "This is a special book. It started slow for about the first third, then in the middle third it started to get interesting, then the last third blew my mind. This is what I love about good science fiction - it pushes your thinking about where things can go. \n It is a 2015 Hugo winner, and translated from its original Chinese, which made it interesting in just a different way from most things I've read. For instance the intermixing of Chinese revolutionary history - how they kept accusing people of being \"reactionaries\", etc. \n It is a book about science, and aliens. The science described in the book is impressive - its a book grounded in physics and pretty accurate as far as I could tell. Though when it got to folding protons into 8 dimensions I think he was just making stuff up - interesting to think about though. \n But what would happen if our SETI stations received a message - if we found someone was out there - and the person monitoring and answering the signal on our side was disillusioned? That part of the book was a bit dark - I would like to think human reaction to discovering alien civilization that is hostile would be more like Enders Game where we would band together. \n I did like how the book unveiled the Trisolaran culture through the game. It was a smart way to build empathy with them and also understand what they've gone through across so many centuries. And who know a 3 body problem was an unsolvable math problem? But I still don't get who made the game - maybe that will come in the next book. \n I loved this quote: \n \"In the long history of scientific progress, how many protons have been smashed apart in accelerators by physicists? How many neutrons and electrons? Probably no fewer than a hundred million. Every collision was probably the end of the civilizations and intelligences in a microcosmos. In fact, even in nature, the destruction of universes must be happening at every second--for example, through the decay of neutrons. Also, a high-energy cosmic ray entering the atmosphere may destroy thousands of such miniature universes....\"", "date_added": "Sun Jul 30 07:44:10 -0700 2017", "date_updated": "Wed Aug 30 00:00:26 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Sat Aug 26 12:05:52 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Tue Aug 15 13:23:18 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 28, "n_comments": 1}
{"user_id": "8842281e1d1347389f2ab93d60773d4d", "book_id": "5577844", "review_id": "52c8ac49496c153e4a97161e36b2db55", "rating": 5, "review_text": "A beautiful story. Neil Gaiman is truly a unique storyteller. I did a combo of reading and listening to this story, and Neil is great at reading as well. I got interested in this book after seeing the movie, which I really enjoyed. The book is similar - maybe a bit more poetic - but I think the plot in the movie is a bit improved (not much, but a bit). \n I imagine this book came about because Neil read the below poem that he includes in the beginning, and then he invented a plot around it. The result is the book reads like a epic poem - it's creative, magical, and really, just right. \n Go and catch a falling star, \n Get with child a mandrake root, \n Tell me where all past years are, \n Or who cleft the devil's foot, \n Teach me to hear mermaids singing, \n Or to keep off envy's stinging, \n And find \n What wind \n Serves to advance an honest mind. \n If thou be'st born to strange sights, \n Things invisible to see, \n Ride ten thousand days and nights, \n Till age snow white hairs on thee, \n Thou, when thou return'st, wilt tell me, \n All strange wonders that befell thee, \n And swear, \n No where \n Lives a woman true, and fair. \n If thou find'st one, let me know, \n Such a pilgrimage were sweet; \n Yet do not, I would not go, \n Though at next door we might meet; \n Though she were true, when you met her, \n And last, till you write your letter, \n Yet she \n Will be \n False, ere I come, to two, or three. \n And here is my new favorite quote: \"Have been unavoidably detained by the world. Expect us when you see us.\"", "date_added": "Wed Sep 24 09:29:29 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Wed Oct 01 00:31:56 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Tue Sep 30 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Sun Sep 21 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 5, "n_comments": 1}
{"user_id": "8842281e1d1347389f2ab93d60773d4d", "book_id": "17315048", "review_id": "885c772fb033b041f42d57cef5be0a43", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Mark Watney is a steely-eyed missile man. A man's man. A badass mechanical engineer botanist astronaut who is stranded on Mars during a Nasa mission gone wrong, and left to fend for himself. I listened to this on audio on a roadtrip, and it flew by - what a fun story. Not surprised at all it's being made into a movie directed by Ridley Scott starring Matt Damon. Also pretty amazing is that it was self-published. \n There were two great things about this book: the humor and the science. The science appealed to the mechanical engineer in me - Watney is a bit like McGyver except he knows a lot more about chemistry and botany. I didn't double-check all the science, but loved the descriptions of all the math: calorie calculations, creating water, etc. Just fun stuff. \n But the humor was top notch. Weir does a great job portraying a stranded man trying to remain upbeat by talking to himself in log entries. And the excellent audio narrator only made it better. \n \"I started the day with some nothin' tea. Nothin' tea is easy to make. First, get some hot water, then add nothin'.\" \n \"Yes, of course duct tape works in a near-vacuum. Duct tape works anywhere. Duct tape is magic and should be worshiped.\" \n \"Live Another Sol would be an awesome name for a James Bond movie.\" \n In the end, a well told story of survival against the odds. And one of belief - I liked the CNN Mark Watney watch - you could totally imagine how into this story the media would get. We humans love a good surviving against the odds story.", "date_added": "Sat Apr 05 09:30:53 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Wed Mar 22 11:33:10 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Mon Aug 25 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Sat Aug 16 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 25, "n_comments": 5}
{"user_id": "8842281e1d1347389f2ab93d60773d4d", "book_id": "13453029", "review_id": "46a6e1a14e8afc82d221fec0a2bd3dd0", "rating": 4, "review_text": "A fun fast paced book that sucks you in right away and doesn't let go. The remnants of humanity live in a 150 story silo below the earth and can't leave as the outside is now toxic. This is a bit of an odd thing to have happened, but it gives us a nice palette to think about things. \n Everything is rationed, including how many children you can have. People self-identify by their profession and where in the silo they live: farmers and mechanics in the lowers, IT in the mids, and professional class in the uppers. The working class wear color coded uniforms to easily distinguish them. \n The book was a lot about control. How to control a contained civilization, and give them hope (eg a live feed of the outside) and yet keep them in harmony and doing their functions. Strange mechanisms of control were built all over the silo: communication was oddly limited given the IT resources they have - many messages had to be delivered by courier as emails cost valuable money to send. Most strange of all - there is no elevator, which forces anyone wanting to travel the length of the silo to spend 2-3 days on the journey. \n The cleaning ritual was a strange bit of culture. Upon reflection, I can see why it was necessary. If people never go outside, uncertainty of it still being bad would creep in, and people would need to try it. As perhaps happened in Silo 17. \n I really liked the unraveling of Bernard, and how he went from repulsive/annoying, to understandable once you understood his role and responsibility. His role is to eliminate any doubt in the delicate balance of the silo. Opening the book up with the doubt of Holston was brilliant as it sucked you in immediately. \n I liked Juliet too - she was the right combo of being determined to do right, and having brains and grit.", "date_added": "Tue Dec 04 11:12:22 -0800 2012", "date_updated": "Sat Jul 26 11:43:28 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Tue Jul 08 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Wed Jul 02 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 5, "n_comments": 1}
{"user_id": "8842281e1d1347389f2ab93d60773d4d", "book_id": "13239822", "review_id": "a582bfa8efd69d453a5a21a678046b36", "rating": 3, "review_text": "This book has a great premise, and is full of some beautifully written prose. It's about a hacker during the Arab Spring, helping people get around the firewalls that the State erected to control its population. Alif falls in love, finds an ancient book, gets into trouble with State, enlists the help of an unseen, magical world full of creatures call Jinn, and combats evil. The story flowed well, and was a fast, fun read. \n I would have given it a higher rating, but I'm a computer programmer, and for a book that is about hacking the descriptions of Alif coding felt like I was watching one of those movies where they used a bunch of made-up visuals that have nothing to do with hacking. The prose around the hacking was so oddly descriptive you didn't know what to make of it. For instance, when Alif is hacking into State's intranet, it is described as: \n \"The Hand roused. It lumbered to its feet, reeking of ionized air and dry metallic bones, revealing a level of functionality Alif had not detected. He reeled backward, recalibrating. Breaching the confines of the State intranet, the Hand began to attack the base of Alif's tower, slicing away layers of code through a mirroring protocol of a kind Alif had never seen before.\" \n I didn't know a computer program could \"reek of ionized air\" - and can't conceive of how a mirroring protocol (if there is such a thing) could ever be used to \"slice away layers of code\". \n I wanted so hard for the bit about quantum computing and encoding the ancient story into code to make sense. But it just didn't. And that was the heart of the story - that the ancient text contained an all-powerful computer algorithm. I also had trouble buying the Alif & Dina relationship - the characters just felt shallow to me.", "date_added": "Mon Jul 02 16:04:16 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Mar 22 11:32:20 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Wed Aug 15 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Sun Aug 12 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 7, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "8842281e1d1347389f2ab93d60773d4d", "book_id": "62291", "review_id": "e23965adda7ce7e7e415a1339e169065", "rating": 5, "review_text": "** spoiler alert ** \n Loved it. The epic saga continues. The poor Starks are torn apart, but yet are surprisingly resilient. In fact, pretty much every major character is in danger of dying and some even do. It's a bit tough to read, as you really wanted The King In The North to succeed. And Dany is fast becoming an interesting part of the plot that has yet to intermix with the rest of the characters. \n I'll be starting the next one soon. These books are like crack.", "date_added": "Tue Jul 12 12:57:07 -0700 2011", "date_updated": "Wed Mar 22 11:47:02 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Sat Aug 20 00:00:00 -0700 2011", "started_at": "Tue Jul 26 00:00:00 -0700 2011", "n_votes": 5, "n_comments": 1}
{"user_id": "8842281e1d1347389f2ab93d60773d4d", "book_id": "41804", "review_id": "2bcbe2300fe1801197f9bfe1f1c883ba", "rating": 5, "review_text": "As an engineer I couldn't help but love this book. It's full of logic games! The 3 rules of robotics are a very rich medium for lots of fun puzzles, and I very much enjoyed reading them. I think the book originally came out in serial form, as it was broken down into short stories or capers. Kind of reminded me of Sherlock Holmes - another favorite of mine. \n Examining robots also gave a canvas for defining what it is to be human. I loved the robot religion story. Robots with a superiority complexes - but thank goodness for that first law or it would be a Terminator-style story. \n According to Asimov's predictions, in 2009 the robot revolution should be in full swing. But I don't see a lot of robots around. Anyone have a good prediction on where we are with robots? When will we have pet robots and robot laborers?", "date_added": "Wed Mar 25 10:56:59 -0700 2009", "date_updated": "Tue Apr 14 18:23:50 -0700 2009", "read_at": "Wed Apr 08 00:00:00 -0700 2009", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 12, "n_comments": 2}
{"user_id": "8842281e1d1347389f2ab93d60773d4d", "book_id": "136251", "review_id": "132eab4c9a3724493204cc083e0e2ecc", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Loved every minute. So sad there isn't another! \n I thought JK really made Harry an even stronger archetypal hero - almost in a Paul Maud'Dib from Dune kind of way. He's fighting the ultimate evil, he's brave and takes risks, and believes in himself and doesn't give up despite many hardships. I think JK really did a phenomenal job, as I bet every kid who reads this will have a little bit of hero/Gryffindor in them. \n The epilogue was lame though. I would have rather seen a '3 months later' epilogue than a '19 years later' one.", "date_added": "Mon Dec 22 10:38:27 -0800 2008", "date_updated": "Wed Mar 22 11:46:18 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Sun Jan 02 00:00:00 -0800 2011", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 6, "n_comments": 3}
{"user_id": "8842281e1d1347389f2ab93d60773d4d", "book_id": "142296", "review_id": "400f536181a8ccf3a0f6b37d3fec14eb", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I enjoyed every second of this book. I haven't read a time travel book in a long time, but loved this one, as the descriptions of London in 1812 were very rich. I loved how Lord Byron and other famous poets were running around, and the descriptions of all the beggars were fascinating. Add in some ancient Egyptian magic and you've got a great book! \n Random sidenote: It's interesting to think that back then poets were the rockstars of the age, as the only form of mass-media was newspapers, so those who mastered the written word could be broadcast much further than any musician or actor. How times have changed!", "date_added": "Sun Oct 19 13:52:40 -0700 2008", "date_updated": "Wed Mar 22 11:46:14 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Wed Dec 10 00:00:00 -0800 2008", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 6, "n_comments": 2}
{"user_id": "8842281e1d1347389f2ab93d60773d4d", "book_id": "76620", "review_id": "9206654986a733bd753753aa0c882813", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I read this after hearing from a few people that it was among their all-time favorites. I was almost put off when I saw it was a story about rabbits, originally written as a tale by a father to his children - but I'm glad I wasn't. \n I found the folk tales about El-ahrairah to be very impressive. The author clearly had a vivid imagination to create so much of the rabbits culture and history. But I think this book was worth reading as it's really a story about survival, leadership, and human nature. \n Oh and Fiver rocks. And BigWig is the man.", "date_added": "Tue Sep 02 17:03:40 -0700 2008", "date_updated": "Wed Dec 14 12:30:43 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Tue May 05 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Sun Apr 19 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 30, "n_comments": 2}
{"user_id": "8842281e1d1347389f2ab93d60773d4d", "book_id": "34497", "review_id": "43828b41e8099f892cfee80a8244684a", "rating": 3, "review_text": "This should be 3.5 stars. I really enjoyed it, but found it all kind of random and leading nowhere. That being said, it was very imaginative and entertaining. Hrun the Barbarian was one of my favorites, as was anything the Luggage did.", "date_added": "Tue Jun 03 16:42:44 -0700 2008", "date_updated": "Fri Dec 27 07:55:24 -0800 2013", "read_at": "Mon Nov 10 00:00:00 -0800 2008", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 2, "n_comments": 2}
{"user_id": "8842281e1d1347389f2ab93d60773d4d", "book_id": "14497", "review_id": "b8e08587ce1592d69548d0f644cb9893", "rating": 4, "review_text": "** spoiler alert ** \n Just finished this and have to say I really enjoyed it. I was kind of worried the plot wasn't going anywhere for much of it, but the writing was really good and drew me in. \n For much of the book I thought the main character (Richard) was too weak of a character for me to like much, but I liked how he grew in confidence towards the end. I think anytime one undertake's an adventure or a journey like that you grow so much. You have to get out there and fail a few times to have the confidence to know how to succeed! \n I also have to say I loved Mister Croup and Mister Vandemar. Their dialogue and interaction was hilarious. It really reminded me of Mister Wint and Mister Kidd from James Bond's Diamonds are Forever.", "date_added": "Thu Mar 27 17:53:06 -0700 2008", "date_updated": "Wed Mar 22 11:46:03 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Tue Oct 28 00:00:00 -0700 2008", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 6, "n_comments": 1}
{"user_id": "8842281e1d1347389f2ab93d60773d4d", "book_id": "77566", "review_id": "cedb8b21ea6ad95b05fa3868e05488e6", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Seven amazing stories. Each one you think can't possibly top the last, and then it does. We never really get to understand what is up with the Time Tombs - guess I have to keep reading. But the strength of each of these stories is worth it. One of the best books I've read in a while.", "date_added": "Wed Mar 12 16:37:16 -0700 2008", "date_updated": "Wed Mar 22 11:46:03 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Fri Oct 19 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Wed Sep 19 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 4, "n_comments": 2}
{"user_id": "8842281e1d1347389f2ab93d60773d4d", "book_id": "897461", "review_id": "91e06a861712ad5a654f7c9829423049", "rating": 5, "review_text": "An epic book - loved it, and wish I had found it before now. It does start a bit slow, but then really picks up. It's the story of a young man in 1905ish who graduates from Harvard and then is sent by his rich uncle to be the consul to the made up country of Islandia, which is closed to trade with the outside world. \n Islandia is described so clearly you could almost believe it wasn't a made up country. You can feel it's beauty, it's pureness, and it's culure, coming through the pages. \n Many of us went through idealistic phases in our 20's, and John Lang is no exception. He is trying to decide what will make him happy: Islandia, or a life in New York as a businessman. He is also searching for love, and seems to have a crush on every Islandian woman he meets! \n Wright does an amazing job of describing what the Islandian culture is like. They are largely farmers: they work in the field all day, and their land provides what they need to eat and money to buy the rest. They don't have to work super hard, and have plenty of time for leisure. Their society closed and smaller, so people are very decent to each other. There aren't very many towns or central social hubs, so socializing is often accomplished by staying as a guest in someones farm house as you are traveling through the country, and you can do that totally unannounced. \n Islandia is a utopia of sorts - they believe that progress in their culture will not lead to improving their lives. It is an interesting question - does technological progress actually end up making our lives better? Technology is supposed to improve the quality of our lives. We have better medicines, cleaner cities, we can communicate instantly around the world, and travel on cars and trains and planes. \n But we lack the notion of a \"home\" that spans across generations or even multiple family units. Cousins and uncles and grandparents are only seen several times a year during family parties and holidays. In a sense, our society has shifted from being family centric to friend centric, as friends are the people we hang out with socially in the cities, where most of us live. This gives us often a richer variety of people and ideas to interact with, but the the connections are often not as close, and that is sad.", "date_added": "Wed Feb 06 20:42:04 -0800 2008", "date_updated": "Wed Mar 22 11:46:00 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Mon Mar 07 00:00:00 -0800 2011", "started_at": "Wed Jan 26 00:00:00 -0800 2011", "n_votes": 7, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "8842281e1d1347389f2ab93d60773d4d", "book_id": "18122", "review_id": "9a8c81912b6bf7f4091323a8093a94c8", "rating": 4, "review_text": "** spoiler alert ** \n I absolutely loved the first book, but didn't think the series finished as strong as I would have liked. \n Too many plot holes and things that didn't make sense. Maybe it was because it's supposed to be a children's book, but I didn't like things like how the harpies were so easily convince to change sides, how God's #2 is easily tricked by a little flirting, how Lyra & Will can suddenly easily lose their Daemons, and how two kids making love can save the universe. \n On the other hand the book did make you think, and I suppose religious ideas are probably best challenged in a children's book :) I did like the Dante's Inferno-esque description of the world of the dead, and Pullman's description of angels and their roles was brilliant. Also, the descriptions of how things evolved differently in different worlds was very interesting - particularly the Mulefa's world and the descriptions of the Gallivespians. I'm usually not a tragedy fan, but I did think Lyra & Will being separated at the end was a romantic and appropriate ending.", "date_added": "Wed Dec 26 17:21:26 -0800 2007", "date_updated": "Wed Mar 22 11:45:55 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 -0800 2008", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "8842281e1d1347389f2ab93d60773d4d", "book_id": "119322", "review_id": "111b958d9d8b5132be5e0c63399d1839", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Loved every second, and didn't want it to end, so I had to find a book store and buy the next two! Its a Harry Potter reading level and similar type fantasy story, but sometimes thats what you need on a long flight to NYC for the holidays! \n I think as a child we all daydreamed about alternate worlds, so I love how thats the basis for the book. Thinking about all the permutations of how things could turn out differently is kinda fun :) I think if I had a Daemon I would hope she'd settle on being a lynx.", "date_added": "Mon Dec 10 21:02:24 -0800 2007", "date_updated": "Wed Mar 22 11:45:52 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Sat Dec 01 00:00:00 -0800 2007", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 4, "n_comments": 2}
{"user_id": "8842281e1d1347389f2ab93d60773d4d", "book_id": "52357", "review_id": "cd8f2fdfc17234b555ac662601f0e777", "rating": 3, "review_text": "I would hate to have to see the movie without having read it first...", "date_added": "Tue Sep 25 01:10:09 -0700 2007", "date_updated": "Wed Mar 22 11:35:19 -0700 2017", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "8842281e1d1347389f2ab93d60773d4d", "book_id": "1022863", "review_id": "36aa8e00ce8032cba6afd6094550feae", "rating": 5, "review_text": "When people ask me what my favorite book is, Dune is always my answer. Words cannot even do justice to what an epic tale this is. We learn about spirituality, human nature, politics, religion, and the making of a hero. \n I loved the spiritual aspects of the book the best. The philosophies and practices and Pranu Bindu training of the Bene Gesserit that Paul learns and builds upon. The Bene Gesserit believe in a training regiment that results in a superior human being - one with every sense as refined as possible. This means a focus on learning, on controlling emotion, on controlling your body. \n My absolute favorite quote from Dune is the Bene Gesserit litany against fear: \n \"I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.\" \n The litany is meant to be recited when you are in a moment of fear, and as I first read Dune 20 years ago, I've employed it many times. After Paul employs it when he is fighting Jamis, the affect on him is described as \"a cool bath washing over him. He felt muscles untie themselves, become poised and ready.\" I have read a lot about people who perform at high levels - whether it be in athletics or business, and success is all about getting into that zen state where you have a clear, focused mind. Fear is the biggest thing that can cloud one's mind - usually fear of failure, but there are other forms too. While this Litany won't always eliminate it, I've felt it to be useful to recognize the fear and call it out for what it is. \n There is also a focus in the book on being able to read people by paying attention to the minutia. In many crucial scenes we see Paul and Jessica and others employing this skill, using not only their eyes, but reading the tone of what a person says, what their body language or actions say, and more. Imagine the poker player I could be if I learned these skills! \n \"If you rely only on your eyes, your other senses weaken.\" \n It's interesting to me that so many science fiction novels contemplate a future with AI (aka post-singularity). In Dune, the Butlerian Jihad was the human rebellion to rid itself of AI or \"thinking machines\". They are now banned, and in their place we have Mentats, who are humans with processing powers far greater than any thinking machine. It's unclear to the software engineer in me how exactly that could be without some sort of physical manipulation (insertion of massive amounts of transistors, for instance), but the affect is pretty cool, we get Spock-esque beings who analyze everything extremely logically, and are great at political planning \"feints within feints within feints\". \n There was a lot in the book about leadership. It started with Paul first learning about it from his Father, and also from the Bene Gesserit. This quote stood out to me: \n \"She asked me to tell her what it is to rule,\" Paul said. \"And I said that one commands. And she said I had some unlearning to do.\" She hit a mark there right enough, Hawat thought. He nodded for Paul to continue. \"She said a ruler must learn to persuade and not to compel. She said he must lay the best coffee hearth to attract the finest men.\" \n Later as he grows into a leader himself, Paul learns that the most essential ingredient to be a leader is to lead people to a worthy goal. \n \"It was another of the essential ingredients that she felt her son needed: people with a goal. Such people would be easy to imbue with fervor and fanaticism. They could be wielded like a sword to win back Paul's place for him.\" \n Much has been made in modern reviews of Dune of the fact that it's clearly a statement about oil and the Middle East. The book even admits the Fremen are of Sunni descent, and many words they use (Jinn, Jihad, etc) are Arabic. I'm not sure I understand all the undertones, but one thing that was clear was about control of the worlds most precious commodity: \"The people who can destroy a thing, they control it.\" I hope we are closing in on the end of the days when oil controls so much, but we aren't there yet. In the meantime, we had best beware of any future Harkonnen's.", "date_added": "Tue Aug 29 11:45:04 -0700 2006", "date_updated": "Wed Jan 25 14:15:32 -0800 2017", "read_at": "Sat May 11 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Mon May 06 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 68, "n_comments": 14}
{"user_id": "8842281e1d1347389f2ab93d60773d4d", "book_id": "6", "review_id": "d9f27b90095cd32ba1ec2a604e705e66", "rating": 5, "review_text": "This is the best harry potter book so far, followed closely by book 6.", "date_added": "Tue Aug 29 11:20:10 -0700 2006", "date_updated": "Wed Mar 22 11:44:11 -0700 2017", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 4, "n_comments": 3}
{"user_id": "8842281e1d1347389f2ab93d60773d4d", "book_id": "2", "review_id": "85073a6ebd880836667f4414c8523012", "rating": 5, "review_text": "After the first read, this book is the worst one in the Harry Potter series. Characters are not as likeable as they are in the other books. However, I recently reread it (after reading book 6), and found it to be a very good read.", "date_added": "Tue Aug 29 11:20:05 -0700 2006", "date_updated": "Wed Mar 22 11:44:09 -0700 2017", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 6, "n_comments": 2}
{"user_id": "72fb0d0087d28c832f15776b0d936598", "book_id": "15706923", "review_id": "6a870a66f732183b60214d57fa553093", "rating": 2, "review_text": "Ehhhhhh. \n Really nothing to rave about. It was not poorly written in terms of style or technical aspects. The story was not particularly interesting and I feel it is a bit overdone. It does not stand out from other vampire fiction to me. The \"romance\" happened far too quickly, in my opinion. I would expect vampires who have lived so long to be a little harder to get in the sack, but... Even for a short story, it was short. \n I feel like the author is capable of more. I would like to see a longer story from her. :)", "date_added": "Fri Nov 08 20:14:53 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Fri Nov 08 20:16:50 -0800 2013", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "72fb0d0087d28c832f15776b0d936598", "book_id": "7840190", "review_id": "f73a70f64564d4a8f4cfb2d2e9d5836f", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Enjoyable read! I liked that Connie is not a typical cold-hearted, sexy, perfect, genius, vampire hunter. She's like a real person with flaws and weaknesses and fears. \n I really enjoyed the style of writing. I'm not usually a big fan of first person perspective, but I feel the author used a great balance of dialogue, descriptive text, and the character's \"voice\" really shone through without being too colloquial. \n Vampire fiction is a tricky subject these days as it's becoming so common, but I feel like this book was unique enough to stand out. I can't wait to read more!", "date_added": "Fri Nov 08 19:57:47 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Fri Nov 08 20:01:41 -0800 2013", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "72fb0d0087d28c832f15776b0d936598", "book_id": "18306845", "review_id": "d4d57fb58be64655b0374ed864a7be40", "rating": 2, "review_text": "Keeping in mind I'm someone who has watched movies such as Martyrs and can watch/read crime scene details while keeping a straight head... \n This book was far too disturbing. Basically it felt like the authors wrote these stories merely for shock value. It included things like graphic cannibalism, sexually gratifying murder, pedophila, and extreme perversion all around. Particularly the stories by \"B.C Lawson\" disturbed me and made me wonder if he is actually a perverted serial killer. And who wants their work of fiction to create that worry... \n There were a few stories that stood out from the rest as actually quite well-written. As it's a collection, I can't paint all authors included with the same brush. But I feel it's almost unfortunate for those few authors who have talent and didn't just spew out filth to be included with the rest.", "date_added": "Wed Oct 30 11:00:12 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Wed Oct 30 11:06:45 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 -0800 2013", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "72fb0d0087d28c832f15776b0d936598", "book_id": "9577969", "review_id": "8c3b9a195db8930c2a05ae1c63033db8", "rating": 2, "review_text": "I have to be honest, not a fan of this book. It was not that the writing was poor, but it really did feel like a ploy to force religion down my throat. It's set up like a horror novella, but ends up feeling like a sermon. It felt very rushed to me. I did like the main character and feel there is potential, but I feel the author needs to explore either genre more fully; either religious fiction OR horror. Or, find a way to successfully cross over that fans of either genre would both enjoy.", "date_added": "Wed Oct 30 10:55:58 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Wed Oct 30 10:58:18 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Sun Sep 01 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f8a89075dc6de14857561522e729f82c", "book_id": "10782699", "review_id": "972ce1267de0213e3032c685386890e6", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I never thought I would enjoy a zombie books with a mix of romance. Amy wrote a beautiful book that is fast paced with a smooth transaction that leaves the reader not wanting to put the book down. This is not a \"eat brains\" type of zombie series. It is more about the lives of people who became undead and how they now live their lives with a mix of love. I wish I would have read this book much sooner, than waiting for over a year after adding the series to my ever growing book list.", "date_added": "Tue Oct 30 21:32:34 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Fri May 02 09:20:56 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Thu May 01 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Tue Apr 29 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "012515e5802b2e0f42915118c90fa04b", "book_id": "13206828", "review_id": "1d5b64fe0408bb5e1824d14631ccb5ee", "rating": 5, "review_text": "LET'S JUST SAY I AM SO THANKFUL I HAVE THE NEXT BOOK BESIDE ME", "date_added": "Sat Sep 23 08:39:21 -0700 2017", "date_updated": "Sat Sep 30 11:30:46 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Thu Sep 28 16:51:17 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Sun Sep 24 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "012515e5802b2e0f42915118c90fa04b", "book_id": "13206900", "review_id": "9de8dc1b8fa869233251e2a6eb783552", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I can't believe it's over dY~C/", "date_added": "Sat Sep 23 08:39:03 -0700 2017", "date_updated": "Sat Oct 07 18:02:29 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Sat Oct 07 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Thu Sep 28 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "012515e5802b2e0f42915118c90fa04b", "book_id": "13206760", "review_id": "1fc0c08b3224b734b51996989ce52344", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I didn't know if I would enjoy the book being so focussed on new characters, but MAN it was done so well", "date_added": "Wed Sep 20 04:51:35 -0700 2017", "date_updated": "Sat Sep 30 11:30:43 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Sun Sep 24 14:08:38 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Thu Sep 21 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "012515e5802b2e0f42915118c90fa04b", "book_id": "29275562", "review_id": "69539632d9918511b948fa18c87d48a4", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I liked it much more than the first one to be honest. And the ending had me emotional - when I didn't think I would be. Pretty good book :)", "date_added": "Sat Aug 26 20:20:14 -0700 2017", "date_updated": "Sat Sep 30 11:31:47 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Tue Sep 05 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Fri Sep 01 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "012515e5802b2e0f42915118c90fa04b", "book_id": "25174926", "review_id": "5b3aac1958a1db10b48da6e6e529ec7f", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Such a good end and wrap-up to such a loved series. I waited for four years for this book. I was not disappointed. And I may seriously never get tired of Gabriel", "date_added": "Sat Nov 26 13:55:37 -0800 2016", "date_updated": "Sat Sep 30 11:30:56 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Thu Aug 31 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Tue Aug 29 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "012515e5802b2e0f42915118c90fa04b", "book_id": "3227063", "review_id": "624e11e52283ad514e3d16d197949233", "rating": 4, "review_text": "WELL THAT WAS AN INTERESTING EPILOGUE", "date_added": "Mon Dec 14 19:44:45 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Sun Jan 10 14:14:10 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Sun Jan 10 14:14:10 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Sun Dec 27 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 2, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "012515e5802b2e0f42915118c90fa04b", "book_id": "25174916", "review_id": "066fdaff37947953750a8b1407afe48f", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Okay so can I just say I finished this book in two weekdays, while working and being a full time engineering student. that's how much it gripped me \n So good. And I ship it so much. But also.... More paranormal Focus again please... It feels like it's kinda getting lost(decision wise... Was any progress actually made?) \n Also REALLY glad it didn't end on a cliffhanger. It was a nice end :) hopefully it can last me another year \n All I know is - please get me the next book. And quick", "date_added": "Mon Sep 07 20:10:28 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Sep 30 11:31:37 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Fri Nov 25 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Thu Nov 24 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "n_votes": 3, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "012515e5802b2e0f42915118c90fa04b", "book_id": "2802316", "review_id": "c4c2068c9e87c2f9f51cabb5c09163ee", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I literally cannot deal with my heart right now", "date_added": "Sun Apr 26 11:20:17 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Wed Dec 16 18:55:00 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Tue Apr 28 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "012515e5802b2e0f42915118c90fa04b", "book_id": "15747422", "review_id": "83dbad99ee78d0c40ab49c7ff55fec97", "rating": 3, "review_text": "That ending... I thought there would be another chapter, not the end of the book!", "date_added": "Mon Dec 22 11:13:10 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Tue Dec 15 19:39:32 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Thu Dec 25 16:31:54 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Mon Dec 22 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "012515e5802b2e0f42915118c90fa04b", "book_id": "23006161", "review_id": "6ab630bacdb2452c062bc814256bc2f9", "rating": 4, "review_text": "ARGH. \n Literally. I thought this would be the book where it would F.I.N.A.L.L.Y. happen but nope! \n I'm gonna to punch a wall. A brick wall. With lots of bricks. \n This book kinda overplayed the whole triangle. And Gabriel... I get Armstrong is making subtle moves with him as it is his character but really 3 books?!? I was happy with it lasting one, even two, but three is kinda pushing it. \n But man I'm instead to see how see plays the next two books I just wish I didn't have to wait for them D: \n BUT MY SHIPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP", "date_added": "Mon Dec 08 16:42:30 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Tue Dec 15 19:38:05 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Sun Sep 06 19:57:05 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Sun Sep 06 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 2, "n_comments": 2}
{"user_id": "012515e5802b2e0f42915118c90fa04b", "book_id": "9462815", "review_id": "a99a5a35d2592795791ebe3e49c57b99", "rating": 2, "review_text": "Wow I lost it on the last page. Yay for happy crying", "date_added": "Sat Nov 08 08:59:14 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Wed Dec 16 18:54:40 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Mon Nov 10 12:46:36 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Sat Nov 08 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "012515e5802b2e0f42915118c90fa04b", "book_id": "18398797", "review_id": "ee2da3f18a9d036cd1b67d182daf9072", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Gabriel. I mean I love the way this story is. No love at first sight, slow, but stringing us along in the romance department, and a strong female lead who can be stupid at times, but is still pretty great. \n But Gabriel. If you don't like anything else about this series read it for Gabriel. He's my favourite character by far, and just the way he's developed and the more you learn about him... ugh. \n (I'M ROOTING FOR THIS ROMANCE AND I SHALL NEVER STOP, but I love the fact it's been 2 books and is still slowly developing; its so different than so many other books coming out lately) \n But seriously.. Next book please (I couldibihg barely survive a weeks wait for visions how can I last a year for the next?)", "date_added": "Tue Aug 19 11:03:41 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Tue Dec 15 19:38:47 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Thu Aug 28 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Wed Aug 27 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "012515e5802b2e0f42915118c90fa04b", "book_id": "17331295", "review_id": "899ba09ca35a6447324d64be3a5fcf5a", "rating": 4, "review_text": "It really should've ended with more.. Action. That's all I'm saying", "date_added": "Fri Aug 08 20:22:21 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Thu Aug 28 14:57:23 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Sat Aug 09 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "012515e5802b2e0f42915118c90fa04b", "book_id": "13188676", "review_id": "540daa321648be66f867791b5a1aa85f", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I CANT EVEN EXPRESS MY EMOTIONS OH GEEZ I LOVE THE ENDING IM CRYING OH WARNER", "date_added": "Tue Feb 04 19:05:36 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Mon Feb 17 16:46:11 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Fri Feb 07 22:22:17 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Fri Feb 07 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "012515e5802b2e0f42915118c90fa04b", "book_id": "13623150", "review_id": "70ebc0d4940def9bbaa54c029bb2b8a0", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Oh Warner...", "date_added": "Tue Feb 04 11:17:42 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Tue Feb 04 18:47:15 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Tue Feb 04 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Tue Feb 04 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "012515e5802b2e0f42915118c90fa04b", "book_id": "13104080", "review_id": "528000001d6705f260ac8c7a58327018", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Warner. I need more Warner this second. That's all.", "date_added": "Tue Feb 04 11:16:40 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Fri Feb 07 12:17:31 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Fri Feb 07 12:17:31 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Thu Feb 06 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "012515e5802b2e0f42915118c90fa04b", "book_id": "13508069", "review_id": "5b12c5a78b6c7d41c601555bbf8a088f", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I just... I can't. I completely can't. \n Those last 10 pages I was bawling. Bawling my eyes out. Let's just say I got the pages wet... But Kaylee went through hell, literal hell, and she FINALLY got her happy ending and I cannot be happier. \n Kaylee and Tod... and Nash... and everyone... You dang well deserve your happy ending.", "date_added": "Sun Jan 05 10:58:13 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Thu Jan 09 14:37:21 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Thu Jan 09 14:37:21 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Wed Jan 08 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "012515e5802b2e0f42915118c90fa04b", "book_id": "8803932", "review_id": "21c41d209d0e13c55a73c5208f11f952", "rating": 5, "review_text": "When I read that ending I was crying, then shaking, then screaming, failing, in shock, I'm more shock, and then I died a death of extreme happiness... I can't believe that all happened and In what, less than 5 pages? \n I'm still shaking.", "date_added": "Sat Jan 04 17:14:18 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Sat Jan 04 18:24:10 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Sat Jan 04 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Sat Jan 04 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "012515e5802b2e0f42915118c90fa04b", "book_id": "11454587", "review_id": "b3881c3c1c9e0993e5d4f14971d914ac", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Sigh. Archer. I love you so much.", "date_added": "Mon Dec 02 18:31:04 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Tue Dec 03 17:12:05 -0800 2013", "read_at": "Tue Dec 03 00:00:00 -0800 2013", "started_at": "Mon Dec 02 00:00:00 -0800 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "012515e5802b2e0f42915118c90fa04b", "book_id": "8428064", "review_id": "e7f30678c2914943337b694c79139361", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I can't.", "date_added": "Sat Nov 30 23:45:41 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Wed Dec 16 18:49:59 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Mon Dec 02 00:00:00 -0800 2013", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "012515e5802b2e0f42915118c90fa04b", "book_id": "10429045", "review_id": "642d0b0449fb10ab6832364aae7b65f9", "rating": 5, "review_text": "This book was really good! Like, it went by super fast and before I knew it I was at the last 10 pages already... I literally wasn't bored for a minute. \n Only thing that bugged me was there was a lot of metaphors that drove me crazy something like JUST SAY WHAT YOURE TRYING TO SAY. \n But it was amazing... I love Adam and I don't want to love Warner but I definitely feel like it's gonna happen... \n Be warned, you'll pretty much want to read this is one sitting", "date_added": "Sun Mar 10 22:30:31 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Tue Feb 04 11:28:01 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Tue Feb 04 11:28:01 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Tue Feb 04 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "012515e5802b2e0f42915118c90fa04b", "book_id": "15861491", "review_id": "6902b0e48c7e0e2c622dbacf9f598d2e", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Can I just say... Those last like 20 pages were full of twists and turns like I'm still not sure what just happened...", "date_added": "Mon Feb 11 14:15:29 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Mon Sep 30 20:05:09 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Mon Sep 30 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Fri Sep 27 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "012515e5802b2e0f42915118c90fa04b", "book_id": "15745371", "review_id": "f02fa7174c65a1c43d52e16b8d244cc8", "rating": 5, "review_text": "OMG. SO. I totally thought taken at dusk was the end.... THEN WHISPERS AT MOONRISE APPEARED. AND OMG I JUST FINISHED IT AND I LEARN, THERES A FIFTH, CHOSEN AT NIGHTFALL. \n FINALE. OMG I CANT BELIEVE THE SERIES IS GONNA END.... THIS BOOK BETTER BE A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. \n And is it just me or is she brunette now? \n And Kylie... PICK LUCAS. OR DEREK.... I LOVE LUCAS BUT DEREKS PROBABLY BETTER.. \n ...Brunett better be in this book or I will cry. Literally. \n APRIL 30TH COME FASTERRRRRRRRRRRRR.", "date_added": "Thu Dec 27 02:30:06 -0800 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Aug 20 16:22:11 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Sun Jun 09 14:00:16 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Wed Jun 05 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "012515e5802b2e0f42915118c90fa04b", "book_id": "7791997", "review_id": "c9a66d31a94b44c73ba67a88870d5e45", "rating": 4, "review_text": "This book is amazing...... Its so confusing at times but trust me, so worth the read :)", "date_added": "Mon Oct 01 16:01:24 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Dec 16 18:59:24 -0800 2015", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "012515e5802b2e0f42915118c90fa04b", "book_id": "11563110", "review_id": "3a0875329475be058a7e6603ae11dc08", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Still a sucker for romance", "date_added": "Mon Sep 17 13:41:09 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sat Sep 30 11:35:51 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Thu Sep 20 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "012515e5802b2e0f42915118c90fa04b", "book_id": "5287473", "review_id": "036b9c7000bb1048147381721a660ba8", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I recommend this to everyone. \n No seriously \n Go read it \n Now", "date_added": "Thu Jun 07 13:06:53 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sat Jan 25 17:01:24 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Sun Dec 01 00:00:00 -0800 2013", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 7}
{"user_id": "012515e5802b2e0f42915118c90fa04b", "book_id": "6581511", "review_id": "45caf2d13f9c4ad4dbcf929a4242d8a9", "rating": 2, "review_text": "AHHHHH ENDING WAS SO UNEXPECTED D: for me at least.... :) basically durning whole book i was on the edge of my seat, just wondering what would happen next! i think its the best out of the series :)", "date_added": "Mon Jun 04 19:50:04 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Aug 03 12:04:01 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Mon Jun 11 16:31:16 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Mon Jun 04 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "012515e5802b2e0f42915118c90fa04b", "book_id": "11864728", "review_id": "30ac79a151c1544ab7fdb1cc2dcf27de", "rating": 5, "review_text": "OMG..... i loved darkest powers... felt it ended to soon \n then i heard bout the darkness rising, and heard something bout chloe and friends being in it.... \n so i read the gathering..... and got majorly disappointed. \n then, the day the calling came out i read it.... IT WAS WAY BETTER. AND OMG THE ENDING. THE ENDING. I WAS JUST DYING WHEN I WAS READING BOUT THE REFERENCES TO CHLOE AND THEM.... \n I CANT WAIT A YEAR. \n CHloe and Derek <3 i missed u Dx \n All i know is...... the day it comes out im gonna buy it ASAP and stay up all night reading... especially considering it comes out right before my birthday! <3 \n i think im gonna just cy and curl up into a ball when its over tho D:", "date_added": "Mon Jun 04 19:49:01 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Aug 20 15:20:50 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Thu Apr 11 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 4, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "012515e5802b2e0f42915118c90fa04b", "book_id": "2998814", "review_id": "5d7049d54bfd0d138529f3c70e5ef482", "rating": 2, "review_text": "Well... i found this book mostly really boring. \n i found that i liked the romance in the beginning...then i found it getting kinda old, how thats ALL she'll think about. Also, i found there was barely any action in this book... i dont get the obsession some people have with this book xD Nothing interesting appened till the last 50 pages and then it ended before w barely knew anything xD \n I give it like 2.5 stars... :) Also, if you read this book i say get the next one too... i guess im interested enough to read the next to find out what happens :)", "date_added": "Mon Jun 04 19:46:15 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Dec 16 18:51:53 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Tue Jun 05 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Mon Jun 04 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "012515e5802b2e0f42915118c90fa04b", "book_id": "13416236", "review_id": "9d373d0e4a80bc974562ed6e672dbf7f", "rating": 5, "review_text": "OMG I CANT. \n LETS JUST SAY..... \n I \n HATE \n CLIFFHANGERS. \n AND KYLIE... WHY!?!? THE BOOKS WILL NEVER BE AS GOOD ANYMORE!! I THINK.......... I HOPE IM WRONG.... \n AND LUCAS.. I CANT.. \n I don't know why but i love him more than Derek.... BUT LUCAS NOW I JUST WANNA PUNCH YOUR FACE OUT. LIKE DO THAT THEN JUST LEAVE AND NOT SAY GOODBYE? ARGH. EMOTIONS. \n ANYWAYS... this book was so good compared to the other books... I felt the beginnning was kinda slow... but as you got reading and so many new thing that you didn't expect were thrown at you.... YOU GET SO INTO IT. \n THE ENDING I LITERALLY CRIED. CRIED. \n AND FINALLY.... let just say i LOVE burnett! we're talking fav character here!!", "date_added": "Mon Jun 04 19:40:40 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Aug 20 15:22:51 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Mon Oct 01 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "012515e5802b2e0f42915118c90fa04b", "book_id": "10863148", "review_id": "f8f57c14551a636c345b104512dec35f", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Seriouly sad this is the last book :( but i cant wait <3 i LOVE kelley armstrong's books, shes so talented :) kinda sad the last book froms Savannah's view, but oh well:)", "date_added": "Mon Jun 04 19:17:30 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Aug 20 15:23:28 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Sun Jul 01 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 4, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "012515e5802b2e0f42915118c90fa04b", "book_id": "10799881", "review_id": "8e1ec3460ce09ab05bee519165073874", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Soooo good and NOT a disappointment from the first book! but it makes u want to read the next one SOOOO bad ;) AMAZING :)", "date_added": "Mon Jun 04 19:08:00 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Dec 16 18:59:23 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Tue May 01 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "012515e5802b2e0f42915118c90fa04b", "book_id": "11765920", "review_id": "f98b9fbfe3ba2daf35ec1960d25056a8", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Well... first off Kelley Armstrong is my FAVOURITE AUTHOR EVER.... ALLL her books are AMAZING.. especially DP and WOTOW \n Secondly.... this book was too... how do I put it? happy endingyish... I mean the ending, cmon, after everything, THAT?!?! Gosh.. \n Third.. I never liked DR too too much but I was really excited for the rising, for chloe and cuz I liked the series, I don't know. But this book honestly wasn't too good... I didn't like the cabals and how they were (WOTOW so much better), the choices (like wut?), and just the ending! \n Fourth, DEREK AND CHLOE WERE COMPLETELY THE BEST PART... but how do I put this.. they seemed really different from DP and I mean I kinda get it but it kinda ruined it for me... \n So.. this book was good, and as much as I want more... more would ruin the whole storyline for me... I think this one was just on the edge:) \n OH AND I LOVED THE CONNECTIONS TO WOTOW, AT EVERYONE I WAS JUMPING UP AND DOWN", "date_added": "Mon Jun 04 19:07:46 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed May 15 19:30:53 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Tue Apr 10 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "012515e5802b2e0f42915118c90fa04b", "book_id": "2800905", "review_id": "5de55db61bf97442ffe5b53ee65e2068", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I read this book almost 3 years ago and it's still my favourite book ever. Ever. \n I re-read it time and time again and fall in love every time.... Derek please let me marry you. \n I seriously recommend this book, it's different, amazing, and the series will take you on a journey. \n Kelley Armstrong is a genius, and if you've read the Women of the Otherworld series you'll notice subtle links between the two that get bigger as the series progresses, setting the 3 series (Including Darkest Rising) in the same universe, which makes it a more enjoyable and wonderful experience to fans of Kelley Armstrong's work..... \n Ignore my rambling and seriously pick up this book. \n You won't regret it", "date_added": "Mon Jun 04 19:05:23 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Feb 04 18:57:42 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Fri Apr 01 00:00:00 -0700 2011", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f4d16ea4ac59af59d257631398af39f4", "book_id": "7304203", "review_id": "300503e2045dfa99d989ea91f79045d2", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I can't help but squeal with amazement after reading this series. It was dangerously sexy, thrilling, and pure fun. It made me (and still tempts me) to catch a plane to Dublin and study abroad. So. so. amazing.", "date_added": "Wed Aug 08 21:42:07 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sat Sep 01 19:27:03 -0700 2012", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f4d16ea4ac59af59d257631398af39f4", "book_id": "9918133", "review_id": "3755a2cc215e155fdf77a0a98782e723", "rating": 2, "review_text": "*CONTAINS SPOILERS* \n I would probably rate this book 1.5 stars out of 5 JUST because of its intense and creepy ass ending. I really did not enjoy how slow this book was until the last 80 pages or so. Amazingly, I got through it after putting this book down several times. \n I've got to admit, I was drawn by the cover. It sounded pretty interesting, but I should've read a couple of pages in before renting it out at the library (glad I didn't pay for this book) because I totally did not know it was set in a high school setting. Blah! I hate those kinds of settings, but that's just my preference. \n As for the plot... Sheesh! Was it really necessary for things to turn out like they did? I was shocked.. What kind of karma is that?! Hell, it really was unfair. I felt that it was a bit.. no, not even.. WAY too cruel for consequences. \n The main character, Em, was pretty relatable which I liked a lot. She wasn't annoying; thank god! The other characters, not-so-likeable. They were quite bland when it came to being a complex character. Chase was just, wow, amazingly arrogant and totally irresponsible. A complete jerk who wouldn't be liable for any of his actions and swathed by the words or beauty of a Fury. Ergh, he had no backbone and I hated that. I enjoyed how Em turned out at the ending of the story and what she went through was PRETTY dang creepy. As I said, I loved the end but I definitely hated having to wait 300 pages until the story got interesting. \n *END RANT* :L", "date_added": "Tue Aug 07 22:54:38 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Aug 08 23:19:09 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Wed Aug 08 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Tue Aug 07 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f4d16ea4ac59af59d257631398af39f4", "book_id": "13480769", "review_id": "fb2c724469c28fa50dd02716502fe8bc", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Amazing!! Higginson is now one of my most admired authors. Her extraordinary and captivating imagination portrayed in this book rendered me speechless and at awe. I was a bit hesitant to read this series, but after reading the first book of the series I fell in love with it. I guarantee that you will not be disappointed by reading this series. It was an incredibly written series that was well tied with explanations and beautiful details of the settings. The main characters were dymamic and complex which made the series highly interesting. Purely magical.", "date_added": "Fri Jul 06 15:41:44 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Fri Jul 06 15:52:43 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Fri Jul 06 15:52:43 -0700 2012", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f4d16ea4ac59af59d257631398af39f4", "book_id": "8755776", "review_id": "a72520c7d55631c92d1248f2b45b2421", "rating": 3, "review_text": "I was pretty excited for this one but unfortunately... I was pretty disappointed. \n The only part of the book that was interesting for me was the last 100 pages (Nook eBook edition); but that's just me. There were a lot of things going on but it wasn't as intensely mind-blowing like the other books in this series. Unlike the other books in this series (where I was hooked from the beginning to the end) I was struggling to actually finish this book until I reached those last 100 pages. I will admit that I enjoyed how she ended this book and I loved how she made readers think hard about Sebastian and his truthful plans. Besides that, I don't think I gained any new insight to any of the characters besides Simon's way of thinking when it comes to relationships. \n I simply \"liked\" this book, rather than \"loved\" it and it pains me to say it because I love this series. Either way, I still love this series and will read the next :)", "date_added": "Mon Jun 04 19:09:19 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Jul 12 16:18:54 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Tue Jul 10 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Sat Jul 07 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "01ec1a320ffded6b2dd47833f2c8e4fb", "book_id": "34853896", "review_id": "fde7e3e91c35ce9d5194153e2cad0731", "rating": 5, "review_text": "\"You smile like the devil,\" Mona said. \n \"The devil doesn't smile,\" he said. \"The devil smirks.\" \n STUNNING!! Ms. Reisz proves once again she is the Queen of erotica. The story and characters are all richly drawn and unforgettable. Mona Lisa St. James made a promise to her mother that she would do anything at all to save their art gallery. But the gallery is in financial trouble and she must sell it. And soon. \n But then a handsome Englishman arrives and makes her an irresistible offer. He will save her gallery. But she must agree to be his for one year. \n \"You were meant to do this,\" he said softly. \"You'll see.\" \n \"Why me?\" she asked. \"Millions of women in this country, millions in yours...why me?\" \n \"Millions of paintings in this world. Only one Mona Lisa. Billions of women in this world. Only one you, Mona Lisa St. James.\" \n And so begins the most erotic and sensual adventures Mona has ever had. A sexual awakening of sorts, Mona and the mysterious Malcolm shares his most erotic and depraved fantasies. Yet each and every encounter is sexy and beautiful and simply stunning!! Malcolm is judgement-free and slowly begins to understand her true nature and what life has in store for her. \n I can't even begin to describe how incredibly sensual and hot the scenes between Mona and Malcolm are. Each of their encounters is a wild and delightful fantasy, interwoven with mythology, history and lush eroticism. \n \"Is this all a dream?\" That's the only thing that makes any sense. \n \"You aren't dreaming,\" he said, and she knew that was true. She was awake and had been every time they had met. \"But if you were a dream, would you want to wake up?\" he asked. \n A good question. A fair question. A hard question, but one she answered easily. \n \"Never.\" \n I absolutely loved the conclusion to this gorgeous story. It was surprising and thrilling and completely satisfying! I fell in love with the rakish Malcolm. This book is unlike anything I've ever read. Tiffany Reisz writes with sensuality and skill. 'The Red' is a must-read for all erotic romance lovers!! \n \"Do anything you must, but keep me forever.\" \n (With many thanks to the author for a review copy.)", "date_added": "Fri Apr 14 22:21:41 -0700 2017", "date_updated": "Sun Jul 16 09:04:24 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Wed Jul 12 16:30:30 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Mon Jul 10 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 21, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "01ec1a320ffded6b2dd47833f2c8e4fb", "book_id": "34947450", "review_id": "c3a04a9c538d0f885138af71d0ce9475", "rating": 5, "review_text": "4.5 - 5 GORGEOUS STARS \n \"No rules. Live out loud. Find the sunshine.\" \n Simply stunning!! Emma Scott writes THE most lyrical and gorgeous fiction. Nik and Fiona have a permanent place in my heart! \n Called a contemporary romance \"with paranormal elements,\" I found this book to be incredibly moving and very, very touching. I would not exactly characterize the story as paranormal but more the tale of a deeply empathetic man who is simply searching for love and acceptance. And please don't be put off by this being the second book in a series. I have not read the first book and I absolutely fell in love with these characters and the plot. This book is a total standalone! \n Nik and Fiona are both lost and simply wishing for a better life. For Nik, he only wants to silence the cacophony of sounds and colors he sees and for Fiona, it is the hope of a new life in Costa Rica. And when they meet, it is pure magic. \n \"But it wasn't what was wrong with me, anymore. It was what was right. The girl exuded a calm that danced along my skin, and when I inhaled, it was like breathing in the scent of something delicious but far away. The thrumming life all around me grew quiet. For the first time, I felt close to peace, and I wanted more.\" \n What begins as a one-night stand with zero expectations for the future turns into a burning hot love and a deep, unbreakable connection. Emma Scott's love scenes are beautiful and SEXY and a joy to read! \n \"Nikolai Alexei,\" she whispered and cupped my cheeks to look at me in the dimness. \"Who are you?\" \n There are very important messages in this book as well as some very gritty and heartbreaking scenes. But ultimately the message is one of hope and acceptance and unconditional love. Once again, I won't soon forget the characters created by Emma Scott. A must-read! \n \"Love and hope,\" she said. \"That's life to me.\" \n (ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.)", "date_added": "Fri Mar 10 14:12:38 -0800 2017", "date_updated": "Thu Aug 17 04:19:19 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Mon Jun 12 16:12:21 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Thu Jun 08 11:10:56 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 16, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "01ec1a320ffded6b2dd47833f2c8e4fb", "book_id": "30853358", "review_id": "df88cbef0006a011814742c5a82cb97f", "rating": 5, "review_text": "4.5 - 5 Stars!! \n \"It's always the ones who are the quietest who often have the greatest things to say. And yes, I think we'll be friends.\" \n Simple, beautiful and unforgettable, 'Wolfsong' was one of the most gripping books I've read all year. Never in a million years did I think I would love a book about werewolves with a little fantasy sprinkled in but this book and this writing is just gorgeous. If you want to take a chance an read something that is a little outside your comfort zone, read this book!! I will never forget the great Ox and the entire Bennett family. \n A story about love, devotion, loyalty, friendship and family, 'Wolfsong' was also one of the most stunning love stories I've ever read. Ox, a kind, lovely soul, lives in a small town and lives a very quiet life with his mother. Until he meets Joe, and then his whole world is turned upside down. \n \"Words. Words were my enemy. How to say that here was where I felt the safest. Here was where I felt most at home. Here was where I wouldn't be judged. I wasn't a fucking retard here. I wasn't a waste of space or time. I wanted to say so much, too much, and found I couldn't really say anything at all.\" \n I highlighted so much of this epic story that my entire review could be made of quotes from this extraordinary book! Every character, every scene felt necessary and breathtaking. The bonds between Ox, Joe and the Bennett family seemed unbreakable and I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see where this amazing author would take, me. This book is quite a journey and I loved every single minute. \n \"It was not a gradual thing. Wait. That was a lie. I didn't know it was a gradual thing. But it must have been. It had to have been. Because it's the only thing that explained the cosmic explosion that was the feeling of want and need and mine mine mine. The force of it was ridiculous. It had to have been there. For a long time.\" \n Fantasy books are usually not my thing but this book completely grabbed me from the first page. I felt as if I knew each of these characters. I wanted to wrap my arms around Ox and give him a big hug. These characters literally came to life before my eyes! I became entranced by the Oregon setting and the Bennett clan. I only wanted Ox and Joe to have their happy ending because they both deserved it so, so much. \n \"I would do anything to make you happy because no one had ever smelled like you did. It was candy canes and pinecones. It was epic and awesome. And it was home. You smelled like my home, Ox.\" \n I don't want to go into detail about the plot because it was surprising and thrilling. Take a chance on 'Wolfsong' and read this book! It was simply glorious. Definitely one of those books that would make a fantastic movie. \n \"It's easy to get lost, Ox, because the world is a wide and scary place. And every now and then, you just have to be reminded of the way home.\"", "date_added": "Fri Dec 16 15:37:36 -0800 2016", "date_updated": "Thu Dec 29 07:05:21 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Wed Dec 28 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Mon Dec 26 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "n_votes": 12, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "01ec1a320ffded6b2dd47833f2c8e4fb", "book_id": "32027348", "review_id": "31955639c84959473e0d62d663824e27", "rating": 4, "review_text": "3.5 - 4 Stars \n I ADORE Renee Carlino and I think that all of her other books are beautifully written. 'Not in This Life' is one my top favorite books! 'Lucian Divine' did not have the depth that I expect from this writer's work. There was plenty of \"tell\" but not enough show. This lack of detail led to me not really feeling the bond between the main characters. \n Without spoiling the plot, there are just too many open questions in this book. The ending felt rushed. There are elements of romance, sex and even humor here, but I never \"felt\" the love between Evey and Lucian. I like that the author wrote a story that is certainly different and unexpected. Some readers may enjoy this type of book, but it was just not for me. I loved the Epilogue and the ending for these characters was perfect. Definitely try this one and judge for yourself! \n (ARC provided in return for an honest review.)", "date_added": "Wed Sep 14 08:56:22 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Mon Jan 09 23:13:40 -0800 2017", "read_at": "Sun Jan 08 14:18:24 -0800 2017", "started_at": "Fri Jan 06 00:00:00 -0800 2017", "n_votes": 16, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "01ec1a320ffded6b2dd47833f2c8e4fb", "book_id": "32615117", "review_id": "9d796d76a77c5e5b239ef5383b829e23", "rating": 4, "review_text": "4.5 Stars! \n Sensual, powerful, romantic and very sexy. I don't read much PNR but Sylvain Reynard is an exception. Very bittersweet to see the series end! Full review to follow.", "date_added": "Thu May 12 06:43:22 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Tue Nov 29 14:55:15 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Tue Nov 29 14:55:15 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Wed Nov 23 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "n_votes": 10, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "01ec1a320ffded6b2dd47833f2c8e4fb", "book_id": "25476303", "review_id": "553ebc63aaad5809a992a73258ec5b62", "rating": 5, "review_text": "The Shadow is a lush, passionate and complex story, filled with romance, art, history and suspense. I am not a huge fan of paranormal stories but I make an exception for Sylvain Reynard's books. I LOVE the Gabriel's Redemption series and Professor Gabriel Emerson makes an appearance here. What more could you ask for? \n William and Raven are reunited in this story but William is battling forces who are trying to sabotage him. He has finally found the love of his life and he wants nothing more than to worship Raven forever. \n \"I will never have your nobility of spirit, or your protective nature, but as long as I have your love, I can be content.\" \n William will stop at nothing to protect Raven from both other vampires and from those who scheme to drive them apart. There is lots of action and mystery, written in the style that is completely unique to Sylvain Reynard. This is a very sensual and passionate book, and even if you do not usually read paranormal romance, you will love this story. The streets of Florence seem to come alive! \n We also learn about William's early life and the tragic story of how he lost his first love. Raven is completely trusting of him and along with the intrigue, there is also a little humor here, too. \n \"You're giving me a toothache.\" \n He pulled back. \"How is that possible?\" \n She laughed. \"It's a figure of speech. It means you're being too sweet. Say something awful.\" \n William's expression changed and he brought his lips to her ear. \"I want to take you back to the house, so I can spread you on my bed and do all kinds of wicked things to you.\" \n I can't wait to see what happens next! The Shadow is a beautifully written book and my favorite in the Florentine Series so far. Lush, lyrical, passionate and very intense. The outtakes are absolutely fantastic. Don't miss it!! \n (ARC provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.)", "date_added": "Wed Oct 28 00:18:30 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Mon Feb 01 22:50:07 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Wed Jan 27 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Sun Jan 24 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "n_votes": 23, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "01ec1a320ffded6b2dd47833f2c8e4fb", "book_id": "23300367", "review_id": "c3a6842c6c01d310a01c026f23f232f1", "rating": 4, "review_text": "do not read much paranormal romance but I highly recommend this book! The characters and the story won me over. Mitch and Frederick are twins and both alpha wolves. Mitch stayed in their area, even after his brother found a mate and even though he accepted that he would forever be alone. \n Frederick and Simon meet by chance and once again, Cardeno C.'s incredibly loving, warm and sweet style took over to give these two the full life they had both been missing. \n Blue Mountain is a fairly short story, but is a wonderful, sweet addition to the author's work. Although Simon and Frederick are only really together towards the end of the story, the story and the characters really mesh perfectly together and I loved the direction the story took. I absolutely adored the narrator of this audiobook, even though I liked him best as the voice for Frederick and Mitch. I would like to hear Sean Crisden again as the narrator in future audiobooks. I highly recommend this story and the audio book for any reader of the m/m genre, even those new to the shapeshifter genre. Thank you, Cardeno C. for broadening my reading horizons once again! \n (A complimentary copy of the audiobook was provided in exchange for an honest review.)", "date_added": "Sun Jan 18 08:18:05 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Sun Jan 18 08:44:07 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Thu Jan 15 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 2, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "01ec1a320ffded6b2dd47833f2c8e4fb", "book_id": "22843247", "review_id": "6ad4d9c1f655f6adc049441884fe2177", "rating": 5, "review_text": "The Prince, Sylvain Reynard's novella, is darkly sexy, fascinating, and highly addictive. The author's writing is completely hypnotic and very powerful. The story is a wonderful introduction into the new Florentine Series, and features the stunning Professor Gabriel Emerson and his beloved Julianne. However, we meet a whole new set of characters in this very sexy, paranormal romance. I absolutely fell in love with the story! \n The Prince is ruthless, cunning, and powerful. But what mysteries is the Prince hiding? And what secrets will he uncover? I can't wait to find out in The Raven. This story can be devoured in one sitting, and will leave you wanting more. The setting is broody and mysterious, and the bridge between the Gabriel Trilogy and the Florentine series is simply brilliant. I have sorely missed Sylvain Reynard and I anxiously await the The Raven! \n (ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.)", "date_added": "Wed Sep 10 18:40:01 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Sat Jan 17 17:20:53 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Thu Jan 15 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Thu Jan 08 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 12, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "01ec1a320ffded6b2dd47833f2c8e4fb", "book_id": "20530499", "review_id": "eaaaff12aa9423cf56151a8709d74eb8", "rating": 4, "review_text": "4.5 stars!! Kitty Thomas is my go-to author for dark erotica so I was excited to read her new release. Blood Mate is a FAIRY TALE, not really an erotic romance in any way, and is another intense story from Kitty Thomas. I don't normally read this genre of books but I absolutely loved the writing and the characters and am so glad I had the opportunity to read this book. \n August is a very powerful vampire who is cursed to forever take human victims on order to ensure his own survival. He was a good man in his former life and he desperately wants to break his curse. To do this, he must find his \"blood mate\", a woman whom he cannot \"enthrall\" or control via her mind, and who will stay with him throughout eternity. \n August finds Nicole, who is actually very happily married. Through a series of twists and turns, August creates a situation where Nicole will become his blood mate, but she doesn't give in so easily, and is a very strong and feisty heroine. August is torn by his actions but he absolutely must ensure his own survival. \n Only Kitty Thomas could create a cast of strong characters like those in Blood Lust and an fantastically creative story that will keep you guessing until the very end. \n If you want to step outside your usual genre of books, I highly recommend this dark and sensual tale. You will not be disappointed. \n (ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.)", "date_added": "Fri Jan 31 10:07:23 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Sun Mar 09 14:21:08 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Sun Mar 02 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Sun Mar 02 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "01ec1a320ffded6b2dd47833f2c8e4fb", "book_id": "18965316", "review_id": "714e2939cb02b7be528057f16dddad23", "rating": 5, "review_text": "A lush, sensual, erotic and suspenseful story that is at once poignant and dangerous. Another must-read from.SR and easily one of my top reads of 2015!! \n To say that I was ecstatic to read this book is an understatement. \n The Raven has everything I love about Sylvain Reynard's writing and more. Lyrical, erotic, sensual and mysterious, The Raven begins another addictive series with the introduction of Raven and the Prince. This book is a must-read!! \n Professor Emerson and his wife do appear here, but Raven and the Prince are themselves insanely fascinating. Even if you are not a huge fan of paranormal stories, this book is a must read for the thrilling story and lush, intensely sexual scenes. We are introduced to the Prince, leader of the City of Florence, who is at once cold and calculating but beautiful in his own right. He cannot stay away from Raven and feels compelled to help her again and again. He sees in her virtue and goodness, and she awakens long-dormant feelings that he never believed he could have, even at his own peril. \n \"I'm afraid that trouble is not what you do. Trouble is what you are.\" \n Raven is an unlikely heroine and I fell in love with her! She is damaged goods, inside and out, and her painful history is hinted at and then ultimately explained. She is an extremely sympathetic character and I cannot wait to read more about her in the next book. The Prince, too, is surprised at his attraction to her; might she lead him to redemption and true love? \n \"In many ways, we are the most perfect match. We see each other as we are, but neither of us views the other as broken.\" \n I am not articulate enough to adequately describe the virtues of this book! Part art history lesson, part paranormal romance, part erotica, it is a must read for all fans of Gabriel's Inferno - and even for those readers new to the series. This book can be read as a standalone but is best understood after having read the GI series. The Raven is engrossing, suspenseful, sexy and and yes, humorous. Do not miss this book! And while it has a a fabulous conclusion, there is much, much more to come for these characters and I cannot wait for more!! \n Favorite quote: \n \"You are my greatest virtue and my deepest vice.\"", "date_added": "Wed Nov 27 17:10:46 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Wed Feb 04 19:37:36 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Sun Feb 01 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Fri Jan 30 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 20, "n_comments": 6}
{"user_id": "01ec1a320ffded6b2dd47833f2c8e4fb", "book_id": "18102827", "review_id": "b8a0ab496bcb1627ab4979466d1d64bd", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I don't usually read a lot of paranormal books so King Hall was a little something different for me! This is a magical, imaginative story that follows Lily, a young prodigy who is suddenly forced to become a leader along with three other friends. Lily is a \"hybrid\", which is very dangerous in the mystical world created by Scarlett Dawn. The action-packed story follows young Lily as she experiences loss, self-doubt and many epic challenges on her path to becoming the leader she is meant to be. \n The author has created some great supporting characters in Ezra, Jack and Pearl. I especially enjoyed reading about the relationship and strong connection between Lily and Ezra, the sexy Vampire. There is lots of talk about sex and sexual tension in this book, but nothing too explicit. \n King Hall ends with a cliffhanger, but it is the kind of ending that leaves you ready for the next installment in this story! This book was a very different read, and I recommend it for anyone interested in stories about magical, mystical worlds. \n I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.", "date_added": "Wed Jun 19 08:58:59 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Tue Jul 23 20:36:26 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Tue Jul 23 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Mon Jul 22 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "01ec1a320ffded6b2dd47833f2c8e4fb", "book_id": "16159713", "review_id": "f10d844499f0814b2ada131e83af1188", "rating": 5, "review_text": "\"I love her, more than anyone should love anything. The kind of love that either fills you up or eats away at you. I love her at my own risk. I love her dangerously.\" \n I call this book \"The One Where Karina Halle Rips Your Heart Out and Stuffs It Down Your Throat.\" In AWMCTL, we feel every drop of Dex's anguish about his feelings for Perry. It is told from Dex's POV and because this is a spoiler-free review, let's just say that the author really knows how to wring every drop of honesty and truth from her characters. \n \"Shut the fuck up, man. Get over it. Shape up or ship out. Don't think I wasn't yelling those things in my head. But when the fuck did my head and heart get along anyway? They were mortal enemies now, sworn to rip each other to shreds.\" \n But since this part of the EIT series after all, there is still plenty of action to go around. When Dex is abruptly summoned by Little Fifteen aka Ada to help Perry, he doesn't hesitate to jump right back into the fray to save Perry from mortal danger. \n \"You're my light in all this madness, Perry,\" I whispered, knowing she couldn't hear me. \n Obviously, I can't wait to see where the author takes Dex and Perry in Come Alive (Book 7), to be released on June 23, 2013!And With Madness Comes the LightKarina Halle", "date_added": "Wed May 15 11:11:22 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Fri Jun 14 21:08:28 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Thu Jun 13 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Tue Jun 11 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "01ec1a320ffded6b2dd47833f2c8e4fb", "book_id": "11729060", "review_id": "ad865724a66d5fe0f62bc869621a5f5d", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I'm hooked! Can't wait to read rest of series. And I LOVE DEX!", "date_added": "Tue May 07 05:14:35 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Thu Jun 06 14:16:56 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Thu Jun 06 14:16:56 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Sun May 26 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "01ec1a320ffded6b2dd47833f2c8e4fb", "book_id": "17608224", "review_id": "89fca4283e9e51cf3cb011ce0b654817", "rating": 4, "review_text": "4 Fantastical Stars!! \n \"What makes a hero is the one that's left standing when the others are dead. Or the one that gave his life so the others could live. That's a fuckin' hero.\" \n Midnight Soul is the conclusion of the Fantasyland series with Noctorno (Noc) Hawthorne and Franka Drakkar, who was truly evil in the previous books in this series. But in trademark Kristen Ashley style, Franka's true side is shown and all of her secrets are revealed. She has endured terrible abuse for years to protect her brother and his family which she has hidden from everyone around her. \n Not and Franka begin a very slow-burn romance that at first begins as a friendship and partnership. Kristen Ashley expertly weaves fantasy, paranormal and reality with touches of comedy and as always, a beautiful and enduring romance. The scenes of Franka and others from her world being introduced to the modern world are funny and thought-provoking and always entertaining. \n Noc sees the real Franka and his love transforms her. I always tell friends who don't usually read fantasy that Kristen Ashley's books are magical and engrossing and Midnight Soul is no exception. The journey that Franka takes is filled with forgiveness and redemption and yes, a swoony Alpha who will stop at nothing to protect Franka and her loved ones. \n Midnight Soul is an imaginative and sexy conclusion to the Fantasyland series. It is filled with unforgettable characters and as always, a magnificent Epilogue! \n \"You don't have a midnight soul, Frannie. Your soul is so bright, I look too close, I'd be blinded.\" \n (ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.)", "date_added": "Thu Mar 28 07:42:43 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sat Aug 13 22:49:25 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Sat Aug 13 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Wed Aug 10 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 7, "n_comments": 1}
{"user_id": "01ec1a320ffded6b2dd47833f2c8e4fb", "book_id": "17346804", "review_id": "02c7cf152e53e22edff3d781eff5d203", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Kristen Ashley is my favorite author. Her books make my heart pound, get my pulse racing, make me cry, make me laugh and wrap me, always, in a cocoon of family, friendship and love. Could you ask anything more from a writer? And Wild And Free, the third installment in the Three Series, does all of that, and much, much more. \n Wild and Free contains some of the rawest, animalistic, sensual and gorgeous love scenes I have ever read. Abel and Lilah, destined to be mates for life, need to be able to draw you in to their characters and their fated mating for this to be a believable story. And boy, do they ever! Just when I think Ms. Ashley could not possibly create a more Alpha male than she already has, she writes Abel, who is a hybrid and who mates like nobody's business!! \n This book contains everything you could possibly hope for in a paranormal romance. There is incredible, heart-stopping action, hot sex, other-wordly beings, super-hot sex, wolves, vampires and heart-pounding sex! I absolutely loved Abel and his story broke my heart. Lilah is a kick-ass heroine, brave, uninhibited, sexual. loyal and loving. These two together just might save the world. \n I could not put this book down and was literally swooning at every page. Even if you are not a big fan of paranormal romance, and I do not read a lot of them, Wild And Free is a MUST-READ. This book is truly Kristen Ashley at her finest. She is not afraid to pull the punches and make sacrifices when they work for the story. And for that, I love her. Be prepared to be wowed. Wild And Free has loads of unexpected twists and turns and it is a vital addition to your KA library!! \n (*ARC provided by the author, with thanks, for an honest review.)", "date_added": "Mon Feb 25 17:49:21 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Jan 04 08:00:13 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Fri Dec 26 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Mon Dec 22 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 14, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "01ec1a320ffded6b2dd47833f2c8e4fb", "book_id": "12390650", "review_id": "61d30c3ab16571ee9bfa9296e3237a78", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Never in a million years did I think I would love a book about a parallel world with elves, kings, magic...but this is Kristen Ashley, after all, so I fell in love with this book!! I was enthralled by this story and felt transported to this world that Ms. Ashley created. In search of an epic adventure, Finnie trades places with her \"twin\" who lives in a parallel universe. Immediately she is swept off to marry the king in an arranged marriage. He then leaves her alone in the middle of the woods and so begins this epic tale that had me swooning at every word. \n Frey Drakkar is uber-sexy, controlling and at first, non-communicative. But slowly these two develop a bond that is beautiful and lasting and quite magical. I am not a huge reader of fantasy but this book is quite simply unforgettable. The characters came alive for me and the story is amazing. Even if you are not a fan of this genre, read this book!! Wildest Dreams is everything I love about Kristen Ashley.", "date_added": "Tue Aug 28 12:02:09 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Jun 30 22:01:40 -0700 2016", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 7, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4b3636a043e5c99fa27ac897ccfa1151", "book_id": "9369720", "review_id": "6f8905f397463a0c5a58d516612f1311", "rating": 1, "review_text": "Groan, eye roll, page turn, repeat. \n Just kidding when I said this was better than Twilight. The writing in this book makes Stephenie Meyer comparable to Hemingway.", "date_added": "Sun Feb 15 21:04:56 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Fri Feb 20 09:20:48 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Wed Feb 18 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Sun Feb 15 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4b3636a043e5c99fa27ac897ccfa1151", "book_id": "7740152", "review_id": "acef15128c3afc11081b8647b43a6862", "rating": 2, "review_text": "I am so tired of YA books where the female character is weak and conflicted and the love interest is chiseled, gorgeous, and borderline abusive. Disappointing.", "date_added": "Sun Feb 01 10:47:10 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Fri Feb 20 09:24:51 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Sat Feb 14 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Sun Feb 01 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4b3636a043e5c99fa27ac897ccfa1151", "book_id": "6487308", "review_id": "5edd924e243392f7789ddd11ded7851d", "rating": 2, "review_text": "Well...it's way better than Twilight, but that's not really saying much. Unfortunately, I can't NOT read a sequel- so book 2, here I come.", "date_added": "Sun Feb 01 10:44:09 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Sun Feb 01 10:46:40 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Sun Feb 01 10:46:40 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Fri Jan 30 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4b3636a043e5c99fa27ac897ccfa1151", "book_id": "15848274", "review_id": "74f24d96af9be9c5363e77c5cb4391ce", "rating": 1, "review_text": "....um.... I blame Kristen.", "date_added": "Wed May 28 07:47:36 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Wed May 28 07:48:01 -0700 2014", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 1}
{"user_id": "4b3636a043e5c99fa27ac897ccfa1151", "book_id": "428263", "review_id": "73ee970fcf6b3226da30aa20e0abeedb", "rating": 2, "review_text": "It's like a horrible car accident that I can't stop staring at. Make it go away.", "date_added": "Mon Dec 19 21:48:06 -0800 2011", "date_updated": "Thu Dec 22 13:36:07 -0800 2011", "read_at": "Mon Dec 19 00:00:00 -0800 2011", "started_at": "Mon Dec 19 00:00:00 -0800 2011", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4b3636a043e5c99fa27ac897ccfa1151", "book_id": "49041", "review_id": "3c36435e6d4d993cb8bd5b47adf8d6eb", "rating": 2, "review_text": "Ugh. Why am I putting myself through this?", "date_added": "Wed Dec 07 09:23:19 -0800 2011", "date_updated": "Thu Dec 22 13:31:18 -0800 2011", "read_at": "Thu Dec 15 00:00:00 -0800 2011", "started_at": "Fri Dec 09 00:00:00 -0800 2011", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4b3636a043e5c99fa27ac897ccfa1151", "book_id": "27003", "review_id": "7e379016ff5a4bb428a097045f73d6ca", "rating": 4, "review_text": "It was totally campy and fun. Exactly what I needed. I mean how can you not enjoy a book with characters named Jack Schitt and Braxton Hicks?", "date_added": "Fri Jun 03 21:49:51 -0700 2011", "date_updated": "Fri Aug 23 09:24:40 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Thu Jun 09 22:03:03 -0700 2011", "started_at": "Fri Jun 03 00:00:00 -0700 2011", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4b3636a043e5c99fa27ac897ccfa1151", "book_id": "41865", "review_id": "7b8b381dade8f398b88b0ab8c9ec697e", "rating": 3, "review_text": "If I was 15, I would have LOVED this. It wasn't terrible, in fact, it was the perfect quick read for a rainy weekend. I'm going to give the second book a chance.", "date_added": "Wed Mar 11 11:22:16 -0700 2009", "date_updated": "Fri Sep 13 08:47:42 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Mon Nov 21 00:00:00 -0800 2011", "started_at": "Thu Nov 17 00:00:00 -0800 2011", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 1}
{"user_id": "903d4b859e86a1dd6d7640849cc7067c", "book_id": "6282915", "review_id": "b3fe302e86562af12af5bd77e660465c", "rating": 4, "review_text": "It's been at least 10 years since reading an Anne Rice novel, and I'm reminded why I've read more of her books than any other author. I feel at times the plot seemed slow in this book, but when I finished it, I felt like the undertones of the book said more than the story itself. It's not necessarily the events that happen, but the reactions and emotions to them. It's getting to know the mind of the characters. That's why I like Anne Rice.", "date_added": "Mon Jun 15 12:09:23 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sun Jun 28 13:00:25 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Sun Jun 28 13:00:25 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Mon Jun 15 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "903d4b859e86a1dd6d7640849cc7067c", "book_id": "140082", "review_id": "0730bc484d0a2a0a0fa073c40dcefe67", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Considerably better than book #2 (Dead in Dallas), still hoping it'll get better.", "date_added": "Wed Oct 22 07:00:52 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Wed Oct 22 07:02:25 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Mon Oct 20 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "903d4b859e86a1dd6d7640849cc7067c", "book_id": "110494", "review_id": "992df40030d8bc3aa69c9b5aed8d8f5d", "rating": 1, "review_text": "I'm wondering if my love for the show has skewed my appreciation of the books. But in my opinion, simply the structure of this book was dismal. The book begins with the set up of the Maenad plot, only to drop it and cut to Dallas, for that to end abruptly and then back to the Maenad where we haven't had any plot development and then the book is over. Neither plots are tied to each other in any way, and most the characters and relationships seem completely devoid of actual emotion. And this may be harsh, but I think there was more character development in Twilight.", "date_added": "Thu Sep 04 07:47:16 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 19 10:45:12 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Sat Oct 18 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Thu Sep 04 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "afc070543f19028dc7e7f084a0079f72", "book_id": "18131", "review_id": "947ee61d4b08710748b6ddf5a9af92f2", "rating": 5, "review_text": "A tremendous book. Missed this when I was a young girl. Love the spiritual path of this book woven into a science fiction novel. A very quick read for an adult. A profound read for the young.", "date_added": "Tue Nov 29 10:34:03 -0800 2016", "date_updated": "Fri Dec 16 09:36:56 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Thu Dec 01 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Thu Dec 01 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "dc3763cdb9b2cae805882878eebb6a32", "book_id": "15813776", "review_id": "95f7b872ad96e0586a2cdd82f275d0b4", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Witches Bureau of Investigation is the first of two books by Richard Capwell in the series the first one at least, featuring young Nate and Herman Howe. Richard Capwell has self-published 10 books including \"The Domain of Dragons\" series of fourbooks from what I can tell based on goodreads.com. As stated in the intro book blurb at the top of this review. Young Nate and Herman Howe accidentally (or was it?) run into literally, Mrs. Weatherby outside a coffee shop spilling her latte everywhere. Through the boys chivalry, Mrs Weatherby hands the boys her business card that reads that she is the retired Director of the Witches Bureau of Investigation, tells them if they ever need anything to call on her then drives away. It just so happens the boys mother has been missing for six months under mysterious circumstances, at least to those who knew Mrs. Howe. The police have closed the case, tying her disappearance to a man who embezzled some money from the company they both worked for during her vacation and her having an affair and running away with him. The boys don't believe this for a second, neither does their father who tirelessly looks for her and takes care of the boys with the help of his mother. \n After discussing it together that evening while trying to do research on the WBI, the boys decide to call Mrs. Weatherby. They meet up the next morning and soon begins the adventure the boys could never have imagined. The boys, Mrs. Weatherby, her Chauffeur Beauchamp illicit help from other former WBI investigators to help find the boys mother. All along the way, the boys have to hide what is going on from their father, deal with a very nasty neighbor lady who is always watching them like a hawk and Mrs. Weatherby's daughter is trying to have her put in a nursing home and have her declared incompetent so she can get at Mrs. Weatherby's money. The team find them selves in for more than they bargained for as it looks like there maybe corruption at the WBI, some very powerful missing magic artifacts, at least one rogue witch and no one is sure who they can trust. \n Capwell does a formidable job with light romp of a story that shows he can create a depth of character, tell a story and leave the reader wanting more. The Witches Bureau of Investigation was extremely well written in the sense that you feel like you got to know a lot about the characters in a very short time. The book itself is only 179 pages long. The description and the dialogue was all very unique for each character. The story plot while yet a bit predictable was still very entertaining and a few twists and turns kept me guessing all along the way. \n I have to admit, I was surprised by how much I liked this book. It was very well written in terms of characterization, pace, action and humor. Capwell did a great job of bringing the characters to life in this light weight novel of paranormal adventure. It is written so people of any age can enjoy it and feel like the got not only an easy read, but a very good one at that. One of the other things I loved was the editing was very good in my opinion. So often with self-published works, the editing is not done very well and that can make the book very hard to read or at least enjoy. \n So in conclusion, Witches Bureau of Investigation is a recommended read for those that love a bit of fun, humor, action, paranormal and wit in the books. The only issue I have is, it could have been a bit deeper and a bit more mystery to it if it had been a longer book. But that is a small issue considering what came out of it. \n Club Fantasci Scoring (Based on scale of 10): \n Cover Artwork: 8 Editing: 9 Re-readability: 7 \n Club Fantasci Overall Score: 8 \n I am giving Witches Bureau of Investigation 4 out of 5 stars because it was a solid read full of characters, action, humor and a solid plot but also because it was a bit short. It might have been five other wise. \n This book is Club Fantasci Certified! \n Club Fantasci Certified \n Author Website: None available \n Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/richard.capw... \n Author Twitter: https://twitter.com/RichardCapwell \n Author Google+: None available \n Author Goodreads Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1... \n Note: A review copy of this book was not provided to me. \n If you like what we bring, please join us on Goodreads.com here: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/... \n Club Fantasci on Facebook: www.facebook.com/clubfantasci \n Club Fantasci on Twitter: www.twitter.com/clubfantasci \n Club Fantasci on Google+: Club Fantasci", "date_added": "Tue Jul 29 17:04:23 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Mon Aug 18 08:10:27 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Tue Aug 05 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Tue Jul 29 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "dc3763cdb9b2cae805882878eebb6a32", "book_id": "13446443", "review_id": "c1045c29498fbf3a098219e238140379", "rating": 3, "review_text": "\"Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea\" written by author J. L. Murray is the first in a series based on the fictional character of Niki Slobodian. J. L. Murray is a full-time writer with additional series credits to her resume such as the \"After The Fire\" series and Jenny Undead. The Niki Slobodian Series consists of five novels at this time and I have only read the first book so please take this into account with this review. \n In the book \"Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea\" we find our main character Niki Slobodian out of work, struggling to pay her bills and taking care of her god mother \"Sofi\" who is in the hospital with cancer and finding herself on \"The Registry\" for the last year with no hope of getting off and not allowing her to work because she is an \"abnormal.\" She somehow finds a bar called the \"Deep Blue Sea\" and walks in only to be approached by a gentleman named \"Sam\" who seemed to know everything about her, makes her a job offer and a large payment for her services. Niki of course takes the offer out of necessity and ends up on some unknown super secret police squad that deals with supernatural threats. Niki sets out to solve this case and get her life back on track hopefully for good. Partnered with a wizard named \"Gage\" that doesn't really understand how he knows what to do, she has to deal with a police chief that wants her head, a mayor that mysteriously keeps popping up in all the wrong places, a former boyfriend and police offer assigned to help her and having to face her estranged father who is in prison as being the first abnormal ever convicted. \n This book was a bit of a cliche' for me. A down on their luck character facing insurmountable odds. A mysterious character (Sam) who just happens to be super powerful and influential that can do what no one else can. A dark brooding partner we never really learn that much about. A powerful father who abandoned his daughter and Niki can't stand only to find out the truth later and so on and so on. There wasn't much here that wasn't completely predictable and absolutely zero twists and turns in this book. \n A few of the major issues for me was the complete lack of any ability to say anything other than \"I said,\" \"she said,\" or \"he said\" to end a characters statement. Not one \"... remarked\" or \"... agreed' or anything other than \"...said.\" That got to be very annoying and probably my biggest gripe in the book. The use of salt in this book was another huge cliche' right out of any \"Dresden Files\" book or \"Supernatural\" episode. While it wasn't a major issue, it just didn't seem very creative to me and was a very easy fall back. The ease of which the major big bad was finished off especially since he was invulnerable or un-killable. To be offed that easy by two complete novices with something as routine and wrote as the weapon was a very weak ending. I can't imagine in all the years of the human race the people fighting the supernatural, not one \"experienced\" person tried this on a major creature to figure it out. \n The book is very short and shallow as far as any real depth of character. There isn't a whole lot of development in it. Niki herself only reflects on herself or doubts for about one paragraph, the rest of the time she is the typical strong female lead character who is quick-witted, smart, sarcastic and bad ass that we have all become way to used to. \n J.L. Murray gives us a book that is more of an action movie like the Transformers except nowhere near as long. There is plenty of action. It moves at a good pace actually. The story in spite of my criticism doesn't ever seem out of line or not believable, it's just not different enough to really shake it's self from all the other paranormal action adventures out there. If this book were longer, with better character development, a bit more editing and a hair more creativity, I would have really liked it. That being said, it is still better than many I have tried to read lately. \n The author has talent and I am sure gets better as the series goes on. The book was good enough for me to want to read the next in line to see if the character develops any and find out if \"Sam\" is who I think he is. It's a decent effort and I can see a lot of potential for this author in the future. \n I am giving \"Between The Devil And The Blue See\" 3 out of 5 stars because the book was action packed enough to keep my interest. There weren't any boring parts or things that got lost or muddy in it. A little lacking on development and a lack of constructive editing as well as the short length are all that held this back. \n Note: A review copy of this book was not provided to me. \n The original review was posted here: http://clubfantasci.com/devil-deep-bl... \n Club Fantasci on Facebook: www.facebook.clubfantasci \n Club Fantasci on Twitter: www.twitter.com/clubfantasci \n Club Fantasci on Google+: Club Fantasci", "date_added": "Mon Jul 28 16:45:17 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Mon Jul 28 18:29:29 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Mon Jul 28 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "dc3763cdb9b2cae805882878eebb6a32", "book_id": "4268273", "review_id": "b2b5e4f09ebc7597f8531b50641f7e0e", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I was pretty happy with this book in general as it was a fun read and fairly engaging. It did remind me of another book series from another author but only in the comedic sense. The characters were all real defined and interesting and in some ways the support characters were stronger and more memorable than the main character. \n Main character Gerald Dunwoody is a wizard of the 3rd level and seemingly incapable of any real magic or holding a job. He tramples through life until he answers an ad for a court wizard out of necessity. Desperate for work, he forgets to ask the important questions and accepts the position out of hand not realizing his life was about to change forever. Accompanied by his companion Reg, a female talking bird with a history and support from his genius wizard friend Monk Markham, Gerald finds himself in a political situation like no other. \n Karen Miller writing as K.E. Mills does a good job of creating a believable world and comical but yet serious situation to create her series in that keeps the readers nose in the book and wondering what is coming next. With a limited setting, Miller does what most authors don't which is to tell a real story about characters, growth and companionship. My only real complaints are the lack any real sense of time period and a twist that seemed fore shadowed but led a different direction. It's hard to imagine what the world looks like except for a couple points in the book in which Miller gets a bit more detailed. \n All in all it is a good book with solid character development and a story that compels you to keep reading to find out what happens. A solid 3 1/2 stars out of 5 for me as it is a light read. It is definitely worth the read and following up with the other books in the series.", "date_added": "Sun Feb 03 16:31:18 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Mon Feb 25 20:55:50 -0800 2013", "read_at": "Fri Feb 22 00:00:00 -0800 2013", "started_at": "Sun Feb 03 00:00:00 -0800 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "dc3763cdb9b2cae805882878eebb6a32", "book_id": "13626269", "review_id": "99817b51926b7d4372af226375e5fcb0", "rating": 4, "review_text": "\"Shadows of the Realm\" for me was a good book and kept me enraptured enough to not want to put it down. It's also the first novel I have read fully on my iPad which is saying something as I much prefer the feel of a book in my hand and all other novels on my iPad have remained unread. \n This is author Dionne Lister's first novel and it is a good first book. It did keep me engaged and wondering what would happen next and it was fairly original which can be hard in a fantasy novel. I don't remember any other fantasy novel that I have read channeling \"magic\" from other dimensions or have a \"GPS\" ability to read where characters are located throughout the world based on their body signature. \n There was decent character development, a good plot although I wasn't totally sure of the big picture and a good pace through out the book. What I did like about this book was it didn't feel like I had read it before in some other novel. I didn't get any real sense of I know what is coming next or typical character traits that all \"heroes\" tend to have. Dionne did a great job of giving us something fresh and a feeling of something unique. It is an easy read and you don't get lost in time changes and so much detail that if you don't stay on top of your reading, you forget important parts. \n My only knocks are not enough political intrigue within the nobility, a quick and unexplained disappearance that I am sure will make itself known in later novels and I don't get enough sense of dread of the consequences if the party fails to accomplish it's mission which we never really find out about it's purpose in this first novel. I guess that could be interpreted as a good way to bring the reader back for the following books. \n All in all a good first novel and I am planning on reading the follow up as the story is pretty solid and the author kept it intriguing enough in general to enjoy the adventure.", "date_added": "Wed Sep 12 19:57:47 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Fri Sep 28 13:12:54 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Tue Sep 25 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Wed Sep 12 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 5, "n_comments": 2}
{"user_id": "dc3763cdb9b2cae805882878eebb6a32", "book_id": "9361589", "review_id": "d0c52cf6e71c539d1d9488dce590051a", "rating": 3, "review_text": "The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern - a Review by David Lowry \n When my book club Club Fantasci chose its first \"Book of the Month,\" we had quite the list to go through and pick from. For some reason after discovering this book at a local mom & pop bookstore, it really stuck out to me. The premise was very intriguing, the colors brought to mind what I thought would be a sinister plot and for some reason it kept bringing the movie \"Something Wicked This Way Comes\" to my mind (a favorite from childhood) also a very popular novel by Ray Bradbury from 1962. \n What I got out of the novel was not what I expected. Although I loved the premise of the book, the book itself didn't stand up to what it could have been. Author Erin Morgenstern did turn out a good book for her first novel without a doubt. It has plenty of imagination and creativity. What I felt was missing was any real bond to the characters or any real attachment to the outcome of the love story because that is essential what \"The Night Circus\" is, a love story. \n It starts off with two young children Celia and Marco who are unwittingly looked into a life or death challenge that goes on for their entire life. They know nothing about it, how it works, whom it's against or when it ends. They just exist and are in a combat of sorts against each other until into their adult hood they start to figure out who their opponents are and the stakes if the challenge is lost. \n Along the way, a cast of characters again that you develop no attachment to pepper the story with little bits of their involvement here and there. Two characters die and you don't really even know or care who they are although they are at least partially integral to the circus itself. The story jumps back and forth in time with nothing but a tiny sub-script line at the top of each chapter to let you know of the time shifts and if you are like me and extremely busy, it becomes very hard to keep that all in order as when I am able to read, I read in spurts and very rarely for hours at a time. \n As Celia and Marco grow up and figure out they are pitted against each other in this challenge they had no choice in participating in, they fall in love and of course they have to figure out a way to be together upon discovering that the only way to win the challenge is to be the last to survive. It's a challenge of endurance, who can last the longest before finally giving up because they can't bear it anymore emotionally. \n I won't give away the ending but let's just say it ends very quickly and very anti-climatically. I ended the book thinking to myself how completely unsatisfying it was to read. I do love the premise, I love the potential, but I don't feel it was reached here. Erin Morgenstern is a talented writer; I think her ability to describe detail is very good. Her imagination is fantastic. I just think this story was a bit rushed and the ending was not thought out well to me. There was not enough character development to care about the outcome and the switching between first and second person was a bit off-putting. \n All in all I would give it about three out of 5 stars. I would read another book by the author, but admittedly it would probably be after getting through all my other ones first.", "date_added": "Thu Jul 12 06:05:20 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Fri Aug 31 20:53:16 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sat Aug 25 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Fri Aug 03 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "dc3763cdb9b2cae805882878eebb6a32", "book_id": "47212", "review_id": "cca5cb0e3e46d54ef4cb2d2d57121427", "rating": 5, "review_text": "\"My name is Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden. Conjure it at your own risk. I am a wizard. I work out of an office in downtown Chicago. As far as I know, I am the only openly practicing professional wizard in the country.\" \n \"Storm Front\" is the first in a series of 15 books (so far) called \"The Dresden Files\" based on the wizard Harry Dresden in this urban fantasy setting by author Jim Butcher. I admit I have come to this series a bit late as I have known about it for awhile both by recommendation and the TV series called \"The Dresden Files\" (which I loved by the way) and its untimely demise in 2008-09. This series of books is wildly popular enough to have spawned of a TV series as well as an RPG Game. This game is really what pushed me into the novels as I had recently been asked to review the game for a website. After reading through a good portion of both core manuals, I knew I need to read the books as the manuals were cool enough on their own and brought me into a whole new exciting world. I had already purchased the first to two books of the series awhile back and just hadn't gotten around to reading them yet. I am glad I finally did and disappointed I hadn't read them earlier. \n In \"Storm Front,\" Harry is brought in to help consult on a double homicide case with mysterious circumstances, as he is often asked to do with the Special Investigations team of the Chicago Police Department. Detective Karrin Murphy heads this team that brings Harry in to ask his \"advice\" on things out of the ordinary. One of the two deaths have a mob tie to it seemingly and the other death is a bit more puzzling. \n Quickly after leaving the scene of the crime, Harry is confronted by the mob and asked to avoid helping in this case, which of course, Harry declines as he smells something is not quite right with this situation and, well, he needs the money as you can imagine, wizards aren't on everyone's first call list for solving problems. \n Harry gets back to his office for another appointment and finds himself involved in a missing persons case. Unbeknownst to Harry, both cases are of course tied together and things get rough very quickly. Soon Harry is being roughed up by strangers, attacked by a giant scorpion, an known wizard Harry calls Vic \"Shadowman\" is attempting to kill Harry at every possible opportunity, while trying to avoid the mob as well as attempting to help Detective Murphy as much as possible even though he is not able to be completely honest with Murphy as per the rules of the White Council, a type of governing body for wizards unknown to the public. Harry has a Warden of the White Council on his tail all the time it seems who is just gunning to get Harry killed because he doesn't trust Harry and things he works in the \"Black.\" That being black magic of course. Harry's not being able to be honest with the police also lands Harry in hot water to add to his troubles. \n The thing about \"Storm Front\" is it is completely fun! The narration in which the story is told left me chuckling many times. I love a book that has a sense of humor to it. The character of Harry Dresden is one that many people can relate to and it just draws you in. Harry is one of the best at what he does; yet he struggles to make a living. He tries to do the best he can, help as many as he can and yet, things are always going against him. I am sure many of us understand how hard it is to be very good at something, but not make a great living at it. I know that Detective Murphy is a main stay in the series and I am sure her character will be much more fleshed out in the later books as obviously there is a special relationship between her and Harry. \n Butcher does a great job of telling a fun, exciting story that compels you to keep reading. The world is completely imaginable and the tension is just enough to make you want more. Of course I will read the other books in the series as so far \"Strom Front\" has done an amazing job of detailing a world of magic, mystery and danger with a touch of humor and making it completely fun. \n If you love urban fantasy or fantasy books of any kind, I highly recommend \"Strom Front\" to you. You don't want to pass this one up! \n I am giving this book 5 out of 5 stars. \n You can find out more about Jim Butcher and his books here: www.jim-butcher.com \n This review is posted at: http://clubfantasci.wordpress.com/201...", "date_added": "Thu Jul 12 06:04:45 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Mon Oct 16 00:51:35 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Sun May 26 16:58:44 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Tue May 21 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "dc3763cdb9b2cae805882878eebb6a32", "book_id": "3227063", "review_id": "e2434d0a3f0ee2d6e313ee6a30993ee8", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Growing up in the nastiest alleys and streets of Cenaria dreaming every minute of better life is how Azoth lives. Day by day wishing for the \"wetboy\" Durzo Blint to apprentice him so Azoth can escape this dreadful life of fear of being beat up everyday if you don't pay your share of the dues and also to take care of his best friends Jarl and Doll Girl. \n It's a dark journey for this young boy to have the weight of so much on his shoulders, watching after Doll Girl whom he feels responsible for and leading a group of rag tag homeless kids against people in his own guild let alone all the others trying to take over their territory. Azoth must destroy his enemy, provide a better life for Doll Girl and somehow get the lands deadliest assassin Durzo Blint to notice him and be willing to apprentice him. And that's all before he reaches his teen years. \n \"The Way of Shadows\" is a rich full book of the life of Azoth later to be named Kylar and his journey to becoming a \"wetboy\" so he can escape reality. The plot twists are many and the character development is really strong. The relationship between Azoth and Durzo is a special one fraught with love, appreciation, jealousy and master/apprentice dynamics. Durzo becomes like a father to Azoth and trains him to become the best \"wetboy\" around. Azoth struggles with the solitary life of an assassin and his love for Doll Girl whom he must abandon to keep her from danger but also provides for her in secret. Sacrificing his life to make sure she has one. It's a love story. \n The characters in Azoth/Kylar's life are very well defined and you develop feelings for them. From his best friend Jarl from the life he left behind to Logan the Prince and soon to be King whom Kylar at this point befriends out of necessity. The double life Kylar must live between lower noble to assassin provides plenty of intrigue and a cast of characters that add a lot of flavor to the book especially Momma K. \n You have all the great things that go in a good fantasy book in \"The Way of Shadows\" and very little of anything negative. I don't want to give anything away in this review but suffice it to say it's a must read fantasy book. For Brent Weeks first novel this is a very strong effort and I can't wait to get to the other two books in the series. \n Find out more about Brent Weeks at www.brentweeks.com", "date_added": "Wed Jul 11 20:12:04 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sat Sep 29 12:11:44 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Fri Sep 21 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Thu Sep 06 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "dc3763cdb9b2cae805882878eebb6a32", "book_id": "42899", "review_id": "aaba9c7b7dec842d6cea04ba2b9a837f", "rating": 4, "review_text": "\"Dark Lover\" is the first in the series of 11 books about The Black Dagger Brotherhood by author J. R. Ward. In the Caldwell, NY of all places the last true pure-blood vampire \"Wrath\" the Blind King has encamped himself and his brotherhood of five other vampires in a half hearted attempt to preserve their race in a turf war with their slayers the \"lessers\". The Blind King wants nothing to do with his heritage and doesn't see himself as strong enough to take up his mantle and lead his race in order to survive. His brotherhood stay faithful in hopes that one day The Blind King will realize his destiny and lead their race into the future so they can prosper again. \n The Blind King finds himself suddenly thrust into protecting the daughter Beth Randall of a slain brotherhood member only to find out that Beth is soon to undergo the change and become a vampire herself. Being completely detached from his emotional senses in order to avoid his calling Wrath starts to come to the realization that he is falling in love and understands that he might have something to live for and protect. Fighting against his desires, instincts, calling and his enemies, Wrath finally is forced to grow \"up\" and face his destiny. \n With a possible assassination attempt on his life from one of the brotherhood, an angry female vampire that feels tossed aside and an angry brother of the female vampire, Wrath's battle come on all fronts. The Blind Kings life jumps from the comfortable solitude of hunt and kill to emotional turmoil, demands from a higher being and learning to trust those around him in a hurry. \n Dark Lover is full of cliches such as the tall, muscle bound, sexy, incredibly attractive male character to the hot damsel in distress that he falls in love with and bodies and sex organs that are way beyond the norm and that feed the it's only hot and sexy if beyond perfect stereotype. While the time frame in which all this happens is extraordinarily fast, the action, the passion and the characters work for the most part once you get past the cliches which are there because the author knows they work. \n If you are going to read a book that has that standard comfortable format in which the reader knows basically what to expect, than this book is not a bad read at all. There are variations on the vampire theme so it's not a traditional vampire but is that a good or bad thing? That is for you to decide as your read a story of love, lust, action and accepting your heritage. \n You can find out more about J. R. Ward here: www.jrward.com \n This review was originally posted here: http://clubfantasci.wordpress.com/201...", "date_added": "Wed Jul 11 19:35:23 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Jun 11 08:24:07 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Sun Jun 09 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Tue Feb 26 00:00:00 -0800 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "dc3763cdb9b2cae805882878eebb6a32", "book_id": "476692", "review_id": "3e6565f19edddea3f74c8302a37189fc", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Book Review \"Born of Night\" by Sherriliyn Kenyon - David Lowry \n Author Sherrilyn Kenyon needs no introduction, as she has been a best selling author for quite awhile now. In her first book of the \"The League\" series, \"Born of Night\" is a strong opening for what should be a fun group of books to follow. Main character Nykyrian Quikiades is a ruthless assassin that has chosen to lead a group of fellow assassins carrying out contracts and always looking over their shoulder as Nykyrian has turned his back on The League that at one time he was the Command Assassin of. \n Nykyrian rescues the kidnapped Princess Kiara and he and his band of assassins try to keep her out of harms way, facing desperate parents, numerous assassination attempts all while Nykyrian has to come to terms with his tortured past, inability to let any close and his growing feelings for a Princess he has to protect. Princess Kiara is struggling with her unhappy life of expectation in a career that is emotionally draining. Having to learn how to keep her strength up when she is being hunted for reasons she doesn't understand and having a terrifying group of people around her for protection is almost too much to bear. \n While Nykyrian is the typical, unbeatable, extremely good looking main character, the depth of character that is revealed in him is impressive. Kiara although a bit whiney and who wouldn't be going from a palace to targeted for death, goes through her emotional roller coaster we all go through when your solid rock is destabilized in favor of a sudden harsh and terrifying reality is imposed on your life. The self-discovery process that both go through is well thought out and implemented here. \n I think it's fairly obvious that the message here is about not judging a person necessarily by what you see or what little you know of them. Life's circumstances often shape a personality into something that is completely defensive while the real person is dying to get out of their shell. \n \"Born of Night\" has good pacing, exciting action and great character development. 4 out of 5 stars for me. \n See more book reviews at www.clubfantasci.wordpress.com", "date_added": "Mon Jul 02 15:42:29 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Mar 07 15:37:05 -0800 2013", "read_at": "Tue Feb 26 00:00:00 -0800 2013", "started_at": "Mon Jul 02 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 2}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "15783514", "review_id": "2127339cc93901ac0f27e24f93cd939b", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Neil Gaiman fans won't be disappointed. As a middle aged man recounts what may OR may not have happened exactly as he remembers while a small boy living in the country.", "date_added": "Tue Mar 24 10:49:24 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Tue Mar 24 10:54:27 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Sun Mar 01 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "20702025", "review_id": "54585a880762a614e8cfaf7414e60a7f", "rating": 3, "review_text": "For the teen groups for sure although nothing explicit definitely higher content. I liked Em as a strong female role. I was happy it 'ended' and didn't leave you hanging for a sequel.", "date_added": "Fri Oct 10 05:45:02 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Fri Oct 10 05:47:57 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Sun Oct 05 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "18367581", "review_id": "de486c069386c9ed31075a684268b7da", "rating": 3, "review_text": "I had to ponder what I wanted to say about this book for a while. \n I don't think it needed to be written as one novel and found the alternating chapters somewhat annoying. Afterworlds (Lizzies story) would make a fine novel capturing both the male and female YA audience. Even though the main character is female we have the terrorists, FBI, creepy patchwork man and Rama to hold the male audience captive. Afterworlds (Darcys story) looses the male audience and becomes a romantic romp of a young naive writer....bla bla bla", "date_added": "Tue Sep 16 05:37:59 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Tue Sep 16 05:44:30 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Sun Sep 14 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "20708810", "review_id": "7fb5b7658c9010a3a02b4fcd76de7008", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Rich girl, poor girl Russian folklore - I really liked it!", "date_added": "Mon Sep 08 05:42:31 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Mon Sep 08 05:43:24 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Thu Aug 28 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "20578940", "review_id": "71457fded23e16385cc16cb1b8e99a48", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Percy Jackson meets Harry Potter", "date_added": "Mon Sep 08 05:41:30 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Mon Sep 08 05:42:12 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Wed Sep 03 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "16061340", "review_id": "bec570b457c01edced572cdb9d186c0c", "rating": 4, "review_text": "This is the perfect recommendation for fans of Percy Jackson wanting more!", "date_added": "Wed Aug 06 20:11:06 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Wed Aug 06 20:12:11 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Sat Jul 19 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "11408298", "review_id": "da0c18d2dd6fa85e56f3874bef959c62", "rating": 3, "review_text": "I really enjoyed this book and will recommend for sure in the upcoming paperback release. I felt somewhat disappointed at the end as if a little something was missing...", "date_added": "Wed Aug 06 20:08:22 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Wed Aug 06 20:10:15 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Tue Aug 05 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "18405537", "review_id": "6753e659c0acfa3f665a7d331c81cdef", "rating": 4, "review_text": "AAWWWWW E SSS OOOOMMMM EEEE!! \n Great read aloud read quietly just read!", "date_added": "Wed Jun 04 19:44:04 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Wed Jun 04 19:46:14 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Wed Jun 04 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "13642528", "review_id": "e858d11d8c1d2cd278386e52dc9aceb7", "rating": 4, "review_text": "What a great read! Barnaby is literally cut-off and sent afloat to make his own way in the world for being 'different' in a very normal family. To what end no-one knows. Barnaby has great adventures and meets some interesting characters in his desperate attempts to get back home and to the family that set him adrift. Barnaby believes in family and helps others along the way to see it's true meaning.", "date_added": "Mon Apr 21 07:31:27 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Mon Apr 21 07:38:01 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Sat Apr 19 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "18049017", "review_id": "cf28f6df5b86d1e8ee3a97b1220cdffb", "rating": 3, "review_text": "I have loved Brandon's Fablehaven series and even more so the Beyonders trilogy. I have to say I was somewhat disappointed in Sky Raiders. I felt although there was lots of action and adventure there was too much dialog of self doubt and questions of friendship. The characters are well developed and I'm sure the sequel will move a little more smoothly.", "date_added": "Sun Mar 16 09:06:19 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Sun Mar 16 09:14:59 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Sat Mar 15 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "17349055", "review_id": "7aa4ea3fd182ca340b15f97dddf613fc", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Hmmmm, that's what I did exactly when I knew I had to start typing. I've read other reviews, I've read the book and I think I am still digesting////Oscar is Oscar was it great - hmmm - was it good - yes - was it an easy read - not so much - was there way too many references to 'being different' - yes - did anyone else see a Pinocchio character at mid-point - I'm sure - did I like it - yes who will like it - the stick with it kids - sorry most likely girls! My thoughts.", "date_added": "Fri Nov 29 19:49:34 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Fri Nov 29 19:55:32 -0800 2013", "read_at": "Fri Nov 29 00:00:00 -0800 2013", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "17465470", "review_id": "1c950084a419e045f156ffae157b68f6", "rating": 3, "review_text": "AArrggghhh!! I have to say once we got to \"the story' it was good but really - why did we have to go beyond Lost Stories - renamed #11 when it came out is paperback????? It was a fabulous wrap-up and as a book seller, I tell all readers - \"it is a must\" !! Now............ \n As, I'm sure all Will/Halt fans did - we read them all - so much re-hashing from about book 8 onwards is/was really annoying. Let good story ride on itself and lie when done!", "date_added": "Mon Nov 11 16:55:21 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Mon Nov 11 17:01:14 -0800 2013", "read_at": "Sun Nov 10 00:00:00 -0800 2013", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "17847127", "review_id": "233aa8edf04d70770891f5c7f7790990", "rating": 4, "review_text": "What a great little adventure!! Such a quick read as you will want to find out every step of the way how Olivia and Milo are doing. A must for all!", "date_added": "Mon Oct 21 10:39:29 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Mon Oct 21 10:43:44 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Sun Oct 20 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "18393324", "review_id": "75d2f8656362d964ccdc4fb4362abad5", "rating": 3, "review_text": "I did like it .......BUT......what happened to the mouse - he gets a title heading and yet plays such a small part -you don't even care??? His memoirs at the back are far more interesting. \n Awesome illustrations and great 'look' sure to be a hit with the kids.", "date_added": "Sun Oct 06 17:27:36 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Thu Oct 10 16:35:39 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Wed Oct 09 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Sun Oct 06 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "17349203", "review_id": "a61487f17ce581e835367869a2cfce9e", "rating": 3, "review_text": "HHHMMMM............just a fanciful fun read - a one sitting deal", "date_added": "Mon Sep 30 16:47:50 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Mon Sep 30 16:48:45 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Fri Sep 20 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "17244430", "review_id": "34793c9043795ab078978fd7b171a21d", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Good grade 4 -6 read a little reminiscent of Pullman's Golden Compass ?? \n #1 of many, I'm sure! Thanks Brandon for the autographed copy !!", "date_added": "Wed Sep 18 09:26:19 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Mon Sep 30 16:58:17 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Mon Sep 30 16:58:17 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Wed Sep 18 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "13513080", "review_id": "17819dfa8522714b701ba0acf7063cfb", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Again, superbly done - this time it is the extended tale of Jack and Jill. \n Not for the feint of heart, but for those who are not afraid of the 'truth' \n P.S. you are warned throughout of possible mention of 'horrors' and scary things to come as well as given apology for those that slipped out - all of which make it a much more fun/scary read - can't wait for # 3 !!", "date_added": "Tue Sep 03 19:29:30 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Tue Sep 03 19:35:21 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Sun Aug 25 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "17347389", "review_id": "2c03ecee856489b44eb80381c4cef988", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Amazingly dark and brooding, you are once again thrust into the Raven Boys \n quest.........it felt as though I was 'somewhere else' every-time I opened the pages. Maggie has done a great job of moving her characters forth and letting us see more........how long do we have to wait for #3 ????", "date_added": "Tue Sep 03 19:25:53 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Tue Sep 03 19:29:12 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Thu Aug 29 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "16074339", "review_id": "4f4371f0f6d47418da462e36f3406c4f", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Wow.......a very fast read, because you don't want to stop! \n Again Kathi magically intertwines many different lives into the same story. \n Not only is it a great read aloud potential but you have the layered \n struggles of all of the characters who through very different methods are all striving for the same goal - save the swamp!! \n A must for all!", "date_added": "Tue Sep 03 19:17:35 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Tue Sep 03 19:25:30 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Tue Sep 03 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "13555073", "review_id": "5e19ae50c9c5e389cf9cc9f558e63735", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Lockwood and Co. is a must for those looking for a good 'fright'. The team of 'ghost catchers' must face their biggest challenge ever to save the company from bankruptcy. Not for the feint of heart. \n Stroud does great job in what's sure to be a successful series! Releases in September.", "date_added": "Sat Aug 03 11:02:59 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sat Aug 03 11:06:53 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Fri Aug 02 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "13546433", "review_id": "070f89c41d96f866cda2c907f5148cbf", "rating": 4, "review_text": "The Power of Poppy Pendle was a great little read. Poor Poppy wants to follow her dream of becoming a baker and not the dreams of her parents to become a witch(for which she has amazing talent) When Poppy finally explodes and goes over to the 'dark side', it is the love and perseverance of her friends that show her the way back......", "date_added": "Sun Jul 28 08:33:59 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Jul 28 08:38:58 -0700 2013", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "3218719", "review_id": "b72a8cb739d3fba1cccc6edb0d0f7020", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Most important book in this series is book \"11\" - the Lost Stories - if you've gone the distance then it is an absolute must !!", "date_added": "Thu Jul 04 08:28:37 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Thu Jul 04 08:29:42 -0700 2013", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "11974615", "review_id": "42f3b69917b5230aab890c6681705864", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Great tale of Hansel and Gretel, starting with their Grandfather....in true 'Grimm' fashion it is not for the faint of heart (as the author reminds you throughout) Loved the way all of our classic favourites where wound together to create one fantastic story!!!", "date_added": "Thu Jul 04 08:21:31 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Thu Jul 04 08:24:10 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Mon Jul 01 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "16030663", "review_id": "8895355c98a2f8191e208deaf1eb3730", "rating": 5, "review_text": "only just started and loving it !!! \n OMG - so well done, reminiscent of Book Thief/Graveryard Book and every fairytale combined!! \n Characters were well done, especially jacob grimm - the ghost - \n LOVED IT!!!", "date_added": "Wed Jun 05 18:15:46 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Jun 09 19:23:23 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Sun Jun 09 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Wed Jun 05 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "15944406", "review_id": "41dfd967c2cf0eabb47adcc4447fbf2f", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I really liked it. Growing up, friendship, adventure story. \n I liked that the kids actually have parents/guardians that they have to \n deal with. They get hungry and have to use the washrooms on their quest. \n Nicely done with the spooky factor at just the right level.", "date_added": "Mon Jun 03 11:54:44 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Mon Jun 03 11:58:25 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Mon Jun 03 11:58:25 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Mon Jun 03 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "13380221", "review_id": "75d160cb4c888a9ba04b11080f8e2ecc", "rating": 3, "review_text": "page 185 and not loving it - based on other reviews it can only get better, let's cross our fingers \n Welllll, it had highs and lows, some very graphic and 'scary' plots - not for the faint of heart - \n written a bit like a movie - dah, look who wrote it. \n I did not love it.", "date_added": "Mon Apr 22 19:30:49 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Fri Apr 26 16:04:51 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Fri Apr 26 16:04:51 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Mon Apr 22 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "8621462", "review_id": "033d126545938cf18d5a76f6560b2d83", "rating": 4, "review_text": "AWESOME", "date_added": "Sun Apr 14 19:23:08 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Apr 14 19:23:25 -0700 2013", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "16248123", "review_id": "470bd79578a968a4a4315031342aa1af", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I was waffling between 4 -5 stars and then I said to myself - \"it was great and you loved it all\" \n so 5 it is ! \n Another fun-filled adventure with the Princes Charming's and their \"Princesses\" thoroughly enjoyable!!", "date_added": "Fri Apr 12 13:58:26 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Tue May 07 18:42:05 -0700 2013", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "7823592", "review_id": "cc4427252355993ce2339fd0496b7c06", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Still waiting to see if there will be a follow-up???", "date_added": "Tue Mar 19 11:00:07 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Tue Mar 19 11:00:34 -0700 2013", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "60400", "review_id": "4228670aba2e5056eead1c6f54ac3a54", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Read all 11 books - Lost Stories is an absolute must for fans ! \n A little too much 're-telling' in the later 1/2 of the series but still one of my highest rated series.", "date_added": "Tue Mar 19 10:53:58 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Tue Mar 19 10:54:39 -0700 2013", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "11254850", "review_id": "0597f0344c3899476c6febd732fd5cea", "rating": 4, "review_text": "This was my favorite of the trilogy !!!", "date_added": "Tue Mar 19 10:52:26 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Tue Mar 19 10:53:23 -0700 2013", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "10576365", "review_id": "96cd2ce246d0b49565cff63946d3d4bb", "rating": 2, "review_text": "Bit of a slog, but I got through...........has a good story line just didn't do it for me.", "date_added": "Sun Mar 17 13:28:48 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Mar 17 13:30:10 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Sun Mar 17 13:30:10 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Sun Mar 17 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "15801381", "review_id": "0d5ca1e101243a16cb60eb967fcd9555", "rating": 3, "review_text": "I enjoyed it as I am a fan, however, I thought it was a bit to drawn out...my favourite was book 2.", "date_added": "Tue Mar 12 18:51:49 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Tue Mar 12 18:53:39 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Tue Mar 12 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 1}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "13146312", "review_id": "75e24f37187a475d92b2eebe8cc2aee4", "rating": 3, "review_text": "not bad -", "date_added": "Sat Jan 26 19:28:15 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Sat Jan 26 19:29:11 -0800 2013", "read_at": "Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 -0800 2013", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "9464855", "review_id": "3c7f6194909762384cf6098c025b8f17", "rating": 3, "review_text": "this was a cool story, loved the main character - Jack", "date_added": "Sat Jan 05 17:57:10 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Sat Jan 05 17:57:49 -0800 2013", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "13455485", "review_id": "817b3157884549bc61bbe67ff5fabaf1", "rating": 4, "review_text": "loved the dark and twisted, 'not your typical dragon tale' \n really good", "date_added": "Sat Jan 05 17:52:57 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Sat Jan 05 17:54:18 -0800 2013", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "688191", "review_id": "5537712a1b4e7c102977e883479bb051", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Read this years ago - I really liked it, but was a hard sell. Crosses the line between Junior/teen for creepy content.", "date_added": "Sat Jan 05 17:43:46 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Jan 27 19:36:04 -0800 2013", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "11593977", "review_id": "bd439900c86b3b2b225d665082de7a8f", "rating": 3, "review_text": "good story, action, adventure", "date_added": "Sat Jan 05 17:28:46 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Sat Jan 05 17:29:26 -0800 2013", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "12954620", "review_id": "3176c751699f8e757739b72b4df89ab3", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Read a great ARC !! Great plot development and characters. \n Twisting 3 Kingdoms together in this great adventure due to be released in December and definite must for all lovers of medieval but also just a good page turner !!", "date_added": "Mon Sep 17 08:09:01 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Mon Sep 17 08:10:49 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Wed Aug 01 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "13449693", "review_id": "60cefbf397736682cf07038cfb548b27", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Took a bit of getting into, but then took off ! \n Definitely a teen read. Due to be a series but doesn't leave you hanging, which is always good considering you have to wait about 12 months for the next.......", "date_added": "Mon Sep 17 07:56:24 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Mon Sep 17 07:58:35 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Thu Sep 13 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "287861", "review_id": "daf07f0673e1cbb55344126180c81c5c", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Good steampunk story. Makes me want to read #2", "date_added": "Fri Jun 22 06:45:48 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sat Jun 23 08:19:35 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sat Jun 23 08:19:35 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Fri Jun 22 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "12969560", "review_id": "9b5369c6c3d39f8922e13d59ee6e4ba6", "rating": 4, "review_text": "A fun and exciting adventure featuring all of your favourite \"Princes Charming\" and their Princesses. \n Engaging the reader as part of the tale and including 'Disney' type mini illustrations. \n I really enjoyed it!", "date_added": "Tue Jun 05 07:31:05 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Jun 05 07:33:11 -0700 2012", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7b2e5fe9fd353fecf3eeebb4850b88d3", "book_id": "12432220", "review_id": "017ff5c94608125e149aa74304874d9b", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I was very pleased at the level of intrigue and maturity. \n Would definitely recommend for all lovers of medival/knights/castles.", "date_added": "Mon Jun 04 20:02:14 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Mon Jun 04 20:06:40 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Mon Jun 04 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "bafc2d50014200cda7cb2b6acd60cd73", "book_id": "6315584", "review_id": "72f1229aba5a88f9e72f0dcdc007dd22", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I've never really liked Spider-Man. I am, however, a huge fan of the Dresden Files. Jim Butcher is clever and sarcastic and probably the perfect choice to pen a superhero novel. I really enjoyed this book!", "date_added": "Wed Aug 10 06:06:48 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Fri Aug 12 08:49:54 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Fri Aug 12 08:49:54 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Wed Aug 10 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "bafc2d50014200cda7cb2b6acd60cd73", "book_id": "29056083", "review_id": "951b4469923ee3fc2e43a0554643aead", "rating": 5, "review_text": "This is a play/script so it's not really something I can compare to the other books because it lacks all the description. As an English major who has read many a Shakespeare play, this is not a problem for me at all but it may turn some people off. Shame. \n The story takes place when Harry and the others are grown, of course and it actually centers around 1 of Harry's children (and Draco's child). The first few pages are weird because it's cycling quickly through a time period. I bet it looks really cool on stage but just reading it, you really have to use your imagination. \n It's interesting to see Harry and the others as adults and to see what kind of people they've become. I saw someone say they aren't acting the way they did in the novels. Right, they're no longer children. They are adults with children of their own. This is what happens when you grow up, hopefully you're not acting like an 11-17 year old in your 40s. Not everyone is in it, of course, because it's really mostly about the 2 kids (and Harry to a degree). My only real \"criticism\", if you'd call it that, is the use of some modern slang and references to modern things that were missing from the books that helped to make them fairly timeless. It's not a huge deal but it threw me off a little because there was a complete lack of that sort of thing in the original books. I won't post any spoilers so I don't want to talk too much about the plot but they do make use of a trope that is probably overdone. It fits in fine and ties in with a possibility that was already established in the books. It really does not actually retcon anything if you read the whole thing. You have to read the whole thing... \n I find the fact that Draco's kid is called Scorpius insanely funny because of Farscape. It ties in with the books really well and makes references to many events that happened in them, showing and explaining some, I assume, for the sake of an audience that may not have read the books. This isn't all that different to what happens in a series of books when the author goes back and explains things from a previous book for those who may not have read the previous books. \n One of the big issues within the play (I hope no one sees this as a spoiler, I don't believe it to be one) is what it's like to be the child of Harry Potter. And also, I suppose, Draco Malfoy. In Harry's case, that's a very tall shadow to stand in. \n Honestly, even though this wasn't a novel, it was like getting to see an old friend and catch up and it made me SO happy. Except for the parts where I cried, those parts made me sad. I loved it. I highly recommend it to any fan. I can see, though, that for anyone who either was unaware that this is a play or who can't get into reading a play, that they may not like it and that is really too bad because it was excellent. I've always been rather partial to Draco. This made me even more so.", "date_added": "Sun Jul 31 06:53:57 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Thu Aug 04 11:21:15 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Sun Jul 31 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Sun Jul 31 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "bafc2d50014200cda7cb2b6acd60cd73", "book_id": "9542292", "review_id": "b076c96884b9b608cd9ac0133253a313", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Book 2. I didn't like it as well as book 1. That doesn't mean I didn't like it. I did. It stayed consistent to the rules previously set up while expanding them to give us some new information and while I thought, at first, oh no, not more rules, it actually turned out to be just fine! \n I'm going to try to review this without giving away any part of the plot. Again, XXX sex scenes. We've got that covered here. \n My biggest criticism would be the repetitiveness. I feel like one event could have been left out of the book entirely, it became one too many of the same thing with Jin as the target. The other thing that threw me, and it's a small thing, is that we have characters in Egypt with typical Egyptian first names and Israeli last names. It made no sense to me and I found it really threw me off. It was only 2 characters but it was enough for me to shake my head and say no, this naming makes no sense and I'm guessing the author just doesn't know enough about the Middle East when it came to using Arab first names and Jewish last names. That's OK. It wasn't a huge deal but it didn't jar me when I came to their names. \n I felt like maybe the book jumped the shark a little bit but then I found that I didn't care and the author managed to provide sufficient explanation, within the rules established, that it just didn't matter. Again, I found myself enjoying the book. \n I think much of what I said about the first book is true of this as well and feel free to check my review of that one to see what I mean. Ultimately, I enjoyed the first book better but I still enjoyed this book. If I could give it 3.5 stars, I would. \n Also, Domin has actually become my favourite character. I've gone ahead and bought the third book and started to read it so obviously the author has managed to capture me and I'm not easily captured! We'll see if she holds me through the full series! \n Again, this is a light read but probably not something you want to read in public, you weirdo! It isn't Shakespeare, it isn't high literature, but it is an enjoyable story with some action and some twists and turns. Make sure you read the books in order if you decide to check out the series as she does a solid job of setting out the foundation. Also, without giving anything away, kudos to the author for her portrayal of Jin's father/pack and the consistency with which it is done. Not every character needs to be redeemed. Ahem, I've said too much. Go and read for yourself.", "date_added": "Sun Jul 24 19:50:46 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Tue Jul 26 08:44:18 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Mon Jul 25 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Sun Jul 24 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "bafc2d50014200cda7cb2b6acd60cd73", "book_id": "7129023", "review_id": "bd28cfb4895467e26dfbc76ded93c466", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Some facts. I love MM genre. I love supernatural and urban fantasy. I do not love mm supernatural because most of the time the books just flat out suck. I've tried to find good ones but usually they're just really stupid. So, with that in mind, I was wary of attempting the genre of mm supernatural again but did it anyway. \n This book wasn't quite what I expected in neither a good nor a bad way. I was expecting something and got something else so that was interesting. First, the rules, there's even a glossary. This turned me off. It's too much work, I thought, but oddly enough it wasn't. I found myself grasping the rules of this world quickly and easily. They're good because they keep characters acting in a consistent manner which is really important in the supernatural genre. Someone complained there were too many. I actually did not find this to be the case and I also found that the author was very good about not hammering us over the head with the rules. They were woven into the story quite well. \n This book has XXX sex scenes. This is why we are here, no? Of course it is. They did not disappoint. \n I found, much to my great surprise, that I cared about the characters and what was happening to them. I even shed a tear and while I admit that I'm extremely emotional, this was still unexpected as this genre has, historically, turned me off. Is this Shakespeare? No, of course not. This is light reading for summer and that is exactly what I wanted. Do you want to read this on a beach in front of people? Probably not! HA! \n It reminds me very much of the yaoi manga genre and if you're unfamiliar with the genre this part of the review will make no sense. In all ways, Jin is a classic uke. That is both good and bad. Ukes can be pretty annoying and their girlishness and insistence that they're men dammit can grow tiresome. Jin has his moments. Logan is pretty much classic seme, both enamored with and frustrated with his uke. But we all love a seme. The story itself, uke in peril, repeatedly, is also very classic yaoi. Where it differs, however, is that Jin doesn't necessarily need to be saved, he does a good job of saving himself and his seme. So that was a nice change. \n I was also quite fond of the secondary characters and found that I just enjoyed the story for what it was. I'd found it on a list of \"jealous mates\" and actually think it's pretty light for that category so I'll admit I expected everyone to be a little rougher, a little more demanding and that's where the surprise came in, it wasn't what I expected but I enjoyed it all the same. Again, this isn't Shakespeare. This isn't the last great American novel. This is just sexy mm supernatural stuff and I feel like the rules and the fact that the author follows them really adds to the pleasure of this novel. I didn't want to stop reading and immediately bought the next book in the series! \n So if you're looking for light reading that you may want to do alone rather than in a public space and you enjoy supernatural and panthers and the classic yaoi story, check it out!", "date_added": "Sun Jul 24 16:51:38 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Tue Jul 26 08:32:25 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Sun Jul 24 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Sun Jul 24 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "bafc2d50014200cda7cb2b6acd60cd73", "book_id": "23213849", "review_id": "1445c1355ed2299d9f0da8c1cc61ea62", "rating": 3, "review_text": "While I enjoyed the book, Stark took WAY too much shit from Julia and Candy for my liking. I know Stark takes a lot of shit in general but this was different. Their constant ragging on him and putting him down got to be too much. It's one thing when bad guys show him no respect but it's quite another when it's coming from his friends. \n I won't post spoilers but I don't really like one of the major changes that has happened to Stark. This book left me with some mixed feelings.", "date_added": "Mon May 30 16:36:27 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 08 07:54:31 -0700 2017", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "bafc2d50014200cda7cb2b6acd60cd73", "book_id": "6294062", "review_id": "0ea3badee91773f1e6c4a4436b653f19", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Well! I'd seen some mediocre reviews and wasn't sure if I wanted to read this book or not. I'm so glad I ignored them. No idea what people had a problem with but this was GOOD. This elicited a cry of \"HOLY FUCK\" from me while I was reading and that's a rare thing. \n If you pick this up expecting it to be a copy of the Cal Leandros series, I guess you will be disappointed though Zeke and Griffin do share some similarities with Cal and Niko but only on the surface. They are very much different characters and this book is not centered around them but rather Trixa. \n I have a thing with female protagonists. They often put me off, with Charlaine Harris' books being the exception (all her books). So I was wary. I didn't need to be. Trixa is what I want from a female protagonist. She is STRONG and she stands on her own two feet. Also, I love that this is set in the same world as Cal Leandros. Every time Robin was mentioned, I giggled. \n You won't find a spoiler here. It's enough to say that this was very enjoyable and I'm looking forward to the next book. I truly hope that Rob Thurman continues to write her books because I'd really hate to have to track her down and go all Misery on her. If you enjoy strong women protagonists and the supernatural then give this a read. If you're a cranky pants then give it a miss and let the rest of us enjoy it!", "date_added": "Sun Mar 27 17:09:07 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Mon Apr 25 12:21:13 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Mon Apr 25 12:21:13 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Tue Apr 19 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "bafc2d50014200cda7cb2b6acd60cd73", "book_id": "29427369", "review_id": "51c374ec629afc171cb14a48521f6022", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Cold Case - Jim Butcher ***** \n Molly takes on her first real case as Winter Lady. This story takes place after Skin Game (book 15). I wasn't thrilled when I found out the Dresden Files story was going to be about Molly but this story gave me a whole new appreciation for her character. I don't want to give anything away so I'll just say that it keeps the tone of the Dresden Files novels and gives us a glimpse into some of the inner workings of the Sidhe. \n Sleepover - Seanan McGuire **** \n I was completely unfamiliar with this author. Loved the story. The main character reminded me a bit of Trixa from Rob Thurman's Trickster series. Some sass and strength and a lot of humanity in a non-human. Great, quick read. \n If Wishes Were - Tanya Huff **** \n Vampire PI/cop story set in Toronto. I couldn't help but think of that wonderful old Canadian TV show, Forever Knight. Clever story, witty and with a likeable main character. This was another author I was unfamiliar with. I thought it was going to go off in a direction I wouldn't enjoy when I discovered the antagonist but I was pleasantly surprised. \n Solus - Anton Strout ***** \n Another author I was unfamiliar with, this story reminded me a bit of All Seeing Eye by Rob Thurman and the Felix Castor series by Mike Carey. Set in New York City, police investigate supernatural happenings and I would love to read more about these characters. It was a bit of a slow build for me and I wasn't sure how I'd like this story and by the end, I loved it. \n Peacock in Hell - Kat Richardson *** \n This felt like I'd been dropped into the middle of a novel and there it was a bit hard to follow at first. I feel like there was a lot left unexplained. Since I'm not familiar with this author, I don't know if these characters are part of a bigger story that would make this short one make more sense but as a stand-alone story, it was OK, if a bit confusing. \n Eye of Newt - Kevin J Anderson *** \n This was well written and funny but not at all my cup of tea. It was written as more of a farce with over-the-top everything. Fans of the Nightside series by Simon R. Green may enjoy this though I prefer Nightside to this story. \n What Dwells Within - Lucy A Snyder *** \n There was way too much unexplained stuff going on in this story. The main character also seemed to be able to do everything. Too much of a deux ex machina for my liking. That said, the writing itself was solid and I'm sure it would appeal to some. \n Hunter, Healer - Jim C Hines **** \n I really liked this story. If it weren't for the incredible vulgarity of one of the characters I'd give it 5 stars. I have no problem with some vulgarity but this was excessive and over the top. I assume it was meant to be funny but it seemed low-brow and childish and detracted from an otherwise solid and affecting story. \n Baggage - Erik Scott de Bie **** \n This one was great. Tough girl(s). Demons. I would definitely like to read more about the characters in this story. I liked that the main character had power but wasn't invincible either. Also, the story explained itself and didn't leave me with information overload or a lot of blanks to fill in like a couple of previous stories have done. \n Sales Force - Kristine Kathryn Rusch *** \n Magic and grief. It was a good story but the characters didn't really grab me. \n Impossible Monsters - Rob Thurman ***** \n This story is part of the Cal Leandros series which I cannot possibly recommend enough. Buy it. Read it. Cal is part monster, part human and all sarcasm. This story takes place sometime after book 10. This story was excellent and I enjoyed getting to read about Cal again. This story was also the most brutal of the bunch as only Cal can be. Just because you're a monster doesn't mean you can't do some good.", "date_added": "Sat Mar 19 21:00:34 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Mon Nov 07 12:11:20 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Mon Nov 07 12:11:20 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Tue Nov 01 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "bafc2d50014200cda7cb2b6acd60cd73", "book_id": "19366810", "review_id": "d2cb78ffbabd9c78620e75f10a8dcc29", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I've seen reviews for this book that complain about Robin. One actually suggested there was too much Robin. This is wrong. Just ask him. He'll tell you. Seriously, how you can be a fan of this series and not love Robin and want Robin 24/7 is beyond me. To each his own but if you love Robin, then trust me, you'll love this book. We get to see much more of Robin (ahem, not like that) and a side of him we hadn't seen so far. \n I admit when I first started the novel, I got a little confused because Robin rambles sometimes but I found that his rambling became more coherent and it was really only the first \"Robin\" chapter that had me trying to get my brain to catch up to what he was saying. \n As has been the case for the last several books, there were many tears on my part. This was just GOOD. Really good. In fact, the more I think back on it, the more I love it. The worst part about it is currently there's only 1 more novel left for me to read and then what will I do? \n I've been listening to the audiobooks after reading the novels. The person doing the reading of the first book wasn't that good but if you're a fan of the books, I highly recommend listening to the audiobooks. The person MacLeod Andrews is phenomenal at it. I didn't think I'd like any audiobooks other than the Dresden Files which are read by James Marsters but after Nightlife, the audiobooks for this series are FANTASTIC. I haven't listened to the audiobook for Downfall yet as I only just finished the book this evening however I look forward to it.", "date_added": "Mon Mar 07 17:40:20 -0800 2016", "date_updated": "Thu Apr 14 17:41:36 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Thu Apr 14 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Tue Apr 05 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "bafc2d50014200cda7cb2b6acd60cd73", "book_id": "155421", "review_id": "8d90977bef7f60534abc3ffbd3ced98a", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I read this in part because Felicia Day liked it and in part because I was looking for something to fill the void left by finishing The Dresden Files. I liked this. I probably would have given it 3.5 stars rather than 4 but since you can give half ratings I went up to 4. \n It was very noir, in a lot of ways. I think that what people who didn't like this book, didn't like, was that aspect of noir that's a bit corny but those of us who like the genre secretly love. Someone mentioned he kept referring to \"the Nightside\" over and over and I found this amusing the same way I'd find it amusing if he said that a dame walked into his office. It reads a little like Sin City, in that way. \n It's definitely not the same caliber as Dresden Files but it read so quickly and I enjoyed the world the author created so I will definitely be continuing with the series for now.", "date_added": "Thu Mar 03 21:16:31 -0800 2016", "date_updated": "Sat Mar 05 09:07:46 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Sat Mar 05 09:07:46 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Thu Mar 03 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "bafc2d50014200cda7cb2b6acd60cd73", "book_id": "5973243", "review_id": "f5202d6170bd2bf915ad92571cc9dcf0", "rating": 5, "review_text": "\"It is the most beautiful nightmare I have ever seen.\"", "date_added": "Fri Jul 10 18:58:03 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Aug 15 13:03:02 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Sat Aug 15 13:03:02 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Mon Aug 03 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "bafc2d50014200cda7cb2b6acd60cd73", "book_id": "140079", "review_id": "a043384836876aa6e525196d22256a7f", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Quinn. That's really all that needs to be said.", "date_added": "Fri May 15 22:15:16 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Mon May 18 09:45:56 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Mon May 18 09:45:56 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Sat May 16 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "bafc2d50014200cda7cb2b6acd60cd73", "book_id": "15783514", "review_id": "135ac35d9d480b83179c5556513a360a", "rating": 5, "review_text": "This is easily one of the best books I have ever read. I want to say more about it but after having just finished I find that I need time to absorb it.", "date_added": "Sun Jul 28 11:47:56 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Jul 28 11:49:50 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Sun Jul 28 11:49:50 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Sun Jul 28 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "bafc2d50014200cda7cb2b6acd60cd73", "book_id": "13094398", "review_id": "1b8888aa0587871d2a29ff70689e9e13", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Zombies... I really don't like zombies. That said, I no longer hate Elizabeth.", "date_added": "Mon Feb 04 09:28:00 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Mon Feb 04 09:28:59 -0800 2013", "read_at": "Sun Feb 03 00:00:00 -0800 2013", "started_at": "Sat Feb 02 00:00:00 -0800 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "bafc2d50014200cda7cb2b6acd60cd73", "book_id": "13526176", "review_id": "68267ebf90e2da0d96a3d6aefb5b8ac7", "rating": 3, "review_text": "This wasn't my favourite Black Butler book. I was getting really tired of the Sherlock Holmes-y storyline and I'm glad it was finally put to rest in this book. I'm not sure what my opinion is on the story that began in the second half of this book. \n I'm still a fan but this definitely wasn't the best. \n I did notice that Sebastian seemed to look different. It wasn't bad just that he looked a bit different and I got to the end where there's an author note saying that the author is continually trying to approve upon Sebastian so it made sense that he didn't quite look the same. I definitely enjoyed the art in this book.", "date_added": "Thu Nov 15 13:28:38 -0800 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Nov 15 13:32:17 -0800 2012", "read_at": "Thu Nov 15 13:32:17 -0800 2012", "started_at": "Tue Nov 13 00:00:00 -0800 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "bafc2d50014200cda7cb2b6acd60cd73", "book_id": "13187904", "review_id": "3a3fbc2545097c4b314f493dd0e242bc", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Well this one left me bawling like an idiot. A proper review will come when I've calmed down. I am glad there will be a part three. I am also afraid of it.", "date_added": "Sat Oct 27 23:24:14 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sat Oct 27 23:26:02 -0700 2012", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "bafc2d50014200cda7cb2b6acd60cd73", "book_id": "8577678", "review_id": "ef12725915501594178668f3d3514c79", "rating": 3, "review_text": "This was ok. I liked it as a horror type story though it did pull a lot of the usual horror story tricks. Possessed houses are always fun and I actually found myself getting a little creeped out in some parts so that was fun. \n This was on a list of non-con and I don't feel it belongs there. In fact though this was in some kind of \"erotica\" list it really does not fall into that category. There are some sex scenes but they are incredibly brief and incredibly minor. The main character is a gay man so that in itself provides a little twist to the usual pairings. \n One thing that made me crazy though was how much the main character cried. Seriously. Stop crying! It put me off and I found I had a very hard time relating to him. Between that and his stupidity (some might say naivety but I think he just wasn't so bright) he was kind of hard to like. \n I think the horror could have been fleshed out more as well but on the whole I enjoyed this as a light little read that I started and finished in one day.", "date_added": "Fri Aug 17 08:04:11 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Fri Aug 17 08:09:55 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Thu Aug 16 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4fe16e3bcbbce3f8801ac6924217fd3b", "book_id": "20519003", "review_id": "730c8a2d5bc92b4645daa8b2fd807eac", "rating": 5, "review_text": "A much improved entry into the Jhereg series.", "date_added": "Wed Apr 06 11:57:56 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Wed Apr 06 11:59:07 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Sat Apr 02 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4fe16e3bcbbce3f8801ac6924217fd3b", "book_id": "24876258", "review_id": "36f458b8d93558d1119f71a6148d39e2", "rating": 4, "review_text": "The swashbuckling story of the AMS Predator and her crew is some of the most rollicking military fiction currently in print. A new strange world of where the population lives in insect-infested, earth-deprived sky-scraper tall spires. \n The battles are glorious and fun, filled with tension and quite enjoyable.", "date_added": "Fri Jun 19 09:23:48 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Tue Apr 19 11:57:09 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Tue Apr 19 11:57:09 -0700 2016", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4fe16e3bcbbce3f8801ac6924217fd3b", "book_id": "60211", "review_id": "39c75852de61bbb0270dfe74dae1927e", "rating": 3, "review_text": "For years people have been asking me about Mr Wolfe's Shadow of the Torturer, assuming I had read it and that I enjoyed it. I liked the prose - as I do with all of the author's works which i have read. \n My challenge was that the protangonist is about as exciting as paint primer. His few willful actions were like pulling teeth to me and the rest of the characters seemed grossly hollow and base in their actions. Plus the world lore is beautifull and painfully deep... but the reader is exposed to it like paper cuts and mosquito bites in long fables told to others. Highly frustrating to my reading preferences: give me meat, let me sink my teeth into it.", "date_added": "Fri Oct 11 14:35:47 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Fri Oct 11 14:43:43 -0700 2013", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4fe16e3bcbbce3f8801ac6924217fd3b", "book_id": "10572", "review_id": "9332f9fb30d6b3c777bbb2433d1f7d4d", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Sorcery begins to kick off.. but the drama is getting high and I don't know if I'll be able to tolerate for long.", "date_added": "Thu Apr 19 08:38:45 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Apr 22 05:39:06 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sun Apr 22 05:39:06 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Thu Apr 19 08:38:45 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4fe16e3bcbbce3f8801ac6924217fd3b", "book_id": "13496", "review_id": "b6e3a2c1c866694b4b6435606dcfab9f", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I'm reading this before I watch the TV show, simply because translations to other mediums can cause issues. I found this first book to be slow and plodding, with one particular character horribly annoying (Sansa - the less said is better). It's amazing that nearly all men are horndogs and all women, except two, are whores - however, it doesn't suck. Martin does make that fact tolerable. \n I do recommend this for Knights-n-Sorcery lovers, even though the sorcery portions truly don't start until the end of the book.", "date_added": "Mon Apr 09 06:55:58 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Apr 19 08:38:14 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sun Apr 08 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4fe16e3bcbbce3f8801ac6924217fd3b", "book_id": "8058301", "review_id": "ccf0a810a8063d1b17a18b42c75f3519", "rating": 4, "review_text": "** spoiler alert ** \n It seems to me that Changes has left it's mark on the series and this is the end of Harry Dresden Chicago Wizard investigator, and the start of a new series Harry Dresden Superpowered Wizard. We'll see.", "date_added": "Sat Jul 30 07:07:02 -0700 2011", "date_updated": "Sat Jul 30 07:09:29 -0700 2011", "read_at": "Sat Jul 30 00:00:00 -0700 2011", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "3ca7375dba942a760e53b726c472a7dd", "book_id": "2974811", "review_id": "b1ae6910b3fb307884d19b92e2958a7b", "rating": 0, "review_text": "This book was not bad. 3.5 stars. I liked the characters and the story but it all just felt rushed toward the end. There is so much time taken to establish the characters and the background. The retelling of Beauty and the Beast doesn't start until about half way through and by that time I was thinking ok, when are we going to get the actual story started. I just wish that Belle's return to the Beast and their marriage could have been expanded. It would have been nice to get to know Gaspard as a person rather than just as the Beast. But overall, a nice little story.", "date_added": "Sun Jun 07 13:19:02 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sun Jun 07 13:19:02 -0700 2015", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "3ca7375dba942a760e53b726c472a7dd", "book_id": "11947156", "review_id": "04cba61ce938cefb78763ca2d1f0a17f", "rating": 2, "review_text": "This could have been a good book. I think that the idea was there but the grammar was just so bad and the dialogue between the girls was so fake. Normal teenagers don't talk like that. I was disappointed because I thought was going to be a great read and it wasn't.", "date_added": "Tue Jan 06 19:34:10 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Tue Jan 06 19:37:27 -0800 2015", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "3ca7375dba942a760e53b726c472a7dd", "book_id": "13129966", "review_id": "06f2c4a8a967e72d134f5d7ed06e9a89", "rating": 3, "review_text": "I think this book had a good plot but I feel like it was much too rushed. Even though lots of characters fall for each other in really short periods of time, Lily and Jake went from knowing nothing about each other to being the most important ant things in each other's lives. It just felt really unnatural. The problem Jake has with his hunters is just thrown into the mix. It was awkward. I think this book would have a lot better if there was more detail throughout.", "date_added": "Sat Apr 05 17:09:42 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Sat Apr 05 17:16:14 -0700 2014", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "12944651", "review_id": "5fe8207ddc9b604aaeb14adf125d190b", "rating": 2, "review_text": "I wanted to like this book, but I didn't. \n I saw the third book in the Miriam Black series on the \"NEW\" shelf at the library, and it had an endorsement blurb from one of my favorite horror writers, Lauren Beukes. But I couldn't start with the third, so I checked out all three books, and returned all three of them the following week, having only read this first. I will not finish the series. \n It's an interesting premise that is written by a man who is trying to write a hard-boiled manic pixie dream girl, and it's so annoying. Miriam is the girl who eats like a pig and never gains weight; she smokes; she loves sex; she can kick someone's ass in a fight. But it's all so obviously written through a male gaze and it never rings true and is occasionally offensive. Example: Wendig writes a \"sex\" scene that begins with Miriam resisting, and saying no even though she doesn't really mean \"no.\" Wow. Really, Chuck Wendig? You did that? Yes. He did. And then Miriam jokes the next morning to Ashley, her (male) partner, that he pretty much raped her. And, well, he did. So, that was shit to read. \n After that scene, I checked out. It didn't get worse from there, but it certainly didn't get better. If nothing else, this book solidified my feeling that I'm over and done with reading books by straight white men, at least for a good long while. I tried this because of the Beaukes blurb, but I shouldn't have. Instead, I'll just read more Beukes.", "date_added": "Sun Aug 27 06:14:44 -0700 2017", "date_updated": "Sun Aug 27 06:35:09 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Mon Aug 14 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Sat Aug 05 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "26228034", "review_id": "30be5469624cd7f96ea4dc668a68988e", "rating": 3, "review_text": "This is a series that I'm definitely reading for the story and not the writing, which is frequently corny and amateurish. But Jemisin has created a compelling world and has put together a well paced action fantasy. I'll read the third/final book when it comes out, but I don't know if I'll pursue her other series.", "date_added": "Fri Jul 07 10:18:49 -0700 2017", "date_updated": "Fri Jul 07 10:25:28 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Fri Jul 07 10:25:28 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Sat Jun 10 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "567724", "review_id": "0e5efaab02d050030ee56389c12731fd", "rating": 4, "review_text": "In 2003 a friend recommended this book to me and I started it; but for whatever reason, I couldn't get into it. I might have been expecting something else, or I might have been in the wrong mood for it. When I heard that it was getting turned into a t.v. series, and when that t.v. series was getting some positive buzz, I decided to give it another show. I'm glad I did. \n Gaiman presents a big story, but he tells it in an intimate, quiet sort of way, and that's perfect for his protagonist's personality and journey. Shadow is appealing. He faces a lot and takes it all with a kind of stoicism that I really liked. The cast of characters surrounding him is wide, fascinating, and Gaiman has them walk a cool line between mythology and the reality of the world he's created. \n I'll absolutely read Anansi Boys and any other stories from this world, and I'll give the t.v. series a shot, though I now have very high expectations.", "date_added": "Mon Jun 05 17:51:09 -0700 2017", "date_updated": "Mon Jun 05 20:29:37 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Mon Jun 05 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Mon May 08 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "19161852", "review_id": "d7624af9b60e60253e1a9ccf8f106b48", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I heard an interview with Jemisin on the Nerdette podcast and recommended it for my book club: the book club babes liked it and so did I. \n I don't read a lot of fantasy, but this was worth the journey. Jemisin has created a fascinating world that is supernatural and eerily easy to imagine. She doesn't over-explain the world or the characters to the reader, which I appreciate, but she moves the story forward with the understanding that, because it's all so new, we need a steady pace. I loved what she did with point-of-view and narrative, though I'm wondering how she'll play with these in the books that follow this one in the series. \n The only reason this isn't five stars is that some of Jemisin's writing -- some dialogue, especially -- is clunky. I'm not sure if it's Jemisin or a hallmark of the genre, but there were some passages of inner monologue and exposition that made me roll my eyes. But those are few, and the story makes up for it.", "date_added": "Thu Mar 16 20:17:41 -0700 2017", "date_updated": "Tue May 09 06:52:59 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Sun May 07 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Sun Apr 02 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "25996024", "review_id": "99ee11e9fbb1eedca2dcf7ae6859e858", "rating": 3, "review_text": "A fast-moving, fun read with a strong female character who wears boots and kicks ass. It was a nice bit of brain candy fantasy, and I'll certainly follow this up with the second in the series.", "date_added": "Wed Feb 22 09:14:40 -0800 2017", "date_updated": "Mon Mar 27 08:59:46 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Sat Mar 25 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Sun Feb 26 00:00:00 -0800 2017", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "23512999", "review_id": "a6f4af88bdbdf5018fb27628d21e96ff", "rating": 3, "review_text": "I always enjoy Stephen King's short fiction, and this collection doesn't disappoint. \n No, it's not perfect: some of the stories are gimmicky and some endings feel forced. But there are more than a few terrific ones in here (\"Blockade Billy,\" \"A Death,\" \"Ur,\" \"Obits,\" and \"Summer Thunder\" are stand-outs), and they're all 100% King stories. \n King introduces each story with a bit of background or inspiration. Although it was interesting to read (I always enjoy reading about King's writing process), I'd have preferred to get them after the stories and have gotten the stories straight, or 'pure' without the context first. If any other readers sense that they'd feel the same, I'd recommend skipping the intros and then going back to them later.", "date_added": "Sat Mar 19 20:26:39 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Fri Apr 01 09:21:29 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Wed Mar 30 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Sat Mar 12 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "16065665", "review_id": "0528e8997c5015aab3fb98961ae8f9af", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Although Joe Hill dedicated this novel to his mother, it's really just a big fat wonderful ode to his father. \n Everything that King does wonderfully -- storytelling, plotting, pacing -- Hill gets right, and so much more. This book is carefully and perfectly paced, and Hill's characterization (of every character) is thoughtful and consistent. It feels folksy and New England-y like Stephen King's best work, but it never feels like it needs an editor (which I feel some of King's later work really does...). Hill has poured so much care and attention into this book; and I guess it doesn't really matter who it is or should be dedicated to. It's just a great story. \n Kate Mulgrew does an excellent narration, too. She is pure Americana, rough and raspy, and a great hero and even better villain. Also, the audiobook has a really nice afterword by Hill himself, where he talks about the writing of this book and about audiobooks, and he gives some audio recommendations.", "date_added": "Sat Dec 19 11:02:44 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Tue Dec 29 19:20:43 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Mon Dec 28 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Thu Dec 17 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "23363928", "review_id": "7e276c40e33a7ffaa6adb46dc0a145c0", "rating": 1, "review_text": "Hawkins is a bad writer. His dialogue made me cringe and yell at the book. And not in a good way. It. Is. So. Bad. Like, the worst. It's as though he poured in everything he thought he knew about noir, hard-boiled, bad-ass dialogue. But none of it works; it's just forced and awkward. His overall style is juvenile and inconsistent, and I didn't care about his characters. \n The story, on the other hand, is the reason I finished the book. The premise is interesting enough, although the last fifty (or one hundred) pages didn't justify the hours of reading I put into this. \n The \"Mount Char\" of the title is explained like this: oh, remember that random anecdote our character recounted in the middle of the book? That's relevant now and is why this place is called \"Mount Char.\" Jesus. \n And the explanation comes just as the book is ending, and by that time, I'd forgotten that I didn't know why it was called \"Mount Char,\" and I really didn't give a shit. \n I'd like to unfollow whoever tweeted out her recommendation about this book, but I can't remember who it was. I do not recommend it, unless you love bad dialogue and bad writing. Then read it. And laugh, laugh, laugh.", "date_added": "Tue Jun 16 18:34:32 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Fri Apr 01 09:23:35 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Mon Aug 17 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Mon Aug 03 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 10, "n_comments": 2}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "12656643", "review_id": "4dcbb198137e4bc333a2d5ad4e6d059b", "rating": 4, "review_text": "This is the third Lauren Beukes book I've consumed in as many months, and it's a good one. \n Beukes puts us in the middle of a South African ghetto for this book, and, just as she did with Detroit (Broken Monsters) and Chicago (The Shining Girls), she gives us a rich and specific atmosphere that enhances the tension of her story and grounds her already well-written characters. \n Zinzi December (yeah, her name is amazing) is one of many South Africans who are saddled with an animal after they've been found guilty of a crime. It's a sort of modern day hairshirt: visible to everyone else and a constant, living stigma for your sin. \n Zinzi has a sloth and wears him around her shoulders. But he's not just an animal; Beukes writes him as a fully formed character, and he and Zinzi are not just co-habitating through the story, but co-dependent. Beukes, as she's listing academic papers written about the \"zoo\" phenomenon, gives a nod to Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy and the daemons the children in that series have as companions. Since this was one of the first things I thought of when I started Beukes's book, I was so happy she did this. \n The plot of Zoo City is fast and interesting; the characters are sympathetic and well drawn; the protagonist is a strong female person of color; and the action and magic of the world are exciting and unique. The narrator of this audiobook, Justine Eyre, is terrific. Her accent is fluid and so much fun to listen to. She's also narrated The Historians, which has been on my to-read list for a while, so it might be time I gave that one a listen.", "date_added": "Sun May 10 08:01:51 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Dec 12 17:14:47 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Thu May 28 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Sun May 10 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "4443319", "review_id": "069900ebca11f32f47a1214cfdf5c9e6", "rating": 4, "review_text": "This is a terrific collection, full of stories that are sometimes terrifying, sometimes whimsical, and always well written. \n Hill does a lot of exploration of the father-son relationship, which I just love given who his own father is. Short fiction is a genre Hill shines in -- he knows what short fiction should be, and he clearly loves to write it. I'll read his other stories first before coming back to his novels.", "date_added": "Sun Apr 05 17:12:48 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Dec 05 13:06:53 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Tue Dec 01 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Tue Oct 27 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "17315048", "review_id": "7736532f45f45781895bb4bc9ccf7fe8", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I've been telling everyone about this book for the last week (which is about how long it took me to read/listen to it). \n It's SO MUCH FUN. \n It's a geek's perfect adventure story, full of math and science problem solving, space travel, and disco-bashing. \n Is it high literature? Absolutely not. But is it a fast-moving thinking reader's adventure? It sure as shit is. \n I wouldn't normally give a book like this a five-star rating--a book with a couple of big problem areas (frequently corny dialogue in the form of Watney's first person log entries; some point-of-view liberties taken by Weir)--but it's just SO MUCH FUN. \n The corny dialogue is much easier to deal with in the audiobook medium. The narrator, R.C. Bray, embodies this stranded astronaut using the log entries as his only conversation with the outside world. Bray also does a good job with an international cast of characters, although I could have done without the Mexican-American accent for Martinez and the vaguely Chinese accent for Ng--these felt totally unnecessary and walk a fine line between character-specific and racist. \n But as a whole package, Weir's got an exciting story, great sense of pace, and a terrific grasp of the science. And it's SO MUCH FUN.", "date_added": "Fri Feb 06 06:42:06 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Feb 06 09:23:25 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Thu Sep 03 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Sat Aug 29 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 3, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "22015258", "review_id": "4de5f2442376dca5198206e320289371", "rating": 4, "review_text": "**spoilers about characters** \n Among the things that I like about Paul Cornell's supernatural police-procedural (aside from the fact that it's a supernatural police-procedural) are these: \n 1. The team of four police officers are honest with each other \n Why is this important? Because it's refreshing that a book of any kind has so many characters who are truthful about their pasts and about who they are. They were up-front, trusted each other, and then got down to the business of fighting witchy crime. That's cool. \n 2. There was no sexual tension among any of the main characters \n The four protagonists are near to siblings by the end of the book, and it was so nice that there was no \"will they, or won't they?\" dilly-dallying around. They just got down to the business of fighting creepy crime. Again, super cool. \n 3. The main characters were diverse \n This applied not only to their skin color--two of the men are black--but also to sexual orientation. The only romantic relationship, aside from Quill's marriage, is between Sefton and Joe. It was nice to have a central romance between two gay men. It was so normal that Sefton was able to be with Joe in a healthy new relationship and then get down to the business of fighting supernatural crime. Totally cool. \n Damian Lynch does a great job of narrating this. I'm looking forward to Cornell's next book about this group.", "date_added": "Sun Jan 11 13:43:16 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Sun Jan 18 11:57:20 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Sat Jan 17 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Sun Jan 11 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "17204978", "review_id": "0c5dd6373e1a9ea969cb422cee97e9ba", "rating": 3, "review_text": "This book was on a Flavorwire list of books you won't be assigned in high school, so I decided to check it out. \n And it's interesting. It's not quite what I expected, but I'm glad I read it. The story merges a post-apocalyptic future with a Caribbean voodoo context, and the characters are multi-generational and well written. The dialect wasn't fun to read, but I'm glad I listened to it rather than read it because the narrator, Peter Jay Fernandez, did a much better job than I ever could have done in my head. \n I plan to recommend it to my creative writing students, who love this genre but don't have much experience drawing characters and integrating conflict and the world they've created.", "date_added": "Sun Aug 17 19:31:27 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Sun Sep 07 16:09:52 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Thu Sep 04 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Sun Aug 17 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "1067325", "review_id": "e1277d8f30974054e0559058e86268e1", "rating": 4, "review_text": "This book is a sophisticated and complex finale to a rich and well developed page-turner of a series. It's easy to see why the story has sparked so much controversy, but it's such a worthy read for young people and adults alike. \n The audiobooks were read by Pullman himself, doing the omniscient narrator (a perfect example of that narrative point of view that I'll give to my students) and a full cast of characters, all of whom were great. There was a different reader for Will in this book, and the actor's voice was quite a bit deeper than the actor's voice in The Subtle Knife. It threw me off a bit at the beginning, but I got used to it quickly enough. Just make sure you have all of them downloaded, because as soon as you finish one, you'll want to start the next ASAP.", "date_added": "Wed Apr 17 14:33:32 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Apr 21 11:16:47 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Fri Apr 19 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Thu Apr 11 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "12683905", "review_id": "bb9f47a36ff299b453a0be0dd0110b4b", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I'm so glad I finally read this, and I can't wait to read the next two in the triology. Pullman's wonderful fantasy gives us a terrific young female protagonist, Lyra, who I wish I'd had to look up to as a literary role model when I was a kid. She's fearless and smart, and a bit of a liar, but she's not at all guilty about that, which I kind of love. \n Pullman creates a world rich with adventure, magic, and danger; it's the world every young reader should dive into again and again (and it's also the kind of world that would set conservative folks on edge, which is why this series makes the list of ALA's banned & challenged books [and that gives me yet another reason to love it!]). \n Pullman also narrates this audiobook, along with a full cast of characters. They're all terrific and the variety of voices gives additional substance to an already good book. I have a feeling that the next book will get us deeper into the religious aspect of \"dust\" and the forces trying to destroy it. And I just can't wait.", "date_added": "Sun Mar 17 07:33:41 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sat Mar 23 12:04:00 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Thu Mar 21 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Fri Mar 15 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "15737884", "review_id": "e0aa7cfded7f56de25d7eb950c3f4d78", "rating": 4, "review_text": "** spoiler alert ** \n I haven't has as visceral an experience with an audiobook since I listened to Scott Smith's The Ruins. I spent the first half of this book getting to know a dozen likable, eclectic characters and the second half yelling at the car radio and gripping the steering wheel like it was a cut glass doorknob and I was swinging into space. \n The story works on a few different levels, and they're pretty much all successful. The characters living in the Kavach building (or at least the ones we're introduced to; I don't agree with Clines's decision to add more names of residents we haven't met. Why not just limit it to those playing a role in the story?), are relatable and layered in mysteries of their own. The Kavach building is certainly a mystery to be solved, but I had no clue as to what was waiting for me on the other side of room 14. Clines's story is a bit of House of Leaves, a dash of hard science fiction, and just enough fantasy (the squales, good god, the squales) to scare the pants off of me. \n I scanned a review that was likening it to Lost, and while I loved the first couple seasons of that show, I think it would be a disservice to compare 14 to something that wasn't well thought through. Clines has a nice complexity without being overly contrived, and it's clear from the beginning that he knows exactly where he is (and you are) going, even if you don't have a clue. It's his ride, and I loved being on it. \n The narrator, Ray Porter, was great. He worried me during the first ten minutes--I thought he might a little too Hollywood. But he was actually perfect and did great voices for a variety of characters, some with accents. \n Read this and have a damn good time.", "date_added": "Thu Dec 06 19:52:59 -0800 2012", "date_updated": "Sat Dec 15 19:43:14 -0800 2012", "read_at": "Tue Dec 11 00:00:00 -0800 2012", "started_at": "Wed Dec 05 00:00:00 -0800 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "10005168", "review_id": "fc666a6ecd7e445877ad587915226432", "rating": 3, "review_text": "(This is only a review of Something Wicked This Way Comes. Please add one half star.) \n Bradbury's tale of adolescence and aging, curiosity and fear is poetic and frightening, frequently at the same time. Will and Jim, two teenagers, are fascinated when a circus rolls into their small town, so they creep out to investigate it before opening day. And they make an awful discovery that sets the story in motion. \n As they uncover more mysteries and more grotesque characters, the boys are always walking a fine line between bravery and fear. Their relationship is so pure and perfect and reminds me very much of the young men Stephen King sometimes writes (I'm thinking specifically of \"The Body\"). Bradbury captures them, and what they represent, perfectly. \n The more developed relationship, though, is between Will and his father, who is the janitor of the town's library (of course there's a library; it's Bradbury, after all). Will eventually comes to depend on him more and their father-son bond thickens over the course of the story. I do wish that Bradbury had not left Jim and Will's friendship on the wayside, because it was so nicely started. I also felt that the hopelessness of youth--especially the frequently ignored youth--could have been further exploited to raise the tension and anxiety in the story. \n But it's a creepy tale and perfect to get some of those pre-Halloween heebie jeebies.", "date_added": "Sun Oct 28 18:39:18 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Nov 04 18:57:35 -0800 2012", "read_at": "Thu Nov 01 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Sat Oct 27 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "6619051", "review_id": "5c3b3820af3c7b86b8ab0fb92b2fb77b", "rating": 4, "review_text": "This installment was a great end to the series. The way Collins considers and details the social and political world she has created made this a series not just for kids, but for adults, too. This is a story about growing up, but it's also a story about power, battle, and compromise, which are topics not always done so interestingly in young adult or children's literature. \n Collins never talks down to her audience, but she never talks above them, either. It's amazing how she is able to make war and betrayal so relevant to her twelve year old protagonist, and it's due in large part to the complete and complex world she's created. \n And without spoiling anything, I can say that although I'd hoped for another kind of ending, I knew how unrealistic my hopes were and I think Collins finished the book--and the series--perfectly. This really is a great adventure for all readers.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 18 19:42:41 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Nov 11 09:11:25 -0800 2012", "read_at": "Tue Nov 06 00:00:00 -0800 2012", "started_at": "Thu Oct 18 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "6619012", "review_id": "54353402c0bef82644cf6f057712e094", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Because of the abrupt ending and an unfinished story obviously contingent upon the final book, it's hard to review this one by itself. \n There are some new and interesting characters, the start of another dangerous adventure, and Gregor continues to exhibit bravery and maturity beyond his years. Boots is getting a bit more irritating with age (or with her inability to understand the seriousness of...well, of anything), but it's not a sticking point. \n I have the last book cued up on my iPhone and will start it first thing in the morning. There will be a much longer review once I've finished the series.", "date_added": "Sun Oct 14 14:07:20 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Mon Oct 15 19:40:07 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Mon Oct 15 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Tue Oct 09 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "2261214", "review_id": "dbc6c3dd544ef193acd65e1f51ff8c61", "rating": 2, "review_text": "I read about this book in an article on the NPR website about \"100 Best Ever Teen Novels.\" I was looking for something to read with my 17-year old mentee, who is into manga and anime, and likes books in the fantasy genre. So, instead of going with something tried and true that I knew was good, I thought we could try something I hadn't read and that she might like. Hey, NPR endorsed it, so it's got to be good, right? \n Wrong. \n My mentee, Angelica, liked it because the young protagonist, Clary, is brave and smart. And yes, she is, but I felt at times that she was a little too smart, especially when she was trading flirty barbs with Jace, the hero of Clare's story. Jace and Clary are in a constant back-and-forth of precocious verbal jabs. They \"hate\" each other at first, but of course it's obvious to the reader that they will, eventually, end up in each others' arms. \n In addition to having a problem with two teenagers having unrealistic \"witty\" banter at every turn of the page, I also have a problem with the pacing with which Clare has laid out the world of her story. I felt rushed into the history, and it all felt a little too complex: the weapons, the other-worldly names for everything, the people involved...It just felt like too much, too quickly. I'd have preferred that she sprinkle the more complex elements of the magic and the fantasy throughout her almost 500 page first book, and perhaps stretch it into a series of four if she needed more room. Instead, Clare relegates her characters to reciting paragraphs of clunky dialogue exposition whenever we need a dose of history or plot catch-up. \n Now, it's better than Twilight--no doubt, by a long shot--and Clare definitely has talent as a writer. Her literary and artistic allusions were interesting, even if they were years beyond her intended audience. You might read it and like it more than I did, or you might not. But if you'd like to give it a try, I've got the whole series in a box set that I'll give you. For free.", "date_added": "Mon Oct 01 18:44:52 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Apr 22 04:16:06 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Wed Nov 21 09:26:58 -0800 2012", "started_at": "Wed Sep 26 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "6619002", "review_id": "5e3015d830ce3e9ad190fb27057ee1cb", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Collins has produced another solid book about Gregor, his friends down in the Underland, and his family. The adventure this time opens up more about his family and introduces more Underland characters. And Gregor is growing up: literally, by having his twelfth birthday, and figuratively by taking on more responsibility, having much more at stake, and seeing more of his comrades-in-arms die fighting. \n I am thrilled that there are two more of these books, and I'll be listening to them as soon as I can.", "date_added": "Sun Sep 16 18:47:52 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Sep 30 18:53:39 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Thu Sep 27 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Sun Sep 16 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "6618969", "review_id": "7d6bef0e9e95568e5a8aca09f5acd35d", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I started this just hours after I finished the first, and as soon as I get on the train tomorrow, I'll be starting the third. \n The story builds perfectly upon Gregor the Overlander and the characters--well developed over the course of the first book--develop and grow seamlessly over this second installment. The action is even better in this book, and Gregor comes into his own. Collins has written created a sympathetic boy who is a do-gooder but not a goody-two-shoes. \n I really appreciate, too, Gregor's family. Although the Underland world is rich and fantastic, the real world of a lower class family struggling to make ends meet is realistic and relatable. \n And I've got to add something that I forgot to mention in my GTO review: because of this series, I've never before hated cockroaches less than I do now. In fact, they're almost okay. \n Narrator Paul Boehmer is solid again, although his Ripred sounded off from the first book. Luckily, the rat isn't in this book much, but I hope Boehmer gets back to that original Ripred voice for the next one.", "date_added": "Thu Sep 13 19:37:51 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Sep 13 19:59:19 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Thu Sep 13 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Thu Sep 06 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "6618954", "review_id": "baf556695883d93ec491ea34a7906b1f", "rating": 4, "review_text": "This was the perfect book to listen to while commuting. The story is terrific, the action is exciting, and the characters are interesting, specific, and likeable. It's pretty violent for a children's book, but it's never gratuitous and, because of the fantastic nature of the Underland world, it goes down pretty easily (who wouldn't want to see an evil 10-foot rat get schooled by an 11-year old kid from New York?) \n I was worried at first about Boots's dialogue getting overly adorable. It's got to be nearly impossible to do a two-year old voice without being too repetitive or too saccharine cute. But Collins hit the mark with her tone and the narrator, Paul Boehmer, nailed it home.", "date_added": "Mon Sep 03 07:45:37 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Sep 13 19:35:53 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Thu Sep 06 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Tue Aug 21 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "13626884", "review_id": "95a5f8c2e4a46f23d8dc515b9cfbae13", "rating": 1, "review_text": "Before reading this, I'd only read on book by Butler (Kindred, in high school), and this one sounded so interesting; I was especially intrigued when I learned that this was the last book she wrote before she passed away. But I was disappointed and, overall, pretty creeped out. Actually, not \"pretty\" creeped out. Really. Really creeped out. \n And here's why: \n The main character, Shori (called Rene at the start of the book before she learns who she is) is a fifty-something year old vampire creature who *looks* like an eleven year old girl. And the first character she gets involved with is a hairy twenty-three year old guy. And they get involved. It's beyond uncomfortable. I paused the audiobook after the first hour and realized that I'd been grimacing for twenty miles of my commute. My face hurt. \n Now, Butler explains this relationship and others through an original twist on the vampire myth, the effects of vampire venom, and unconventional physical aging, but the fact is that this character looks like a child and throughout the book she's having sex with human adult characters in addition to feeding off of them in a highly sexualized way. \n After I got over that (but let me be frank: I never got over it; in fact, I'm grimacing right now just thinking about it) I tried to get into the actual story. Butler brings up important and interesting themes of race, fear of the \"other,\" family, community, and mortality. Interesting themes yes, but the story itself couldn't keep my attention. The plot was slow, there were about two dozen more characters than were necessary (and none of them were well developed, just described in detail by Butler), and the courtroom drama aspect during the last portion of the book was dull as dishwater. And it wasn't supposed to be. \n Nothing in this story felt immediate or relevant. Maybe it was the style, the fact that the characters and the communities they lived in were so removed from \"normal\" human society, or the narrator (Tracey Leigh) who had to read about fifty character voices, some of them with accents, and forty-eight of them awkward. And I'm sure a lot of people really liked this book. I just wasn't one of them.", "date_added": "Sun Apr 29 09:17:39 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Jun 20 18:44:19 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Tue Jun 19 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Thu Apr 26 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "12606483", "review_id": "a5d86f176fb8efa6ab7708bf718849e5", "rating": 5, "review_text": "This is a magnificent book. Celia herself says it best when she's talking about the circus and calls it a wonder, a comfort, and a mystery. Morgenstern creates an atmosphere so rich that it almost seems to hover in the air as you read it, wafting scents of caramel apples and chocolate covered popcorn. In fact, it's easy to forget that this is an actual work of fiction that has been written by a real person, since it is so tangible and, really, a story of a story (which will make sense if you read it). The characters are wonderful, the story is both a mystery and a history of a group of people--a family in most every way--and it makes me wish that all of it were real (or almost all of it...). This book will make everyone a reveur. \n If you're considering reading this (and you should), definitely consider listening to the audiobook. Jim Dale has the perfect voice for this book--he's got that sound that makes you feel as though you're curled up on the couch by a fire, wrapped in cozy blanket, while your favorite uncle tells you a really great story. Dale also doesn't muck it up by reading Bailey, a Massachusetts native, with an American accent. This will definitely be an audiobook I come back to again and again (in fact I finished it with ten minutes left on my commute to work, so I just started it again).", "date_added": "Thu Sep 29 16:59:10 -0700 2011", "date_updated": "Fri Dec 02 19:09:58 -0800 2011", "read_at": "Tue Nov 29 00:00:00 -0800 2011", "started_at": "Sun Nov 20 00:00:00 -0800 2011", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 3}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "7125342", "review_id": "9d7473c5b28b7148ef1a35a7865d1c82", "rating": 1, "review_text": "I have been \"reading\" this book for about a month, and I put \"reading\" in quotes because I can barely get through a few pages at a time before I get anxious and angry and toss it back down on the table. I have decided, finally, to give this one up. And here's why. \n It's not good. \n I tried--really hard--to like it. I wanted to like it. During my sporadic reading of the first one hundred awful pages, I continually flipped to the back cover to scan the great blurbs from Junot Diaz (who I think really is a talented writer!), The New Yorker, The Chicago Tribune, and more. I kept saying to myself, \"Self, you must be wrong; keep reading and you'll get to the good stuff.\" But the good stuff never came. \n Now, Grossman can write some really nice prose. He's got some lovely metaphors and interesting imagery. But he simply cannot tell a story with any immediacy or importance. The first half of the book (and the only half I'll be reading) summarized any and all conflict and left me thinking, \"okay, when is the story going to start?\" But it never does after 221 pages. It's beyond boring. A \"Beast\" comes to the school and puts the entire college in a state of suspended animation and kills a student; and it gets about three pages. I kept having to go back and re-read lines and paragraphs to make sure that it had actually happened. It ends up feeling just as important as the numerous scenes of students drinking wine, and that's an odd effect. And maybe that's Grossman's point--in adolescence, everything is boring? I don't know. But it's bad storytelling and really frustrating to read. \n And his characters are wholly, unequivocally unlikable. They're not given enough development--and I'm including the protagonist, Quentin, in this pile of dullards--so they turn out flat and meaningless. I don't get their motivation and at the end of the day, I just don't care. Am I supposed to feel this same ennui that Quentin feels about...everything? Even his magic? I don't know. If so, bravo, Grossman. You've successfully made me not care. \n And now, we come to the magic. Um, it's magic. Ma. Gic. It should be cool. There should be whole passages, pages, chapters devoted to it. It should be visceral. It should be amazing and awesome. It is none of these things. The book could have taken place at the University of Minnesota and it wouldn't have mattered. More ennui. More boredom. More summary. Although we do get shape-shifting fox sex. Yes, you read that correctly, and it's beyond creepy. Losing your virginity is awkward and weird enough; did Grossman have to make it fox sex? \n I'm confident that I'm in the minority with my opinions of this book, and I'm okay with that. Maybe I'm too old to appreciate it. Maybe I'm not smart enough or cool enough. I'm okay with that, too. And if you want to make a case for it, be my guest, I'll listen. But I will not be finishing this book. And that decision, after 30 days of waffling and trying, makes me happy.", "date_added": "Tue Jun 07 06:53:40 -0700 2011", "date_updated": "Fri Jul 08 08:14:33 -0700 2011", "read_at": "Fri Jul 08 00:00:00 -0700 2011", "started_at": "Tue Jun 07 00:00:00 -0700 2011", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 9}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "9912994", "review_id": "0a02b03f2f949fbaeb92778bc8e83062", "rating": 2, "review_text": "I like what Palahniuk's done with Hell. He creates a landscape--From the Sea of Insects and the Dandruff Desert to the Great Ocean of Wasted Sperm and the Swamp of Partial-birth Abortions--that is rich with human waste of all kinds. But though I liked his wasteland I think he spent too much time developing the imagery of giant black flies swarming over piles of dirty popcorn balls and candy corns and doing the historical research to fill his world with proper demons and the damned, and not enough time developing his main characters. \n I liked Madison, certainly, but she felt a bit flat and not really believable, and the only other character who showed much of a spark was Archer. The others started out interesting and then didn't have too much to do, so they just kind of hung around as plot forwarders for Maddy's arc. Which, truth be told, felt rushed and more a result of Palahniuk's idea than of her own personality or motivations. \n And I think that's my main problem with the last couple of Palahniuk's books. Although I always appreciate and enjoy what he does with narrative voice and how he imagines new and wonderful (sometimes wonderfully grotesque and horrific) narrative landscapes--and Damned is no exception--I feel that he has a great idea and writes that idea into a novel as quickly as his little fingers can type. And then, other than some embellishments and edits, it's finished. Now, I don't know if that's really his process, but it's books like this one, Pygmy, and Tell All that give this impression. I wish he'd given me another hundred pages in the middle of this book to really follow Maddy's character change. \n And (THIS MIGHT BE CONSIDERED A SPOILER), I find it a cop-out to finish your novel with \"To Be Continued...\" Really? Really. \n So read it because it's Palahniuk and the play on Blume's classic YA novel is fun. Enjoy the Hell he's created and Madison's snarky self. But don't expect too much more than that.", "date_added": "Fri Jun 03 07:59:40 -0700 2011", "date_updated": "Fri Jan 06 07:15:31 -0800 2012", "read_at": "Thu Jan 05 00:00:00 -0800 2012", "started_at": "Thu Dec 29 00:00:00 -0800 2011", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 1}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "11267557", "review_id": "1b7a54f88750ff0c010e954bb484d5ac", "rating": 4, "review_text": "This was a terrific read/listen. The story was tight, tense, interesting, and Stephen Kingesque without being a rip-off. I very much liked the main characters and never questioned how they acted and reacted in such a bizarre situation, which is impressive. The narration by John Lee was excellent and exactly what narration should be. It only took about 6 hours to listen to, so I'm imagining that reading it outright would only take one good night. And it'd be worth it to stay up past your bedtime to get it finished.", "date_added": "Sun May 01 16:22:37 -0700 2011", "date_updated": "Mon May 09 07:44:57 -0700 2011", "read_at": "Thu May 05 00:00:00 -0700 2011", "started_at": "Tue May 03 00:00:00 -0700 2011", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "44537", "review_id": "6fa96413523480bdf6152768df4ef48a", "rating": 2, "review_text": "The idea behind redoing traditional fairy tales with a more realistic sensibility is a good one, and the emphasis on the female characters was interesting. \"Feminist\" literature doesn't really do it for me, though, and maybe this ultimately failed for me because it felt so much like it was trying so hard to be this type of work. The writing was on average just okay--quite good in parts but overly metaphoric in most others--the framing of the pieces felt forced, and the character development was too quick resulting in unsympathetic and largely unrelatable protagonists, due probably to the shortness of the pieces. A handful of the tales were really good, but the majority weren't and I think it would have been more successful if Donoghue had taken on fewer tales with more character development. This would have, in addition to making them more interesting, truly redefined the fairy tale genre.", "date_added": "Sat Jul 10 07:57:50 -0700 2010", "date_updated": "Mon Jul 12 09:43:41 -0700 2010", "read_at": "Sat Jul 10 00:00:00 -0700 2010", "started_at": "Wed Jul 07 00:00:00 -0700 2010", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "6981805", "review_id": "35f53e7781764f651903d4dfd455e8cd", "rating": 3, "review_text": "** spoiler alert ** \n First, an important note about the audiobook: I knew I was in a bit of trouble when the starting credits announced that the book was \"performed\" (not \"narrated,\" not \"read\") by Fred Berman. And true to the \"performance,\" Berman was frequently a bit of a ham. It made some of Hill's cheesier dialogue even cheesier. But I got used to rolling my eyes and by the end of it I was okay with the reading. \n Now, I'd had this on my to-read shelf for a bit but inched it up once I found out from the Neil Gaiman interview with Stephen King (a really nice interview) that Hill is King's son. I think that even if I'd not known that I would have noticed the similarities in their styles, especially the way both writers overuse pop culture references (mostly musical) and the aforementioned cheesy dialogue. But I can't say that I didn't enjoy it, and don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan of King. But he's not a perfect writer and neither is his son. But Hill has written a supernatural mystery crossed with a revenge story, and both are pretty successful. \n My biggest beef is with the reason Lee Tourneau is impervious to Ig's horns at the start. The reason Hill gives is that Merrin's cross, which eventually becomes something Ig, himself, uses to hide his horns from others, has a kind of magic. But it would have been so much more interesting if Hill had gone with the more simple, logical, and real explanation: Lee doesn't react to the horns because Lee has no guilt. He's a textbook sociopath, free of a conscience. The devil's horns can't elicit something that is simply nonexistent. I think that in this setting and in this story a sociopath makes a really interesting character (and one I'd have liked explored just a bit further). But Hill didn't use the sociopathy for its obvious implications, and that disappointed me. \n I also could have done without the \"treehouse of the mind.\" It felt a bit unnecessary, needlessly complicated. But Hill's take on and exploration of the devil and evil is original and interesting, so I was okay with some of my minor issues.", "date_added": "Sun Feb 21 09:06:35 -0800 2010", "date_updated": "Mon Jul 16 16:04:24 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Fri Jul 13 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Tue Jul 03 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "2337265", "review_id": "ec863233f7510a5f61a4a8168fabbe89", "rating": 5, "review_text": "This is a lovely children's book, and I'll probably buy a physical copy to re-read it. And all of the kids I know are getting a copy, too. Gaiman certainly doesn't shy away from the idea of violence and death, but he deals with it so poetically that it's completely appropriate. It's a book about growing up, about family, about love, and about loss. He's able to take important themes and write about them using well developed and interesting characters. The diction and style is age-appropriate but never, ever dumbed down or pandering. And Gaiman reads this himself, doing a wonderful job--his voice is soothing and pleasant to listen to, and he has a terrific grasp of character voice inflection (of the utmost importance for audiobooks). He had my crying at the end while I sat in the parking lot of school (a total \"driveway moment\") before I had to go in for a faculty workshop. Thanks a lot, Neil.", "date_added": "Tue Dec 22 07:33:21 -0800 2009", "date_updated": "Fri Jan 15 07:48:32 -0800 2010", "read_at": "Thu Jan 14 00:00:00 -0800 2010", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 1}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "5929664", "review_id": "36f3134e8acf05cde8f14c9b49e88312", "rating": 3, "review_text": "I'm so glad I stuck with this book. About fifty pages in, I was ready to give it up; Angie W., who recommended it and lent me her copy, felt I should stick with it. She was right that the first pages make it feel as though you've jumped into a sequel without much of an explanation of who the characters are and what sort of a world they're living in. But once Moon's case started (or, rather, once he was interested enough to start trying to solve it), that didn't much matter--in fact, it actually enhanced the overall odd feel of the book. I'm still unsure whether or not I understood the book in its entirety, and I'm still thinking about it. It's a fun, fantastical \"mystery\" full of oddball characters: a bearded lady, a time-traveling ugly man who may or may not have founded London, two assassins dressed like overgrown prep-school drop-outs, a human fly, and, of course, the titular side kick, the Somnambulist. Curious. That's a good word for it. Curious.", "date_added": "Mon Nov 30 17:21:14 -0800 2009", "date_updated": "Tue Dec 22 07:30:44 -0800 2009", "read_at": "Thu Dec 17 00:00:00 -0800 2009", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 2}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "136251", "review_id": "3cb26b59aa0e326547902e5fac27b03e", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I miss Harry Potter. And Ron, Hermione, Dumbledore, Hagrid, Neville, Neville's grandmother, and even Snape. After reading through all seven in a few months (I know it's taken people mere days to get through all seven books), I miss them. I'm seriously considering starting the series all over again. I now totally get the obsession. It's an investment and even though they're not the greatest books of all time, all of those characters become part of your literary family. And it's really sad to see their story finished. I think I'll give it a few months and pick them up again.", "date_added": "Tue Sep 22 20:17:35 -0700 2009", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 05 09:14:20 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Mon Oct 12 00:00:00 -0700 2009", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 2}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "49852", "review_id": "54a28364f39863a0399f4003a11cb7d2", "rating": 4, "review_text": "** spoiler alert ** \n This was a terrific installment in the series, and I'm worried because the next one is the last. And it doesn't take place at Hogwarts. And Dumbledore is dead. And Harry broke up with Ginny. And Ron and Hermione haven't snogged yet, but they had damn well better, and soon. It was a terribly emotional book, and a really enjoyable one. They grow up so fast, don't they? Rowling did another great job of capturing the sentiment of youth, confusion, and teenage infatuation. I won't start the last book until tomorrow, but I'll add it tomorrow night after work.", "date_added": "Sat Sep 12 13:56:07 -0700 2009", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 05 09:13:54 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Sun Sep 20 00:00:00 -0700 2009", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 1}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "77522", "review_id": "cadd82bb7eb799753467899dc0ccb92a", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Harry is such a perfect teenager in this book! He's whiny and self-important, snapping at everyone else, and thinking that 'no one understands meeeeeeeee!\" Jeesh. So at times it was difficult to read because of the wanting to smack him upside the head, but that's really quite a testament to Rowling's knowledge of her own characters and her understanding of how people (especially adolescents) can change. \n Another reason this was a difficult read was that I don't like change. And there's change all over this book. Yes, it starts on Pivet Drive and all that, but Hagrid is missing from a huge portion of the book, and then he's secretive with Harry, Ron and 'Hermy' for the rest. Dumbledore is ousted as headmaster for a while, Harry gets kissed by Cho, and Cho is all crying all over the place. It's awkward and difficult and horrifying. Just like a teenager's life should be.", "date_added": "Sun Aug 23 14:37:27 -0700 2009", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 05 09:13:33 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Fri Sep 11 00:00:00 -0700 2009", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 1}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "49130", "review_id": "4530e914527ceb7f15e42ebb78583c86", "rating": 4, "review_text": "This is my favorite so far of the four, but my friend Angie told me that five is her personal favorite and I've just started reading it, so I might change my mind. The action and drama is terrific without being too much. I'm really enjoying seeing the kids grow up and act their age (whiney though it may sometimes be), and I'm so happy that I decided to give the series another shot and finish it up.", "date_added": "Mon Aug 17 07:00:08 -0700 2009", "date_updated": "Wed Jan 06 07:35:50 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Sat Aug 22 00:00:00 -0700 2009", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "121121", "review_id": "e7af104669ebc16d1b0100a6f52103da", "rating": 3, "review_text": "If I could give this an extra half star, I would. \n I read this and the second book when they first came out, but that was going on ten years now (whoa) and I didn't really remember them. Because of the attention the latest film adaptation is getting, I've decided to read through the series (it might take me a while since I'm waiting for used copies and school starts in 2 weeks...) and I'm really looking forward to it, especially after finishing this one. I found that I enjoyed it more than I did the first time--I'm not sure why, but the further chronological distance from my own time at school might have something to do with it. The whimsey is terrific, and I just love hearing about all of the candy. My husband and I watched the movie last night (which I'd never seen) and I loved inwardly comparing the two (I tried not to say too much aloud, though, since those \"in the book they did it this way...\" people drive me noodles). \n I started #2 last night and should be finished with it soon.", "date_added": "Tue Aug 04 12:13:57 -0700 2009", "date_updated": "Mon May 25 04:35:07 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Mon Aug 03 00:00:00 -0700 2009", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "4907587", "review_id": "f52f43aa22670d7791f00a92c2650ec3", "rating": 4, "review_text": "This is one fine vampire novel. But it's so much more than that because of the way Lindqvist treats his characters and the way he navigates the narrative. Although there are two central protagonists--Oskar and Eli (and one could make an argument for Hakan as a third)--Lindqvist treats the baker's dozen or so minor characters (and the dozen or so more really minor characters) with just as much care. There are no bad guys; there are no throwaway characters. There are angry children from broken homes trying to hold on to some particle of a remembered happiness, even if it's only a secondhand remembrance; there are boys trying to navigate school and the castes that come with any lunchroom, classroom, field-trip, or after school activity; there are lonely adults seeking out like-minded souls in hopes of making their days and nights less isolated; there is even a squirrel looking for a nut who is a minor (very minor) character for about a page. \n But because of the omniscient narrative Lindqvist uses, the reader gets insight into each and every one of the characters and feels at least at bit of sympathy, and sometimes empathy, for each, even if their actions are unfortunate, mistaken, misunderstood, or just plain despicable. And Lindqvist's ability to create this effect ultimately shows that he is both interested in and has the ability to observe, understand, and explain human behavior. So although this is, technically, a vampire novel, it's a great character study and commentary about adolescence, nostalgia, human nature, suburban living, and the ability to do violence.", "date_added": "Tue Aug 04 11:53:07 -0700 2009", "date_updated": "Wed May 20 11:11:23 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Fri Jul 29 00:00:00 -0700 2011", "started_at": "Sat Jul 16 00:00:00 -0700 2011", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 2}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "1656001", "review_id": "4b336408782cbe1954a53b28f86c67cb", "rating": 0, "review_text": "I've listened to over three hours of this audio book, and I'm at the point where I'm only enjoying it because the narrator, Kate Reading, has a great reading voice. Other than that, I just don't care. There are sort of aliens, souls without bodies, 'seekers,' 'healers,' and other things about which I couldn't give a flying fig. There's the mediocre writing of the Twilight series books without the tension or action. I'm going to abandon this and have absolutely no guilty feeling about it (although I'm slightly irritated b/c I spent two audible credits on it). Tonight on the train, I turned it off and opted to listen to my stand-by David Sedaris, Live at Carnegie Hall, even though I've listened to it at least five times. But at least Sedaris is reliably entertaining. I've even created an entire shelf inspired by the Meyer book! So, read it at your own peril. Or, simply at your own guaranteed boredom.", "date_added": "Tue Feb 03 20:16:10 -0800 2009", "date_updated": "Mon Feb 16 21:06:30 -0800 2009", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 3, "n_comments": 1}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "1162543", "review_id": "c039c2b22c8b26dd517bdc2b41528cb5", "rating": 3, "review_text": "** spoiler alert ** \n This final book in the series, though without the dose of climactic action of the others, was quite satisfying by the end. It took me much longer than the others to read, and I think it's because of the lack of action. The tension, though, wasn't lacking, and the end of this installment certainly left a wide open possibility for the next book. I'll just be happy to read about the imminent love affair between Nessie and Jacob. I can't wait!", "date_added": "Sun Dec 14 12:58:19 -0800 2008", "date_updated": "Tue Feb 03 20:12:46 -0800 2009", "read_at": "Sun Feb 01 00:00:00 -0800 2009", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 1}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "428263", "review_id": "d7b0d7f9bf769ccd06ca056e79e514c3", "rating": 4, "review_text": "** spoiler alert ** \n This was a great follow up to the second in the series, and just as tense and page-turny. I loved the vampire-werewolf alliance, and the epilogue was interesting. My literary crush on Jacob Black has grown hugely, and I'm fearful that our heroine won't end up with him. Actually, I'd bet she doesn't, and I've got some ideas about who he'll \"imprint\" upon (if that's the correct usage?). I'm off this afternoon to get the final book in the series, and I've got super high expectations.", "date_added": "Sun Dec 14 12:58:01 -0800 2008", "date_updated": "Tue Jan 06 08:25:03 -0800 2009", "read_at": "Tue Jan 06 00:00:00 -0800 2009", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "49041", "review_id": "a84cd375b839176fc0a8e75315f06bbb", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I really enjoyed this sequel to Twilight--more than the first actually. The absence of Edward's constant perfection was a nice change, and I developed a huge literary crush on Jacob Black. Bella's heartbreak through the first section was easy to identify with as a female reader who lived though many a high school and college crushes herself (not vampire crushes, mind you, but they felt pretty major at the time...). The developing relationship between Jake and Bella was just as tense and enjoyable as the action. I'm on my way this afternoon to buy the third book, and the fourth probably, just to be prepared since I burned through this one in about three days.", "date_added": "Sun Dec 14 12:57:20 -0800 2008", "date_updated": "Fri Jan 02 07:57:35 -0800 2009", "read_at": "Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 -0800 2009", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "41865", "review_id": "af63965d0525f31a8fa8ad1ac6a78ff6", "rating": 3, "review_text": "It's a tense story with an easily relatable heroine and a lush setting. The vampire myth is re-imagined, which keeps it fresh. My only problem with it is that I was more than a little tired by the end of the book (a rather thick book at that) of Edward being described as perfect, angelic, gorgeous, perfect, god-like, perfect, beautiful, and so on and so forth. I know the point had to be driven home, but it was almost exhausting.", "date_added": "Sun Dec 14 12:57:12 -0800 2008", "date_updated": "Wed Dec 31 08:44:34 -0800 2008", "read_at": "Fri Dec 26 00:00:00 -0800 2008", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "33458", "review_id": "94e8ca234bfb9670450ff888d46a54ce", "rating": 3, "review_text": "It's a fun, quick read, reminiscent of Tom Robbins (which I think is a common comparison made), though the dialogue is a little stiff and a bit predictable. I'm sure to read more of Moore, though, and am still listening to 'Fluke' (will hopefully finish it over the new year when we drive up to Wisconsin!).", "date_added": "Mon Nov 03 20:07:26 -0800 2008", "date_updated": "Wed Dec 17 20:06:42 -0800 2008", "read_at": "Tue Dec 16 00:00:00 -0800 2008", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "33456", "review_id": "edcf75e695acebc0d6b5a249156b5170", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Totally fun, funny, sweet, and sad (in a silly way). I've already started Fluke and know that I'm going to be a big, big fan of Moore. He's whimsical and funny like Tom Robbins, but can really ramp up the tension for bits of thriller popped in among the hell-hounds and squirrel people. Read it and you'll know exactly what I mean.", "date_added": "Tue Sep 09 19:17:31 -0700 2008", "date_updated": "Tue Sep 23 17:57:13 -0700 2008", "read_at": "Thu Sep 18 00:00:00 -0700 2008", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 3}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "70825", "review_id": "56fdbf8bb7a376852ac7cb0cac4317ab", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I adore this story. I love stories that take place on submarines, so this is right up my alley. It's also an honest-to-goodness adventure and a helluva lot of fun to read.", "date_added": "Thu Apr 03 15:26:38 -0700 2008", "date_updated": "Thu Jul 30 21:01:28 -0700 2009", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "52357", "review_id": "997eaeb5d08659a2e92281be4ed58b74", "rating": 5, "review_text": "This is the only translation that should be read, especially by non-scholars. It's so easy to read and allows all of the blood (\"wound-slurry\" couldn't BE a better kenning!), monsters, heroics, and hubris to come shining through. Just a perfect epic.", "date_added": "Sun Mar 30 13:46:56 -0700 2008", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 05 09:17:12 -0700 2014", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 2, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "547094", "review_id": "b9c33c3b9dda6d46278157bd5a8023d9", "rating": 5, "review_text": "T. and I listened to this on the train from Madrid to Barcelona. It's an eerie and excellent short book. It's quiet and creepy. From what I've heard about the most recent film adaptation (and Omega Man, the Charles Heston adaptation), it's neither and makes drastic changes to the story (none of which sounded good). It could be made into a good movie, but it's very much in our protagonist's head, so again, it might not.", "date_added": "Mon Mar 24 17:21:03 -0700 2008", "date_updated": "Mon Mar 24 17:23:57 -0700 2008", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 1}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "10611", "review_id": "dcb8d2736cef1f20d3bae97a8343d4e7", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Really one of my favorite books. This is a fairy tale he wrote for his teenage daughter. It's fairy-tale enough for kids, but bloody enough for us fans. Flagg is just eeeeevil. And every once in a while, when I'm doing something alone-ish (like scratching my nose, hitching up my pants...) I wonder if someone's watching through one of the pictures on the wall.", "date_added": "Mon Mar 24 17:14:06 -0700 2008", "date_updated": "Mon Mar 24 17:16:20 -0700 2008", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "11590", "review_id": "404c22b4501710d97631776cddd0a1fe", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Vampires!", "date_added": "Mon Mar 24 17:12:40 -0700 2008", "date_updated": "Mon Mar 24 17:12:50 -0700 2008", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "11597", "review_id": "0fc4c085c49a8b1928227007ca601bf5", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I like this one so much because it's a book about a writer, which King does so well.", "date_added": "Mon Mar 24 16:59:33 -0700 2008", "date_updated": "Mon Mar 24 16:59:59 -0700 2008", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "43615", "review_id": "deb1003ece44bcfbea48337931483184", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I never finished this series, but loved the first three.", "date_added": "Mon Mar 24 16:46:59 -0700 2008", "date_updated": "Mon Mar 24 16:47:14 -0700 2008", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0ef32090550901ead25cb0ea21c4d36b", "book_id": "7082", "review_id": "c1290ff87fa70c1a0ac372472cd2d06d", "rating": 4, "review_text": "This audiobook was read by the same guy who read Under the Banner of Heaven. Although I'd heard him read before, it took me a while to get in tune with his doing multiple characters. Once I got into it, though, I think he did a really nice job. His monotone fit the story of androids, bounty-hunters, and electric animals. In a post World War III Earth, most inhabitants have emigrated to Mars, androids escape from the red planet and run around back on Earth, and because of the radioactive dust, men wear dust-proof cod pieces and animals are ridiculously rare and coveted. It's quite different from Bladerunner (though now that I've finished the book, I want to re-watch the movie), but good in its own way.", "date_added": "Tue Mar 18 20:05:59 -0700 2008", "date_updated": "Fri Apr 18 15:33:29 -0700 2008", "read_at": "Wed Apr 16 00:00:00 -0700 2008", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "93c5e16254e7838b69178338bb20459e", "book_id": "18739426", "review_id": "8e5c3c37d3bca8a1da4cd297f5349041", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Classic Sanderson \n This book was literally nonstop action. Part steampunk, part Indiana Jones, all good fun. Definitely recommend picking up this book.", "date_added": "Tue Feb 09 22:41:47 -0800 2016", "date_updated": "Wed Feb 10 13:44:58 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Tue Feb 09 22:41:47 -0800 2016", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "a3a4e571b82e9395db73f25ae79742e8", "book_id": "333867", "review_id": "a2e0962a20fb3c493ac81b32b503c0fc", "rating": 5, "review_text": "One of my favorite books. Downloaded it on my kindle on one of the rare occasions when I had wifi during my deployment and figured it would be a good book to check out sometime, maybe not read it all the way through depending on how good it was... Man was I wrong. I opened it up one night and started perusing it and just couldn't put it down. The character development was amazing and the plot was kept simple, based on something that is plausible (a man gets revenge on someone/something that has wronged) but set in an amazing futuristic environment. I stayed up all hours of the night and finished it in one reading, despite the fact that I had a mission the next day... Totally worth it.", "date_added": "Thu Jun 14 00:05:12 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Fri Feb 28 12:02:48 -0800 2014", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "d37b46b2190ed7c518259f29b47a9b36", "book_id": "29484057", "review_id": "e6d468d4df680d38cf1d976037ec9b59", "rating": 3, "review_text": "I am not a fan of anthologies or short stories but I read this book because it has a psychological angle. The book is a series of stories written by fantasy/science fiction writers all of whom write about mental illness or difference. I liked some of the stories but the book did not hold together for me. I was looking for some thread to connect them and there was none.", "date_added": "Fri Aug 12 12:11:12 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Sat Aug 13 08:54:47 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Fri Aug 12 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Tue Aug 09 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 4, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4f0fee7cd38442e912194e46c99d4af3", "book_id": "24215135", "review_id": "71436697e330eec34b959614449175de", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Uneven. Lots of concept. Needed more story. Liked the setting. I guess I lose my romance novelist card because I wanted to tell the heroine to forget love and do what was right for the greater good. There was one good twist I didn't see coming--love it when that happens. Another one I'm glad to have read (listened to).", "date_added": "Mon Sep 26 14:29:22 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Mon Sep 26 14:33:12 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Mon Sep 26 14:33:12 -0700 2016", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4f0fee7cd38442e912194e46c99d4af3", "book_id": "19161843", "review_id": "651511036f7e8142c77ce3255b99e87c", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Compulsively readable. Excellent story. But dark. Oh my goodness dark. So glad I read it. So glad I'm finished.", "date_added": "Mon Sep 05 15:43:53 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Mon Sep 19 08:41:10 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Mon Sep 19 08:41:10 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Mon Sep 05 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4f0fee7cd38442e912194e46c99d4af3", "book_id": "25041647", "review_id": "7ef07809dde4f521f3700ca0741e392e", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I'm open to trying anything with a mermaid, so when this hit deal-of-the-day, I one-clicked it. It's a bit of a strange book. Simple story, but with unusual elements. Slow to get going, but that didn't bother me as much as it did some people. The narration took a while to become accustomed to, but I ended up enjoying the voice, too. I'd be curious about other books for this author, but I'm not certain I'd be in a big hurry to read or listen to them. The last hour or so didn't completely work for me. And the villain was awful, but not out of the ordinary. Odd book, but I'm glad I listened.", "date_added": "Fri Jan 01 18:00:15 -0800 2016", "date_updated": "Fri Jan 15 05:37:36 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Thu Jan 14 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Fri Jan 01 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4f0fee7cd38442e912194e46c99d4af3", "book_id": "25634347", "review_id": "fd5ed57518d856e2024ce0d9df1d158c", "rating": 5, "review_text": "This book pits the series off to a great start! So many things to love about this world and these characters. Be warned--once you wander into Blighted Basin, you won't want to leave.", "date_added": "Fri Nov 27 16:09:52 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Fri Nov 27 16:11:50 -0800 2015", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4f0fee7cd38442e912194e46c99d4af3", "book_id": "9722219", "review_id": "de06ff902932f339a57063ef28330bde", "rating": 5, "review_text": "The first half of the book was a solid four-star read. The second half really picked up. After the midpoint, I couldn't put the book down (which doesn't often happen to me even with the best books) and when I finished, I was desperate to get my hands on the next book in the series as soon as possible. The author has a perfect grasp of first person voice, the story was compelling, the gothic elements spot-on. I was expecting a different relationship between the main character and the dead and I would have liked to have seen the main character have a better understanding of the rules her father passed down to her. Even so, I highly recommend this book. If you're not a taphophile like me before you read the story, you are in danger of being one upon finishing.", "date_added": "Fri Oct 25 11:52:41 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Wed Oct 30 08:01:37 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Tue Oct 29 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Fri Oct 25 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "af157d0205b8a901dee6d4a2aed7e6ad", "book_id": "17349203", "review_id": "4129b168ab70480ea60ee20d3061ffa4", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Un libro corto que te lo lees en un dia. A la vez resulta divertido si se lo cuentas a un nino. Los personajes, los escenarios y las situaciones me encantaron aunque a ratos se daba vueltas en lo mismo. De cualquier modo lo disfrute.", "date_added": "Sat Apr 04 09:06:25 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Apr 04 09:08:43 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Sat Apr 04 09:08:43 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Sat Apr 04 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "af157d0205b8a901dee6d4a2aed7e6ad", "book_id": "15783514", "review_id": "01703d2d383f538ba55d94563454e4cc", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Al fin termine de leerlo. Muchas emociones durante toda la lectura. Me deja la nostalgia del pasado y de seguir aprendiendo del presente. Hermoso libro :)", "date_added": "Fri Oct 10 15:10:51 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Tue Nov 18 06:39:33 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Tue Nov 18 06:39:33 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Mon Oct 13 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 2, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "af157d0205b8a901dee6d4a2aed7e6ad", "book_id": "424020", "review_id": "6b41b018d041ca7de07a93236ea212f1", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Me encanto, es como escuchar a un guia de museo hablar de la historia del Quidditch.", "date_added": "Tue Aug 05 08:29:40 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Tue Aug 05 08:30:30 -0700 2014", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "af157d0205b8a901dee6d4a2aed7e6ad", "book_id": "3", "review_id": "a5751205a154cfa74971b9b4c5edf8fe", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Tuve el gusto de leerlo antes de que saliera la pelicula xD", "date_added": "Wed Jan 01 12:15:29 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Wed Jan 01 12:15:51 -0800 2014", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "af157d0205b8a901dee6d4a2aed7e6ad", "book_id": "41899", "review_id": "a9a83f695498de96ffb07d3d7bade4e3", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Para muggles que desean aprender mejor de estas criaturas. Divertidas anotaciones en el libro ;)", "date_added": "Wed Jan 01 12:14:13 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Wed Jan 01 12:14:58 -0800 2014", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "8cbbcdd68aa2d7127820501cbaec7388", "book_id": "18039172", "review_id": "9396b81208dfd69b0b13a629fd41fcfa", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Marcus and Ellie live with their grandparents, and don't always see eye-to-eye with them. When Marcus gets in trouble at school, his grandparents decide he and Ellie both need to take responsibility by working in the family magic store, a dull, dusty place. When Marcus finds his grandfather going into a secret room, he discovers that the Magic Shop's shabby exterior is a front for a real magical world that exists all around them. Marcus accidentally sells a very valuable artifact to a stranger, setting in motion a chain of events he never would have imagined. Swapp's fast-paced adventure takes unpredictable twists and turns, as Marcus and Ellie are suddenly immersed in a world filled with dark secrets and dangerous characters. \n Great story for kids (and adults) who love magic and adventure!", "date_added": "Thu Jul 11 17:47:12 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Mon Aug 05 06:38:39 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Tue Jul 23 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 2, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "012aa353140af13109d00ca36cdc0637", "book_id": "14201", "review_id": "0e69a246609ecee149e4a82cbe2184f5", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Not for everyone -- it is written in a Dickensian style and is quite long. HOWEVER, if you are willing to take yourself back nearly 200 years, this book about magicians is magical!", "date_added": "Thu Jun 07 10:06:58 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Jun 07 10:08:59 -0700 2012", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "ec34d1dce411b82ed55a06f34b35f4a7", "book_id": "301082", "review_id": "a213f11806ce87dae002358f345357b9", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Loved this book", "date_added": "Mon Jun 04 21:01:08 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Mon Jun 04 21:01:42 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sat Jan 01 00:00:00 -0800 2011", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "06bd41ab4c378a8c5a9d45c6b4779650", "book_id": "27272506", "review_id": "fb5a707e892138a71d4725e9cb46b841", "rating": 2, "review_text": "Honestly I think I'm too old for this book. Maybe if I read this when I was 14 I would've liked it but honestly... this book was a struggle to get through. I understand that I am not the target audience (so old I'm 21) but the characters were impulsive, annoying, and not thought out. It felt as if the author started writing one book and then changed her mind and started writing another and was too rushed by the publisher and put both books together. There were too many close calls that honestly just shouldn't have been added in because it made the book even less tolerable. I think that this book could've ended halfway through and then the other half should've been the next book maybe then this book would have had a better flow and rhythm to it. One thing I did like was the fact that there where separate religions and ethnicities and tgese differences were a notable part of the plot. It gave the story a bit of dimension and flavor to it which is very prevalent in today's world. (I hope YA readers were able to pick up on it.) In summation, this book was not for me there were many flaws with the plot, storyline and characters. Perhaps if I read this when I was younger I would have enjoyed it more. If you enjoyed it or want a book similar I recommend the series The Selection. (I read this awhile ago so my opinion might change but I do remember enjoying that book.)", "date_added": "Sun Aug 27 06:46:21 -0700 2017", "date_updated": "Sun Aug 27 07:03:29 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Sun Aug 27 07:03:29 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Sun Aug 27 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "06bd41ab4c378a8c5a9d45c6b4779650", "book_id": "23437156", "review_id": "4450d890c03970103719b8752fe4f51e", "rating": 5, "review_text": "wow can't believe it took me so long to read! amazing so far. reminds me of the first of the throne of glass series books and the demon king and the false prince series. all amazing books and if you didn't read go check them out! but anyways can't wait to see what happens next ahhh!!", "date_added": "Tue Oct 25 22:11:15 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Thu Nov 17 08:14:04 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Sun Oct 30 13:19:29 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Wed Oct 26 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "06bd41ab4c378a8c5a9d45c6b4779650", "book_id": "2495567", "review_id": "c78d7d89669fc15b65487a926f9d3e9c", "rating": 5, "review_text": "great great book. cant wait to read the next one!!", "date_added": "Sun Mar 06 20:18:00 -0800 2016", "date_updated": "Mon Oct 17 09:35:20 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Sat Mar 12 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Sun Mar 06 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "06bd41ab4c378a8c5a9d45c6b4779650", "book_id": "8069828", "review_id": "d82434888ae9f718e2007bc7fb59b0e5", "rating": 5, "review_text": "If there was a ten or twelve start option I would rate this masterpiece that", "date_added": "Wed May 07 20:00:13 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Wed May 07 20:01:10 -0700 2014", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "06bd41ab4c378a8c5a9d45c6b4779650", "book_id": "1210754", "review_id": "678e3914c6a478518e75feac3bcb60f8", "rating": 4, "review_text": "It was very strange the beginning- boy slow, just different. But it gets very fast paste at the end. The event before the ending is weird but good ending. Very different than anything I have ever read.", "date_added": "Wed May 07 19:35:10 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Wed May 07 19:36:23 -0700 2014", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "8ecbc8ba108ccf1be156d99a7415c44d", "book_id": "8908", "review_id": "0311d773788e8286ea1ca1fc3213acd2", "rating": 4, "review_text": "One of the best zombie books I have ever read, Max Brooks is clearly as talented as his father. Unlike other zombie fiction, this novel deals with the political ramifications of a zombie apocalypse, through a collection of stories from survivors of the Zombie War.", "date_added": "Sun Jun 17 19:44:21 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Nov 15 04:07:09 -0800 2012", "read_at": "Sun Oct 10 00:00:00 -0700 2010", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "8ecbc8ba108ccf1be156d99a7415c44d", "book_id": "149267", "review_id": "f35bca4eeaf55df025eb2a1ea92630e0", "rating": 4, "review_text": "One of the first King books I ever read, a good one, but ends somewhat disappointingly. The best part of the story is definitely the collapse of society due to Captain Trips and the attempts of the military to maintain control. The middle is fairly interesting, but not enough time is spent in Las Vegas, and Flagg's people. His character is fascinating, but in the end he peters out fairly quickly.", "date_added": "Mon Jun 11 21:07:43 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Nov 15 04:06:58 -0800 2012", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "8ecbc8ba108ccf1be156d99a7415c44d", "book_id": "62291", "review_id": "ba1bbf50eec146af4a553bfa777acb41", "rating": 5, "review_text": "One of the best editions in the Song of Ice and Fire series so far. The additions of Sam Tarly and Jaime Lannister are riveting, but Tyrion is definitely the most interesting read, detailing the court intrigues at King's Landing. Daenerys' chapters are equally impressive, detailing her conquest of the cities of Slaver's Bay with her army of Unsullied. At the wall, the chapters detailing the willing attack and Jon's election as Lord Commander are an interesting diversion from the War of Five Kings. The only issue I had was with the Bran and Arya chapters, which were somewhat slow compared to the pace of the rest of the book.", "date_added": "Mon Jun 04 21:26:19 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Mon Jun 11 23:08:36 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sat Oct 15 00:00:00 -0700 2011", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "2f6af21d14c83a5df6cdcef5e6af0b3e", "book_id": "7785917", "review_id": "3b0f680acdac665c945b6616a1d4533d", "rating": 5, "review_text": "This book was a delightful read, light as a fairy tale but with some philosophical thoughts worth pondering as an adult. \n I didn't realize till I had the book that is was a sequel to Haroun and the Sea of Stories; however, it read fine on its own. \n I especially enjoyed Bear, the dog and Dog, the bear along with literalizations of cliches and other well known ideas. Then there were the no-longer-powerful gods of various pantheons who would get stuck in their old adventures and forget who they were to be currently chasing. It was fun to recognize allusions to stories of Prometheus, Venus and others that I knew and to assume that any I didn't recognize also had a history--maybe to pursue finding it. And those poor Roman gods and goddesses who were homeless because they had no Olympus or Valhalla created for them. \n Pure fun.", "date_added": "Mon Nov 23 17:48:08 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Sun Nov 29 14:40:10 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Sun Nov 29 14:40:10 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Mon Nov 23 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "2f6af21d14c83a5df6cdcef5e6af0b3e", "book_id": "22875435", "review_id": "c617f19064cb41dfee39d3f1aac63eef", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I heard Percy at the local Wordstock day, and I was drawn to read the book by the description of bringing the Lewis and Clark expedition into the future apocalypse. Actually I think the main link to history is the naming of characters. (I googled names of those on the expedition and yes they were on the original, but not necessarily similar. For example Clark is a female ranger, though she led the book's expedition; York is her half brother, though it is indicated he is dark.) I saw two parallels: Lewis kept a journal and the two got separated for a piece. Maybe someone who knows more about the historical trek would see more subtle parallels. \n The pacing was intense. There were always several subplots going, and moving back and forth was pretty well signaled--only occasionally confusing. The shifts created many cliff hangers. It was very hard to put down at bedtime. (And you can see I didn't put it down many times.) There were enough twists and turns, but not too many. \n The main characters were fairly rounded and developed. Some of the minor ones less so, having no dimension beyond their evilness. The setting was vividly described: hot, cold, mutations, past history; the ongoing fires in oil fields were quite convincing. There were interesting references to climate and country history as the group traveled through. \n If you like apocalyptic/adventure reading, you would like it.", "date_added": "Sat Nov 07 20:19:08 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Thu Dec 31 15:56:46 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Thu Dec 31 15:56:46 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Tue Dec 29 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "2f6af21d14c83a5df6cdcef5e6af0b3e", "book_id": "1822243", "review_id": "7d74c17908a6a650a5d972ef91d5934e", "rating": 5, "review_text": "One thing that drew me to this book was having heard the author of The Mind of the Raven speak. Having been introduced to the intelligence of ravens, I was intrigued to hear of a book told from the raven's perspective. \n The plot was well paced: I was always interested in what would happen next. Information was delayed long enough to maintain suspense without losing interest. Most of the characters were likable (one had no redeeming qualities, however). There was some apparent anthropomorphism in the thoughts and actions, especially in the young adolescent lover ravens. (I have yet to read The Mind of the Raven; maybe when I do I will change my mind.) There was room for a lot of nonintrusive instruction about the ways of nature as Colin, the crow who had lost his memory, was reintroduced to raven ways, observed other animals,and met and conversed with yet others. \n There was a delightful mythic quality woven here and there as well, including a creation story from the raven's perspective.", "date_added": "Tue Jul 29 22:02:23 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Tue Jul 29 22:15:15 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Wed Jul 23 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Sun Jul 20 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "2f6af21d14c83a5df6cdcef5e6af0b3e", "book_id": "9460487", "review_id": "ce3f1f10d28feafa5f2d3a8ff9e32b40", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Spell binding pageturner.", "date_added": "Fri Aug 31 09:33:56 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Sep 11 18:29:48 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Tue Sep 11 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Sat Sep 08 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "b06126733bd011eb851564baad2b5f6c", "book_id": "113436", "review_id": "e64d0df1028ea234472a351f6b6aba78", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I fell in love with this story very quickly. It does take a few chapters to get going, but once it does, it captivates you. You fall into this world of dragons, magic, and sword play. You follow a young boy as he discovers who and what he is. Throughout the four books you watch Eragon, along with Sephira, learn and grow. I truly wish and believe that this book should be required reading for students. Not only would they enjoy it and actually read it, they may even learn something. Christopher Paolini gave us a wonderful look in to his amazing mind. I loved it so much that i bought all the books for myself and my husband for Christmas this year. I believe every one should read this book, along with their children. You will fall in love and want to read it over and over.", "date_added": "Mon Jun 04 21:49:14 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Oct 31 21:35:44 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Tue Nov 01 00:00:00 -0700 2011", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f4c6fe33ef61c38f7f4aeb5224c259a5", "book_id": "41865", "review_id": "396ce229c54fc6cb227696ff78cb0524", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Fair enough.", "date_added": "Mon Jul 16 03:08:44 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Mon Jul 16 03:09:24 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 -0800 2008", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "08920c9c72f03d03df72908ce393f7e7", "book_id": "1656001", "review_id": "4e9fc139e8d2f4c8703c58ead1ea0580", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Never in my life did I think I would feel horrible for an alien inhabiting a human. I loved the book...at times I wondered how it was going to end and at parts it was slow...but I would read more like it... Cant wait for the movie!", "date_added": "Wed Jul 18 16:57:54 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Jul 25 10:47:32 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Wed Jul 25 10:47:32 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Wed Jul 18 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "08920c9c72f03d03df72908ce393f7e7", "book_id": "10637766", "review_id": "7860e11c32bedb58696c7a9635f7f439", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Okay so book 3 in the SAGA. Well I liked it... but at points I still feel a bit of whats the word... maturity in the writing. I try to say this in a way that does not defer the book. It reminds me so much of Twilight... but I also find it very different. I will say one thing I went from one book to the next. I remained involved. I can't wait to see how 4 turns out.", "date_added": "Tue Jul 17 08:28:51 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Jul 19 11:15:15 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Tue Jul 17 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "08920c9c72f03d03df72908ce393f7e7", "book_id": "7791997", "review_id": "e8b50bfeb747a44977cedfd46904a396", "rating": 3, "review_text": "This book was twisty. I almost need to write my comments at the end of the 4th book. The main character Nora Grey is at it again with her boyfriend Patch who happens to be a fallen Angel... or at least he was until he saved her life--- was given back his wings and made her Guardian Angel. They are trying to date but the Archangels don't like that...so she has to decide if she stays with him despite the fact that he will go to hell if he stays with her... or she breaks up... and attempts to move on... is it really that easy???", "date_added": "Sun Jul 15 14:46:23 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Jul 19 11:22:20 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Mon Jul 16 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Sun Jul 15 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "08920c9c72f03d03df72908ce393f7e7", "book_id": "3609763", "review_id": "b610485f699674cb7f37b72b00ced06f", "rating": 5, "review_text": "What I liked best about this book is it answered a lot of questions that I had about the Twilight Saga. The Histories were awesome, especially showing the genealogy of the Quilette lines. I would find it awesome if she continued on with this series... she has so many possibilities that she can go with and I'm sure there are a lot of fans who feel the same. My points that I think she could go into would be - Renesmee and Jacob Romance, Of course the Volturi are gonna be pissed that they got shown up, Also Nahuel's dad now technically has another Hybrid to test his theory... so I'm imagining some kind of a fight for the heart of Renesmee... or trying to kidnap her... Can Jacob and Renesmee have children? Also there is the Children of the Moon-- They said they were all but extinct... meaning there could still be some out there...so an introduction of werewolves... maybe trying to fight Volturi or the Cullens... who knows... I just don't think it is right to end the series like this... Also I read Midnight sun--- I Believe that Meyer should continue with this idea - I liked reading Edward's thoughts as well as seeing what people were saying in their thoughts about Bella. I would have Midnight Sun - finished, New Moon - have Jacob's thoughts in a book and Edwards thoughts, Eclipse - have Jacob and Edward's thoughts, and Breaking Dawn have Edward's Thoughts. And if she were to create a series about Renesmee and Jacob to still use the Cullens because they are part of Renesemee life. The fact of the matter is the Cullens --- are not only talented... but now their coven went from 8 people to 9... and now you have the wolves -- and their coven friends... the fact is they are a force to be reconned with...which means as long as there are Vampires - there are wolves... meaning not only does Jacob live forever as long as he stays near Renesmee... but the Cullen's coven is getting larger because of Renesmee. She is their link. So many possibilities... I hope Meyer takes them. I realize she likes to get into other books... but she left herself wide open with this! :D", "date_added": "Fri Jun 22 09:46:09 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Mon Jun 25 08:35:40 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Mon Jun 25 08:35:40 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Fri Jun 22 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "08920c9c72f03d03df72908ce393f7e7", "book_id": "4502877", "review_id": "4fc124cc58969237af5cd58eb8993dca", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I wish it were finished... but from what I could read this would have been or will be an awesome book. I like looking at Edward's perspective. I didn't know if I would before. I hope she continues forward with this and follows through with the other books. I mean it gives an interesting perspective. I also said that she should make Renesme and Jacob's saga. I love the series! :D", "date_added": "Thu Jun 21 15:23:50 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Jun 21 20:42:27 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Thu Jun 21 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Thu Jun 21 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "08920c9c72f03d03df72908ce393f7e7", "book_id": "7937462", "review_id": "bd708ba6b9a01234629ee4a5d8875454", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I found this book interesting. I wondered how Riley was able to control his newborn army knowing what problems Jasper faced previous. It was a short book but I thought it was an interesting look into a newborn vampire.", "date_added": "Wed Jun 20 09:13:32 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Mon Jun 25 11:35:52 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sat Jun 23 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Fri Jun 22 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "08920c9c72f03d03df72908ce393f7e7", "book_id": "1162543", "review_id": "8e7ca8a874596e7cf740728d10f2aa54", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Breaking Dawn. What more can I say? Action, romance, drama... I mean this book has it in spades. It is a long book... but I could not put it down. I teared up a few times. I wish there was more. I was imagining Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart fighting the battle against the Volturi, and I was concerned for them in general. Loved the series... she needs to continue! WOW!.", "date_added": "Wed Jun 13 13:05:20 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sat Jun 16 17:04:52 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sat Jun 16 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Fri Jun 15 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 1}
{"user_id": "08920c9c72f03d03df72908ce393f7e7", "book_id": "428263", "review_id": "17e8fc56768f0bd66a4411a0ba16d084", "rating": 5, "review_text": "When I read this I giggled a lot. I mean I loved Jacob and Edward's banter. They both are still fighting for Bella's love but in the end she needs to decide what she wants. I also love the history. The movie makes reference to the histories but this book goes so much more in depth which I love. I feel like I can see the characters clearer.", "date_added": "Wed Jun 13 13:05:07 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Fri Jun 15 14:55:33 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Fri Jun 15 14:55:33 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Thu Jun 14 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "08920c9c72f03d03df72908ce393f7e7", "book_id": "49041", "review_id": "fc85ffd72211365a0015aad7c2f684ff", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I liked the second book. I mean. It once again explained things a little bit better... but I don't know... it seemed like the film might have been better in this case because it condensed it yes... but it was an okay condense.", "date_added": "Wed Jun 13 13:04:50 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Fri Jun 15 14:56:12 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Thu Jun 14 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Wed Jun 13 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "08920c9c72f03d03df72908ce393f7e7", "book_id": "6339664", "review_id": "7999f5cbf2e4f63775416e1a45e45883", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I got a feeling that I was reading Twilight with fallen angels. Not bad. It had some interesting twists, that made it a fast read and also kept me involved.", "date_added": "Mon Jun 04 22:14:25 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Mon Jun 25 17:39:06 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Mon Jun 25 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Thu Jun 21 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "08920c9c72f03d03df72908ce393f7e7", "book_id": "7108001", "review_id": "4f337335b0dc8f6f7e9d601b18e85ef9", "rating": 4, "review_text": "The Fact of the matter with this book (SPOILER) Some one comes up with a copy of Lincoln's lost journal and is told they write the journal entries. He bounces back and forth going through Lincoln's history where he makes arguments as well as shows pictures of Lincoln and life throughout the years. The way in which he does this it makes a possible account that is surprisingly close to history. Thus why I had to double check... what would Lincoln think about this account of his life? I have to wonder lol.", "date_added": "Mon Jun 04 22:05:36 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Jun 20 08:34:22 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Wed Jun 20 08:34:22 -0700 2012", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "8e1db93d364acf3893ce998ebb8d57fc", "book_id": "17984141", "review_id": "e00ef5c00a463d17ed4e87c2a6d8a737", "rating": 5, "review_text": "MARIE LU, YOU HAVE DONE IT AGAIN. \n RUINING MY FEELS, I MEAN. \n ALSO IS IT ME OR DID YOUR WRITING JUST BECAME SEXIER?? \n (Make a better review soon since I have to study for my test tomorrow lol) \n April 16, 2014 : I JUST SAW THE COVER NOW WOWOWOWOWO COOL COOL COOL OCTOBER 7 SURE I CAN WAIT FOR OCTOBER 7 !!1 \n I checked out the pinterest about this book and oh my gosh the setting, the style, and the characters are just perfect. \n I'm getting the feeling that Adelina will be my next favorite female heroine. This is one series you really do not want to miss.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 17 00:31:06 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sat Oct 18 07:12:18 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Thu Oct 16 03:37:31 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Thu Oct 16 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "8e1db93d364acf3893ce998ebb8d57fc", "book_id": "18705209", "review_id": "569b0f4ffe7c7a8161b87eb2fd10636f", "rating": 4, "review_text": "HAHAHA LOOKING AT MY PREVIOUS PREDICTIONS, I WAS RIGHT ABOUT TWO THINGS: \n A NICO POV AND SOME PIPER ACTION \n SPOILERS AHEAD \n Really wanted to give this 5 stars. But there were things holding me back: \n -unresolved questions (\"What happens to Apollo? The Hunters and Amazons and how did they escape from Orion?? How about freaking Leo? FREAKING FREAKING LEO!!!\") \n -abrupt ending (wait...that's it? everything's all fine and all and bam! another cliffhanger. Great, jusst great.) \n -no Gaea action - i know the whole five books was the Gaea action ITSELF but if we think really deep about it, we don't know much about Gaea. I know they had to kill her fast and all, but still. At least the gods were fighting side by side with their children! I almost cried. \n BUT SOME THINGS REALLY CAUGHT ME!! LIKE \n -the awesome battle scenes!!!! \n -nico's happy ending with will solace <333 \n -SOLANGELO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! \n -jason and his glasses \n -leo's references \n -percy's nosebleed \n - the hilarious scenes that made me gag \n - awesomely written, awesomely crafted, awesomely painted \n I'm sad it's over. I've been following this series since grade 3, and i'm in grade 9 right now. \n THANK YOU UNCLE RICK FOR THE BEST MYTHOLOGICAL EXPERIENCE !!!! EVER \n May 15, 2014 \n OH MY GOD THE COVER \n THERES JASON! \n AND THERES FRANK! \n AND HAZEL! \n I really like the cover! *O* \n Don't read if you didn't read The House of Hades!!! I'm too tired to mark this post as a spoiler!!1 BUT THERE ARE SOME WITH THE SPOILER THING THING. \n Okay regarding about my baby, Nico di Angelo, this is what I think: Nico was trapped inside a Lotus hotel guys. Then sent to a boarding school (it was a boarding school right) and he was a geeky kid back then obsessed with his cards. Percy was the first \"hero\" (probably) he had seen in action. An inspiration, admiratioN!!! HE TRUSTED PERCY. LIKE REALLY TRUSTED HIM! HE'S NOT EVEN THE GEEKY KID HE WAS BEFORE, HE'S MORE MATURE AND HE GOT HOTTER HAHAAH ANYWAYS that's not my point. If you love Nico for who he is then you should respect him for his \"feelings\" (as he quoted) Oh my god I just respect Nico so much more now! \n To summarize it: I am a dedicated fangirl to Nico di Angelo. \n Comments about the last book because man it took me 4 days to finish this book thanks to school -_______- \n 1. Leo will have a freaking girlfriend, okay, Rick Riordan?! He will fall in love even deeply with Calypso AND THEY'LL BE HAPPY TOGETHER OK. \n 2. I hope Piper will have like a major development in the last book though I'm not a fan of her she's still one of the seven and she wasn't given more screen time. \n 3. Hmm.. a prediction about something war related will probably be the resurrection of Bob/another comrade. \n 4. I don't know how they're planning to destroy Gaia/Gaea. In the end our main characters always win. \n 5. The \"storm or fire\" thing... I really don't think it's Leo and Jason :P", "date_added": "Fri Oct 11 04:51:12 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Mon Oct 13 05:38:27 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Mon Oct 13 05:38:27 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Fri Oct 10 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 28, "n_comments": 18}
{"user_id": "8e1db93d364acf3893ce998ebb8d57fc", "book_id": "17347389", "review_id": "c2a723c06115f050e9cfd5874158b7fb", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I remember discovering this book a year ago and felt dubious about it because I didn't really like Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver . Unexpectedly, I actually liked The Raven Boys . I was captivated by the story of each one of the boys and Blue and my vocabulary expanded as well. \n This year, in The Dream Thieves , I learned new words as well (Thank God I read this in the kindle because I have a dictionary to define the words I didn't really understand.) just like last year. But other than that, I got to take a closer look on my most favorite Raven boy, Ronan Lynch!! \n (Now that I think about it, Gansey is the only one who does not have the \"supernatural power\" as I would like to call it. Maybe something will happen in the next book?) \n Gansey was the main lead of The Raven Boys if I'm not mistaken. In The Dream Thieves , it was Ronan and I got to learn lots about his family. Ronan is a Greywaren, just like his late father. He can procure things out from his dreams. But! - He's not the only Greywaren in town. Enter Joseph Kavinsky (Is he gay? I'm so confused) who can do the same tricks and schemes as Ronan. He \"teaches\" Ronan how to control his dreams, but eventually, Ronan ditches him because well we all know that Ronan and Gansey are inseparable. \n Adam also has a little bit of tree conversing going on. In the last book, he sacrificed himself to Cabeswater so apparently he's like the \"eyes\" and \"hands\" (If I remember correctly??) of the whole place, which I think is pretty neat. In my opinion, Adam is the one who suffers deeply. He was abused by his father, lives his life working on 3 jobs, and he was rejected by Blue (ouch). I'm not going to blame Blue, though. \n Speaking of Blue, nothing really much happened in her point of view in the story. (Maybe something will in the next book??) Looking back, I really wished something did. The only interesting parts was when she kissed Noah (Don't worry, he's dead) and was almost kissed by Gansey. Will Blue finally realize that Gansey may be the one who might die in her kiss? \n But hey, Kavinsky is not the only new character in The Dream Thieves ! Enter The Gray Man, a hit man who is certainly gray - from his hair to his clothes. His job throughout the whole book was to find the Greywaren. Only, he didn't know the Greywaren is a who . Along the way, he falls in love with Blue's mother, Maura! \n The only thing that is keeping me hanging is the disappearance of Maura at the end of the book. What the heck is this: Glendower is underground. So am I. \n All in all I really enjoyed The Dream Thieves . Another success has been made :)", "date_added": "Thu Jan 24 04:35:08 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Nov 03 06:58:13 -0800 2013", "read_at": "Sun Nov 03 06:58:13 -0800 2013", "started_at": "Fri Nov 01 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "8e1db93d364acf3893ce998ebb8d57fc", "book_id": "10025305", "review_id": "2b1fd6facde2573ceac5eb98276dd7b1", "rating": 4, "review_text": "And then all of a sudden im for team will. \n 4.5/5 bc. I wanted more fight scenes :O jem djjqjjujnfhe but will is so s weet omg", "date_added": "Thu Jan 24 03:28:57 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Fri Feb 01 20:39:19 -0800 2013", "read_at": "Fri Feb 01 00:00:00 -0800 2013", "started_at": "Wed Jan 30 00:00:00 -0800 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "8e1db93d364acf3893ce998ebb8d57fc", "book_id": "6131164", "review_id": "b80b79214ff3d3d391b1f0fb328519c7", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I'm currently reading Clockwork Angel and I'm liking it it is very different from the Mortal Instruments and Clockwork Princess is almost coming so I better finish the first two books (probably might borrow the second book from my friend I am also borrowing the first book from another friend)", "date_added": "Thu Jan 24 03:28:53 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Nov 03 18:40:02 -0800 2013", "read_at": "Fri Jun 14 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Sun Mar 24 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "8e1db93d364acf3893ce998ebb8d57fc", "book_id": "7171637", "review_id": "c97e36637b42ddf346a012640f1cc09f", "rating": 5, "review_text": "It's a must read. If you're the type of person who wasn't compelled to finish the Mortal Instruments, this book will bring justice.", "date_added": "Thu Jan 24 03:22:12 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Tue Jan 29 04:12:27 -0800 2013", "read_at": "Tue Jan 29 04:12:27 -0800 2013", "started_at": "Thu Jan 24 00:00:00 -0800 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "8e1db93d364acf3893ce998ebb8d57fc", "book_id": "17061", "review_id": "d06e4e83730ab1c1eed46b26eb2cf5cb", "rating": 3, "review_text": "First Neil Gaiman read", "date_added": "Mon Oct 29 03:33:53 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Nov 03 18:43:13 -0800 2013", "read_at": "Sat Jan 01 00:00:00 -0800 2011", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "8e1db93d364acf3893ce998ebb8d57fc", "book_id": "12127810", "review_id": "58ed16fc5189ddb7c3acd685a0946507", "rating": 4, "review_text": "October 11, 2013: I finally finished this wonderful book!!! \n HAPPY! :) : \n -Probably some people are tired of it, but I enjoy the \"fillers\" or the adventures they go through that distract their quest. I guess they aren't really fillers but sometimes there were some that weren't really needed hahahaha \n -Just like the other people, Nico's revelation was a huge thing for me. Because I love Nico and his everything, I kept on fangirling a few hours ago in school because... I was too excited!! \n -Winner of Character Development goes to.......Frank! He fought hundreds of cows by himself, got a major makeover, and ordered dead soldiers around! Impressed by Frank in this book, go, go, go Frank! \n -The adventures of Percy and Annabeth were the major highlight of this book for me. I enjoyed their POVs and Bob and Small Bob. \n SAD! :( \n -I don't like Piper tbh but she wasn't given the amount of screentime just like everyone else isn't that kind of unfair? \n -Rick Riordan, are you running out of ideas? Just like when Khione made that pun about Jason? I didn't feel the excitement in this book, the humor, the comedy, and that just makes me sad! \n -Idk if its just me but everyone has a personality except for Jason and Piper. Also I feel like Percy is so far away ... probably because I was used to his POVs in the past books. :( \n \"We're staying together,\" he promised. \"You're not getting away from me. Never again.\" \n Only then did she understand what would happen. A one-way trip. A very had fall. \n \"As long as we're together,\" she said.\" \n She heard Nico and Hazel still screaming for help. She saw the sunlight far, far above-maybe the last sunlight she would ever see. \n Then Percy let go of his tiny ledge, and together, holding hands, he and Annabeth fell into the endless darkness. \n My fangirl heart ... in shatters. \n DEAR RICK RIORDAN, PLEASE GIVE ME A NICO DI ANGELO POV. PLEASE. OMG ALL THE FEELS.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 25 02:09:05 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Mon Dec 30 06:52:06 -0800 2013", "read_at": "Fri Oct 11 05:16:04 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Fri Oct 11 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 47, "n_comments": 10}
{"user_id": "8e1db93d364acf3893ce998ebb8d57fc", "book_id": "12127750", "review_id": "279adeffb20fb8546dd3287b6b1a4bf7", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Introducing The Mark of Athena: Unforgettable Moments! \n Percy blinked. \"So your brother is a winged horse. But you're also my half brother, which means all flying horses in the world are my ... You know what? Let's forget it.\" \n \"STYLE?\" The giant's face flushed. \"I have mountains of style. I define style. I-I-\" \n \"My brother oozes style,\" Otis suggested. \n \"Thank you!\" Ephialtes cried.\" \n Bacchus stepped forward, and the giants stumbled back. \"Have you two gotten shorter?\" asked the god. \n \"Hold up.\" Leo stepped forward, wagging his Wii controller. \"Did you just call my ship a monstrosity? I know you didn't do that.\" \n When he woke, daylight was coming through the glass floor, and a boy's voice said, \"Oh ... you are in so much trouble.\" \n \"I am so hot,\"Narcissus said sympathetically. \n \"Well done, Frank Zhang,\" Leo said dryly, doing his impression of Chiron the centaur. \"That is exactly how people beat Chinese handcuffs. They turn into iguanas.\" \n Leo beamed at his friends. \"That, good people, is how we do things in the Leo World! Come on in!\" \n \"I hate Leo World,\" Frank muttered. \n Hazel laughed. \n Her Most Annoying Majesty, Queen of Olympus, had convinced the other gods that their two sets of children - Roman and Greek - had to combine forces to save the world from the evil goddess, Gaea. \n Then he gasped and pointed to the spot where Frank was hiding. \"Oh, no! Frank is turning into a crazy dolphin!\" \n Nothing happened. \n \"I said,\" Percy repeated, \"Frank is turning into a crazy dolphin!\" \n \"Incredible,\" Jason said. \"These are really good brownies.\" \n \"That's your only comment?\" Piper demanded. \n The eidolons started pounding on the gates again. \n \"Who is it?\" Leo called. \n \"Valdez!\" Wolf Head bellowed. \n \"Valdez who?\" Leo asked. \n Percy smiled at her - that sarcastic, troublemaker smile that had annoyed her for years but eventually had become endearing. His sea-green eyes were as gorgeous as she remembered. His dark hair was swept to one side, like he'd just come from a walk on the beach. He looked even better than he had six months ago - tanner and taller, leaner and more muscular. \n Frank waved his left dorsal fin. 'Sup? \n Percy yelled, \"What's going -Gah! Shrimpzilla!\" \n They were alone expect for Coach Hedge, who was back on the quarterdeck singing the Pokemon theme song. The coach had changed the words to: Gotta Kill 'Em All, and Leo really didn't want to know why. \n \"Behold!\" Percy shouted. \"The god's chosen beverage. Tremble before the horror of Diet Coke!\" \n Leo couldn't help smiling. \"That could be fun.\" \n \"Fun,\" she said unhappily. \n \"Blue elephants.\" \n \"Blue elephants.\" \n \"Kiss me, you fool.\" \n \"You fool.\" \n \"Hey!\" \n \"A son of Ares stood here!\" Hedge cried indignantly. \n \"I'm Roman ... so Mars, actually.\" \n \"Whatever! Famous spot in the American Civil War!\" \n \"I'm Canadian, actually.\" \n Piper twisted the feather in her hair. \"Like water leaking through a dam,\" she suggested. \n \"Yeah.\" Percy smiled. \"We've got a dam hole.\" \n \"What?\" Piper asked. \n \"Nothing,' he said. \"Inside joke.\" \n \"You dropped this,\" he said, totally poker-faced. \n Annabeth threw her arms around him. \"I love you!\" \n \"This is Buford,\" Leo announced. \n \"You name your furniture?\" Frank asked. \n Hazel was looking at him strangely, the way she had during the feast in the forum-like she was searching for something in his face. He was tempted to ask if they had met before, but he was sure they hadn't. He would remember a pretty girl paying such close attention to him. That didn't happen a lot. \n He squinted at it. \"What is-?\" \n \"Chinese handcuffs,\" Percy said. \n Frank, who was Chinese Canadian, looked offended. \"How is this Chinese?\" \n Hazel and Piper had stopped the shaking fits. They were sitting on the deck, staring at Percy, but when he glared at them pointedly, they started hamming it up again, trembling and flopping around like a fish. \n \"I'm the Super-sized McShizzle, man!\" Leo said. \"I'm Leo Valdez, bad boy supreme. And ladies love a bad boy.\"", "date_added": "Sun Oct 21 03:35:15 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Oct 31 03:37:49 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Thu Oct 25 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Sun Oct 21 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 2}
{"user_id": "8e1db93d364acf3893ce998ebb8d57fc", "book_id": "12411635", "review_id": "b8f183a4c2f25541faddebedb4426199", "rating": 2, "review_text": "\"He's hot.\" \n Oh my gosh, hahahahaha. \n 2 stars cause \"it was ok' \n This book was a fast read and it wasn't really that interesting.", "date_added": "Sun Oct 07 01:34:28 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Jun 06 00:29:14 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 -0800 2013", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "8e1db93d364acf3893ce998ebb8d57fc", "book_id": "13449693", "review_id": "72bb2d915e9f153b29cd69d9ec82a1dd", "rating": 5, "review_text": "After three weeks I have finally finished The Raven Boys, the first Maggie book I actually finished and I'm dancing with joy right now because this book is absolutely amazing. \n The Raven Boys is about Blue, daughter of a psychic though Blue doesn't have these psychic powers, and 4 boys who go to Aglionby who are branded as raven boys because that's the school's logo. Ever since she was little, Blue has been told that she will kill her true with with a kiss. And every April 24th, St. Mark's Eve, souls of people walk in the corpse road and these people will die within the year. Blue is shocked to actually see a soul of a person, and this person is Gansey, who is interested in the corpse road (or ley lines) and is searching for Glendower. \n I like the fact that there was only a pinch of romance, I also like the fact that there was brotherly love (kidding) and parent problems. I like the fact that I want more of the raven boys (all three four of them. They seem hot and perfect and rich but all of them have their flaws (even Ronan) \n Ladies and gentlemen, this book will totally impress you. It impress me. During the three weeks I have learned new vocabulary and how awesome magic is. I'm pretty sure there is a second book, right? This book also makes me wonder who Blue will end up with (despite her curse) and how the book will end. \n Also, this book has film rights so it's not surprising if this book is successful in the movie world. Ahhh, now excuse me, I'm going to dream about my dream cast.", "date_added": "Fri Sep 07 02:45:19 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Oct 24 18:58:03 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Wed Oct 24 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Mon Oct 08 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "8e1db93d364acf3893ce998ebb8d57fc", "book_id": "12716010", "review_id": "45ed6e691c115ceede9847eb3f580066", "rating": 3, "review_text": "I FINISHED IT!!!!!!1 :) \n THAT WAS A HAPPY ENDING", "date_added": "Mon Jun 04 22:53:36 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Jul 01 01:16:19 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sun Jul 01 01:16:19 -0700 2012", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "8e1db93d364acf3893ce998ebb8d57fc", "book_id": "9460487", "review_id": "a21c10e6ce8c8af00093d49645dcaa34", "rating": 2, "review_text": "So I'm getting this review from my wordpress. This review was created on March 13, 2012: \n Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar was published last year and written by Ransom Riggs. I just finished it minutes ago and I want to review about what I thought about the book. \n First of all, the story is about Jacob Portman who grew up listening to his grandfather's stories, but then several years later as he grew up her began to not believe his \"fairy tales\" and treated him like everybody else. Though one day, his grandfather gets attacked by \"monsters\" and he tells Jacob to go to a woman named Miss Peregrine. He discovers the secrets his grandfather never told him before he died, and that the fairy tales are real -- and they are alive. \n The story was a mixed of the ordinary life and the strange life. For me, it was a bit dragging. The author just didn't go straight to the point. Jacob's character was not expressed well. I love all of the characters of this book, their talents and the fact that they are really peculiar. The book is rather dark and fun at the same time. The book only has 11 chapters and because of that I was getting bored. All in all, the book was splendid written, and peculiar. I suggest everyone to read this book \n OK, 11 months later, I can say that this book was not my cup of tea. The only interesting features about this book are the pictures, probably because there are a lot of YA books without pictures. As I said 11 months ago, it was \"dragging\" and I was \"getting bored.\"", "date_added": "Mon Jun 04 22:52:58 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Mon Jan 07 02:52:15 -0800 2013", "read_at": "Sat Jan 01 00:00:00 -0800 2011", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "8e1db93d364acf3893ce998ebb8d57fc", "book_id": "8490112", "review_id": "afff84736c70674148af2e34cdcac21b", "rating": 4, "review_text": "April 17, 2014 : Wow that suspense \n update : April 12, 2014: After 2 years, I'm going to try this book again, now that the trilogy just ended a few days ago. I hope I'll like it more and maybe I'll also get into it. (Probably because I was 12 years old when I was trying to read this...too young.) \n this book wasn't my type of genre, i suppose ... i got bored, but it did seem interesting and i hope i'll try to read it again.", "date_added": "Mon Jun 04 22:52:48 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Apr 17 04:57:23 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Thu Apr 17 04:57:23 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Sat Apr 12 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "8e1db93d364acf3893ce998ebb8d57fc", "book_id": "5633958", "review_id": "b9725dd35dcc0fb6f65926a824c3e7c9", "rating": 2, "review_text": "I like the quotes in each chapter and the lessons(?) in each chapter.", "date_added": "Mon Jun 04 22:26:43 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Oct 31 03:54:34 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sat Jan 01 00:00:00 -0800 2011", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "7171637", "review_id": "47e542b17d8ac560a85dc47616347739", "rating": 2, "review_text": "Second read, I dropped one star. I remember how boring and slow the book was, but it really picks up at the ending; if you can wait that long. 3.5 stars", "date_added": "Mon Jun 04 22:39:49 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun May 25 00:38:29 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Wed Apr 10 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Thu Apr 04 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "3", "review_id": "5f8db523518efe9027d32fa4f3d56a62", "rating": 3, "review_text": "I remember trying 3 times to read this but I always gave up on page 3 or so. So I skipped to book 2 and then read the whole series then came back to this book. It's hard to review this book without taking in the series a as a whole.", "date_added": "Mon Jun 04 22:39:18 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Aug 30 00:05:04 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Sat Aug 22 15:27:54 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Wed Aug 19 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "41865", "review_id": "d543b61945f295c89857dd8d51829520", "rating": 0, "review_text": "(This, and the whole series) Needs a re-read. This was my shit in middle school but all the hate has distorted my views of this book series (phenomena, really) and I need a refresh to form my own opinion. \n Thus, I've abstained from rating any books in this series until I reread them again. Back when I first read them, they all would have been 5 stars. After I thought it was \"cool\" to hate on this, they'd be 2 stars. The new rating will reflect my current opinion.", "date_added": "Mon Jun 04 22:39:16 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Feb 19 21:22:30 -0800 2017", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "13618440", "review_id": "195bd3ea29889a117a3bb3afee4294fc", "rating": 4, "review_text": "The lore in this series is incredible. I absolutely adore it. I felt like this book started dragging in the middle and it was completely unnecessary for the book to be 600 pages. There are still some loose ends but I enjoyed reading this so.", "date_added": "Wed Apr 08 19:51:35 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Apr 25 19:04:38 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Sat Apr 25 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Wed Apr 08 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "24751478", "review_id": "b589615500c13c8c1a5b27939f6fac88", "rating": 3, "review_text": "I enjoyed this book. It wasn't perfect or innovating, and it was kind of predictable. Still, it was a nice read and I enjoyed the story. I also like how the romance was kind of already established, so it wasn't insanely cheesy or cliche or something.", "date_added": "Mon Mar 30 21:58:48 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Fri Aug 26 17:19:07 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Fri Aug 26 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Thu Aug 25 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "12507214", "review_id": "cee4186468684e1b28c6c5bbfc36d2b3", "rating": 4, "review_text": "3.5stars. Not as good as the first one until the middle end of the book but still good none the less. The ending is just as vague and infuriating though (although that could be me just being dramatic).", "date_added": "Tue Feb 10 16:23:37 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Feb 14 11:37:13 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Sat Feb 14 11:37:13 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Tue Feb 10 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "24120519", "review_id": "375f87d60c25c8f53392c1dd145c433f", "rating": 3, "review_text": "3.5 stars. Took me forever to read this because of college. I don't know if that affected me or not but once I started reading again after a month things seemed kind of dragged. It picked up again for a bit. Some of the decisions that Jacob and Emma made were so annoying and I felt like the ending \"battle\" was a bit of a cheap exit.", "date_added": "Sat Jan 31 21:36:31 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Nov 28 02:10:27 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Sat Nov 28 02:10:27 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Fri Oct 02 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "9460487", "review_id": "d3377d73bbff07ff53c3714a7fd7abc1", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I LOVE this book. Originally, I thought this was a horror novel, as the title, synopsis, and cover would suggest. It turned out to be so much more. At one point when Jacob discovers the loop, I honestly thought of Narnia and was a bit deflated and disappointed and didn't know if this book was worth it. Luckily for me, I kept reading and became enthralled, mesmerized, and enchanted. It was this beautiful story and I need the second book NOW. You know a book is good when you're half way through reading it and you're so scared that the book is going to break your heart (in the best way possible).", "date_added": "Thu Jan 29 21:42:25 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 02 14:06:09 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Sun Feb 01 11:59:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Thu Jan 29 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "18007564", "review_id": "ba4f915628a593b1d0a7d7005f8e2d65", "rating": 4, "review_text": "A bunch of science and math jargon that I didn't comprehend but I enjoyed this book. It was slow at first then picked up. The humor is sarcastic and dry, so it's great and funny. My favorite parts were all then povs other than Mark's (what can I say? His are the most boring).", "date_added": "Sat Dec 27 13:51:15 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Sat Oct 31 14:48:49 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Sat Oct 31 14:48:49 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Fri Oct 16 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "23349901", "review_id": "4c96db7c68d5abd54431c9d6864cbe3d", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Great read if you want an abridged and slightly inaccurate yet humorous telling of the stories of some Greek heroes. I was pleasantly surprised to see as many female stories as there were. Uncle Rick Riordan also includes themes of consent and feminism so good job and kudos to him. The humor wasn't overbearing like I thought it'd be either, so yay. \n I really enjoyed Otrera, Atalanta, Cyrene, and Orpheus's stories the most. Also, I still hate Jason. Medea's real story makes her a lot more sympathetic than as was portrayed here, but then again I suppose it was Jason's story.", "date_added": "Sun Oct 19 12:28:45 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Sun Apr 10 15:23:55 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Sun Apr 10 15:23:55 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Fri Mar 25 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "19162613", "review_id": "2bbad82c7858f284af327fd86c81419f", "rating": 0, "review_text": "I wasn't going to buy this at all, or even read it for that matter, but then I saw a signed copy and Target and I couldn't help myself. I bought it on the spot. Now I just need to find time to read it.", "date_added": "Sat Aug 23 16:04:09 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 19 12:27:55 -0700 2014", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "22428828", "review_id": "fbc8bbddb3c402d9097a13c7cd18973a", "rating": 3, "review_text": "*Edited 11/25/16* \n Welp, after reading it a second time, I lower my rating from 3.5 stars to just 3 stars. The beginning was kind of boring and the writing style was just not doing it for. The end got better though, I'm still a sucker for Sizzy. Also, I can now say that this whole thing is definitely just a joke and is in no way meant to be taken seriously. \n *Original Review* \n 3.5 stars...I don't know, I enjoyed this story but the dialogue gave me the feeling that this whole thing was just a joke, not meant to be taken seriously.", "date_added": "Sat Jun 07 22:53:47 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Fri Nov 25 02:54:05 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Tue Sep 29 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Tue Sep 29 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 2, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "12812550", "review_id": "3a39f3017229dfdada0d9de4310d42a0", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Jeeze, this book was one heck of a ride. 4 stars because there were parts that just seemed to drag along.", "date_added": "Sun May 25 19:14:00 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Tue Apr 07 19:40:54 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Tue Apr 07 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Thu Apr 02 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "780905", "review_id": "18d43c54c169617e1e0d6a3ab1245fb6", "rating": 1, "review_text": "Stopped reading this at page 91. I don't know if it's just the mood I'm in or what, but I could not get into this at all. Disappointing.", "date_added": "Wed May 21 14:30:18 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Thu Jun 05 19:47:34 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Thu Jun 05 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Tue May 27 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "22057201", "review_id": "b1eb3b5e4f21abcd55f39507f2e0e8d2", "rating": 0, "review_text": "It's been 3 years since the first book, 2 since the second, and still no sign of life for the third book in 2016. *cries*", "date_added": "Mon May 19 15:35:58 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Sat Aug 20 23:40:27 -0700 2016", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 1}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "438353", "review_id": "21ea5301733d815b79b60348be4356d8", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Surprisingly, a lot of the dialogue from the movie were direct quotes from the book. Truly one of the most true adaptations of a book I've seen in a movie. It was enjoyable, but I feel like watching the movie first made me enjoy the book less, since I already knew what was going to happen.", "date_added": "Fri May 09 19:26:40 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Sat Jul 09 13:28:25 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Wed Jun 22 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Sun Jun 19 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "13528362", "review_id": "a81c1d603f526cdf141167dfce364f87", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Finally finished this book after APs. Review to come...maybe. More accurately, \"rant\" to come. \n Apparently I read this book out of order...oops. Also, I don't remember anything I wanted to say in my review/rant. So double oops.", "date_added": "Wed Apr 23 18:18:59 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Sun Jun 19 17:45:37 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Thu May 15 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Wed Apr 23 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "18666047", "review_id": "7e12864e7c22bd2ad0d140ad6d981b71", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Fast read. \n I like (but am also a bit unbalanced by) the way Mr. Abercrombie tells his story without a 100% happy ending. Because those endings, while almost always the case for most media, probably aren't that realistic and common as we're made to believe. \n 3 stars isn't bad, in fact, I feel like this book was better than some other books I've rated 3 stars. But for me, there just isn't that umph to push the rating to 4 stars or even 3.5. I enjoyed the book, but that's about it.", "date_added": "Sun Apr 20 10:22:32 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Sat Aug 20 02:51:09 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Fri Aug 12 01:08:57 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Wed Aug 10 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "13616278", "review_id": "46979e5ecb829fd1ae41ae5c9229bb05", "rating": 0, "review_text": "Digging the cover. Might check this book out.", "date_added": "Sun Apr 20 10:07:48 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Sat Jun 21 00:08:56 -0700 2014", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "15839984", "review_id": "ecd3cdddb8401adb156fb41318df0e8f", "rating": 5, "review_text": "The synopsis and the cover make this seem like a plain, old, cliche, YA retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Not true and very misleading. It was so much more. There were moments were I was like \"WHAT?!\"", "date_added": "Sun Mar 30 22:02:00 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 02 14:02:32 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Wed Mar 04 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Fri Feb 27 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "22521580", "review_id": "447b9a626db97a9b705f64a4c2e95aa8", "rating": 4, "review_text": "First off, I received this book from a goodreads giveaway maybe 1 or 2 years ago? So thanks to the publishers! (Extra thanks because it was the super cool black version) \n On to my review. \n Wow. I was pleasantly surprised by this book -- I couldn't put it down. In fact, I finished this book in a day! \n This is a YA book but it was so incredibly dark at times that I wondered if it was actually an adult book. That darkness definitely worked for this book and pushed the book into \"amazing\" territory. The writing was great too, the shorter sentences really worked to fit the tone and the mood. There are some pretty graphic scenes that made me a bit queasy and uncomfortable so that tells you how great the writing is. \n I do feel like the worldbuilding could use more work and padding because the white and black witch thing could use more work and expansion, but I also understand that the way the book is written is designed for us to go through Nathan's journey with him, only knowing what he knows, and he's pretty ignorant. Still, I think it would just bring the book up another notch. \n I was excited to read this book because I only heard good things about it and I'm happy to say the reviews and the hype were right! This was an incredibly strong debut novel and I can't wait to read the second book!", "date_added": "Sat Mar 08 16:54:30 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Thu Jul 06 17:33:42 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Thu Jul 06 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Wed Jul 05 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "12396528", "review_id": "1549117caf327c2217501508f70f860c", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I just finished the book and I'm still reeling from it. The book was going along great until the ending. It was such a sucker punch. I don't see how anybody could have seen it coming, because it's one of those plot twists that feel like a cheap shot. I have two conflicting emotions right now: on one hand, I want to burn this stupid book and on the other I want the third book NOW. Ugh, but there were so many things about the ending that bugged me. Okay, how old is Miss Wren? HOW COULD SHE HAVE BEEN SO FUCKING STUPID? Seriously?! She trusted that asshat to call off his men! ARE YOU KIDDING ME. How unrealistic, honestly. And why the fuck did Brownwyn (I forgot how to spell her name) hold back Jacob and Emma and let Caul kill Althea(?)?! Seriously. .", "date_added": "Fri Jan 17 17:06:45 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Sat Sep 12 23:57:52 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Wed Sep 09 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Tue Sep 08 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "16793", "review_id": "48a4b98d3287263c17c5042fc28b06b5", "rating": 3, "review_text": "3.5 stars. I liked this book! It started off kind of slow for my taste but nonetheless, it was still enjoyable. There wasn't really any action but I did like the writing style. Things were too convenient for my taste but wow, there were SO MANY cute moments in this book. Like, I had to stop and just appreciate all the feels that I got from how cute it was. *sigh*/*swoon*. Also, some parts where I was just like, \"OH MY GOSH! I see how he set that up! GENIUS!\" \n Just watched the movie and I'm not sure which one I liked better. I'm leaning towards the book but the ending of the movie was so dang cute!", "date_added": "Thu Jan 16 18:13:21 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Sun Jan 19 00:58:32 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Sat Jan 18 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Thu Jan 16 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "18248613", "review_id": "a9767c947c8a3540fec64ef618db21fa", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Umm wow. I haven't enjoyed a short story this much since The Audition...Okay, this definitely attracted my attention.", "date_added": "Sun Jan 12 19:09:26 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Sun Jan 12 19:41:17 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Sun Jan 12 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Sun Jan 12 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "13638125", "review_id": "7ae295f7cf6a4dd6941911616c455a16", "rating": 3, "review_text": "3.5 stars, the first half of the book set up the story and it kind of dragged but the second part of the book is where the story shines, especially when other characters besides Victor and Eli are introduced. Seriously, the supporting cast was what saved this book. I love Sydney, Mitch, and Serena. I don't really think \"superhero\" is a good word to use when describing this book in any way but I see how it plays into Eli's character. I do like how neither Victor nor Eli can be categorically placed into \"good\" vs \"bad\" or \"hero\" vs \"villan\" (which is definitely one of the themes the author was trying to get across with this book) yet the reader still somehow comes to pick a side and root for that character as if he were the hero (which I guess, in terms of this story, he is). The concept of ExtraOrdinary people and their powers is really interesting, I especially like the idea that whatever the person focuses on the most right before they die correlates to the \"power\" that they develop when they're brought back. . I like the ending although I really want to see what happens next.", "date_added": "Sun Jan 12 19:08:14 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Wed Aug 12 15:32:31 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Wed Aug 12 15:32:31 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Tue Aug 11 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "337130", "review_id": "a7eab5b1c1aef41eb97be58717af424f", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I rate this somewhere between 4 stars and 4.5 stars (I really want to say it's a 4.5 but I just can't...). So, after reading this book, it's safe to say that I love Neil Gaiman's writing style. The humor is pretty dry and subtle, which is one of my favorite types of humor. \n Anyways, this book started off really strongly but I think it kind of lost some of its steam after the introduction, specifically when Door comes back for Richard and he officially joins their party to avenge her family . So, like, when the journey actually begins. The writing and humor was consistent throughout the whole book though, so that's good. I really liked the characters, and the premise of London Above and London Below is just so interesting. I also really liked the ending, I was scared for a moment that Gaiman would make it completely unsatisfying and have Richard be stuck in London Above, but alas, the Marquis came in clutch (as usual) and we once again get a happy ending :) . I would definitely be interesting in exploring this world some more, whether that be in another book or other media. \n This is only my second Gaiman book, but I like it better than the first that I read from him (Stardust) and I'm very interesting in reading more. Perhaps I'll read his newest one next, or maybe American Gods, since that seems to be the most popular.", "date_added": "Sun Jan 12 13:38:18 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Sat May 28 02:35:33 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Sat May 28 02:35:33 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Mon May 23 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "17061", "review_id": "f682d0d77c9bd9dde4fcd6bff5aff0b9", "rating": 3, "review_text": "2.5 stars. \n The movie would definitely give me nightmares.", "date_added": "Sun Jan 12 13:38:11 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Sat Aug 12 13:51:20 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Sat Aug 12 13:51:20 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Fri Aug 11 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "15783514", "review_id": "ceab93bc566692011e72ca2f596e1bbc", "rating": 1, "review_text": "This book wasn't as bad as other books I've rated 1 star, but unfortunately, I did not enjoy this book at all. The problem? It was so damn BORING. Holy shit. \n I've read 2 previous books by this author and I more or less liked them, but this was just crap. What was the point of the story? Maybe it was so boring because of the child narrator, but I don't think that was the problem. This book just seemed pointless, it didn't really have a story worth telling - or reading for that matter.", "date_added": "Tue Nov 05 17:06:05 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Sat Aug 12 00:38:15 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Wed Aug 24 16:06:38 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Tue Aug 23 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "17453187", "review_id": "f89e29fa2453517dee6f0b68abb7889d", "rating": 0, "review_text": "I love a good mythology book.", "date_added": "Mon Oct 21 20:51:45 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Mon Oct 21 20:52:25 -0700 2013", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "9415946", "review_id": "fbc55cfc093bbb33af81f7aa1f2e0164", "rating": 5, "review_text": "4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 (because Goodreads has yet to add half stars...seriously...)I loved this book. It was a great fantasy book and the romance is so cute, subtle, and intimate, yet at the same time tasteful; it made me feel like I was intruding. The only flaw that initially comes to mind and stands to me though, is the pacing. Just the journey took up most of the book and the final confrontation was kind of short. Also, I think she could have added more depth to the characters besides Taisin and Kaede. Anyhow I am falling in love with Ms. Lo's writing. I became a fan of her when I read her story in Foretold and I'm excited to read more books by her.", "date_added": "Sat Oct 12 22:50:00 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 02 14:10:25 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Sun Jan 12 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Sat Jan 11 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "18333581", "review_id": "328925a00e7f322b1d3852e16af730ec", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Short and sweet. Reminded me of how much I loved the novellas. Here's to hoping to see Yrene again maybe in the Throne of Glass series?", "date_added": "Sat Aug 31 23:39:29 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 02 14:01:48 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Wed Sep 11 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Wed Sep 11 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "13605727", "review_id": "4e5111d874f01cfd2906429331156bc9", "rating": 5, "review_text": "props to whoever designed these covers 'cause honestly, I'm in love...with the covers that is. Also maybe this series :). Usually I get sick of that cliche \"love triumphs over all\" kind of romance but I think I'm o.k. when it comes to this series.", "date_added": "Fri Aug 30 16:46:53 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 02 14:03:01 -0700 2016", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "9897164", "review_id": "84f80752ddd70dbdda047c6e1a3a7d5b", "rating": 4, "review_text": "*Post-Reading* \n I would just like to say that I called it. I CALLED IT. I knew Ares was the big bad god trying to control Seth Also I thought it was annoying how the author wrote like 10 sex scenes in this book. Like, I get it, enough already! \n Good Lord, so Aidan hates himself for putting Alex on the elixir and punishes himself by avoiding her? So....like Dimitri when he hates himself for the things he did to Rose as a Strigoi? SMH...", "date_added": "Thu Aug 29 14:12:52 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Sep 22 19:08:15 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Sun Sep 22 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Sat Sep 21 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "10860399", "review_id": "e8c49bc3fbd3358f1817408b7ff49cd7", "rating": 3, "review_text": "First, does a guy really break up with a girl over that? Really?.....Anyways all throughout reading this I couldn't stop thinking about the reviews I've read about this being like Vampire Academy. Already I see the similarities (especially the elements thing) but it was still a nice read.", "date_added": "Mon Aug 26 22:15:56 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Mon Aug 26 22:17:41 -0700 2013", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "9761778", "review_id": "39c49e9a992762c7c1207a9010b77de8", "rating": 5, "review_text": "HAH! I knew it! I predicted that Seth would turn on Alex and become power hungry etc. AND that Leon was Apollo! Either I'm too good or the author needs to cool it with the hints. Anyways I LOVED this book! Damn it if people say it's like Vampire Academy! They're both great series and I cannot wait to read books #4 and #5!", "date_added": "Wed Aug 07 23:13:39 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 02 14:05:38 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Fri Aug 30 16:41:51 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Thu Aug 29 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "9761771", "review_id": "90db4223ff0e63b7ff623390e44379cb", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Liked this better than the first book. This is speculation since I haven't read the 3rd book yet, if the author makes it so Seth was actually just using her I will be angry because I HATE when authors do that. I hate when they take a seemingly sweet, genuine guy and turns him into a douche so the reader will root for the other guy. UGH.", "date_added": "Wed Aug 07 23:13:32 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 02 14:05:53 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Thu Aug 29 14:12:13 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Wed Aug 28 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "18052875", "review_id": "2a42b141d4f19ac85cf37c852429c081", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I liked it. Just like the first book there was a plot twist that I didn't see coming. Yet again though, I felt like this book didn't really have any substance in it until near the end. Also, the author never fully explained Addie's time slowing ability. Like, um. Okay. I guess it's there because it just is (and also to advance the plot) . So yeah. There's that.", "date_added": "Thu Jul 04 01:19:00 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sat Jun 14 21:34:42 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Sat Jun 14 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Fri Jun 13 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "16156357", "review_id": "76e525de44238ef4af6892f4c08936cc", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I liked this book but I was disappointed at how short it was compared for the first book. There was some more world building in here that I really enjoyed but I wish there was more. I felt like this book was lacking in substance compared to the first book too. I mean, if GotG had too much crammed in there, then this book definitely had too little. I liked Justin and Mae's development but I was kind of put off by Mae's rape . The ending however, literally made me go, \"What?!\" out loud. And it really explains the aforementioned spoiler better. Mae's much more likable (at least to me) in this book. I thought Tessa's scenes were tedious and boring compared to Justin and Mae's povs, however. Interesting to see where the plot goes in the third book, hopefully there will be more world building!", "date_added": "Thu Jun 13 01:26:08 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Wed Jun 11 20:18:23 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Wed Jun 11 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Mon Jun 09 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "8527908", "review_id": "39bef9b0356eda5456cf086529cb4317", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Hmm 3 stars. This book started off pretty good. Sadly, it had to go down that certain path surprise! the guy is an extremely irresistible hundred of years old vampire who is anti-social (for the greater good of course)and is immediately, mysteriously drawn to the main character, who then turns into a stuttering, constantly horny and blushing fool whenever she is around him. *sigh* And even if he's dangerous and warns her away she is still attracted to him and blah blah blah love, complication, breakup and make up repeat. Ugh. I hate how the MC becomes an idiot when a guy is involved. And I seriously can't get over the fact Ms. Cook had to make him a vampire. I mean, A VAMPIRE. This is like Twilight all over again. . I mean, you might be into this stuff but I was annoyed. I literally put the book down after the first \"plot twist\" and I was about to go and return it to the library right then and there without finishing it. Alas, in the end I finished it and it was alright, nothing remarkable or original, really. Not sure if I should bother to check out the rest of the series...", "date_added": "Mon Jun 10 15:30:05 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sat Jul 06 20:47:31 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Sat Jul 06 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Thu Jul 04 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "18006496", "review_id": "06b95fbee5ed09f218da79721c0bb293", "rating": 5, "review_text": "So much happened in this book.", "date_added": "Sun Jun 09 22:49:03 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 02 14:02:10 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Fri Sep 25 15:21:43 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Sat Sep 19 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "33590260", "review_id": "82714ebdfdc7b978d1e7f4ed1c8029f9", "rating": 0, "review_text": "UGH. 2018 release date?? WHY. SO CHAOL CAN GET HIS OWN BOOK? \n I'm obviously the only one here, but I give zero fucks about Chaol. He's such an asshole.", "date_added": "Sun Jun 09 22:49:02 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Feb 05 01:23:03 -0800 2017", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "1128434", "review_id": "6fb71e081033bf6b61dd0d9606c6736d", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Okay, I have to admit, I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would. I didn't know what to expect of this author's writing style and stupidly made the mistake of thinking because he's polish the book wasn't going to be that good. It was a juvenile and incredibly condescending mistake that I'll be sure not to make again - about any author. The writing was really good and I enjoyed all the short stories in this book. I look forward to the series but it's too bad that the Sword Of Destiny, a.k.a. another book of short stories, isn't translated into english. Ah, well, on to Blood of Elves! Also I really like how the author had the backstory of Ciri. And the story of how he and Yennefer met. (I'm a bit concerned that while reading the books I'll REALLY like Yennefer and Geralt together then I'll play the game and be pissed off at Triss...) \n *pre-reading* \n Currently playing the video games and with Witcher 3 coming out it looks like the fans that actually read the book are in for an extra treat. Hoping to finish this whole series before the third game.", "date_added": "Sat May 18 11:43:19 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Mon Jul 21 17:16:04 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Mon Jul 21 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Thu Jul 10 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "222656", "review_id": "7522313fe8fd26308ec47d38b641cd9a", "rating": 4, "review_text": "4.5 stars. The first half of the book was a solid 5 stars but after the slaying of Mauer and the introduction of magic and Luthe things got kind of convoluted. I loved this book but it wasn't perfect. The action scenes/boss battles (if you will) were way too short and easy. And when Aerin and Luthe proclaimed their love for each other I almost put the book down. It was just so unnecessary and I don't understand why it was put in this book. Maybe it was a reference to something that is mentioned in \"The Blue Sword\" but it just seemed tacked on for unknown reasons; and the pacing was off too. Sometimes the writing was a bit confusing but I enjoyed it, you just don't see this style of writing nowadays.", "date_added": "Sat May 18 11:38:20 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Wed Aug 05 15:29:23 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Sun Feb 15 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Sat Feb 14 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "20613470", "review_id": "b02861ed77d0e404540f84ab5ea52bb1", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Okay so, shit didn't go down until the very end of the book. I did enjoy reading the book but I have to admit that not much happened. Honestly, the witch, Manon's, point of view felt boring and pointless to me. Seriously, I didn't care about her and no doubt she'll have a bigger role in the story but oh my god it was annoying to read about her pov and have practically nothing happen. Chaol still annoys me and my poor baby Dorian :(. I felt like this book dragged a bit but I think it's quite nice to actually read about training happening instead of just reading a sentence referring to a character's training and then the character being a BAMF right away. Hopefully Queen of Shadows moves the plot along more than this book did (which shouldn't be hard since this book just felt like a set-up/filler).", "date_added": "Sat May 18 11:34:28 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Thu Sep 17 23:49:03 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Thu Sep 17 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Wed Sep 16 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "17874773", "review_id": "448ee2c118673b7b5bc3cc027e6b4c80", "rating": 0, "review_text": "OMG! ANOTHER ONE? WTF? I mean I love this world as much as the next but she hasn't even written The Dark Artifices yet or that TLH(whatever that stands for) and probably other books that I don't even want to bother looking up!", "date_added": "Sun May 05 20:48:53 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Thu May 16 05:11:49 -0700 2013", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 8, "n_comments": 1}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "8621462", "review_id": "61829c1c7fbd651a2b697859cfdf00ae", "rating": 3, "review_text": "So I kind of already knew where the book was going, pretty much since the beginning, so it was kind of predictable. Although, I didn't exactly predict Conor's \"truth.\" I enjoyed the little fairy-tale stories and how they get across the theme of not everything's black and white; the stories were such a creative way of telling it. \n I don't know, I didn't really feel anything special until probably the ending. I know a bunch of people are raving in their reviews about this book about how maybe they got chills or something. The book just seemed a bit underwhelming to me until the ending, the ending is what gave me a glimpse of that feeling of awe (?) that everyone else seemed to feel the entire book. \n I would recommend this book to someone. I feel like this one of those books where I would appreciate it even more if I re-read it. \n Also, the illustrations in this book kicked ass. A+ quality.", "date_added": "Mon Feb 25 22:17:19 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Sat Jul 15 14:35:48 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Sat May 28 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Sat May 28 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "16096824", "review_id": "b564ce4a984fa417434a44e1a1483ccc", "rating": 0, "review_text": "I want to read this book, especially since I heard the second book is even better, but I just saw that Sarah J. Maas is turning this into a 6-book series instead of a trilogy and the last book is slated for release in 2020... I'm gonna wait a bit because I'm sure it'll be torture to wait.", "date_added": "Mon Feb 18 17:50:54 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Tue Sep 13 19:28:35 -0700 2016", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "11147422", "review_id": "a5c16c712771c090b338bea44e524e08", "rating": 2, "review_text": "I get that this book contains fantasy elements but there were just some parts that felt plain unrealistic, to the point of absurdity. The writing wasn't too bad, minus some parts but whatever. The pacing was bad and the plot was thin. There were so many unanswered questions. I almost gave up on the book near the middle.", "date_added": "Thu Feb 14 19:05:30 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Mon Jun 29 01:56:21 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Mon Jun 29 01:56:21 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Sat Jun 20 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "17675758", "review_id": "4d9862261c9faf7312a50b0c55b1589a", "rating": 0, "review_text": "I think they should come out with a Paperback edition, cause honestly, I would buy this book just so I could display it on my bookshelf. I mean, the cover is AMAZING. So yeah, while I may buy the book(if they come out with a physical copy with the same cover) just for the cover, the story also sounds interesting. It caught my attention when it said that there is Greek mythology mixed in. \n *EDIT* YES! Paperback versions were made! Time to buy the book and display it on my shelf now...", "date_added": "Thu Feb 14 18:59:41 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Fri Apr 19 23:12:02 -0700 2013", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "11988046", "review_id": "dbfe725fcf55fd44d958545fb3fa9ff0", "rating": 4, "review_text": "4 - 4.5 stars...um wow. This book went from light-hearted to heavy/actionactionactionaction and the main character's life went from pretty awesome to complete SHIT in like 2 short chapters....The book was kind of slow at first and it didn't really go anywhere but near the middle-end (emphasis on end) it JUMPS into action NONSTOP for the rest of the book... \n This is a series? Well damn, guess the feels are just gonna be rolling along \n eh I hate how the author made Duke from a nice guy to a complete dick wad and Trevor into mr. perfect. I knew that would happen since before even reading the book, from when I just read the synopsis. I've read wayyy too many books where the author turns one of the guys into a dick head so it gives the main character an excuse to fall in love with the \"right guy\"", "date_added": "Thu Feb 14 16:49:45 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Jul 21 19:52:18 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Thu Jul 04 02:21:49 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Fri Jun 28 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "1527322", "review_id": "9f731764ba7b22480e0969fe6f0e276c", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I'm surprised, but, I LOVED this! I mean, I've only read two other plays written by Shakespeare (Romeo and Juliet & Othello, both for school) and they were o.k. I didn't really like them. But wow. This play. 5 stars out of 5. The language was gorgeous and flowing, it read like poetry! I actually liked the characters AND while reading it, all I could think about was that Suite Life of Zack and Cody episode based solely on this play. Absolutely brilliant. Also, I loved that this play wasn't a tragedy . I don't think I could have handled it if it was. Lysander was so dreamy, and there was about to be a LEGIT cat fight in this play! It also doesn't hurt that the version of this book that I own has translations on the left pages. It allowed me to actually understand this play.", "date_added": "Tue Feb 12 19:47:05 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 02 14:14:25 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Sun Jul 27 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Tue Jul 22 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "10025007", "review_id": "3606e0f648c925d2a65e6da4466730a8", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Since the first book fell flat, I was expecting the same from the sequel. In the beginning, it was just that. By the middle though, I was thoroughly enraptured by the book. It was VERY predictable and I predicted the \"villains\" since practically the beginning, still, that fact did not diminish my enjoyment of the book.", "date_added": "Sat Feb 09 13:05:13 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Fri Feb 22 17:27:26 -0800 2013", "read_at": "Fri Feb 22 00:00:00 -0800 2013", "started_at": "Sat Feb 09 00:00:00 -0800 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "3389671", "review_id": "7f40b7a77583c662da4fbe9232d5217c", "rating": 3, "review_text": "This book started off great. Then, it went down the drain and I just wanted someone to stake all the characters because they were so DAMN annoying. This review sums it up best: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...", "date_added": "Mon Jan 21 22:27:47 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Sat Feb 09 13:04:35 -0800 2013", "read_at": "Sat Feb 09 13:04:35 -0800 2013", "started_at": "Wed Feb 06 00:00:00 -0800 2013", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "9680718", "review_id": "69bd7daddb567cb8143647da97bd63a4", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Really liked this book and while I see the similarities to Vampire Academy I feel like VA had more charm. Still, this book was kind of predictable but I really liked it.", "date_added": "Mon Jan 21 22:20:05 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Sat Aug 31 12:24:39 -0700 2013", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "13477883", "review_id": "6de76da6f5a1e31c89b9a81a9993a723", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Um. Can I have the second book now? Pretty please? :) \n Seriously, this was the first book in MONTHS that I have read in less than a day. It was just that compelling and interesting. Can't wait for the next book!", "date_added": "Thu Jan 17 21:25:33 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 02 14:03:30 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Thu Jun 13 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Wed Jun 12 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "10626594", "review_id": "7bd20fdd47016e42fc1f2da5392692f5", "rating": 1, "review_text": "*Sigh* Boy, was I disappointed from this book...I was expecting this book to be amazing because it has a pretty high rating (honestly, I should have learned my lesson from TFiOS) and that some reviewers that I follow have praised and lauded Ms. Stiefvater's other books. So, I obviously expected this book to be amazing. I was wrong. It was boring, lackluster, and plain. First off, the pacing. Literally nothing, NOTHING, happens in this book. Oh you can argue with that point but whatever. I first realized that nothing happened at around page 100 when Puck had FINALLY decided to register in the race on her regular horse. It's ridiculous that it took that long. Why? Because it's unnecessary and BECAUSE IT'S EXPLAINED IN THE SYNOPSIS. Ugh. Such a bad move. Then I read 300 more pages and I got near the end when finally, FINALLY, the race actually started. \n ...Are you kidding me? The WHOLE book is superficial and composed of NOTHING. Seriously!! I get it, the men discriminate against you, Puck, because you're a girl. I understood that concept the first time it happened. No need to shove it in my face every chapter. You and Sean have this crazy love for horses that no one else apparently understands. Gotcha. Oh yeah, and it's a BIG deal because you're the first/only girl to decide to do this. Yeah, I GOT THE MEMO. The idea that a girl takes the first initiative to end something that has long time been a male dominated activity used to be original but now it's become cliche, expected even! The author literally could have written this book in like 100 pages or less. Seriously. (Also, the reason that Puck joined the races is incredibly stupid and shallow. Seriously? It's not believable enough for me.) \n The author writes this book in alternating point of views. Puck and Sean. A.k.a. the female protagonist who is defying gender roles blah blah blah (not that that's not important but the way it was written was quite honestly, lame) and the male love interest (oh please, that's not even a spoiler. Seriously, did anyone NOT expect them to get together?) because you've got to add a little romance in here *sarcasm*. My main complaint with this style choice is that the tone of the povs ARE EXACTLY THE SAME. Sean and Puck sound exactly.the.same. I shit you not, I'm not even exaggerating or anything. I swear. Honest. I mean, if you're going to write multiple povs you HAVE to write them so they're different from one another (I think Rick Riordan is a GREAT example of this. His characters in the HoO series [while not all likable, at least to me] definitely all have unique voices. It's practically impossible to get them mixed up). Seriously, it's only two characters! You seriously couldn't create two different personalities? I mean, there's this one page where Sean remarks on how handsome this American guy is (another thing, the author created this world and decided to incorporate it somehow with reality. It's weird and awkward, at least for me). Do guys even do that?! \n I did enjoy the ending but it definitely DOES NOT make up for reading a whole book worth of nothing. The ending, while pleasing, isn't even surprising either. It's expected. Not good. \n This book unfortunately lacks originality. It falls into that young-adult-book category (I can't think of the word right now). Y'know, when all young adult books seem to follow this pattern? Boy-meets-girl or vice versa and they bond and they get together at the end and everything works out happily ever after after stumbling over a few conflicts here or there. I can't articulate myself right now but...yeah.", "date_added": "Tue Jan 15 17:55:06 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Thu Apr 23 19:42:03 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Fri May 02 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Wed Apr 23 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "6831917", "review_id": "b01baec47b3101adc4e6543c23517d38", "rating": 3, "review_text": "3.5 stars. This book had a really interesting premise, unfortunately the excitement and mystery quickly died down. It did pick up at the end again though.", "date_added": "Fri Jan 04 21:48:02 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Mon Jun 24 20:41:23 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Mon Jun 24 01:29:16 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Sat Jun 22 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "1", "review_id": "6b75b2116cd8145e0c18eb5387d726f0", "rating": 5, "review_text": "One of the best books in the series I think.", "date_added": "Thu Jan 03 12:15:33 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 02 14:00:28 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Sun Sep 06 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Thu Sep 03 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 4}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "2", "review_id": "964644b01cbace92da2036f930f481d8", "rating": 5, "review_text": "4.5 stars", "date_added": "Thu Jan 03 12:15:32 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Thu Sep 03 16:38:06 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Thu Sep 03 16:38:06 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Sat Aug 29 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "6382055", "review_id": "777e018ee83d4e010bb9df05f9f58c5f", "rating": 0, "review_text": "2020..DAFUQ? I'll have graduated college by then and probably have a career...Actually, my main concern is that he might die before he finishes the series...", "date_added": "Mon Dec 24 13:21:11 -0800 2012", "date_updated": "Mon Dec 24 13:40:49 -0800 2012", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 2, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "13422727", "review_id": "820e3594a743a193de5810e2a792336b", "rating": 5, "review_text": "4.5 stars. The first 4/5 of the book, I loved. For some reason, the last 1/5 didn't seem as exciting, it might have been due to the fact that I was rushing to finish this book in a week (which I did). Anyways, what I loved so much about this book was that there was so much political intrigue and definitely some game-changing reveals Aegon Targaryen is alive? Holy shit! If it comes down to him or Daenerys taking the throne I want Dany, all the way. . Also, Daenerys was a BAMF (as usual), Jon Snow was actually interesting for once, Tyrion was witty as always, apparently Arya can see again , the povs from non-main characters were actually well done and less boring, and there was no Sam and barely any Bran, so yay for that. I wished we caught up with Sansa. \n Again, though, I have doubts that George RR Martin can wrap up this series in 2 more books without it feeling rushed, cheap, or filled with a shit ton of plot holes. A large part is due to the snail's pace of the story. Seriously, after the first book it's been 4 books of gradual, slooooooowww buildup of the plot and we've still yet to reach the climax. Anyways, hope the 6th book comes out within a year or 2. Until then, I can finally start binge-watching the show now that I've caught up with the books.", "date_added": "Mon Dec 24 13:21:05 -0800 2012", "date_updated": "Sat May 07 12:31:57 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Sat May 07 12:31:57 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Sat Apr 30 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "374855", "review_id": "02f690ae527b471267e9267a0e79c7c8", "rating": 2, "review_text": "2.5 stars. \n There's a lot of sex and rape in this book, way more than in Game of Thrones from what I remember. The book started off pretty slow, the whole thing just felt like 1000 pages of set-up/filler with a very small foray into the introduction of magic, barely building upon what was introduced in GOT. The slow pacing of the book and the fact that it seemed like there were a lot of words but not a lot happening makes me want to just start watching the show, books be damned. Honestly, the only reason I'm going to continue reading the series is the sole reason that it's GOT; if it were any other series I would just stop here. \n Also I felt like Tyrion had more than half of the povs in the book, definitely way more than any other character. Tyrion's a cool and interesting character but I was getting a little tired of reading through his povs because he just had so many.", "date_added": "Mon Dec 24 13:20:59 -0800 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Jan 24 17:22:29 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Sun Jan 03 14:11:45 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Sat Dec 26 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "385001", "review_id": "d6d7d6185adb01195e1625cd71f34b5e", "rating": 3, "review_text": "This book was better than A Clash of Kings but not as good as the first one or A Storm of Swords. What was wrong with this book? First off, Danerys wasn't in it, AT ALL. How disappointing. What was good about this book? Bran wasn't in it and Jon was barely in it (no offense, but these guys are kinda boring). This book was definitely a shift from the Starks being the main protagonists to there kind of being no definite main protagonist and instead having all the major characters share that role. \n The book definitely just added more story. I feel like the overarching story isn't going anywhere at this point, everything is moving at a snail's pace. Instead of maybe wrapping up some plot lines all Martin did was add more. I honestly have trouble believing there's an end in sight for this series at this point.", "date_added": "Mon Dec 24 13:20:29 -0800 2012", "date_updated": "Fri Mar 25 16:21:43 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Fri Mar 25 16:21:43 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Sun Jan 31 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "62291", "review_id": "d89582dbd879974dde33fe3638ce9c90", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Oh man, this book was SO much better than the second one. SO many plot twists and a LOT of characters died. I'm back into that GOT hype, and I can't wait to read A Feast For Crows. One thing I love about this series is how multi-dimensional all the characters are. Cersei's a bitch but we understand why she does what she does and to some extent, I respect her. Daenerys was the bad ass bitch I love, Tyrion is awesome as always, Jaime was more complicated than he originally appeared, Arya was awesome as always, Jon was cool as always, Catelyn was the bad ass mom she always is, Brann has exceedingly become boringer, and Sansa, well. With Sansa I'm either annoyed at her or I feel sorry for her. It was both in this book. I'm looking forward to where the story goes after this.", "date_added": "Mon Dec 24 13:20:25 -0800 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 02 14:17:25 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Sun Jan 24 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Sat Jan 09 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "15861491", "review_id": "91ecb059d582b50752d7f8f44004a918", "rating": 3, "review_text": "7/19/17 \n I guess I read this but I never rated it? Oh well, until I reread it I'll just give it 3 stars. \n Original \n release date is the 27th but I bought it today? What....?", "date_added": "Sun Dec 23 13:50:18 -0800 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Jul 19 22:28:13 -0700 2017", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 1}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "7930335", "review_id": "fc0a4a5c632bd3bc1a350216fbd80153", "rating": 3, "review_text": "It was o.k. Maybe it's just me but I was annoyed at how Ethan had to mention his undying, unyielding, eternal love for Lena practically EVERY.OTHER.PAGE. Like, OKAY, WE GET IT ETHAN. YOU LOVE LENA. WE KNOW. WE'VE READ THREE WHOLE BOOKS ABOUT YOUR GUYS' LOVE PRIOR.", "date_added": "Sat Dec 08 22:52:15 -0800 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Jan 06 13:43:31 -0800 2013", "read_at": "Sun Jan 06 13:43:31 -0800 2013", "started_at": "Fri Dec 28 00:00:00 -0800 2012", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "10757833", "review_id": "df6684bb192c3973d7ed6bcf5065e523", "rating": 3, "review_text": "2.5 stars...", "date_added": "Sat Dec 08 22:51:39 -0800 2012", "date_updated": "Fri Dec 28 00:59:00 -0800 2012", "read_at": "Fri Dec 28 00:59:00 -0800 2012", "started_at": "Mon Dec 24 00:00:00 -0800 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "11568316", "review_id": "6ce9834162ac3d72d04dd3aa7f563698", "rating": 2, "review_text": "Not worth anywhere near $2. I say it should've been free. Anyways, I adore Ridley and Link and I may ship them more than Ethan and Lena now...", "date_added": "Sat Dec 08 01:03:22 -0800 2012", "date_updated": "Sat Dec 08 14:35:56 -0800 2012", "read_at": "Sat Dec 08 14:35:56 -0800 2012", "started_at": "Sat Dec 08 00:00:00 -0800 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "17167166", "review_id": "eb7060f1bb1296e8bafc418a725110ab", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Whew, what a ride. I really enjoyed this book much more than the first. It's very reminiscent of the novellas (which I absolutely LOVED) so that's a plus. Honestly, Chaol annoyed the shit out of me, especially at the end. I seriously can't tell if Chaol is more loyal to Celaena or to the King. . I know Dorian and Celaena won't happen but I still like Dorian more than Chaol. This book was just plot twist after plot twist after plot twist and I loved every second of it.", "date_added": "Wed Dec 05 20:44:16 -0800 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 02 14:02:25 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Tue Sep 15 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Mon Sep 14 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "7842288", "review_id": "cf986b09606e3f109064ea50a093dbc1", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I'm pretty sure anyone who has/will ever read this book will want to take it and slap some sense into Lena with it. Multiple times. \n The book was kind of slow-paced for me but Ridley/Link(totes adorbs) and some Liv moments almost made up for it.", "date_added": "Tue Dec 04 20:08:56 -0800 2012", "date_updated": "Sat Dec 08 22:51:30 -0800 2012", "read_at": "Sat Dec 08 00:52:50 -0800 2012", "started_at": "Tue Dec 04 00:00:00 -0800 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "16148435", "review_id": "9abd33a8086d5b8742e341c138d0e0a0", "rating": 0, "review_text": "Now it has a cover too! And you can pre-order it! \n http://isaacmarion.com/?utm_campaign=... \n It has a title! Hazzah!", "date_added": "Wed Nov 14 22:12:02 -0800 2012", "date_updated": "Sat Aug 20 21:07:29 -0700 2016", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "12127810", "review_id": "ad3b2224fc54ed6d0c49b595b98243e8", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Oh my gosh. Ugh my heart. Rick Riordan you did it again.", "date_added": "Sun Oct 07 15:28:15 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 02 14:02:46 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Tue Jul 07 14:53:28 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Sun Jul 05 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 9, "n_comments": 4}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "12893742", "review_id": "925d4cf1a5ccce9f54ea69c69c3052ca", "rating": 4, "review_text": "4.5 since it dragged on a bit in the middle. Not my favorite book in the series, but still, Rick Riordan managed to take me, yet again, on another wonderful, magical journey. Yes, pun intended.", "date_added": "Sun Sep 09 22:23:11 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Fri Jul 31 01:00:03 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Fri Jul 31 01:00:03 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Mon Jul 27 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "13533758", "review_id": "f4abaf0ab05b2e90a289dccbd461595c", "rating": 5, "review_text": "This might be the second anthology that I've read, after Zombies V.S. Unicorns. And I LOVED it. Seriously, I genuinely enjoyed all the stories (My least favorite was the one by Margaret Stohl; was that legit French?. While some stories were better than others, they're all pretty good. Seriously though, I know for sure which authors I need to check out. Plus, this book reminded me of how much I love fantasy!", "date_added": "Thu Aug 23 18:46:54 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 02 14:03:23 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Thu Oct 17 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Sat Oct 12 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "7818881", "review_id": "8ebb4866c3e5ad42e98ae71d05d3864f", "rating": 1, "review_text": "The book could've been a lot better. I felt as though the author could have gone somewhere with this book but instead she choose the stereotypical, cliche route. Honestly, incredibly disappointing and it ruined the whole series for me... My above complaint also explains why I am not happy with who Vlad ended up with. Like, really? REALLY? I admit, I was rooting for Meredith/Vladmir. I read this book years ago so I can't really remember the other girl's name (Snow?) but it was beyond cliche and unoriginal. I felt as though Meredith wasn't just this (stereotypical) popular, judgmental girly girl at least, until this book. That's because Ms. Brewer changed her into someone we would detest so we would like Snow. IT DIDN'T WORK. (not for me at least) God, it was beyond annoying to read about Snow. Talk about the stereotypical, loner, gothic/emo-ish guy meets vice versa girl. Rant almost over. I guess that's my biggest issue with this book, the fact that she didn't take any risks and played it (too) safe and stereotypical. also the villain. Really? You're gonna make it his dad? It did not work AT ALL. It didn't fit the story and it was completely unnecessary and stupid. Stupid, stupid move. Just my 2 cents...", "date_added": "Sat Aug 11 22:30:58 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 28 15:33:13 -0700 2012", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "15881", "review_id": "53ba8fbace39b8f523e4cfc27c19a852", "rating": 5, "review_text": "This was much better than the first one.", "date_added": "Sat Aug 11 01:26:24 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 02 14:13:22 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Sun Aug 23 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Sat Aug 22 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "12971616", "review_id": "b254e8476f8791f29531ffdd3491d30f", "rating": 3, "review_text": "I guess I didn't track this on goodreads when I first read this so I'll just rate it 3 stars, but I have to reread it.", "date_added": "Sat Aug 04 00:51:27 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Jul 19 22:24:56 -0700 2017", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "11946245", "review_id": "1d82fddf5f71842c892bb66a5aeefaa2", "rating": 1, "review_text": "MY FEELINGS... \n the ending was terrible, stupid and did not make sense whatsoever. Like, AT ALL. Basically Maximum Ride was a good series the first 3 or 4 books then it all started going downhill from there. Now, about the romance All you Fax shippers will be happy that they ended up together. Now me, I'm incredibly angry. Fang did nothing to fix his mistakes or make it up to Max and she just accepts him with open arms! And then Dylan (*exasperated sigh*) is a cute, innocent puppy who gives Max his love and then she kicks him in the dirt. REPEATEDLY.)! Seriously, I'm sure that's where the misconception that 'Nice Guys Finish Last' gets the idea from...Basically, if you're looking for closure and an epic ending to a series then this is definitely NOT the book for you. If you want a half-assed shit ending, and terrible romance(depending on who you were rooting for, I suppose) then well, this book sounds like it fits that mold.", "date_added": "Thu Jul 12 19:29:12 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Mon May 30 16:58:32 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Sun Sep 30 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Sat Sep 29 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "12127750", "review_id": "ee8b047d6c60f49b86d438e4cb8dd36c", "rating": 5, "review_text": "HOLY CRAP. MY FEELINGS.", "date_added": "Thu Jul 12 19:28:52 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 02 14:05:12 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Sun Oct 07 15:02:07 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Sat Oct 06 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "8755785", "review_id": "0ae50691e97774f3f138df677592aa8c", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Okay. First off, what I didn't like: \n -the fact that this book felt way too much like a set up for The Dark Artifices \n -not enough sizzy scenes \n -way too many povs in the book. Half of them were just plain unnecessary and just muddled the story and dragged it on \n -that the book is around 700 pages and there are times where it really feels like its lagging \n -the fact that it feels like I'm missing out on so many references if I'm not caught up in all the shadowhunter facts and family tree and stuff \n -how Cassandra Clare handled sizzy \n -how when Mrs. Clare killed off some characters Jordan, Raphael, Maureen etc. it felt really anti-climatic and nonchalant. It didn't really have a huge impact or have any effect at all, really \n -the book was really angsty, which is fine, if there were enough balance and plot to actually balance it out (it wasn't) \n -the ending made me furious for a variety of reasons \n -the fact that when I finished this book I felt worst than before I even started reading it \n What I liked: \n -Jace isn't an annoying, arrogant asshole (well, at least not as much as he is in the other books) \n -Clary isn't as much of a stupid, selfish bitch compared to CoLS \n -It's TMI (nostalgia really has an effect) \n My thoughts: \n I feel like Helen and Aline were in the book for a reason. Like, there were a lot of scenes where they were mentioned, even if it was for a second or two. This makes me excited because they seem like a really interesting couple and I hope they play a role in TDA. Also, does anyone even really care about Maia or Jordan?", "date_added": "Thu Jul 12 19:28:21 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Jul 08 00:52:01 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Sun Jun 08 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Sat Jun 07 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "8709524", "review_id": "3a9e8a1ced1c429392680c37579fdf58", "rating": 5, "review_text": "There were a lot of things in this book that I didn't expect. The direction it took, the mature content and themes ( The emphasis on the psychological and physical torture that was happening ), that one thing Adrian and Sydney get married! HOLY CRAP! (I literally yelled, \"WHAT?\" out loud when I read this part. I totally did NOT see it coming), I did, however, predict the ending even before reading the book. I predicted this from reading the synopsis for The Ruby Circle, so it's all good. The best book in the bloodlines series so far in my opinion. \n This book isn't perfect, there were a lot of loose ends and questions that I hope aren't just left hanging and are answered in the last book, but it was pretty damn good.", "date_added": "Thu Jul 12 19:27:56 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 02 14:04:13 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Wed Aug 20 15:52:51 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Tue Aug 19 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "8709528", "review_id": "1eeb932bbe1605fc93d71010fae2fcf2", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Kind of sad this is the last book in the VA universe but alas, all good things must come to an end. I really enjoyed this ride. Also, what is it with authors always bringing back a villain that's supposed to have died or be done with? I mean, it happened in the TMI and a bunch of other works. Just curious.", "date_added": "Thu Jul 12 19:27:55 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 02 14:03:51 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Sun Mar 22 16:16:11 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Sat Mar 21 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "9833184", "review_id": "71d9794e9a35e40ca7b7951241075231", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Oh my. I can't even. Ugh. I knew I should have waited until the next book came out before I read this one. I can't even process anything. Sydney, girl, I'm here for you. Probably my favorite book from this series so far...Also, the cameos = amazing. I seriously feel like re-reading the Vampire Academy series again...maybe I will around the time the movie comes out. \n It has a cover! At first, I thought it was just so...awkward. It still kind of is but it's grown on me. Sydney looks kind of flushed and disheveled which shows just how much she's grown!", "date_added": "Thu Jul 12 19:27:53 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 02 14:04:52 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Sun Jan 26 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Sat Jan 25 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "8709526", "review_id": "e582201298c888dede4db2e1cf153608", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Dat ending doe. Starting from Sydney's revelation to the very end, it was amazing. Faith in this series has been restored after a very disappointed The Golden Lily book. Cannot wait for The Fiery Heart! Also, I kind of missed seeing Jill in this book. I know she had her moments but not nearly enough imo. And having that little snippet with Rose makes me so nostalgic!", "date_added": "Thu Jul 12 19:27:09 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 02 14:10:04 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Sun Mar 24 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Sat Mar 23 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "13565676", "review_id": "1883d82d65b6d160353c8061f72ef474", "rating": 3, "review_text": "God this novella is depressing...I have to say, I totally saw this coming (although maybe not the gruesome parts)", "date_added": "Thu Jul 05 00:14:57 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Sep 11 20:54:20 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Sun Jul 22 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Fri Jul 20 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "3992598", "review_id": "000a15c998bf335c27f5435259ff2ec9", "rating": 4, "review_text": "The book that got me into PJ. This was my first Percy Jackson book that I read. I remember being at the library and wanting to find a book to read and seeing this book and remembering reading about how Percy Jackson was being made into a movie or something and deciding to read this book because of that. One of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. It introduced me to my favorite book series. Literally the next day, I was at a bookstore and I had my dad spend $100 on the box set without even knowing what the books were about (other than they were Percy Jackson) and having no idea whatsoever if I would even like it.", "date_added": "Mon Jul 02 23:06:17 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sat Aug 23 16:24:18 -0700 2014", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "9378297", "review_id": "a61480e82cb568cf8d2007f8da3f0d21", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I liked it. I especially liked the beginning, the sarcastic, humorous tone of the book, and the action. It got kind of slow in the beginning/middle and the romance was sweet but kind of sickly because, you know, it was basically necrophilia . What I didn't like was how the beginning high school stuff was cliche, the assumption that all a guy has to do is ignore a girl to get her to fall for you, and the idea of a stereotypical white, blonde prom queen (although I actually liked the character). Also I don't know how to feel about the ending. But, there's a sequel so.", "date_added": "Mon Jul 02 23:06:01 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Jan 29 21:02:27 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Thu Jan 29 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Wed Jan 14 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "7896527", "review_id": "b4a66d3d3bf08f4a7a1911474339086e", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Was disappointed in this book. Like many others have already said, the way Maas describes Celeana it seems like she's ass kicking, kinda-cold heartedish BAMF. But the Celeana we read isn't that, sure she has her moments but for the most part it's HUGE telling-not-showing. For the full experience I HIGHLY suggest reading the novellas first! You won't regret it :D (seriously I enjoyed the novellas more than this book). still, looking forward to the next one. Also let it be known that I read this book around right when it came out and I PREDICT CHAOL WILL END UP WITH CELAENA IN THE END. That's right, I can already tell Chaol will end up with her, and I will feel shamelessly vindicated when this happens in the end. But I'm Team Dorian anyways :p", "date_added": "Mon Jul 02 22:39:15 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Sep 11 20:29:32 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Fri Aug 24 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Thu Aug 23 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "257971", "review_id": "7428e93b5b44c4a6aa9a6346976c99f5", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Holy shit. Oh, my gosh. That ending. It was so EPIC. The story was epic and the characters were fleshed out and well-written. There was never a boring part and I think I really need to start watching the show (at least season 1) so I can actually see the epic battles and sword fights taking place. The hype for this book is well placed. So many plot twists. A lot of political intrigue that I wasn't expecting but very much enjoyed. Looking forward to the next books.", "date_added": "Sat Jun 30 10:55:31 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Dec 09 03:05:40 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Sat Jul 05 14:58:54 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Fri Jun 27 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "3236307", "review_id": "8be7d6fa7fb8d968b5dd0e41ebb67b3f", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I loved loved loved loved loved loved LOVED this book. Katsa was such a BAMF and Po was extremely likable and Bitterblue was already a BAMF-in-training. Also, the antagonist was really well done. I sincerely despise him and reading the prologue of Fire intensifies this. Well done Ms. Cashore! \n It is about time I read this. It's been on my to-read list far too long (think 3+ years!) No more putting it off. It's time.", "date_added": "Mon Jun 25 20:47:49 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 02 14:15:26 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Sat Feb 01 13:16:58 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Sun Jan 26 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "6131164", "review_id": "440c980d86f7f80d99ae415db31acb5f", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Team Jem...or I will burn the book and throw it against the wall. \n *During reading* \n Found 2 typos, on page 275 and on page 279. Mrs. Clare seems to have mixed up Gabriel and Gideon :p \n *Post Reading* Welp, the cover is beautiful and that in itself is enough to give the book at least 3 stars... \n ...OH MY GOD. MY FEELS! This book is certainly the best of both worlds, I mean, come on, she ends up with BOTH Will AND Jem? And it was adorable with both of them? Though, a nagging part of me feels like slut-shaming her I understand that her love for them is equal. I feel like she wrote it as a cheap shot to keep both sides happy. Anyways, let's talk about other relationships. Gabriel and Cecily anyone? OMG They are ADORABLE. Favorite couple besides Jem and Tessa. Also, I actually didn't mind Will in this book. I KNEW she was going to end up with Will (she technically did, and it says on the family tree too) but I didn't expect her to also end up with Jem...it's too good to be true. Seriously, this was too much for my feels to handle.", "date_added": "Mon Jun 25 13:02:45 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Jul 21 16:32:43 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Fri Apr 19 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Sun Apr 14 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "8490112", "review_id": "48c8723c4d2c6ecd68d849c67a4da38a", "rating": 4, "review_text": "OH MY GOSH. I just finished the book and am still reeling from it. 3.5-4ish stars. I loved the lore in this book. The reason this book isn't rated higher is because it took forever to get interesting. I literally could not get into it until around page 300 where Madrigal and the wishbone situation was finally introduced. . Seriously, I didn't care about Karou at all and it was only slightly interesting when she and Akiva finally met. But man, oh man. When the story becomes about Madrigal ... Wow. I definitely would have liked this book more if there were less Karou and more Madrigal . More M and less Karou would have been amazing. This book was like it rollercoaster: it takes FOREVER to get to the climax, but when it does...it doesn't stop or slow down and you want MORE. The romance is definitely the best aspect of this book. Which is disappointing b/c the author tries to bring other sub-plots to support the main romance one but they're extremely weak.", "date_added": "Mon Jun 25 13:00:49 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun May 25 14:07:04 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Sun May 25 14:07:04 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Fri May 16 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "5907", "review_id": "34477681d8e57bd49c7a6c91dc1b2682", "rating": 1, "review_text": "Couldn't finish it. I was 5/6 of the way done with the book and I just had to put it down because it was so boring. Nothing exciting happened and I felt like the book was dragging.", "date_added": "Mon Jun 25 12:06:07 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Jul 30 13:20:33 -0700 2017", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "1226", "review_id": "01e5431d78e85f6d7c984fbc2c14e232", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Wow...Read it.", "date_added": "Sun Jun 24 20:15:47 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Mon Sep 10 20:46:18 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Wed Aug 22 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Sun Jun 24 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "7171748", "review_id": "8a5e84f4f8d25b145342682acee980eb", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Let me just say that before I read this book I liked to think of myself and neutral and leaning toward Team Unicorn...Now, post-reading of this book, it is safe to say that I am Team Zombie. The zombie stories were brilliant and excellent, the unicorn stories (with the exception of 2-3 stories) were just plain horrible and stupid.", "date_added": "Fri Jun 08 23:32:56 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sat Sep 29 14:57:55 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sat Sep 29 14:57:55 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Sat Sep 22 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "8755776", "review_id": "5d5c70dae050a1d6bf257a0e6b2742a6", "rating": 3, "review_text": "I would probably rate this book 3 stars. Okay, so let's start this review; first off, I loved how the author was able to have several different sub-plots going on at once with all the different characters and not have it all end up in confusion. She pulled it off, which is probably a hard thing to do, but she did it. That's not to say that I didn't have any issues with this book, because there were a lot. First off, it was pretty inconsistent now that I think about it. It's just the little things, like for example Simon and Isabelle's relationship. Honestly, I thought they were already dating by the time this book started but no, they were still in the confusion zone of almost boyfriend and girlfriend, but not quite there yet. Really? Like, even at the end of the book, after all the intimate moments they shared, they're STILL not dating? And neither of them is apparently bright enough to figure out that they both love each other? Did the stuff that happened in the previous books not matter either? That's not to say that their relationship was probably the saving grace of this book for me... . \n Also, the author uses the same adjectives/phrases for probably every character. Honestly, how many times do you need to tell us Jace is golden, or Sebastian has Valentine's hair and it suits him better than when he dyed it black? \n And Clary and Jace. Just,...really? REALLY? They were beyond annoying for most of this book, although there WERE some moments in which they were tolerable. Clary was SO selfish and their romance just resembles Edward's and Bella's from Twilight so much. \n Jace: I hurt you, I can't be with you anymore now, even though I love \n you and want to be with you! It's all my fault that you got hurt! (Mind you that I had this annoyance since the start of the series, surprisingly Jace wasn't the culprit in this book though!) \n Clary: I don't care if you want to die! I love you too much and i'm so selfish that i'm going to make everything worse! I'm going to ignore what everyone tells me to do because I can't lose you; I love you so much that I can't live without you! (Really Clary? *sarcasm* How did you possibly survive before Jace came into your life? Clary was fine throughout the series but recently she's starting to annoy the crap out of me.) \n I have mixed feelings about how the author wrote about one couple or some group of characters and their adventure and then end the chapter on a cliffhanger. And then the next chapter...SURPRISE! starts right off with a different group of characters...like how she wrote about Simon and Isabelle and then suddenly alternates back to Jace and Clary...Although, at first I was incredibly annoyed, eventually I would warm up and start to get sucked into an adventure only to have the whole process repeat itself. \n But honestly, Isabelle and Simon...DAWWWW THEY'RE SO CUTE! Favorite couple (are they even an official couple?) from the series!", "date_added": "Thu Jun 07 20:33:06 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Fri Oct 02 17:26:11 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Fri Jun 29 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Thu Jun 28 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4672eb229c808b792b8ea95f01f19784", "book_id": "8709523", "review_id": "d2e020ce0493368ce6a39a4dc1cebfe7", "rating": 3, "review_text": "I was debating on whether or not to give this book 2 or 3 starts. I decided 3 because I just loved Vampire Academy and Richelle Mead but this book certainly is NOWHERE NEAR her best. First, the book was SO predictable. I knew from Bloodlines that Adrian and Sydney would be the book's main couple just like Rose and Dimitri from VA. *facepalm* Sydney is supposedly smart so you know that she would catch on pretty quickly to what was going to happen/what was happening right? Nope. She is like a slug in figuring things out, SLOW. About 1/6 through the book I had already guessed on what was going to happen and I was correct. The book honestly didn't have much going for it, incredibly predictable from close to the beginning all the way to the ending. On the bright side, I just LOVED Adrian's love confession, even though it was borderline cliche, I believe he somewhat pulled it off :).", "date_added": "Thu Jun 07 20:32:56 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Nov 25 11:10:05 -0800 2012", "read_at": "Mon Jun 18 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "29449386", "review_id": "1e5e9f561b342dbdb484c8c9e7b4ea32", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Over too soon \n Somehow, despite such a large cast and various plots, it ended too quickly. A worthy addition to the series. Worth the wait.", "date_added": "Wed Nov 19 12:17:20 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Sat Nov 05 21:16:21 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Sat Nov 05 21:14:33 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Tue Oct 25 22:01:15 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "15729539", "review_id": "a14d51ade1446af70923ad2f51267823", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Wonderful! Not quite the vampire story I set out for, but it was still a great read. Hill's skill as a writer is only improving. I wasn't a fan of the Heart Shaped Box, thought Horns was pretty darned good, and NOS4A2 was even better. Enjoyed immensely.", "date_added": "Wed Nov 19 10:24:36 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Fri Nov 28 21:43:15 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Sat Nov 29 21:43:15 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Thu Nov 20 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "17332218", "review_id": "c1608f736ac57afd6b95d5298fdaa414", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Enjoyed book two, though it could probably have been a hundred or three pages lighter. If you get to book two, pay attention to the vignettes between parts - they all come back at some point to be relevant again. If you sloughed though book one, you should keep reading book two, Sanderson does a decent job of keeping the story going. My only complaint was I felt like there was a little too much foreshadowing/obvious outcomes. Then again, this is Sanderson, so book three will probably turn all of that over on its head and prove everything we thought we knew was wrong.", "date_added": "Wed Nov 19 05:56:07 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Wed Dec 09 00:40:50 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Mon Dec 07 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Tue Nov 17 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "16368455", "review_id": "4d14e5751a13d8003118cc06a38c128c", "rating": 4, "review_text": "For all the fantasy and short fiction I read, I rarely read fantasy short fiction. The Shattered Shields anthology aptly filled this void in my reading, bringing together both familiar and unfamiliar authors. Like any collection of short fiction, not all of the story worked for me. The ones that did resonate, though, were especially astounding. Even considering myself well read, I was surprised at how many of the authors and worlds on display were new to me. \n I can't give a rundown of every story in the collection, but here are some of my favorites. \n Starlight and Ash - David Farland. I've heard much about Farland over the years, but this was actually my first Farland story. While new to the world, I had no trouble diving in and immersing myself in his world. \n The Fixed Stars - Seanan McGuire. There's something about the Celtic pantheon that has always seemed both exotic and familiar, and this story was no different. \n Keeper of Names - Larry Correia. I've read some of Correia's Monster Hunter books, but this was the first time I've seen him write fantasy. The story was a little predictable, but still a fun read. \n Words of Power - Wendy Wagner. This story could have led the collection in my opinion. I'd certainly read a full length novelization by Ms. Wagner. A mashup World War 1 and golems set in an alternate history, this was a really great story. \n Hoofsore and Weary - Cat Rambo. Come on, Cat Rambo says it all. This story of centaurs on the march was a great story and star in this collection. \n Vengeance - Robin Wayne Bailey. Woof - magic and death gods tickle a spot in this story. For a short story, it packs an amazing punch in a short amount of space. \n There are of course more stories than these, including a Glen Cook Black Company story (Bone Candy). On average, the successes in this anthology were in the majority, making this a worthy read. The stories were consistently on theme, something you don't always see these days, while interpretations of that theme were varied enough to keep the stories fresh most of the time. \n Special thanks to NetGalley and Baen books for the opportunity to read this book.", "date_added": "Mon Nov 03 14:28:41 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Mon Nov 03 15:17:10 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Mon Nov 03 15:17:09 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Mon Nov 03 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "18458800", "review_id": "8739a6e7cd3d5d27e4a24cb15a65b5bb", "rating": 3, "review_text": "The Widow's House suffered from a dragging middle as Abraham's put pieces in place for the concluding volume(s) of the series. Not a bad book, just a bit long in parts.", "date_added": "Thu Jul 24 10:41:11 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Wed May 13 13:22:44 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Wed May 13 13:22:44 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Thu Aug 28 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "18490594", "review_id": "8302e5fcd09c910ccfb70f5859271a80", "rating": 5, "review_text": "There must be a magic to California that draws books of this genre. When I first read James Blaylock and then Tim Pratt all those decades ago, their stories tended to take place somewhere in the golden state, a place where a certain kind of magic still reigned. Sitting somewhere in the borderland between magic realism and urban fantasy, their books blended the ordinary with the extraordinary, hidden magic. \n Greg Van Eekhout's \"California Bones\" takes a rightful place in this pantheon. Set in a not so alternate world where magic is real and California has seceded from the United States, this is largely the story of Daniel Blackland, son of a powerful magician and orphaned at the age of 12. Fast forward to an alternate LA - one where the streets are watery canals and the movie wizard DIsney and the water wizard Mulholland are among the powerful - we find Daniel all grown up, a thief with special talents. \n One of Van Eekhout's smartest moves in this book was in not trying to tell us too much. This is a heist story, a crew of thieves sent out to lift some merchandise and a magic sword, and for the most part it stays within the confines of that story. Van Eekhout presents a concise story, one that rarely strays from the heist and the after effects of that heist. What little backstory we get is only in supporting our understanding of our focal character, Daniel. Even when we switch POV characters to Gabriel, grandson of the Heirarch of Southern California, we're still moving towards bringing to conclusion the main story. \n Even if you don't care for heist stories (I'm not the biggest fan), you'll still find yourself drawn into this well written story. Although the central story arc is around the heist, this story is really about power, both taken and earned. From the first moments when we see just how osteomancy works and how the Heirarch acquires his power, to the climatic end, we recognize the heist itself as just a means to an end. \n Many thanks to Tor-Forge for sending me a copy for review - I devoured the book in five days, bones and all.", "date_added": "Sun Jun 22 21:41:35 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Sat Jun 28 19:24:59 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Fri Jun 27 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Sun Jun 22 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "17046606", "review_id": "30c7d8f0288d0bb6579adae25c8e6f7a", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Barnes presents in The Garden of Stones a well developed, fully laid out world. The reader is catapulted into the conflict head first, and although those first few chapters are confusing, chaotic scenes of fighting between factions in a war we don't understand, it all makes sense soon enough. \n At first, the cast of characters seems daunting. Names, species, factions, how will you keep it all straight? While Barnes' world is fully realized, it is a departure from the familiar. New nomenclatures are nothing new to fantasy readers, which is fortunate. But beneath the strange and new, the book really only focuses on three characters and those that orbit them. Indris, the warrior scholar and principal character. Corajidin, his rival in this book and all around mostly bad guy. Mari, daughter of Corajidin, torn between loyalty to her father and burgeoning feelings for Indris and the honor of her career. \n All the while, Barnes paints a promise. There will be action, there will be intrigue, there will be cliff hangers that compel us to read further. I believe Barnes delivers on that promise in this book - the Garden of Stones was well worth the read. \n Thanks to Amazon and Netgalley for the review copy of this book. It was provided in exchange for an honest review.", "date_added": "Tue Apr 22 09:31:49 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Sun May 18 09:43:04 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Sat May 17 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Tue Apr 22 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 2, "n_comments": 1}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "18666047", "review_id": "413ac0e4a21648117d71e52e4219661b", "rating": 4, "review_text": "In full disclosure, I didn't even realize this was a YA book when I picked it up. I knew it was Abercrombie, and I knew it was a fresh world, and that was enough for me to begin reading. \"Half A King\" is the story of Yarvin, a prince who wants nothing more than to be a Minister, learn some lore, and stay out of the light of day. Before the novel even gains too much traction, his father and brother are killed, leaving him the title of king. He's unprepared for the role, and being born with less than a full compliment of fingers on one hand, he is quick to be given the titular half a king. \n This being an Abercrombie novel, there should be no surprise that betrayal and a rapid change of fortune is the next step. The phases of this journey will be no surprise to the seasoned reader of fantasy. A boy, cast into the world, must find out who he really is, rising from a somewhat despicable, sniveling child to an adult that knows his own strengths and weaknesses and how to use them to achieve his objective. You come to this story expecting an Abercrombie fantasy, but you stay because despite some of its predictable elements, its told really, really well. The reader will recognize a world that is both familiar and a degree or two off of our own. Like many good fantasies, Abercrombie doesn't try and hide the grit behind feats of magic and enchanted swords. There was magic in the world once, and we occasionally get glimpses of the enchantment that was, but this world is firmly between cold iron and hot blood. \n My only criticism of this novel, and the reason I didn't think it warranted a full five stars, was that I found the conclusion to be a little too trite and pat. It could be that I am too jaded a reader, too far removed from the intended audience to be surprised by the final twist, but I found it to be a little too convenient. \n That said, I would still recommend the book to readers old and young alike, although in fairness some topics may be less appropriate for younger teens - not because the writing is difficult for younger readers, but because some of the content may not be appropriate. \n This review was of the digital ARC provided by Del Rey via Netgalley. Thank you to both parties for the opportunity to read this book in advance - it's been hard holding this review until closer to publication :)", "date_added": "Fri Apr 18 05:02:23 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Sun Jun 22 23:59:40 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Tue Apr 22 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Fri Apr 18 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "18007564", "review_id": "0b0ef0faa030da7c68c8ea9107c6ad4a", "rating": 5, "review_text": "If you are reading this book review, then you have me confused with Andy Weir and this text confused with the start of \"The Martian.\" I realize they are similar, as both contain words, but you should really be reading his book, not my review of it. \n Not convinced? What if I were to tell you that Jack London did not in fact die in 1916, but became a time traveling nomad who ended up in 2012 where he watched reruns of MacGyver, caught Moon Race fever followed by the whole Mars One craze, then returned to his roots of writing survival fiction under the guise of Andy Weir two years later? If I were to tell you all of that, you'd say I was crazy, and I say you should read \"The Martian\" and you'd know exactly what I meant. \n From our first few moments with the Ares 3, we know exactly what kind of book this is going to be. This is Robinson Crusoe on Mars. Except with more explosions (but not the Michael Bay kind), and no space monkeys (like the 1964 classic). The book is fast paced, the bulk of it in the first person in the guise of journal entries. I know that might turn you off - I thought it would turn me off. It doesn't. Mark is exactly the kind of smartass you want to read in the first person. The science in the book is as legitimate as Weir could make it, and everything is actually within reach of us today. Weir may take a few liberties, but there are no hidden teleporters or miracle techs, everything is very real and now. \n It was fun, exciting, and I haven't felt this happy about a book in so long, I'm all confused inside and am unable to write a worthy review. But there you have it. I would add that I will be surprised if the Martian doesn't make the list of nominees for a Hugo in 2014. \n This book review is based on an ARC that was sent to me by the publicist prior to publication on behalf of the FantasyBookAddict.", "date_added": "Wed Feb 19 05:26:26 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Wed Mar 05 18:39:10 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Thu Feb 27 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Wed Feb 19 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 2, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "18050226", "review_id": "7d42b4fe4c3101b51f331815fe6d853f", "rating": 3, "review_text": "I won't hold back - this is a train wreck of a book. At first pass, these are the stock characters every GM has dealt into an ongoing campaign, the initial quest as straight forward as they come: rob the ancient tomb, plunder some gold, get the magic sword. \n Why read it, then? There's an argument there. You could say its because it's a Michael Bay train wreck, a Wachowski style production. Larger than life explosions, Brandon Frazier as one of the male leads, over the top dungeon crawler. \n And then chapter one starts. \n The Barrow is a well written tale of gritty fantasy. The biggest problem this book faces, I think, is that if you haven't read the comic it's a prequel to, then there's no way to filter the volume of information being dumped on you. What's important? What's filler? I couldn't tell, and that's a problem. In a sea of gritty fantasy epics, this is certainly dark, more adult than most of its competition. Sadly, it didn't work for me, but it wasn't from a lack of style or ability, so your mileage may vary. \n The ARC for this novel was kindly provided to me by Pyr for review.", "date_added": "Wed Dec 25 16:58:09 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Thu Mar 20 08:57:19 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Mon Mar 17 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Wed Dec 25 00:00:00 -0800 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "17680028", "review_id": "e1fe4fa7b2d141305fc5d078c95be460", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I have a confession to make - I'm not the biggest fan of Tom Lloyd's books. It isn't the mythos, or the violence, or even the characters. There is something in the way that Lloyd constructs sentences that hurts my brain. \n I realize that sounds petty and weak, and it is, but it makes reading a full length novel of his difficult. I'm sure listening to a narrated version would be fine - I've learned that lesson with a few other authors lately - but something in the word to brain translation breaks down and I begin to develop a book induced migraine. My internal critic screams at what seem like run-on sentences devoid of punctuation. \n Which is why I'm as surprised as you now are to know I'm going to recommend the God Tattoo so highly. This collection of \"Untold Tales from the Twilight Reign\" follows the same universe as his other Twilight Reign novels, replete with White Eyes and magics and forces both terrible and dark. But somehow, distilled into these short vignettes, each chapter a story in itself, it was actually a really fun and entertaining read. \n Of course, like any story collection, not all stories are created equal, and some are better than others. Fans of Lloyd's will enjoy the collection, and fantasy readers interested in a collection of fun fantasy adventures will find something entertaining here as well. This companion book contains a well rounded collection of mysteries, gothic fairytales, and classic adventure stories - set in the world of the Seven Tribes. \n Enjoy!", "date_added": "Thu Oct 24 07:31:30 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sat Nov 02 14:56:00 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Sat Nov 02 14:56:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Thu Oct 24 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "11100431", "review_id": "03848360969b76aabd59da8383b3e44b", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I'm a sap. \n Yes, you have to be dense not to see the threads of conclusion drawing together, to not see the various hints and plot lines draw to a close in this final volume. And yet, there I was, some grain of sand caught in my eye, causing me to get a little teary eyed as I reached the end of the Riyria Revelations. A bit predictable, but satisfactorily brought to a conclusion all the same.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 24 07:30:55 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Mon Nov 25 04:52:53 -0800 2013", "read_at": "Sun Nov 24 00:00:00 -0800 2013", "started_at": "Thu Oct 24 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "15790816", "review_id": "3ab83d7b7ea63f2784c01feee34935be", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Book three of the Dagger and the Coin - it rises up like Ouroboros writ in words, the ending is the beginning and the beginning is the ending. This third installment brings us back to the world of Marcus and Kit as they go looking for a magical sword to kill a Spider goddess with. Meanwhile, in the sexy world of moneylending, Cithrin continues her struggle and education in service to the Medean Bank. \n Orbiting like a love struck puppy - with a cadre of killer priests and a warring nation at his command - Geder Palliako continues down his self destructive path, the ridiculed, chubby nerd that now wields more power than he knows how to handle or deal with. Meanwhile, working her wily ways to bring all that Geder stands for down, Clara continues her secret campaign with the street urchins and disheveled of Camnipol. \n While the book is not for newcomers - there is simply too much background to explain, about a book and a half to be exact - it is a worthy addition to the series on whole. The pace is fast, the action is tight, and the world, as always, teeters on an unseen precipice ready to dip even further into chaos. As the midway point in the series, I think it's sometimes hard to see the events that happen as the turning points they really are. \n Recommended for epic fantasy readers, but don't start here.", "date_added": "Sat Sep 07 18:07:34 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Sep 22 17:01:16 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Sun Sep 22 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Sat Sep 07 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "15790883", "review_id": "fa96d9334833c53a755b5381aff1bad9", "rating": 4, "review_text": "My first reaction when I finished this book: Imagine Brent Weeks had channeled Brandon Sanderson and you're halfway to knowing what kind of book this is going to be. McClellan has developed a magic system that is very reminiscent of allomancy - powder mages snort or consume gunpowder much like a cocaine addict, endowing them with powers physical and metaphysical. We also see magic in the more traditional sense (hand waving wizardry so to speak), Knacks (people with one off powers, X-menish but without the flair), all resting in a world we can almost recognize as being modeled after late 18th/early 19th century Europe. And like so many books I've stumbled into recently, a B plot centered around religion and gods. \n The initial hook for this book is the calling in of a retired investigator to solve a riddle left by a dead sorcerer at the end of the coup that brought down the King, spiraling out from there to include rogue magi, betrayal among the coup's conspirators, and a civil war. Good stuff, to say the least, and where McClellan might be faulted for a lack of depth, he more than makes up for by keeping the novel at a brisk and relentless pace that hurtles the reader to the conclusion of the first volume far too quickly. A little cliche, but a lot of fun to read, and yet another author/series to add to the queue.", "date_added": "Sun Jul 21 08:08:50 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Thu Aug 01 15:36:33 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Wed Jul 31 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Sun Jul 21 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "17247983", "review_id": "b51c7004610c683d4b2a3d1c771035e8", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Readers of Ovid looking for something with a little more sex and magic would do well to dwell in these pages. Like A Guile of Dragons, Wrath-Bearing Tree is a book whose mood implies it is best savored on a stormy summer afternoon, or from the comfort of a stuffed chair on a cold and bleak autumn night. \n Continuing the early adventures of Morlock Ambrosius, Wrath-Bearing Tree begins by giving us a taste of life in the kingdom of Kaen and how easy it is for one of the many city gods of this continent to be replaced by an usurper. It stands to reason, then, that when Morlock is thrust into the middle of this, his only way out is to kill a god and return home to the Graith. \n But no sooner is he home than he is sent back to Kaen. Something more is going on on that scary continent, and more information is needed about the Two Powers, believed to be behind the fall of many of the city gods of Kaen recently. While readers of A Guile of Dragons will remember the role of the Two Powers in the return of the dragons, this second volume was still approachable as a stand alone novel. Before the novel ends, Morlock and his companion will face warring gods, living machines that grant apotheosis, and a wintry father figure named Merlin driving a sleigh led by eight tiny demons. \n Morlock and his companion's journey reads like a medieval travelogue, cataloging the strange customs and unusual creatures and beliefs found along the way. I enjoyed the book, though it was a bit more graphic (NSFW) than expected. Enge again delivers a well written story set in a mythos that is so familiar to us, painted with the elements that have defined the landscape of fantastical stories for centuries, and yet delivered in a fresh and entertaining story.", "date_added": "Tue Jul 09 19:40:54 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Fri Jul 12 09:59:00 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Sun Jul 07 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "14780684", "review_id": "db5315dada86a02fe2daf9059574b06e", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Enjoyable, but not quite memorable. Other reviews on Goodreads go into deeper details, but the short of it was that although it wasn't a bad story, it wasn't a world I want to return to find out what happens next. A little disappointed since I really enjoyed the Summoner books by Gail.", "date_added": "Sun Jun 23 14:30:43 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Wed May 14 19:54:21 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Wed May 14 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Sun Mar 16 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "12759057", "review_id": "992a926174cd9556dd46c3a693939fc4", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Where to begin with the second volume of the Dagger and the Coin? This is still the story of a brazen girl turned banker and a bookworm too afraid to know when to stop. It's still the story of a mercenary and an old defunct priest as they head out to deal with a goddess whose priests have spiders for blood. \n But it's also so much more. \n The second volume is no place to start the series, but it is definitely a good place to continue it. Some of the elements are almost reminiscent of Martin's Ice and Fire series - empire in turmoil, dragons, and (SPOILER - can't tell you that bit). The execution, though, is completely different, and where Martin draws a long, deep story out, Abraham punches you in the stomach runs away laughing maniacally. \n It's books like this that make Daniel Abraham such a force to be reckoned with in the fantasy genre. I read this book on an e-reader, and more than once I found myself flailing with my free hand to find a bookmark before I remembered it would do me no good. The King's Blood is an engrossing novel that seems slow to suck you in at first, then races all the way to the finish line.", "date_added": "Sat Jun 01 17:53:05 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Fri Jul 12 10:09:12 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Tue Jun 11 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Sat Jun 01 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "13542445", "review_id": "0c39df78bd5f505f8418e603a572104f", "rating": 4, "review_text": "The fourth Lukien novel John Marco has published, \"The Forever Knight\" is a break from the format and story of the previous books, giving new readers an excellent opportunity to dip into this saga. Cursed with immortality by the spirit living within his sword, Lukien begins this novel restless and aimless. He's a man who lives a life without consequence. When the ancient spirit in your sword can heal you of any wound, mortal or benign, what challenge is there in living? \n Despite the teaser for this book, this book does not dwell on the Inhumans or Lukien's roll as their protector. With the usual grace of a fantasy novel, Lukien is cast out into the world on a quest, sword in hand and companion at his side. While the stated goal of the quest is to find answers to his companion, Cricket's, past, it's obvious what is really the objective - to find a purpose and challenge to satisfy an immortal knight. \n In my mind, two things set this novel apart from many fantasy novels. The first was the decision to present this tale in the first person. For new readers especially, this can be daunting in second world fantasy, where there is no frame of reference for understanding the environment and cultures around the POV. Marco succeeds here by painting with broad strokes, sketching a world and people we can almost see, without lingering on the details that aren't relevant. Not a common choice, but the first person worked well for this story. \n The second factor that set this novel apart from so many other epic fantasy novels these days was breadth. At 282 pages, it's a relatively light contender compared to other tomes available. I would continue to argue that this isn't a bad trend to see in books these days. Presenting readers with a single, well drafted adventure can be so much more satisfying than a collection of adventures sewn together for the sake of bulk. \n In both efforts I think Marco succeeded with \"The Forever Knight.\" An entertaining adventure story that was extremely accessible for a first time reader, and a well written introduction to a new chapter in this character's journey.", "date_added": "Mon Apr 29 16:06:18 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Mon Jan 06 11:32:09 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Wed May 08 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Mon Apr 29 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "6690798", "review_id": "c3063d4d4f9d30b8eefbe8f0380f4746", "rating": 0, "review_text": "To be fair, I thought Part One of this book was fantastic. 5 stars, 6 even. It was very reminiscent of King in his early days, a pulpy thriller with government conspiracies and hidden horrors. \n Then the world ended and Part Two began, and I lost all faith in the book. \n Take heed, reader, this book is not for all, for here there be vampires. And then a convenient 100 year or so gap, and a gaggle of new characters we don't have as much vested interest in or really a complete comprehension of the world they live in. This works for some people, I'm just not one of them.", "date_added": "Mon Apr 15 09:17:27 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Apr 28 09:49:45 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Thu Apr 04 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 1}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "6587879", "review_id": "2874efff432158939b068c6adfab1b76", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I needed something that was fun to read, knew not to take itself too seriously, and was outside my usual reading circles without being just foreign. Horns fit the bill, and I'm glad I read it. While I think Hill played the devilish references a bit much (from the Evil Knieval trail to the number of times he throws 666 out there), the book was still a fun read and well worth the price of admission. To sum up, because we don't waste too many words: Horns is the story of a young man that wakes up one morning, a year after his love was raped and murdered, to discover a pair of horns growing out of his skull. In particularly, I kind of enjoyed the fact that the Devil can be a superhero in the right light.", "date_added": "Mon Jan 21 20:13:07 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Mon Mar 25 13:40:29 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Mon Mar 25 13:40:29 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Sun Jan 27 00:00:00 -0800 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "1943812", "review_id": "91d6ca1de772969d3c1eb6914b245046", "rating": 3, "review_text": "What could have been a four star book compromises its way up to three stars. First, the good. Tom Lloyd presents us with a world filled with gods and men, and all the fantastical tropes that walk in between. Lloyd tugs at all of the familiar strings - prophetically proclaimed saviors, curses, even vampires, and of course, the question of whether our protagonist will turn out to be the hero or the doom foretold. While a simple enough story, it is often the simple ones that speak truest to us. There is an appeal to these modern fairy tale, and Lloyd makes sure to pepper his story with just enough of these elements to intrigue us and keep us flipping pages. \n So why the struggle up to three stars? This book failed for me on purely technical merits. It had all of the ingredients of the kind of book I normally devour - magic, prophesy, gods, big shiny swords with special names, world in peril, etc. Where did it lose me? \n First, the list of characters, in addition to being too long to keep track of in such a short book, was tucked away at the back of the book. Literally. Readers of the paper edition might have seen it, by accident, when going to set the book down. Readers of the electronic edition, though, would suffer the entire length of the book before discovering that hidden away at the back there is a mild attempt at explaining who's who. Mild, because it isn't conclusive, and doesn't give us the information we need to fully appreciate the story that Lloyd is telling. \n Tackling a new world, with politics and struggles between sides, with an obvious sense of depth and history, is nothing new to fantasy readers. Its part of what makes second world fantasy stand out, after all. As readers, we've come to expect that the author will use one of a few well trod mechanisms. The simplest, and least favored, is of course to just info dump, preferably somewhere near the start of the tale so we can get that nasty mess out of the way and move on. The more timid author will provide us with a glossary, or at least well populated and advertised appendixes, that explain the lay of the land, who the sides are, even a little cultural background. Some prefer this method as it leaves it up to the reader to determine what depth they're willing to explore and understand the underpinnings of the world they just engaged. Of course, the truly brave writer - and this is why epic fantasy is known for its lengthy tomes, I think - will layer their explanations and insights about their fantasy world through the telling of the novel, so that while you may start not knowing who Bahl is or what a white-eyes is, by the end of the story you'll catch yourself swearing in Bahl's name and cursing the blight that is a white-eye born man. These are the story tellers. And this is what is so infuriating about this book, because it is this final cusp that it fails to cross. Our understanding of the world is so incomplete we are left questioning what is happening for part of the book. Every time I felt I had a grasp, we were introduced to a new character that made me question whether we were speaking the same language. \n In the end, I think this first book had potential, but never quite rises above these flaws to stand out. Recommended for genre readers looking for a new series, but be forewarned its rough around the edges.", "date_added": "Sat Dec 22 06:23:51 -0800 2012", "date_updated": "Sat Dec 22 06:27:35 -0800 2012", "read_at": "Tue Dec 18 00:00:00 -0800 2012", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "15743703", "review_id": "fe37bbd7bdb6d8e144efd05dbb0522de", "rating": 3, "review_text": "I want to enjoy this one (it's Brooks!!), but it just felt too repetitive of the book before this.", "date_added": "Wed Dec 19 06:36:41 -0800 2012", "date_updated": "Mon Apr 15 09:35:47 -0700 2013", "read_at": "", "started_at": "Wed Dec 19 00:00:00 -0800 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "12499290", "review_id": "c104ee6a0ce6b8f69b27fa4edbffa2e2", "rating": 4, "review_text": "This was one of my most anticipated books this year. If you've enjoyed Weeks' other works, then you'll understand why. Even after talking with Brent this summer and learning that he planned on making the Lightbringer series a tetralogy, I couldn't help but start the next book in the series with some trepidation. Would it stand up to past excellence? Would it suffer second book slumps? In other words, is this a coasting book, or will there be actual depth to it? \n The Blinding Knife takes us back into the world of Gavin and Kip and all of the other colorful characters of the Chromeria and Blackguard. Between a mounting war against the Color Prince, and dealing with the aftermath of the False Prism War from 16 years before, Gavin has his work cut out for him. Of course, readers of the first book in the series, The Black Prism, know that there is a lot more to that story than I can share without a big spoilers warning. Readers continuing the adventure should know that there are still ample surprises in this volume, and although we are given more background, its not always where we want it. This, of course, is the author's prerogative, but some of the mysteries can leave the reader wanting. Without revealing any spoilers, the entire ancient mythology and metamorphosis of the wight left a discordant feeling with me. From what we knew of the world so far, the concept of avatars just seemed at odds. It felt out of place and without context, making the color gods meme was a little confusing. It made sense in its own limited context, just like wights made sense as an extension of breaking the halo, but the blend of those two left me a little out of sorts, making it a distraction in this book. \n So what did I enjoy? I still loved Kip - as a fat kid who grew up to be a fat man, I'm partial to the rotund polychrome, stereotypical as he can be. You can lament that he's got Harry Potter syndrome, but that's because Harry Potter had Magician's Apprentice syndrome himself - a magically capable youth in the role of student is going to fall into a trope or two along the way. Weeks does a good job when we're sitting on Kip's shoulders to show us the world Kip thinks he's seeing, even when every other character just sees a capable, headstrong Guile. Weeks tackled a few thorny subjects, including slavery, as well as introducing us to a card game who's rules we learned alongside Kip. The conflicts Gavin faces internally, maintaining the facade of the perfect leader and Prism while really fighting against his own self doubts and insecurities was refreshing. \n The Lightbringer series isn't as dark or deep as the Night Angel trilogy, but fans shouldn't be put off by that. Weeks tells a compelling tale, and fans of epic fantasy will still find themselves with sleepless nights as they try and finish just one more chapter. \n A special thanks to Orbit and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book, and the medium to do it in.", "date_added": "Mon Oct 01 19:44:04 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 14 18:54:39 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Thu Oct 04 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Mon Oct 01 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "16034384", "review_id": "a62247b86811a1f95d58236cbcb8b381", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Saladin Ahmed's \"Engraved on the Eye\" offers a nice sampling of Ahmed's short fiction. Collected in this volume are three short stories set in the same world as his first novel, The Crescent Throne, as well as a western, sci-fi, bunnies with swords, and an urban fantasy. Readers unfamiliar with the Crescent Throne will find the stories a good starting point, while fans of Saladin Adhmed's will enjoy the additional background on a certain ghul hunter and his blue clothed dhervish. \n Tying the eight stories of this volume are two themes existing fans will find familiar: the fantastical, told with a heavy Middle Eastern influence. If Bradbury had been Arabic and living in middle America, this is what his first story collection might have looked like, ghul's, djenn, and demons included.", "date_added": "Tue Sep 25 15:56:59 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Sep 25 16:27:58 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Tue Sep 25 16:27:58 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Tue Sep 25 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "13269570", "review_id": "bea474367893534d19fa6e5bb016587e", "rating": 5, "review_text": "High Fantasy often faces the criticism that it is a poor reflection of the works that have gone before it, most notably Tolkien. By employing the same basic mythos with a highly Western European (and generally, British) composition, many chide that too much of fantasy falls into this trap and needs to be refreshed with something edgier, or something more original. The end result is generally a poor facsimile that inevitably fails to shine in comparison. \n \"A Guile of Dragons\" is not some mere copy. \n Yes, it employs many of the elements that we might quickly label a High Fantasy trope - dwarves, dragons, ancient terrors, and the name Merlin (or at least his son, Morlock). Its important to remember that it is not what elements a writer uses, but how they use them, that brings distinction. Enge does not treat these elements lightly - the history and culture of the dwarves alone are an integral part of this story, hinting at a depth we never see a bottom to. The shortness of the work (@300 pages) is belied by the depth and fullness of the characters that populate it. These are thick characters, populating the pages not because they fill a need but because it is their story to tell. \n Set as a prequel for Enge's character, Ambrosius, aka Morlock syr Theorn, \"A Guile of Dragons\" introduces us to a small cast of recurring characters, each of whom demonstrates a depth and fullness usually reserved for the titular character. Not having read the other books in this milieu proved to not be a problem - as a prequel, it is a well contained volume, beginning with the birth of Morlock, son of Merlin, and the circumstances that place young Morlock in the care of the dwarves of Thrymhaiam to the north. This is also the story of Morlock's first real adventure (other feats are alluded to, but nothing so grand), following a metre and pace that is reminiscent of a classic saga even when the story telling is modern. \n For in the Northold, the dwarves find themselves cut off from the Graith of Guardians as a guile of dragons invades, reigniting the Longest War from before the dawn of history. Morlock, a thaen of the Graith, adopted son of the dwarves, trapped between both worlds, faces the failings of each as he is thrust into battling the dragons themselves. \n Enge, who's unsecret real world identity is a classics professor, demonstrates that a writer is influenced by the books and life you lead. \"A Guile of Dragons\" is a worthy epic for any fantasy reader, containing a surprising depth and fullness that is rarely found in so short a book. I cannot say more about this book without spoiling it, so I will just say that I wholly and heartily recommend that it be read.", "date_added": "Fri Aug 31 05:44:16 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sat Sep 08 15:35:06 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Thu Sep 06 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Fri Aug 31 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 5, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "11992045", "review_id": "09813963d4cb8d825aba1f72634d9079", "rating": 4, "review_text": "In this final installment of the Aeon's Gate trilogy we journey to the island of Jaga. Death has followed, chased, and clung to our crew of adventurers, and a soujourn to Jaga won't change the fact that they are walking into the gaping maw of Ulbecetonth herself. An island surrounded by the statues of lost gods, occupied by lonely hostile warrior lizardmen, and under attack by wave after wave of longfaced purple warrior women who are only content in battle. \n So, a lot more of the same, which isn't a bad thing. Sykes picked up the gauntlet where it lay when we finished Black Halo and carried it to an almost satisfactory conclusion. Some questions remained, and Sykes has all but admitted that's because he plans on writing more stories in this universe. The questions that did remain after reading this novel were the larger picture questions, the kind that are called \"spoilers.\" \n What should returning readers look forward to? Expect to find resolution between Lenk and Kat (as much resolution as possible between a man with voices in his head and a shickt who's people are sworn to eliminate the human infection from the face of the planet). The answers you wanted for Denaos' history or Asper's hand are covered. We even get a glimpse of where the Netherlings come from. \n All in all, this third book did a great job of bringing this chapter of the story to a conclusion, while still leaving room for expansion in the future. As the conclusion of a trilogy, this book was probably the least accessible to new readers, but that's not to be unexpected in a series. I think returning readers will find that this book balances well against the first book in terms of amounts of action and pace. \n RHEGA!!!", "date_added": "Thu Aug 16 19:55:55 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Sep 18 07:39:01 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Thu Aug 16 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "10790290", "review_id": "a1346e6c7b0bc79304df0ec622ddc437", "rating": 5, "review_text": "It's somewhat embarrassing to admit that I had ample opportunities to read this book when it was in two parts, independently published - and failed to do so until it was bought up by Orbit and reprinted. \n That was a mistake. \n Originally published separately, readers can see the divide between the events and repercussions of the first book (Crown Conspiracy) that lead into the second book (Avempartha), and how together they form the chapters of a much larger tapestry. Sullivan sites the story arcs of Babylon 5 as one of his inspirations, and in reading the novel you can see that play out as he gives the reader a simple, straightforward collection of fantasy tropes building up our expectations that this story is going in one direction, only to flip it at the climax and offer a resolution that both fits the story so far, and yet defies what we anticipated. \n The curious thing about Sullivan's book is that he uses light strokes to paint a picture. He doesn't labor over info dumping, choosing instead to give us a who's who and a what's what at the start of the book, and a few short dumps initially to fill in the gaps. Nor does he rely on the shock that grittier fantasy authors have brought us lately; this book is very much a homage o the simple, well written adventure story. While its most basic elements are a variation of the quest and heist motifs, there are deeper motivations at play than just greed. The real strength in Sullivan's writing, though, is in his dialog, the repertoire and voice of his characters making them distinct enough to stand out from the backdrop. No, not all of the characters are well rounded personas with depth, but the characters with whom the story revolves live and breathe in the mind's eye even after you set the book down. \n Theft of Swords is not high literature, with flowing, flowery passages evoking a deep sense of wonder. What it is is wonderfully entertaining. Case in point, I sat down and read the last 40% of the book in one day because I just couldn't put it down. Highly recommended to fans of epic fantasy, especially if you enjoy the \"lighter\" side such as a Brandon Sanderson or Daniel Abraham novel, you will enjoy this.", "date_added": "Sun Jul 29 08:27:55 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Mon Dec 31 08:30:34 -0800 2012", "read_at": "Thu Dec 27 00:00:00 -0800 2012", "started_at": "Sun Jul 29 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "13265092", "review_id": "668ac5e3f7798d878d5a9706b06f32c6", "rating": 3, "review_text": "It was with a little trepidation that I began reading Wards of Faerie. It had been decades since I'd last read a Terry Brooks novel, and the Shannara series was never one I had gotten into too deeply, mostly for a lack of resources. I knew that over the years the breadth of the story had grown, and that series that didn't used to be related, like the Word and the Void, had been incorporated into the larger mythos. Still, most of my exposure came from a summer reading through the Magic Kingdom books. Could I jump in unscathed? \n The Wards of Faerie, as it turns out, is very open to the new reader. A brief run through wikipedia wouldn't hurt the new reader, but Terry Brooks is ever the consummate story teller, and with almost no effort gives us a story that is very easy to fall into. It is a world where science and magic are at ends with each other, with many of the secrets of magic lost even to the Druids, caretakers of such knowledge. Aphenglow Elessedil, an elf and a Druid, stumbles upon a lost journal that hints at the whereabouts of the famed elfstones. The Druid's quest to recover the elfstones will mean the gathering of a party and following a vision beyond the known lands as they seek out the lost elfstones. \n It's always a pleasure to read something written by a master of the craft, and this was no exception. Brooks has spent over thirty years developing this world, and the world-building shows. The world that this story is set in has a depth that we can see just beneath the surface without being dragged through it, which helps the story move along at a good pace. The characters that populate it are well developed and believable, rather than the stock two dimensional characters that seem to litter the genre so often. \n Knowing in advance that this will be yet another trilogy, though, I do have to say I was a bit disappointed with where the book ended. This isn't just the poignant disappointment of a story that ended sooner than the reader may have wanted. The bulk of the book was spent developing characters and introducing us to the world as it is, but just as the party is formed and the real action began to start up, the book came to an end. \n My rating of this book came after a lot of thinking, and ultimately was tied to the fact that the story, the meat of why we are reading, is cut too short too soon. Knowing that we are only looking at a trilogy, it seems as though too much time was spent developing characters rather than moving the plot along. Fans of the milieu will enjoy the book, knowing that it will lead somewhere in the next book. Casual readers, though, I think will be put off unless they are already committed to seeing the story develop in the next volume. \n My thanks to Netgalley and Random House for giving me the opportunity to review this work and providing an advanced reader's copy.", "date_added": "Sat Jun 30 18:03:27 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Jul 29 09:50:03 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Fri Jul 27 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Sat Jun 30 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 2, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "9528174", "review_id": "b67f5bad89ef1164fba6e5c4decd041b", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Book two of the Aeon's Gate trilogy picks up mere moments after the end of Tome of the Undergates with the intrepid Lenk recording recent events in his journal. The Tome of the Undergates has been recovered, and yet the gates of hell remain closed. Lenk and his five companions set sail to bring the accursed relic away from the demonic reach of Ulbecetonth, the Kraken Queen. But after weeks at sea, tensions amidst the adventurers are rising. Their troubles are only beginning when their ship crashes upon an island made of the bones left behind from a war long dead. \n And it appears that bloodthirsty alien warrior women, fanatical beasts from the deep, and heretic-hunting wizards are the least of their concerns. Haunted by their pasts, plagued by their gods, tormented by their own people, and gripped by madness personal and peculiar, their greatest foes may yet be themselves. \n Critics of the first book lamented that the characters were too thinly sketched, the bulk of the book being taken up by some longer than usual action scenes. In this second volume, Sykes flips that expectation on us. We delve deeper into each of the characters, getting more tantalizing glints of their depth and background as they recover on the island of the dead. To be sure, while the first book was a book of struggling, this second volume gives us a better understanding on why each of our characters - and I don't just mean our protagonists - are struggling and what it is they are trying to achieve. Which in the case of our (un)lucky band of adventurers is largely what they are struggling to run away from. \n The problem, of course, is that we spend most of the book introspecting the characters, their flaws, backgrounds, motives, and favorite past times that we never quite make any headway in the story. In fact, the only real progress in the books is delivered by two new characters that are external to the adventurer party, one a librarian (don't snicker, librarians can kick your butt) on a mission to step any who use magic without paying the price (Oh Netherlings...), and the other who is commonly known as the Moth, a vassal of the Deep Shriek sent out to release the Father. The story advances under the stewardship of these two characters, but they have scenes too far and few between to give the rest of the novel momentum. \n And this is why the second volume of a series usually drags. The first volume hit us with such force and speed, the second volume had a bar set higher than it could reasonably achieve. \n And yet I will still recommend this book to you. It was a well written and fine addition to the series, with all the Shict loving you can handle. Hopefully in volume three, now that we understand what compels most of the POV characters in such detail already, we will return to the tour de force that was book one, but with a better understanding and appreciation of what is driving Lenk and his merry band.", "date_added": "Tue Jun 12 19:43:15 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sat Jul 07 10:58:29 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Fri Jun 22 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Tue Jun 12 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "9579634", "review_id": "a2cb4255a80474b87c7e5ba6a3fd6fb0", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Prince of Thorns is the tale of a boy, scarred witness to the brutal murder of his mother and brother, who choses to turn his back on all things good in order to obtain vengence. This is a tale of revenge, as rich in its single mindedness as any classic by Dumas. Young Jorg forsakes every shred of his humanity to feed this desire, something initial reviewers were less than pleased with. Many lambasted this novel as dark and misogynistic, but I have to admit that I didn't see any of that when I read it. Maybe my perspective was tempered by interviews with the author and other commentators, but when I read Prince of Thorns what I saw in Jorg was a dark, disturbed boy, a sociopath created rather than born. \n The first chapter sets the tone for the kind of book you have started. The razing of a village, the flippant use of violence to send a message, and all from the perspective of the instigator. The message to the reader is simple: this isn't going to be a light or cheery story. We are led through a world that's almost familiar - a map that looks striking like Europe, references to Jesus and Plutarch, Shakespeare and Rome. Confusing, at first, are the references to Nietzsche and other modern writers. Rest assured it will all make sense, begging more questions than are answered in this volume. This is a world familiar to us from our own history, familiar to readers of fantasy for its near medievalness, and yet somehow ajar to what we expect. \n There is something else in this story, though, something lying beneath the layer of vengeance and hatred, beneath the blood and violence. This is a story you have to finish to realize just how sad it is. Its compelling, dark tale is written in the first person, drawing the reader into Jorg's warped, sick mind from the start. It is only through flashbacks peppered throughout the narrative that we begin to understand Jorg better. We understand the instigating moment with the briars, when he turned from ten year old boy to vengeful demon. We understand how in the course of only four years (because yes, the Jorg of book one is a young teen) Jorg could gather a band of cut throat, vile scum as his entourage. And only in the final pages of this book do we see what lies beneath the surface and what strings are really being pulled. As a reader, you have this perspective of watching Jorg take bite after painful bite from his heart, because it is bitter, and it is his. \n This was a well written, easy to read debut novel. The best part? I've taken so long to read this book that the sequel is already out, so if you enjoy it, you can keep reading!", "date_added": "Thu May 24 12:17:03 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sat Jan 05 11:42:09 -0800 2013", "read_at": "Sat Jan 05 11:42:09 -0800 2013", "started_at": "Mon Dec 31 00:00:00 -0800 2012", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "11487807", "review_id": "cab70aadd395891700dc0249343c255b", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Where to begin this review? A lot of people like to highlight that Saladin's book is a nice break from Euro-centric fantasy, but to be honest, when you're reading it, that's not what you're paying attention to. What you're watching is the story and characters. Does Saladin deliver? \n Almost. \n We're presented with good characters and a classic but compelling tension. Something dark and evil is rising up, we have ghuls of all variety, a were-lion, a fighting dervish, magic, the mystery of the desert - where do we go wrong? \n For me, the problem was twofold. First, I don't think we had enough depth. The brush strokes are so broad that there's a lack of definition with some of the characters. This might just be an artifact of the fact that its the first book in the series, and Salidan plans on giving more depth later. \n My other problem with the story is that the end seemed a bit rushed. After so much time spent circling around the central mystery, the actual confrontation was a bit short and lackluster. Two sides meet and one walks away, in about as many words as this review will end up being. \n Don't get me wrong - I really enjoyed this book, and it was a fun read. My dissapointment is because I expected more from the book than it actually promised. I settled on four stars because I felt it was a 3 1/2 star book with a lot of potential to be more.", "date_added": "Tue May 01 19:39:41 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sat May 19 10:14:33 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Tue May 15 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Mon May 07 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "7378426", "review_id": "7d1752d604e1e24bf90b083145c7dc14", "rating": 4, "review_text": "If you read through the reviews for this book, they boil down to two camps - the haters and the lovers. I have to admit, I originally qualified as the former the first time I tried reading this book. The book initially feels like a transcript from a frat boy fantasy RPG, with a vibe that just left me disinterested. \n Time passed and the world turned, as they say, and I gave the book another shot. Read it in a week, and will probably try and get a hold of the sequel(s) at some point to boot (there's only one as I write this, but I think Sykes has mentioned that the third volume is already done). The book is a fantasy action lark without any redeeming quality, which is the first clue to the kind of reader that will enjoy this. If you loved Abercrombie's First Law books, but wished they had a metric ton more magic, then you'll probably enjoy Tome. The characters aren't really heroes or heroic, and yet by the end you understand what makes them tick (mostly), and why they are the crappy examples of morality that they are. \n Cons? \"Adventurers\" just sounds too much like we're describing a bunch of my fellow geeks on a Saturday night, and really shouldn't be in a self respecting book. Also, the book can be pretty evenly divided into the half where we think everyone's a jerk, and the half where we learn, one by one, what each character's motivating secret is. \n Pros - everything else. Don't go looking for a lost ballad and you'll have a blast. Watery tarts, magic fire, purple skinned warriors, elf-like pro-antagonists, demons, gates to hell, the works, all wrapped in a neat, tidy package.", "date_added": "Sun Mar 04 16:10:11 -0800 2012", "date_updated": "Mon Mar 12 14:32:41 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Mon Mar 12 14:32:41 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Sun Mar 04 00:00:00 -0800 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "8819761", "review_id": "da2f50a4252b2b81e0690318c68bdcfb", "rating": 5, "review_text": "When this series began, there were complaints from some reviewers that the destruction of Windwir seemed too inconsistent. Why did Neb survive, but not others? What was the nature of the destruction that it could raze the city, but leave random individuals untouched? At the time, I attributed this to the randomness of destructive nature - if you've ever looked at what did and didn't survive a tornado as it decimates a community, you know what I mean. \n Antiphon takes a stab at starting to give the rationale in the context of the Nine Lands, and yeah, I didn't see that coming :) \n Antiphon is a worthy continuation of the Psalms of Isaak, in what can only be described now as a science fiction epic, shrouded in fantasy, with the drapery of steampunk and the trappings of...fantasy. Bah. Post-apocalyptic apocalyptic fiction? \n Whatever classification system you use, I call it a good fun read. Probably not the best place to dive into the story, still a great read. Enjoyed it!", "date_added": "Thu Mar 01 20:36:28 -0800 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Mar 27 06:28:17 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Mon Mar 26 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Mon Mar 12 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "11783484", "review_id": "8e6eb4e84047f530876a33a38447e700", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Imagine everyone woke up one day to discover that magic was very much real again. As with so much in our modern life, the first reaction of the government would be to regulate it, to determine what the best uses of that magic was for the welfare of the nation - and what magics would be considered safe, and what magics would be prohibited. \n Welcome to the world of Shadow Ops: Control Point. Oscar Britton is your average enlisted grunt, bagging and tagging people that have manifested prohibited, or \"Probe\" talents, keeping America safe from one latent to probe at a time. What happens when this good guy suddenly finds himself marked a probe as his latent magic power manifests itself unexpectedly in a discipline that is forbidden (though outside his control)? \n He runs. \n As a concept, I think Cole has a good formula here. Magic meets military fantasy in a contemporary landscape? What's not to love in this comic book like milieu that is so reminiscent of Marvel and DC copyrights? \n The proof is in the pudding, as they say, and its in the execution that we find the lumps. The world building is as solid as needed - why magic suddenly exists is as much of a mystery to the characters as to us, and that's fine. The fact that Cole chose to set this in our modern world relieves the burden of painting an extremely rich picture to convince us with. We already know the setting, which leaves us with only the unknowns to deal with - the characters and the magic. With the world so easily established, its really in the strength of the characters and the magic they wield that we rely on to entertain us. \n For the magic, its rather simple and easy to grasp. You either come up with magic at some point in your life, or you don't. If you do, its in one of a few defined talents, most of which seem to be centered around control of the Greek elementals - water, fire, air, earth, and spirit (life, death, etc.). The prohibited magics are a little less well defined, but at least we don't have mixed talents (that we know of?). There doesn't seem to be any penalty to using the magic (weakness, inflammation, etc.), but it also isn't easily or quickly mastered. Simple and sweet and easy to follow once you understand the terminology that Cole bandies around. \n But the characters, like with any summer eye candy, is where I got hung up with in this novel. Even in the context of the story, Oscar's waffling at whether he's a team player or being beaten down was annoyingly inconsistent. Either track would have been fine, but I needed something to rally behind, and I didn't get that from Oscar. I found many of the other characters in the book equally baffling, leaving me wanting. This is probably just hindsight, but it seemed that there were chapters during the span of which Oscar would change his mind on whether he was committed to the cause, to and fro, multiple times. \n So, great concept, and perfect if you have an afternoon or two to kill and want a little magic versus assault chopper action. Myke's a really nice guy, so I have high hopes that the sequel will cast off the training wheels that were so evident in this first novel.", "date_added": "Tue Feb 07 10:10:08 -0800 2012", "date_updated": "Sat Jul 07 11:46:01 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Thu Jun 28 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Sat Jun 23 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "106", "review_id": "abc2cdcbf0176757cae894488079568d", "rating": 3, "review_text": "I had tried reading this years ago and had a hard time with it - this time I read it in three days :) This sequel to Dune takes place not long after that seminal work, with Paul and Alia at the head of the new Imperium. I was surprised when reading this how tight Herbert's writing was. It was a quick read because Herbert didn't waste time on details that weren't germaine to the moment, which might put off some readers. If Kyle MacLachlan pops in your head when you think Paul Atreides, approach with caution. This Maud'Dib is a ruler, stuck with all of the problems and dilemmas a super powered emperor with a wife, mistress, and a back from the dead friend would expect to face.", "date_added": "Tue Jan 31 04:46:03 -0800 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Feb 02 19:33:53 -0800 2012", "read_at": "Thu Feb 02 19:33:53 -0800 2012", "started_at": "Tue Jan 31 00:00:00 -0800 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "6766638", "review_id": "b4ace73c8d1e69f9ee1520c7939dd05f", "rating": 5, "review_text": "*wow* \n Somewhat reminiscent of Enemy Mine, this first book was a fast paced, fun read. If you like your sci-fi to have aliens, fighting, and a lone human trapped in the middle of it all, you've come to the right place.", "date_added": "Tue Jan 24 15:53:52 -0800 2012", "date_updated": "Fri Jan 27 21:05:12 -0800 2012", "read_at": "Fri Jan 27 21:05:12 -0800 2012", "started_at": "Tue Jan 24 00:00:00 -0800 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "10579099", "review_id": "a5e7fcbd64e12cae75c9c0df63811cee", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Dragon's exist. Descended from alchemically altered knights, the Slayers know this to be true. Now a diverse group of teens that includes Tori, a smart but spoiled senator's daughter, must prepare to save the rest of us at any cost. Because after laying dormant for centuries, the dragon eggs are ready to hatch. \n \"Slayers\" is the first book in this YA series by C.J. Hill, the noms de plume of a YA romance writer with 18 other books published. The writing of \"Slayers\" is generally tight, the pace and action following an escalating pace, but the book is not without its faults. Reading \"Slayers,\" one gets the impression that the author wasn't completely comfortable breaking away from romance novels. At inconvenient and even inappropriate times, the action is interrupted with spurious romantic observations and thoughts. \n I have no problem with the fact that there is romance in the story - only with the odd way it interrupts the action, sometimes literally in mid-fight having the protagonist wonder if so-and-so likes her, and maybe he'll kiss her? Its as though the author tried to merge two different stories, or went back through to add the romantic elements to flesh out the story after the fact. Because while both the action and the romance are well written, they don't mesh well together, leaving the reading a bit disjointed. \n All that said, the story has potential. There is a temporary resolution in the story and we are left with enough nuggets to know that the story will continue. I only hope its handled better. \n Readers of YA fiction looking for something new and contemporary, but with fantasy elements, will enjoy this novel. With a title like \"Slayers,\" I had envisioned something more like Buffy vs. dragons instead of vampires, an expectation that tainted my appreciation for the story.", "date_added": "Mon Sep 26 10:36:17 -0700 2011", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 30 09:00:14 -0700 2011", "read_at": "Sun Oct 23 00:00:00 -0700 2011", "started_at": "Mon Sep 26 00:00:00 -0700 2011", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "11534333", "review_id": "a058fd9d4e93603346cd12dcdab9e118", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Hellbent was my first foray into the world's of Cherie Priest. I've heard wonderful things about her steampunk series, the Clockwork Century, but of her vampire series, beginning with Bloodshot, I'd heard very little. \n Let me put that to rest. \n If you're just looking for all that glitters, this isn't the spot. Nor is Priest's take on vampires entirely horrific, though. What she is is blunt and snarky and very engaging. \n You can almost forget that Ray (Raylene) is a vampire, except maybe when she's rescuing a kitten that's tracked through a crime scene because its paws smell so good, what with all that fresh blood. Ray is a thief. A very, very good thief, who's hired to track down some magical artifacts and relive their current owner of them. The maniac witch that's threatening to bring down heaven and hell with them is just a complication in the plan, right? \n The other major plot threads of the novel center around blind Ian (another vampire) and his former House, and Adrian's (a human) search for what happened to his sister. While a lot of the historical details to these plots is left unsaid, enough context was given (and even an outright \"This is what happened before\" blurt) that you didn't feel lost if you hadn't read the first book. It also didn't feel like Priest overly did the recap, as most of it was up front early on, letting the story progress on its own from there. \n Hellbent was a splendid mix of action and comedy, and of course magic, vampires, ghouls, and some tasty, bloody kitten paws. Probably a few too many jokes about the objects Ray is hired to steal (I'd hate to be the one to reveal that spoiler), but other than that a solid, fun read.", "date_added": "Tue Sep 13 17:04:13 -0700 2011", "date_updated": "Mon Sep 26 14:06:57 -0700 2011", "read_at": "Sat Sep 24 00:00:00 -0700 2011", "started_at": "Tue Sep 13 00:00:00 -0700 2011", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "6101718", "review_id": "cd8473b731a9f64f4d762e0261045f0a", "rating": 2, "review_text": "I'm a little late in reading this, I realize - the sequel is now out, and here I am just getting to it. I remember when \"The Magicians\" came out, critics likened it to \"Harry Potter, but with older kids.\" Of course, the fans called it \"Harry Potter, but with older kids!\" I guess it was whether you used an exclamation mark that made the difference. \n Personally, I found the novel a little uneven. Prior to going off to magic university, I liked the protagonist, Quentin. At school he was a jerk, but ok, not following some of your decisions or comments, a little out of the blue, but I can move along past the angst of entering a new world. By the end of the book I cared less and less about his choices, what he was doing, or even why. I cared more for the secondary characters than for Quentin, and I never got that emotional bond that's supposed to tie you to book and make it impossible to put down. \n The coolest part of the book was the laying out of the Narnia like story the characters grew up with, and then interacting with the real thing. But even here the story was uneven. Some of it was the gritty underbelly of a pseudo-Narnia you know is lurking in the shadows, but then it stopped and became all quick brushstrokes again, glossing over any sense of depth and leaving it all feeling hollow. \n The parts of this novel that were good, were really, really good. Sadly, the parts that weren't dragged this down a couple of stars in my opinion.", "date_added": "Sat Aug 13 06:47:03 -0700 2011", "date_updated": "Sat Aug 20 13:04:43 -0700 2011", "read_at": "Sat Aug 20 00:00:00 -0700 2011", "started_at": "Sat Aug 13 00:00:00 -0700 2011", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "9409469", "review_id": "e9246e4c8b4180d388d6f4e31dfe253b", "rating": 4, "review_text": "The third volume of the Seven Realms series, it really felt like Chima finally has settled into the story of Han and Raisa. Han must finally face the moment we've all waited for - when he discovers his friend and love interest Rebecca is in fact the Princess Heir Raisa of the Queendom of the Fells. \n Overwhelmingly, though, this is Raisa's volume. Friction and violence increase as the people trying to keep Raisa out of the way increase their efforts. \n Will they succeed? \n Of course not. This is a fantasy series, and we all know the heroine and hero ultimately will prevail to win the day. Right? Maybe. Not everything will go to plan as Raisa returns home in this volume. The action and pace of the third volume are more consistent, giving the reader a solid return for their investment in the series. My biggest complaint, and perhaps this isn't fair since the principal character is a sixteen year old girl, is the complete inconsistency in her feelings towards the men in her life. Its difficult to tell who we should be rooting for as a love interest when Raisa herself changes gears every few pages, from mooning over Amon, to Nightwalker, to Micah and Han. \n If you've read the other two volumes of this series, then you deserve this volume. The first half of the book is fast paced (I read the first 300 pages in a day) and will keep you on your toes. The second half of the book slows down, right about the point we realize that we are being set up for the fourth book. Although I think this was the best volume of the series so far, I'm only going to give it four stars - my socks weren't blown off, just mildly uncurled at a few points. I would have liked more from Han, and found the one chapter from Amon's perspective both refreshing and unexpected since no other non Han/Raisa character ranked their own chapter.", "date_added": "Wed Jun 29 17:53:59 -0700 2011", "date_updated": "Tue Aug 09 20:00:03 -0700 2011", "read_at": "Sat Aug 06 00:00:00 -0700 2011", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "7801229", "review_id": "04dd2867e9c022e0423f309291eb38c8", "rating": 4, "review_text": "The second volume of Chima's Seven Realms series begins right on the tail of volume one. Haunted by the loss of his mother and sister, Han heads south to study in Oden's Ford at Mystwerk House. But leaving the Fells doesn't mean leaving the danger behind, as Han quickly discovers when he learns that his fellow students include the Bayar twins, scions of the High Wizard. \n Meanwhile, Princess Raisa has escaped to Oden's Ford, looking to hide from those that would try and force her on a path that is not in her best interests. In Oden's Ford she lives an assumed identity, hiding from those that would force her into a marriage that would break the thousand year old laws that bind the Fells. \n The Exiled Queen is a story of false pretenses and politics, framed within the lives of Han (17) and Raisa (16). This second volume of the series starts off much more strongly than the first, and could easily be broached by readers new to the series. Chima does a great job of refreshing our memory of the plot points without too much backtracking, letting the story carry us forward on its own merits. \n The Exiled Queen is a solid volume in terms of story. The first book of the Seven Realms introduced us to these two characters, making it clear that they were going to be interlinked some day, but focussed largely on world building. This second volume explores their development as individuals, giving us more depth and intertwining their stories as individuals, focussing on character over scenery. Most of the time in Oden's Ford is glossed over with a few brush strokes, focussing instead on the characters thoughts and emotions. In each character we see the shade of the adults they will become developing, at the expense of the story at large moving along. \n For that, this book earns some criticisms. Where the first volume focussed on the world around the characters more than it did on the individuals within it, this second volume takes the exact opposite approach. As a consequence, the action is fairly predictable to anyone that's ever read a fantasy hero/heroine novel before. The state of affairs in the Seven Realms at the start of the book is the same as it is at the end of the book, with only a few pawns moving around on the outskirts of the story. The real story is about us watching Han and Raisa make the decisions that will affect the rest of their lives.", "date_added": "Wed Jun 29 17:53:09 -0700 2011", "date_updated": "Sat Aug 06 15:33:50 -0700 2011", "read_at": "Tue Aug 02 00:00:00 -0700 2011", "started_at": "Sat Jul 23 00:00:00 -0700 2011", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "7479205", "review_id": "8c07310665bba41f1604f34e4216b296", "rating": 4, "review_text": "\"The Demon King\" is a novel from two disparate perspectives that eventually begin to weave together. We have Han Alister, who at sixteen years old is already a former thief and gang leader, trying to live his life honestly. But even when staying out of town, trouble still finds him, and before long he is tangling with wizards and getting into worse trouble than he ever did as a gang leader. \n The flip side of the novel follows Raisa, princess and soon to be heir to the Queendom of the Fells. Life isn't as sweet and simple as it should be for a princess as Raisa becomes more and more aware and involved in politics that are as old as the Queendom. The closer Raisa gets to her 16th birthday and \"Name Day,\" the more convinced she becomes of something running afoul in the Queendom. And somehow, her mother the Queen seems to be at the heart of it. \n First, the con. The novel makes so many allusions to past events and history in this first novels that I spent the first third of the book convinced that I had missed a preceding volume or even series. No such book existed, sadly, which makes it even more baffling. I understand the desire to start a story already in motion, so that the reader can discover the world of the characters. Sometimes, that works. Sometimes, it doesn't. In this case, it almost didn't work. \n However, if you can plow forward in the book, things will snap together and start to make sense. As soon as they do, the book is a rush of action and revelation even when it quickly becomes evident that there is going to be little conclusion in this volume. The stories of Han and Raisa loosely weave together and apart in a way that will leave the reader eagerly anticipating the next page. And for every revelation we receive, there is a hint that we are only hearing a part of the story. \n This first volume of the Seven Realms offers a lot of promise, and I'm looking forward to reading the next volume to see if Chima pays off. If you're looking for a story with conflicting love interests, magic, and the threat of a kingdom spiraling into war, the first act of the Seven Realms series is a good place to start. Enjoy!", "date_added": "Wed Jun 29 17:50:39 -0700 2011", "date_updated": "Sat Jul 23 18:40:19 -0700 2011", "read_at": "Sat Jul 23 00:00:00 -0700 2011", "started_at": "Thu Jun 30 00:00:00 -0700 2011", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "8752885", "review_id": "a7b90ca6093a3930110f444def9b515d", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Its no small talent to find yourself sympathizing with a character that, when you take a step back, you know is a horrible example of humanity. The Dragon's Path delivered as an introduction to a new epic, though the entire 500+ page book felt more like the prelude to the story rather than the first chapter. If Abraham delivers with book two, that won't be a problem, but if not, well - that's why I gave it three stars. It was a fun read, but except for one plot line I spent most of the book wondering when it would pick up.", "date_added": "Fri Jun 10 12:06:47 -0700 2011", "date_updated": "Sat Jun 25 15:55:37 -0700 2011", "read_at": "Sat Jun 25 00:00:00 -0700 2011", "started_at": "Fri Jun 10 00:00:00 -0700 2011", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "8752906", "review_id": "1a9348bbd585df4e09d12ab8ce0e689e", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Shadow's Lure is the second book of Sprunk's Shadow Saga, following the debut of \"Shadow's Son\" last year (2010). In this volume, we return to Othir immediately after the events of \"Shadow's Son\" as Caim heads north, looking for answers to his past and the murder of his parents. What he finds is a land under the grip of the Shadow, personified in the witch Sybelle and the hints of shadow born magic that darken the land. Meanwhile, Josey, as Empress, is struggling with the politics of a land that seems beset with chaos, not to mention assassins out to remove her. And then there's the fae Kit, who early in the book is whisked away from Caim as she has to deal with her own troubles. \n \"Shadow's Lure\" needs to be read in sequence with the rest of the series, unfortunately. Sprunk gives the new reader nothing to identify with with the characters, plunging the reader into a world where the three main characters have very little direct interaction with one another. readers coming to this book directly from the end of book one, though, will appreciate that this book picks up within days of the first book. \n Sprunk keeps the secrets of his world at bay, giving us only hints and suggestions. For now, this is enough, though the third book, \"Shadow's Master,\" has a lot of promises to deliver on. Sprunk's books will appeal to the sword and sorcery fans - assassins, magic, and action litter the novel, leaving very little room for the doldrums to creep in.", "date_added": "Wed Apr 27 05:04:54 -0700 2011", "date_updated": "Mon Oct 24 04:13:10 -0700 2011", "read_at": "Wed Oct 19 00:00:00 -0700 2011", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "9766146", "review_id": "d574a516395b35107a929f5ba6250971", "rating": 4, "review_text": "As readers of epic fantasy, we are spoiled. We've come to expect that anything labeled epic must be epic in all regards. It must require epic feats of strength to carry it; it must be epic in length and effort to read it; it must have an epic length cast. Reading Erin Hoffman's debut novel, \"Sword of Fire and Sea,\" will be a shock to the system for most epic fantasy readers who haven't experienced fantasy from the recent batch of new to the scene fantasy authors. Hoffman employs an economy of words that is near terse - there are no wasted descriptions, no wasted scenes. \n As the blurb from Pyr goes, three generations ago Captain Vidarian Rulorat's great-grandfather gave up an imperial commission to marry a \n fire priestess. For love, he unwittingly obligated his descendants to an allegiance with the High Temple of Kara'zul, domain of the fire priestesses. Now Vidarian, the last surviving member of the Rulorat family, struggles to uphold his family's legacy. All of this, of course, is background, and this is about as much as is revealed in the novel itself. You can easily disregard the rest of the back flap's description of the book, because the book quickly changes course more than once as you weave through the story. Hoffman does a great job of keeping you turning those pages, though, so that it isn't until the novel is done and you glance at the back of the cover that you remember to ask yourself, whatever happened with that plot point? \n For a time of the year when the northern hemisphere fantasy readers are looking for \"beach books,\" preferably something shorter than the tomes the likes of Rothfuss and Sanderson are putting out (which are great, but ruin your tan by blocking out the sun as you struggle to hold a thousand page monstrosity up and turn the page), Hoffman's debut will be a fun delight. \n My only complaint about the novel, and I'm phrasing this so it isn't a spoiler, is - really? \"Correctamundo?\" \"See you later, alligator?\" You've got a lot of explaining to do, Ms. Hoffman :)", "date_added": "Wed Apr 27 05:04:23 -0700 2011", "date_updated": "Mon Jun 06 09:03:20 -0700 2011", "read_at": "Fri Jun 03 00:00:00 -0700 2011", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 4, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "7684939", "review_id": "83d2e33d6f12ee186f0a20409af5250e", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Before I even get into my review of this book, I should explain my past with this series. I first tried getting into the Shadows of the Apt series when book one, \"Empire in Black and Gold,\" came out - tried, and failed. I thought the ideas were interesting, but the execution was a little too predictable even for me, and I gave up. I watched as successive novels came out, each one sounding awesome. I even read a few short stories set in this world of the Apt, but I never tried to go back to the full series. \n And then book five fell into my hands. I could still remember the characters and world setting from the first book, but would that be enough for me to get through \"The Scarab Path\"? Just barely, and now I know I've missed out on some awesome reading. Comparing book one to book five, it's easy to see Tchaikovsky's growth and maturation as a writer. The action scenes are well paced, and there are plenty of them. But this isn't just an excuse to chronicle some series of RPG born campaigns - there is no want on violence, and every scene serves to further the plot. \n The only drawback of this novel is that it doesn't work as a stand alone story. If you've only read the back covers of the other four in the series, you know about the rise of the Wasp empire, and how by the end of book four the Wasps were halted, at least for now. In that respect, this novel is a new direction for the series. But without at least a basic familiarity of the cast involved, the Scarab Path would be confusing to navigate. Many names are just casually referred to, even when critical to the plot. In this novel we bring back Che and Thalric as our principal view point characters, with a mix of new and old supporting cast to round out the story narration. The story is set in the distant city of Khanaphes, a city consigned to myth where a strange kinden of beetles live their lives according to the laws of their mysteriously absent Masters. Che is there to find answers to the confusing questions she was left with at the end of the last book. And where Che goes, others will follow, all suspecting secret strategy in her visit to such a remote corner of the Nem desert. \n \"The Scarab Path\" was a good read that kept me up late reading often. Its always fun to read a book that is so stock full of high magic (the Art of the Apt can be described no other way) but where the characters are blind to it, seeing only the fantastical of the rare low (Inapt)magic. A wonderful blend of steampunk and epic fantasy, \"The Scarab Path\" makes a good addition to the Shadows of the Apt series.", "date_added": "Wed Apr 27 05:03:41 -0700 2011", "date_updated": "Fri May 27 14:52:49 -0700 2011", "read_at": "Wed May 25 00:00:00 -0700 2011", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "10301749", "review_id": "fa798166cce06309508b22642f55cde2", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Pevel returns to seventeenth century France in this second novel of the Cardinal's Blades. A new threat rises to threaten the future of France. La Donna, an Italian spy known for her subterfuge and intrigue and, of course, inescapable and beguiling beauty, possesses information of a plot against the King and is willing to share it, for a price. \n As a French adventure story that is supposed to remind us of Dumas - if Alexandre had had a penchant for dragons, dragonnettes, and dracs running rampant in the streets of Paris and the French countryside alongside the musketeers, that is - Pevel succeeds. \n There is a flavor to this novel that is very reminiscent of nineteenth century adventure \n novels, doused liberally with fantasy elements. This novel isn't without its difficulties, though. As a sequel, it stumbles a little. Certain revelations from the first book are largely ignored in this sequel, a flaw that only can be overlooked thanks to stronger writing on Pevel's part. The reader has to be prepared to do a little bit of work as Pevel traces a path through Paris street by street in what can be a confusing list of streets. Pevel, like Dumas (but sometimes without the same grace), suffers the crime of random information dumps, which mire this story in unnecessary complexity at times. Too much information, especially when revealed in a story utilizing the third person omniscience of the all knowing, all seeing, all explaining author, lends a detachment to the reader that makes it difficult to invest fully in the characters. \n \"The Alchemist in the Shadows\" is a good read, but you may have to \n work for it a little bit. .", "date_added": "Wed Apr 27 05:03:28 -0700 2011", "date_updated": "Thu May 26 17:14:05 -0700 2011", "read_at": "Wed May 11 00:00:00 -0700 2011", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "7992995", "review_id": "1795aad4433a53c2e218e828ca0349c8", "rating": 5, "review_text": "** spoiler alert ** \n \"Eon\", the first book of this series, did a fantastic job of givingthe reader glimpses of something deeper to the story, then taunting usby keeping it a foot out of reach. Does the sequel live up to the first volume? \n For the most part, yes. \"Eona\" is the counter to it's predecessor, aconstant torrent of action and motion that rapidly drives the readerto the conclusion, which is really a shame. So many authors these days seem to perpetuate a series long past the point it should have ended, dragging their readership along because, as readers, they've already invested so much into it. If anything, though, Alison Goodman doesn't draw the story out long enough. \n This sequel begins hot on the tail of the first book. Eona has just realized the truth of her dragon, but she is still untrained. Sethon has named himself emperor, and Eona's only hope at mastering herselfand her power lies in Ido, the Dragoneye responsible for all of the destruction. \"Eona\" dashes off from there, as Kygo struggles to secure the empire from his uncle, while Eona learns the secret of both her ancestor and the String of Pearls. Along the way, Eona learns what sheneeds to. \n Goodman does too good a job though - even as we narrow in on the final pages, you can't help but wish there was another volume or three to the story. I don't believe we ever got a satisfactory answer about the compass, and Goodman's world is certainly rich enough that you want to spend more time in it. If you enjoyed Eon, you'll enjoy this conclusion.", "date_added": "Wed Apr 27 05:03:05 -0700 2011", "date_updated": "Thu May 26 17:17:13 -0700 2011", "read_at": "Mon May 09 00:00:00 -0700 2011", "started_at": "Wed Apr 27 00:00:00 -0700 2011", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "2986865", "review_id": "418d5de23e1ea574fe6fd4e288a1bea5", "rating": 0, "review_text": "Good read! I'm looking forward to getting my hands on the arc so I can review this for YAFantasyGuide.com. As with all \"epic fantasy\" novels, it isn't whether we can read what the author telegraphs us in advance (no spoilers, but if you read this and don't see some things coming, bah!) - but its the anticipation and reveal that makes it worth it. Certainly a worthy read.", "date_added": "Thu Mar 31 06:09:03 -0700 2011", "date_updated": "Mon Apr 04 18:01:30 -0700 2011", "read_at": "Sun Apr 03 00:00:00 -0700 2011", "started_at": "Thu Mar 31 00:00:00 -0700 2011", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "6435253", "review_id": "aaf87a030498e8757d85996c4b7da790", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Lamentation, in my opinion, was a little rough to start off, but by the end you knew you had a decent tale you were dealing with. Certainly a good show for a debut. Canticle takes that precipice that Lamentation left off on and just hurls you into the stratosphere. It feels like you are constantly pumped up on scout magicks as the novel races across the landscape of the Nine Lands (and a glimpse beyond). Book two of the arc is largely a book of reveals, where our perception of the characters doesn't change much (much), but what we know of the world around them grows a lot. While its hard to say whether its critical to have read this book yet for its reveals versus the scope of the series, if you enjoyed Lamentation, really, how could you not read it? (plus, *I* gave it 4 stars. Surely that counts for something!)", "date_added": "Wed Mar 09 11:43:56 -0800 2011", "date_updated": "Sun Mar 20 06:26:09 -0700 2011", "read_at": "Sat Mar 19 00:00:00 -0700 2011", "started_at": "Wed Mar 09 00:00:00 -0800 2011", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "47212", "review_id": "8bd69c350ac8ae6b78ab913d65dc6587", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I picked up the first book of the Dresden Files mostly because I was tired of friends - even people I respected - who said the books were really good. I'd seen the SciFi channel adaption, and frankly, hadn't been impressed. As it turns out, for good reason, since the SciFi channel version paled in comparison to the real thing, except for some names and professions. The book was a fun, quick read. Butcher's no Tolstoy - but then, when you're reading about wizards in Chicago, do you really want a Tolstoy telling the story? I intended to read the rest of the series now, and would even go so far as to recommend it :) So thank you Dan, E, and anyone else that said I should give it a whirl.", "date_added": "Wed Mar 02 20:42:56 -0800 2011", "date_updated": "Wed Mar 09 08:09:17 -0800 2011", "read_at": "Wed Mar 09 00:00:00 -0800 2011", "started_at": "Wed Mar 02 00:00:00 -0800 2011", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "6065215", "review_id": "2027989ab3bbc03532b827b229185fd1", "rating": 2, "review_text": "Let me see if I can do this without giving away spoilers, ie, stick only to the info that's already relayed on the back cover. The writing is bad, it moves along at a nice pace, which is why the novel got the stars it got. My problem with it is I spent the first quarter of the novel thinking I'd heard this story, or something similar to it, before - and I had, in Stephen King's short \"The Night Flyer.\" The rest of the novel read like a loose modernization of the classic Brahm Stoker, which for a vampire novel isn't unexpected, but still, I'd been hoping for something a little more. You can definitely see Del Toro's influence in the vignettes that are interspersed through the novel, which are very movie-like in their quick glimpses. But there were no major surprises or seat gripping moments, either. Good for a beach read or home sick.", "date_added": "Wed Mar 02 20:42:32 -0800 2011", "date_updated": "Fri Mar 04 11:51:47 -0800 2011", "read_at": "Fri Mar 04 00:00:00 -0800 2011", "started_at": "Wed Mar 02 00:00:00 -0800 2011", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "6703145", "review_id": "306b9234a091c8f9b18b4288624c1ba1", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Spellwright is the introductory novel of Nicodemus, a young aspiring wizard who has been branded a cacographer because of his disability. Simply put, he has magical dyslexia - in a world where spells are visible as strings of floating, physical text, a mere touch by Nicodemus can cause a spell to be misspelled, gaining new meaning and often as not warping it from simple to potentially dangerous. \n As with many fantasy novels, there is a prophesy, and depending on interpretation Nicodemus could be a savior - or the equivalent of the antichrist. \n I have to confess, I've wanted to read this book since it came out a few years ago, and anticipation breeds its own expectations that reality can rarely match. As is oft said, I wish Goodreads would let us use 1/2 stars. Charlton's book is right on the cusp between 3 and 4 stars, but ultimately I couldn't round up. \n The cons, for me, were twofold. First, mechanically, I found the text to be agonizing to follow in some places. It is almost worst that this is an inconsistant problem, because the rest of the time you can get a sense of Charlton's emerging voice. Future books will not suffer this problem, and you can tell. Charlton can tell a story, but that fact is buried in this first novel, and only shining on occasion. \n Secondly, and perhaps this is another writing advancement that will come in the future, there are far too many info dumps. In fact, this book is an amazing example of show, don't tell. There are so many cases where if Blake had stepped back and given pause, he could have demonstrated his point, leaving the reader to \"discover\" the truth on their own (and therefore feel both a minor sense of accomplishment, as well as feel more involved in the story). \n I read the book in five days, with a real life interrupting. In my world, that means the book was a quick read, so caveat lector.", "date_added": "Sun Jan 09 17:53:46 -0800 2011", "date_updated": "Tue May 29 05:26:07 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Tue May 29 05:26:07 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Thu May 24 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "3754026", "review_id": "866d1ca592b95890e72e909039f63393", "rating": 4, "review_text": "AWESOME. This trilogy certainly doesn't get the popular attention it deserves. While other popular fantasy authors get touted for their complex magic systems, Weeks dives in with characters and plows straight through with action and a little emotional tugging to give you a satisfying read. Please don't take my stars on this series compared to past recommendations as valuing this book less - I've been too liberal with stars in the past, and this series deserves top notches. Think epic fantasy without the million cast member, 20 volume set.", "date_added": "Sat Aug 28 06:07:58 -0700 2010", "date_updated": "Wed Dec 15 15:21:43 -0800 2010", "read_at": "Wed Dec 15 00:00:00 -0800 2010", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "3754016", "review_id": "ed63e251366dab13ebaea49e47d0f27e", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Weeks is awesome, that's all I can say. Fantasy full of magic and swords (but oddly, not swords and sorcery ;) ), the middle book in this series takes the decent start book one gave us and catapults you into a streamlined epic fantasy. Awesome fun brain candy that isn't caught up in how cool it is.", "date_added": "Sat Aug 28 06:07:55 -0700 2010", "date_updated": "Wed Dec 15 05:55:54 -0800 2010", "read_at": "Mon Dec 06 00:00:00 -0800 2010", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "7165300", "review_id": "cd4e03961b016436dbc0857f6e505593", "rating": 5, "review_text": "How to do this without spoiling? It has a maa-aap... \n Seriously, this was a good old fashioned fun read. Weeks hit his stride from the gates, giving a pace that never lagged or left you wondering when the next interesting chapter was going to be. So go, and enjoy it or something!", "date_added": "Mon Aug 23 12:37:02 -0700 2010", "date_updated": "Sat Aug 28 06:07:07 -0700 2010", "read_at": "Sat Aug 28 00:00:00 -0700 2010", "started_at": "Mon Aug 23 00:00:00 -0700 2010", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "2767793", "review_id": "a0eda1e3da079acf0b1edf93e11a7b83", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Sadly, I found the third book a little disappointing. The first half of the book spent far more time than it should have trying to bring everyone up to speed, leaving the last half feeling a bit rushed. There were reveals, and things you wondered about this world were finally explained, but the good moments were evenly balanced out by the droll, leaving me with a 3 star review where I expected to give better.", "date_added": "Fri Jul 16 08:57:34 -0700 2010", "date_updated": "Mon Aug 23 12:35:33 -0700 2010", "read_at": "Thu Aug 19 00:00:00 -0700 2010", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "68429", "review_id": "f0ca07b21cf720ed42d4df7846fd1ca6", "rating": 5, "review_text": "You read fantasy like this for the action, the excitement, the pace. \n Well of Ascension does not disappoint. Part 5 alone is worth the whole book. If you the first one in the series was ok/good, the second is worth reading. 'nuff said.", "date_added": "Fri Jul 16 08:57:10 -0700 2010", "date_updated": "Thu Jul 22 13:47:11 -0700 2010", "read_at": "Thu Jul 22 00:00:00 -0700 2010", "started_at": "Fri Jul 16 00:00:00 -0700 2010", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "944076", "review_id": "2f74a4b05f98b19b787eb620635e089e", "rating": 3, "review_text": "A solid conclusion to the trilogy, Abercrombie did a nice job of bringing this story to a close with just enough loose ends for future additions. Not the place to start reading Abercrombie, but a much more active read than book two.", "date_added": "Fri Jul 16 07:47:09 -0700 2010", "date_updated": "Sun Jan 09 17:51:33 -0800 2011", "read_at": "", "started_at": "Mon Aug 23 00:00:00 -0700 2010", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "902715", "review_id": "2cef01643873fe995db131df3c7d0ccf", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Perhaps not as whiz bang as the first book in the trilogy, Before They Are Hanged was still a good read. As with any trilogy, this book was more about the getting from point A (book 1) to point B (book 3, presumably, where there is resolution), full of nice bits of action and the building up of tension for the third book.", "date_added": "Sat Jul 10 11:33:35 -0700 2010", "date_updated": "Fri Jul 16 07:46:29 -0700 2010", "read_at": "Fri Jul 16 00:00:00 -0700 2010", "started_at": "Sat Jul 10 00:00:00 -0700 2010", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "2992765", "review_id": "7058740af8840ff477fd176c4a4fa9a3", "rating": 1, "review_text": "I'm 2 or 3 chapters into the book. Hoping the horrific data drops stop soon. \n [update] \n I just can't do it. The book is beyond my ken for enjoyability.", "date_added": "Tue Jul 06 15:47:04 -0700 2010", "date_updated": "Wed Dec 15 15:23:47 -0800 2010", "read_at": "", "started_at": "Tue Jul 06 00:00:00 -0700 2010", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "68428", "review_id": "f0f84f7a4e7a1f1e1387bddb2a9ae056", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I've tried to read a few Sanderson books, but this is the first I've actually followed through all the way. While slow to start (beginnings, although not exposition full, are a little awkward/slow to build), Sanderson provides a stunningly well thought out magic system (something he's known for and for good reason), as well as high paced, well written fantasy action. If the beginning of the book had captivated me a little quicker I would have given it all five stars, but as it is I was still more than happy with the book.", "date_added": "Sun Jul 04 16:24:17 -0700 2010", "date_updated": "Sat Jul 10 11:31:15 -0700 2010", "read_at": "Fri Jul 09 00:00:00 -0700 2010", "started_at": "Sun Jul 04 00:00:00 -0700 2010", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "478f3accbbb16d817fd90732215b6391", "book_id": "7235533", "review_id": "7198a0c42aed786d11c32c730faa2d82", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Let's see if I can do this without spoilers. \n Some reviewers have complained that there were characters who's arc's were too predictable. Sit back and ask yourself, why are you reading an epic scope fantasy novel? Is it because you expect arc's to break the mold? Or because you're looking for a fresh story that follows certain guidelines and then runs wild? Epic fantasies garner certain expectations, and this book is no different. \n Sanderson's first book in the series isn't necessarily the best piece of fantasy out there (sorry), but it plays to your expectations perfectly and with enough excitement to keep the pace going throughout the book. It took me a bit longer than normal to slough through this 1000 page behemoth, but I finished it happily and asking questions that we all know the next book won't answer. \n Well played, Mr. Sanderson. \n Fantasy readers preferring large scale stories (though not necessarily with large casts) will enjoy this book.", "date_added": "Sun Jul 04 13:08:40 -0700 2010", "date_updated": "Thu Nov 26 14:35:44 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Fri Oct 29 00:00:00 -0700 2010", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "fd379cf294fc1937e41f3f7df3c9eabe", "book_id": "30183", "review_id": "c373dc933d479b37800d2f783830f326", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I absolutely loved this book, it is a great precursor for the rest of the series. Though at the same time, I can't see how its going to last what like 11 books? But I'm excited to find out :)", "date_added": "Wed Jun 20 16:19:37 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Nov 11 18:37:16 -0800 2012", "read_at": "Tue Nov 06 00:00:00 -0800 2012", "started_at": "Sat Oct 27 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "fd379cf294fc1937e41f3f7df3c9eabe", "book_id": "1", "review_id": "6ac83f76db4557c21311a94fc6c6f90d", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I absolutely loved the entire HP series.", "date_added": "Wed Jun 20 16:16:23 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Apr 30 02:35:05 -0700 2014", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "92b4a378f7007946263f655b23b6f639", "book_id": "2248573", "review_id": "9c9d1d8ad76ae8b6d77a395f9d67bc66", "rating": 3, "review_text": "I was in great anticipation of this book. It took me longer than what i thought it would to finish it. For me it started off alittle slow and focused alot around Eragons cousin Roran. There was only 1 real battle through which nothing happened. The book picked up towards the end and then it was really good, I couldnt put it down at that point. There was alot of information that was given to the reader that they never would've come up with on there own. There was one major twist and that was it. I found out at the end of the book that there's gonna be a fourth and final book in this series. I was truly glad to read about that because i wasnt happy with the ending to this book. I will be in anticipation for the final book because thats where everything will come to a final ending. \n Until then!", "date_added": "Thu Oct 23 12:27:03 -0700 2008", "date_updated": "Fri Dec 19 11:38:41 -0800 2008", "read_at": "Thu Dec 18 00:00:00 -0800 2008", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "92b4a378f7007946263f655b23b6f639", "book_id": "444304", "review_id": "3833f5c020d9fdba13515200f940bb14", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Somebody on here told me to read this book and at first i was apprehensive about it but i enjoyed it. I was upset that it ended where it did and now i have to get the other books to find out how it continues, but it was an adventurous childrens series book. It kept my adult mind wondering also. I recommend this book to children and to young adults who like fantasy books. I will definitly be reading the rest of this series. \n P.S. The movie was cute too!", "date_added": "Sat Oct 18 14:10:09 -0700 2008", "date_updated": "Thu Oct 23 12:14:27 -0700 2008", "read_at": "Wed Oct 01 00:00:00 -0700 2008", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "92b4a378f7007946263f655b23b6f639", "book_id": "21787", "review_id": "5df6b3a90af349eeb1ae400e1d1e8bf3", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I liked the book so much more than the movie. There was so much more detail than what you got from the movie. A fairy tale none the less but a fairy tale that adults can enjoy.", "date_added": "Wed Aug 06 15:10:11 -0700 2008", "date_updated": "Wed Aug 06 15:12:01 -0700 2008", "read_at": "Tue Apr 01 00:00:00 -0700 2008", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "92b4a378f7007946263f655b23b6f639", "book_id": "460328", "review_id": "f86eb33e492384ffd64a288fe31dbd48", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I enjoyed this book! The author catches you from the beginning and holds it until the end. I'm not big on fantasies but this one was great. I laughed,cried,and even found myself get alittle irritated throughout this book. \n I recommend this to any female who likes a little fantasy every now and then!", "date_added": "Thu May 22 16:42:38 -0700 2008", "date_updated": "Mon Aug 04 16:45:16 -0700 2008", "read_at": "Mon Aug 04 00:00:00 -0700 2008", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "92b4a378f7007946263f655b23b6f639", "book_id": "43763", "review_id": "29a0cf0d865f3729e8bdd5bc9dc8abea", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I started this book already having seen the movie and pretty much knowing what was gonna happen. However,although the movie was a visual for the book it was so different. There were so many different points in the book than the movie. The ending wasn't the same as the movie and they changed a few things for the movie. I enjoyed the book more than the movie. \n The relationship between Lestat,Louis and Claudia was powerful. It lasted throughout the book. The need for companionship during the times and for the type of people they were was emotional. The visuals that the book gave were vivid. \n I recommend this book to people who love a good vampire story.", "date_added": "Thu May 22 16:42:09 -0700 2008", "date_updated": "Wed Jul 30 12:54:29 -0700 2008", "read_at": "Sat Jul 26 00:00:00 -0700 2008", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "92b4a378f7007946263f655b23b6f639", "book_id": "136251", "review_id": "9dc36f56a8eb6850b10395b319df50fb", "rating": 5, "review_text": "This whole series was very good. From beginning to the end i couldn't wait for the next ones to come out. This was an excellent end to that series. I won't say what happened incase someone hasn't read it and wants to but WOW!", "date_added": "Sun Apr 13 15:37:58 -0700 2008", "date_updated": "Fri Jun 27 13:43:38 -0700 2008", "read_at": "Mon Jan 01 00:00:00 -0800 2007", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "92b4a378f7007946263f655b23b6f639", "book_id": "1", "review_id": "2854848d391515cca09adaf58f9ede4f", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Almost over. I don't think i can handle the suspense of wondering what is going to happen.", "date_added": "Sun Apr 13 15:37:35 -0700 2008", "date_updated": "Mon Apr 28 04:13:36 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Sun Jan 01 00:00:00 -0800 2006", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "92b4a378f7007946263f655b23b6f639", "book_id": "2", "review_id": "e1fc27565b4e9c10c2a41a7ae867016c", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I have nothing bad to say about the Harry Potter series. I love every book and couldn't wait for the others. Too bad they must end", "date_added": "Sun Apr 13 15:37:11 -0700 2008", "date_updated": "Fri Jun 27 16:34:45 -0700 2008", "read_at": "Mon Jan 01 00:00:00 -0800 2007", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "92b4a378f7007946263f655b23b6f639", "book_id": "3", "review_id": "5a0ae2473743d3c68b92e911644ed724", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Reading this series made me feel like a child again. I was excited in this first book. I watched the movies before i read this book and was happy that i did. I had face to the characters. I knew who they were and it made the books so much better to have an actual visual. The books had so much more in them then the movies did but the movies were good too!", "date_added": "Sun Apr 13 15:34:40 -0700 2008", "date_updated": "Fri Jun 27 16:46:23 -0700 2008", "read_at": "Sun Jan 01 00:00:00 -0800 2006", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "92b4a378f7007946263f655b23b6f639", "book_id": "2337147", "review_id": "7a41b5cd116ca0471a23a20a653ad537", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I thought it was a very good book. I was alittle bored with it around the middle and skimmed through it alittle but it picked up again. Macguire gave an insight to the life of the wicked witch. He gave her a voice and made you see the story from a different perspective. I felt bad for the witch.", "date_added": "Wed Apr 02 16:23:25 -0700 2008", "date_updated": "Fri May 02 09:52:18 -0700 2008", "read_at": "Mon Apr 28 00:00:00 -0700 2008", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "144ca9947d2cac5fa8d09f8854beeb7b", "book_id": "82192", "review_id": "a1c2f77e28e59124c7e7612362d6deb3", "rating": 5, "review_text": "My husband recommended this book. I wasn't so sure I could get into the fantasy/\"Arthurian saga\" stuff. Once I started, and came to know Mary Stewart's cast of characters, I could NOT put the book down! Loved learning more about the derivation of my son's name while enjoying an excellent tale of love, battles, missteps, diplomacy, servitude, honor, and legend.", "date_added": "Wed Sep 27 15:05:17 -0700 2017", "date_updated": "Wed Sep 27 15:15:07 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Fri Sep 01 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Tue Aug 15 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "ba85197c8d24e40073ea439cd7529370", "book_id": "18166416", "review_id": "77720b6f960174a1cb7e84bbecfb2074", "rating": 4, "review_text": "i love jeff erno books and have read almost most of them and have enjoyed everyone so far loved this book it kept me gripped until the end cant wait for the next saga of this story", "date_added": "Sat Oct 05 05:18:59 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Thu Oct 17 00:57:34 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Wed Oct 16 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Sat Oct 05 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "52ab75d4a37ef1cfd51707c795617247", "book_id": "1612302", "review_id": "4809a9c851e0644842fc8a110284d60e", "rating": 5, "review_text": "An enchanting tale, full of literary gems.", "date_added": "Thu Jul 26 02:34:37 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Jan 15 03:01:56 -0800 2013", "read_at": "Tue Jan 15 03:01:56 -0800 2013", "started_at": "Thu Jul 26 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "972db32297c2b02db61cb0d3666081f7", "book_id": "1316617", "review_id": "1cdd6dc8f479f7e97c457ef2ed91a95a", "rating": 1, "review_text": "really I won't consider this a book!!! I'm really shocked by it!!! it has no plot, nothing really happens throughout the book! disappointed :(", "date_added": "Wed Jun 29 01:28:48 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Sun Nov 20 11:08:37 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Sun Nov 20 11:08:37 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Fri Jul 08 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "972db32297c2b02db61cb0d3666081f7", "book_id": "18243700", "review_id": "b47c09a2d16ffda5d98c538e0464dc8a", "rating": 1, "review_text": "I really hope that Aelin meet some of the characters in this book in the latest installment :D", "date_added": "Sun May 29 12:25:28 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Wed Jun 29 01:17:19 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Wed Jun 29 01:17:19 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Sun Jun 19 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "972db32297c2b02db61cb0d3666081f7", "book_id": "28260587", "review_id": "7cac37f26b4f98eeb2a2704013ee656b", "rating": 2, "review_text": "I really was disappointed by this book! the big is HUGE and BORING! I have nothing more to say!!!", "date_added": "Sun May 29 12:25:25 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Fri Nov 25 03:24:18 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Fri Nov 25 03:24:18 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Mon Nov 21 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "972db32297c2b02db61cb0d3666081f7", "book_id": "41899", "review_id": "bb03e363779276bb8d42072353c69581", "rating": 1, "review_text": "!!!!!!???###!#", "date_added": "Sun May 29 11:27:17 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 23 00:28:03 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Sun Oct 23 00:28:03 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Sat Oct 22 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "972db32297c2b02db61cb0d3666081f7", "book_id": "17927395", "review_id": "8428bae2a9d35caa38a76404313f57b7", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Can't wait for the next installment!!! I loved it especially the ending, the book was a bit boring in the middle bas the ending was great :)", "date_added": "Sun Mar 27 01:53:09 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Sat Nov 19 23:24:34 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Sun Nov 20 23:24:34 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Wed Nov 16 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "972db32297c2b02db61cb0d3666081f7", "book_id": "16096824", "review_id": "157fdfc99bf049ac64a19666610b8181", "rating": 2, "review_text": "It's way toooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo long!!!!!", "date_added": "Sun Mar 27 01:53:02 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Tue Nov 15 10:48:27 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Tue Nov 15 10:48:27 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Sun Oct 23 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "972db32297c2b02db61cb0d3666081f7", "book_id": "23381014", "review_id": "8a8bb97c5f08e5976ba7a547dc5b975a", "rating": 2, "review_text": "** spoiler alert ** \n I'll miss you George :S", "date_added": "Wed Feb 17 02:13:34 -0800 2016", "date_updated": "Sun Jun 05 05:43:20 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Sun Jun 05 05:43:20 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Sun Jun 05 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "972db32297c2b02db61cb0d3666081f7", "book_id": "18006496", "review_id": "a593874f6cd42807a4644dfd24c8f179", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I really loved this book & the characters! I was often shaken by the emotions the characters have been going through!", "date_added": "Tue Dec 01 23:29:05 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Sun Jun 19 06:33:30 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Sun Jun 19 06:33:30 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Thu Jun 16 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "972db32297c2b02db61cb0d3666081f7", "book_id": "9361589", "review_id": "8d5b5ed41068536b31336d5d972b9f7b", "rating": 1, "review_text": "I didn't like this book at all!!!", "date_added": "Tue Aug 04 00:45:29 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Jun 25 06:20:43 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Sat Jun 25 06:20:43 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Mon May 30 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "972db32297c2b02db61cb0d3666081f7", "book_id": "20613470", "review_id": "1d699508c28d0496ffe591f20c08e295", "rating": 3, "review_text": "I loved the ending! the beginning is a bit boring", "date_added": "Wed Jul 22 14:45:24 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Wed Jun 15 15:53:06 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Wed Jun 15 15:53:06 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Sat Jun 11 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "972db32297c2b02db61cb0d3666081f7", "book_id": "23381007", "review_id": "78ea537e5c394e6107d35d6fc618fa93", "rating": 2, "review_text": "I really wanted it to be a book instead of this separate tales", "date_added": "Sun Jul 19 10:46:19 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Thu Sep 03 04:22:11 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Thu Sep 03 04:22:11 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Fri Aug 28 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "972db32297c2b02db61cb0d3666081f7", "book_id": "8667848", "review_id": "0c486824752a8c8d1be532fc06d7e741", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Not bad!", "date_added": "Sun Jun 28 00:28:51 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Thu May 11 14:45:31 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Thu May 11 14:45:31 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Sun Apr 02 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "972db32297c2b02db61cb0d3666081f7", "book_id": "6644117", "review_id": "c4ad77a8c00073952f6ee193b8940f0e", "rating": 2, "review_text": "Kinda boring", "date_added": "Thu Jun 25 05:37:42 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Wed Aug 05 03:56:06 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Wed Aug 05 03:56:06 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Mon Aug 03 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "972db32297c2b02db61cb0d3666081f7", "book_id": "18660669", "review_id": "602c540b640f59cebea613c9625fdfc4", "rating": 2, "review_text": "not bad for a light series book", "date_added": "Mon Apr 06 03:11:28 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Fri Apr 17 05:54:05 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Fri Apr 17 05:54:05 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Mon Apr 06 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "d301b981c2856f63ac0e7caa9694ef4a", "book_id": "9361589", "review_id": "41cc74d26aab816496dd7855d2ac2499", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I very much want to see a movie of this book.", "date_added": "Sat Dec 08 07:30:01 -0800 2012", "date_updated": "Sat Dec 08 07:30:18 -0800 2012", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "d301b981c2856f63ac0e7caa9694ef4a", "book_id": "66693", "review_id": "fd206b20832791010809ff12761e3760", "rating": 1, "review_text": "Okay, so this was my boyfriend's favorite book when he was 15. He said I had to read it. I like fantasy, but even after reading the following books to try to catch the excitement he must have felt so many years ago, I was left pretty cold. Can anyone explain why this book is a best-seller?", "date_added": "Wed Mar 11 04:19:04 -0700 2009", "date_updated": "Wed Mar 11 04:20:49 -0700 2009", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cc8c48d41aea15e76fad1d9cb6efde7a", "book_id": "186074", "review_id": "0831232d00be8e74b0170ec15eb7b53a", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Brilliant. Would highly recommend this and the second book", "date_added": "Mon Oct 22 00:13:09 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Oct 23 03:11:53 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Mon Feb 06 00:00:00 -0800 2012", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cc8c48d41aea15e76fad1d9cb6efde7a", "book_id": "1237461", "review_id": "f954d7003b3660f366d85608a86dfd2c", "rating": 2, "review_text": "I was given a set of Christine Feehan's Carpathian novels, and I started with Book 1, Dark Prince. If I hadn't been given the set, I wouldn't have finished this story, or looked at the others. I found the writing so stiff, and stilted, and while I could go with the hero, I just couldn't get into Raven's character at all. Maybe it was the constant reference to her youth and innocence, or maybe it was her marked discomfort for any form of physical contact with other people. I just didn't believe her. I came across her again in Jacques' story later, and she was totally different and credible - nothing at all like the character in this book.", "date_added": "Mon Oct 22 00:03:24 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Oct 23 02:53:50 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Fri Oct 19 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cc8c48d41aea15e76fad1d9cb6efde7a", "book_id": "108385", "review_id": "dbcc8ea3469f2b5f7f7b74adad3350a7", "rating": 3, "review_text": "I liked Aiden, but there could have been so much more made of him and his extraordinary power, rather than playing it down to accommodate this this immature, ungrateful, dumb female who really didn't deserve him. She spoiled the story for me, big time.", "date_added": "Sun Oct 21 23:49:45 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Oct 23 03:12:39 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sat Oct 20 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cc8c48d41aea15e76fad1d9cb6efde7a", "book_id": "180426", "review_id": "8c327e547feeb4ac68970c491a9acd65", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Okay, I read it, and it had more life to it than the title I read before it; but I can't say I got right into it. I did like the characterization of the guy - don't blame him for having a crazy side after his imprisonment and deprivation therapy. But Shea.... jury's out.", "date_added": "Sun Oct 21 23:44:09 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Oct 23 03:13:16 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sat Oct 13 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cc8c48d41aea15e76fad1d9cb6efde7a", "book_id": "27003", "review_id": "188630b9d884a9f58e525c91eae623b3", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Very clever, and thoroughly entertaining! Am not going to give anything away. If you know all the old favorite characters, you will love this book. Enjoy", "date_added": "Mon Sep 03 15:59:43 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Oct 23 02:56:18 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Thu Aug 02 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cc8c48d41aea15e76fad1d9cb6efde7a", "book_id": "5509920", "review_id": "3b3d0df7a0001a86be4885a4ebbd2b49", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I enjoyed it. I was originally worried about pairing him with Gwen the Timid, but it worked.", "date_added": "Mon Sep 03 15:58:48 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Oct 23 03:13:18 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Mon Oct 01 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cc8c48d41aea15e76fad1d9cb6efde7a", "book_id": "7519472", "review_id": "e8a4218eee7649de82bc5f97a900b7cf", "rating": 3, "review_text": "What do I think? I liked the part that was Gideon & Scarlet's story. \n Came to detest Aeron (and Olivia too) in another part; and am hoping like mad that his little demon plaything who isn't his daughter, whom he hasn't known for centuries, and who isn't his mate, but who's apparently worth more to him than his friends, never shows up in another story. \n Shame. Aeron's selfishness dragged this story down for me. Found myself wishing he'd never been restored to life.", "date_added": "Mon Sep 03 15:58:35 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 28 14:27:28 -0700 2012", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cc8c48d41aea15e76fad1d9cb6efde7a", "book_id": "476494", "review_id": "bf63b7c6715f53806ad322ef94d9092e", "rating": 2, "review_text": "with the other Gena Showalter books I've read, I've always had a strong sense of setting - could see it, feel it, smell it. I had no sense of setting at all with this one. There was no sense of this world that is Atlantis and which is 'shown' so vividly in the author's other stories. and I didn't get any sense of solidarity or cohesion among Darius' followers. I'm used to finishing a Gena Showalter book and being so overwhelmed with just how many really great 'remember the bit where...' moments there were to relive. But with this one I struggled to think of any, and even then, the only part in the whole book where I culd honestly say I could actually 'see/feel' any of the characters, was the moment after Darius had taken his first bite of a chocalte eclair. That moment. Out of the whole book. Maybe I was expecting too much of this story. Maybe my penchant for dragons raised my hopes too high - I don't know. But it's the first book I've read from this author that I was struggling to stay with.", "date_added": "Mon Sep 03 15:57:50 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Fri Nov 09 02:04:01 -0800 2012", "read_at": "Fri Nov 09 02:04:01 -0800 2012", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cc8c48d41aea15e76fad1d9cb6efde7a", "book_id": "304027", "review_id": "5afa8c11ea7887e2a91c73155396aaf3", "rating": 2, "review_text": "HATED the ending. Did not like Jane at all; am SO over reading shitkickers; beat feet and the acronyms. On one hand there's this ancient feeling of formality in the Brothers' dialogue; then next thing you know they're talking like teenaged punks. The other thing I did not like about this story was how much it sold Vishous short. He deserved better than Jane; and he deserved a living mate at the end of the story. His backstory was okay, but lacked the impact of Z's. The whole thing with V's feelings for Butch just struck me as contrived and unnecessary. Then there are things like \"I'm going to food up\" (Manny) - excuse me? Who the hell speaks like that? \n The positives about this book - signiicantly less of the lessers, thank you; thank you; thank you. By the time I'd finished book 2 in this series, I had started skipping right over the sections that dealt with the lessers. When you've read one or two of those sections you've basically got the picture; nothing new there yada yada. \n The relationship between V and the Scribe Virgin - a surprise and one I was happy to roll with; though then we find out V has a twin (and I'm assuming he doesn't know about it) and I'm betting that she is going to be paired off with Manny - that strong medico who - we are told more than once in V's story - would get on well with various Brothers. \n Overall - very disappointing. I can't honestly say that I liked it, because I didn't.", "date_added": "Tue Jul 17 02:58:03 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Oct 23 03:03:06 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sat Sep 22 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cc8c48d41aea15e76fad1d9cb6efde7a", "book_id": "16180725", "review_id": "868a997bf84dbec10f2c87e2cf6a5781", "rating": 2, "review_text": "I don't remember reading about the two main characters getting together to make a baby, but I gathered from something towards the end of the story that they must have, because she thinks she's pregnant. \n And the ending was a non-event. Don't think I want to read the next book to find out if they do get together. \n It was a dissapointing read.", "date_added": "Fri Dec 07 15:42:36 -0800 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Dec 13 13:35:34 -0800 2012", "read_at": "Tue Dec 11 00:00:00 -0800 2012", "started_at": "Fri Dec 07 00:00:00 -0800 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cc8c48d41aea15e76fad1d9cb6efde7a", "book_id": "13561895", "review_id": "15c0117844e6946229dd7765cae7d75f", "rating": 3, "review_text": "It was okay, but the h was supremely irritating most of the time, For the most part, I was struggling to care whether she achieved her goal or not.", "date_added": "Mon Dec 03 05:42:53 -0800 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Dec 28 10:51:21 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Thu Jan 03 00:00:00 -0800 2013", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cc8c48d41aea15e76fad1d9cb6efde7a", "book_id": "3295695", "review_id": "0527668ac7b77247dcec12b87ed5a92e", "rating": 3, "review_text": "This is my first book by this author. Enjoyed feargus, and there were many aspects of Annwyl that I liked, but she irritated me too. It was a light read, but didn't distract me from my real world. I have the other books in this series, and will continue reading so my friends' money isn't wasted. Having said that, I wouldn't fret too much ifbi'd missed reading this story.", "date_added": "Mon Dec 03 05:38:14 -0800 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Dec 05 03:53:05 -0800 2012", "read_at": "Wed Dec 05 03:53:05 -0800 2012", "started_at": "Tue Dec 04 00:00:00 -0800 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cc8c48d41aea15e76fad1d9cb6efde7a", "book_id": "8699839", "review_id": "5ff4e35135aa439ec4e5554946fb34a7", "rating": 3, "review_text": "I liked the story concept, but it seemed drawn out in the telling, and the ending seemed a bit up in the air; and I'm not sure how the deal was done before the hero could deal with the deal-makers (sorry, don't want to give away plot/story).", "date_added": "Sat Dec 01 14:56:44 -0800 2012", "date_updated": "Fri Dec 07 15:39:32 -0800 2012", "read_at": "Tue Dec 04 00:00:00 -0800 2012", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cc8c48d41aea15e76fad1d9cb6efde7a", "book_id": "13274737", "review_id": "f38cf1347a2125820480b798d4c02780", "rating": 3, "review_text": "I liked it, but found it a bit drawn out.", "date_added": "Sat Dec 01 14:51:13 -0800 2012", "date_updated": "Sat Dec 01 14:52:09 -0800 2012", "read_at": "Mon Nov 26 00:00:00 -0800 2012", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cc8c48d41aea15e76fad1d9cb6efde7a", "book_id": "15758271", "review_id": "f1b03dfba68abbb5713c3d0c9088b09c", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I loved this book. It's an entertaining read with a nice little twist or two. The characters were well developed, the story was interesting, the internal and external conflicts very well drawn, and the author's writing style was engaging. Every scene in the book drove the story foreward. Loved it, loved it, loved it", "date_added": "Sat Dec 01 14:47:26 -0800 2012", "date_updated": "Mon Dec 03 15:47:02 -0800 2012", "read_at": "Sat Dec 01 00:00:00 -0800 2012", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cc8c48d41aea15e76fad1d9cb6efde7a", "book_id": "13574102", "review_id": "c6554f59145b4e028ba4c39f84c29865", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I nearly gave this one a miss. By the time I'd read the rest of the series, I'd learned to loathe Pestilence. Even the couple of times we glimpsed a hint of the happy-go-luck let's-party Reseph, I thought it was Pest just messing with his siblings' heads. Beyond any hope of redemption, he was. \n I was given the book by my daughter who didn't know I wasn't interested in Pestilence. \n I loved it, and it's my favourite one of the series. The story opening - the way the author showed me Reseph stripped bare of memories, learned behaviours, knowledge of who or what he was - was an effective technique that disarmed me of my prejudices about Pestilence. The heroine was well written, and the dialogue - particularly between the two main characters - 'sparkled' on so many levels. The internal conflicts both characters faced, and the external conflicts lurking in the background then drawing nearer created a wonderful tension that built throughout the story. The relationship and its growth was well-written and very credible. \n I loved the pace and structure of this story. While I enjoyed the full on energy and activity in the other books in this series, this one felt far more grounded, and real, than the others without diminishing the paranormal element. \n To be honest, by the time the siblings and their mates showed up, I was so rooting for Reseoh that I wanted the slap the siblings and mates around her ears and tell them to grow up. Of the four siblings, Reseph's character arc was the most significant. \n Thank you to Ms Ione for a beautifully crafted story. I'm looking forward to reading Reaver's and Harvest's story.", "date_added": "Tue Nov 27 14:44:15 -0800 2012", "date_updated": "Mon Dec 03 16:35:31 -0800 2012", "read_at": "Tue Nov 27 00:00:00 -0800 2012", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cc8c48d41aea15e76fad1d9cb6efde7a", "book_id": "626688", "review_id": "72482d0189d7987f002c52a334aee9b6", "rating": 1, "review_text": "So, I gather from the overall ratings that most other people liked this book. I didn't. It usually takes me one night to read a book. I had to spread the reading of this one out over five nights because it was too torturous to do in one sitting. I certainly haven't read the four preceding books in the series, and after this one - I won't be. \n It was character soup with too much talk about other characters I'd never even heard of. There were tracts of dialogue that left me wondering who the heck was actually speaking - and after rereading those sections three or four times, I gave up and moved on - still in the dark. For me, there wasn't sufficient focus on the development of the emotional connection between the hero and heroine; and there was no explanation at all as to how Acheron actually saved the day at the end. Had the story been better, I might have been curious about Acheron - curious enough to try another book in the series, but I was too dissatisfied to feel curious. \n My biggest regret is that I bought this book. I'm one of those people who like to help fiction authors by buying their book rather than borrowing it from a library. I use libraries as research centres - a place where I can go and use their reference materials for research. My local library has several books by this author, one of them titled Acheron. They're always sitting on the shelf - every time I go to the library. Obviously not moving. I can understand why. And I won't be touching them. Out of curiosity, I browsed their fiction shelves this morning to see if they had books by other authors I like - they do, but not on their shelves. When I enquired at the lending services counter, I was told that I would need to reserve those titles because they always turn around and head right out the doors again as soon as they are returned by a borrower. It made me feel much better - knowing that I wasn't alone in my reaction to this author's work.", "date_added": "Sat Nov 10 15:16:56 -0800 2012", "date_updated": "Sat Nov 10 15:38:20 -0800 2012", "read_at": "Sun Nov 11 00:00:00 -0800 2012", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cc8c48d41aea15e76fad1d9cb6efde7a", "book_id": "4497978", "review_id": "f606f377d77809611c277140649a5111", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I really enjoyed this one, particularly the conflict within Shade himself. Runa was very likeable and credible, as were the other main characters with the exception of Roag who was certainly motivated, I guess, but one of those villains who can't be redeemed and is therefore not at all 'likeable'. A thoroughly enjoyable read.", "date_added": "Tue Oct 30 01:43:29 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Nov 04 13:56:40 -0800 2012", "read_at": "Sat Nov 03 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cc8c48d41aea15e76fad1d9cb6efde7a", "book_id": "2679633", "review_id": "248495a8497a0209359db47aa5d25b0a", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Eidolon is great, as a brother; a doctor; a friend and (natch) lover. I did find myself skipping over whole tracts of Tayla's inner dialogue at times - seemed a bit repetitive and slowed the story down for me, but a really good story just the same. Am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.", "date_added": "Tue Oct 30 01:43:21 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Nov 04 13:59:54 -0800 2012", "read_at": "Fri Nov 02 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Tue Oct 30 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "be3326e6bd4d83def57f502f6904b090", "book_id": "8667848", "review_id": "8dd3f02c8004244df33b03300e57dfc1", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Enjoyable. I'll read the next one.", "date_added": "Mon Aug 12 20:13:04 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Mon Aug 19 18:55:26 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Mon Aug 19 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Mon Aug 12 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "3cb38531c6aab7bcae3c26455b763fe6", "book_id": "6325285", "review_id": "f3a4d39354d756efbbfa8369ca55097f", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Kirjoitin Cafe Voltaire -blogiin Rubiininpunasta nain: \"On kiinnostavaa, etta Gier on paattanyt sijoittaa tarinansa Englantiin eika Saksaan, vaikka romaani on saksankielinen. Onko Englannin historiasta tullut osa populaarikulttuuria ihan toisella tapaa kuin muiden Euroopan maiden historiasta?\" \n http://www.avaincafevoltaire.blogspot...", "date_added": "Wed Aug 08 08:31:29 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Fri Jan 31 10:14:39 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Sat Oct 20 07:29:27 -0700 2012", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "3cb38531c6aab7bcae3c26455b763fe6", "book_id": "7823592", "review_id": "2fef3f7c42a49968a3a792c973e70b43", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Grimm's fairy tales, but for teenagers. Original and exciting and I want to read the next book on the series as well. Almost four stars.", "date_added": "Wed Aug 08 03:57:58 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Aug 08 04:00:11 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Tue May 01 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "3cb38531c6aab7bcae3c26455b763fe6", "book_id": "7163862", "review_id": "cf759950b501ef3ba08e0815e5f18d60", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Amazing futuristic novel set in Johannesburg.", "date_added": "Wed Aug 08 03:41:48 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Aug 08 03:44:08 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Thu Mar 01 00:00:00 -0800 2012", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "3cb38531c6aab7bcae3c26455b763fe6", "book_id": "11010899", "review_id": "b4be510f9b7e65363bb5bbc5828ae5ca", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Ihan mahtava! Kirjoitan tasta kritiikin Onnimanniin. Trilogian avausosa. En malta odottaa jatkoa, onneksi toinen osa on jo ruotsiksi julkaistu.", "date_added": "Wed Aug 08 03:30:31 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Aug 22 03:58:27 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Tue Aug 21 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Wed Aug 08 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "3cb38531c6aab7bcae3c26455b763fe6", "book_id": "9361589", "review_id": "b24d4ae7d86be2b03559e47876c6d866", "rating": 3, "review_text": "The fantasy world was really nicely done. Morgenstern is also a visual artist and you could feel that in the way she discribes the circus and the feelings of the characters. \n This is a revue I wrote in Finnish about the book in Cafe Voltaire blog: \n http://avaincafevoltaire.blogspot.com...", "date_added": "Wed Aug 01 05:10:11 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Aug 19 06:19:02 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Wed Aug 08 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Wed Aug 01 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "559d843b319087e12f48282e386e401f", "book_id": "9460487", "review_id": "33da2fbaae7d9c5d2e36e15decb7df5a", "rating": 2, "review_text": "Tyvarr lite lang startstracka. Avsaknad av magi i sprak och berattande trots bra grundide och kanske lite val forutsagbar. Den fick tre stjarnor for att jag verkligen ville tycka om den.", "date_added": "Tue Jun 05 02:29:31 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 14 08:32:37 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sun Aug 26 10:59:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Thu Aug 09 14:29:24 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 6}
{"user_id": "b1360d644d3f5a5a604d6fcfbf772aec", "book_id": "6339664", "review_id": "21d056418de072270ddb80ea387cc786", "rating": 1, "review_text": "Complete rip off of Twilight it wasn't even funny. The only reason it got a star was because it was still readable, but really the Twilight similarities were ridiculous, and almost intolerable. If you like Twilight sure you'll love it, but copy cats aren't my style.", "date_added": "Fri Jul 18 23:44:20 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Thu Oct 02 05:03:28 -0700 2014", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "b1360d644d3f5a5a604d6fcfbf772aec", "book_id": "8962", "review_id": "c5b841ce7cb6b32fd852cf61fcb4c85c", "rating": 2, "review_text": "I saw the movie and I m a total Josh Hutcherson fan, (Steve) so i'm gonna start the books! Wish me luck!", "date_added": "Tue Jun 05 03:45:17 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 05 02:28:55 -0700 2014", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "b1360d644d3f5a5a604d6fcfbf772aec", "book_id": "7171637", "review_id": "b026c7246ea587238be063155e4b4463", "rating": 5, "review_text": "A M A Z I N G !!! It's truly amazing!!", "date_added": "Tue Jun 05 03:30:51 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Jun 05 03:32:06 -0700 2012", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "8df21fb8f286950fc75617c765582c41", "book_id": "1158967", "review_id": "c085878c6b6adbea5b88e9a6b07b9131", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I thouroughly enjoyed this book. I got it at the Library and it was hard to put it down. I am hoping that in the future there will be a sequel to it. I loved the characters.", "date_added": "Wed May 28 15:12:15 -0700 2008", "date_updated": "Wed May 28 15:14:04 -0700 2008", "read_at": "Wed May 28 00:00:00 -0700 2008", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "8df21fb8f286950fc75617c765582c41", "book_id": "41865", "review_id": "9c6820b6e9feaaccaacac815f3539545", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Well I was on SCS forums and read a lot of hype about this book so I seen it at Wal-mart oneday and picked it up. I liked it. It is a young adult novel but I still liked it.", "date_added": "Wed Apr 02 09:03:18 -0700 2008", "date_updated": "Tue Apr 15 14:10:22 -0700 2008", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "dcaf63d82422e351590aba2b36950a17", "book_id": "24358297", "review_id": "6f66f07bb8d4e47c3313aaa45c585afb", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I just read the 3 books that are currently out in this series in 2 days and I'm going through withdrawal already waiting for the next one.", "date_added": "Sat Aug 22 00:20:09 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Aug 22 20:00:56 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Sat Aug 22 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Sat Aug 22 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "dcaf63d82422e351590aba2b36950a17", "book_id": "23691251", "review_id": "17386c3c1ae398d5c6cfd8838d3bd134", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Amaze balls I'm so in love with this series. I found it by accident and I can't wait for more.", "date_added": "Sat Aug 22 00:19:54 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Aug 22 13:30:09 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Sat Aug 22 13:30:09 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Sat Aug 22 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "dcaf63d82422e351590aba2b36950a17", "book_id": "22873996", "review_id": "b5bf44243457842a76bdc84104663d1a", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Amazing. One of the best books I've read in a long while. Chapter 6 I swear has to be one of the best and most hilarious chapters ever written about what a girl needs during that horrible week each month. Loved every second of this book and can't wait to read he others!!!!!", "date_added": "Fri Aug 21 16:14:35 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Aug 22 07:01:22 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Sat Aug 22 07:01:22 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Fri Aug 21 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "dcaf63d82422e351590aba2b36950a17", "book_id": "13421819", "review_id": "9698b4b0a5c3c6e02adb92d56546e6a9", "rating": 5, "review_text": "This book had me hooked from page one so good starting the second now can't wait to see how it goes the first one ended leaving me in emotional turmoil so please let the next one fix it", "date_added": "Fri Feb 01 04:37:41 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Wed Dec 04 16:46:22 -0800 2013", "read_at": "Wed Dec 04 16:45:04 -0800 2013", "started_at": "Tue Dec 03 00:00:00 -0800 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "dcaf63d82422e351590aba2b36950a17", "book_id": "11947156", "review_id": "66342fdb6dd1267c825915cf221f1854", "rating": 1, "review_text": "I have to say this is one of the more un-realistic werewolf books I've read. For one the main characters literally only know each other for 3 days before they are madly in love and she is ready to move to an entirely new country leaving everything she's ever known behind for him. I just could believe in their relationship it was simply boring. The only other thing is that the main heroine has these 2 friends that I swear I would have completely erased one of them and toned the other down if I could just to much they were really annoying. Not sure if I'm going to read the other in the series to see if it gets better or not. I just couldn't get into this one and had to push through it.", "date_added": "Sat Sep 29 11:11:43 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Fri Apr 17 09:58:02 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Fri Apr 17 09:58:02 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Tue Apr 14 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "dcaf63d82422e351590aba2b36950a17", "book_id": "11918", "review_id": "69fd7128caee74986251686570b9f064", "rating": 3, "review_text": "I read this book due to the fact syfy had a new show based from it and I'm addicted after only episode 3 so when I found that it was based off these books I decided to give them a try. While it is not the worst book I've ever read its not the greatest. I found myself skipping pages and generally wanting to reach the end as soon as possible. I don't think I'll be reading the rest but I will continue to watch the show I think it will be much more interesting than the book", "date_added": "Wed Jul 11 14:19:09 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Feb 18 04:28:18 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Tue Feb 18 04:28:18 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Tue Feb 18 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "dcaf63d82422e351590aba2b36950a17", "book_id": "10941624", "review_id": "4abce70d5f59051c067943942356c96e", "rating": 3, "review_text": "This book was ok. Everything moved kind of fast for me not enough discription on somethings and im still confused on it. but all in all it was a pretty good book.", "date_added": "Tue Jun 19 15:18:24 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Jun 21 09:48:21 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Thu Jun 21 09:48:21 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Tue Jun 19 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "dcaf63d82422e351590aba2b36950a17", "book_id": "13573795", "review_id": "e321c63992e2be0ec76465d47a8cc811", "rating": 0, "review_text": "Amazing book couldn't put it down once I started. perfect ending to the series!!", "date_added": "Tue Jun 19 15:14:21 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Apr 16 11:08:40 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Fri Sep 28 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Fri Sep 28 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "dcaf63d82422e351590aba2b36950a17", "book_id": "361943", "review_id": "b8f41003c75c1e4ce6712ccc41d01ecd", "rating": 5, "review_text": "really i got this just because i needed something to read and was shocked at how good it really was. i would love to reread this again and again but i can't at the moment cause my mother is holding it hostage so she can read it again. really good one of my must reads.", "date_added": "Sat Jun 16 13:27:00 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Jan 09 12:44:54 -0800 2013", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "b54c83f02c748fe75ed309e1e12eace2", "book_id": "16170522", "review_id": "1c9abb06439080a85643bb7aef42f4b5", "rating": 2, "review_text": "jmyl n ykwn ldyn ktb qSS r`b `rby dhy lG@ qSSy@ mshwqh wlkn fy jmy` ktbth hnk slbytyn : tnskh l'rwH whdh l`bth , wltnqD fy lHbk@ ldrmy@", "date_added": "Fri Jun 28 07:01:03 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Fri Jun 28 07:02:35 -0700 2013", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "b54c83f02c748fe75ed309e1e12eace2", "book_id": "3503947", "review_id": "860b1e5fb4517e58d7527217d4dc1645", "rating": 4, "review_text": "rw'y@ swdwy@ lmstqbl 'swd \n lqry' lldktwr 'Hmd khld twfyq qd ySb bSdm@ llG@ lmstkhdm@ fy rwyth hdhh ... wl`l hdh hw lsbb lry'ys lTb`th khrj lmw'ss@ l`rby@ llTb`@ wlnshr Hyth kn lTb` wltwzy` hdhh lmr@ mn dr myryt nshr lrwy@ lshhyr@ (ndy lqtl) ltshwk blhnwk wlty tHwlt l~ fylm synmy'y shhyr mn bTwl@ brd byt ... \n lrwy@ 'b`d m tkwn `n `nwnh ldhy yHwy shkhry@ mbTn@ mn lmHtw~ Hyth 'n ywtwby flTwn hy lmdyn@ lfDl@ bynm ywtwby ldktwr 'Hmd khld hy 'b`d m tkwn `n dhlk ... tsyr lrwy@ fy khTyn mtwzyyn lbTlyn mn `lm zjjy wtHt sfly mm ythkrn b'yqwn@ lmwryz wlsd@ fy lry'`@ lkhld@ al@ lzmn wyswd fy l`lmyn dkhl ywtwby wkhrjh fsd 'khlqy Gyr msbwq whm ljmy` hw t`Ty md@ lflwjstyn lty tfSlhm `n lwq`.... lfrq byn bTly lrwy@ kbyr l 'n lrGb@ fy lt`lm 'w ltjryb hy lty tjm`hm fym b`d llHZ@ lSTdm fy lmjtm` lmSry b`d 50 `man wldhy yrh lrwy 'kthr swdan mn jmy` lkwbys lty r'ynh fy slsl@ 'flm lGrb crew ... \n lrwy@ jmyl@ bkl lmqyys l 'nh Sdm@ jdan fy lmHtw~ wfy l'lfZ b`D l'Hyn w'`tqd 'n hdh hw lhdf ldhy kn yhdf lyh lqS mn khll Hdth Sdm@ l`lh t`yd ldhm l~ lHy@ ... whn yw'kd lqS `l~ hdh bqwlh `l~ lsn 'Hd l'bTl : \" h'ntm 'wl y (...) qd nHdr bkm lHl Ht~ Srtm t'klwn lklb !.. lqd 'ndhrtkm 'lf mr@ .. Hkyt lkm nZryt mltws wjml Hmdn wnbwt 'wrwyl wh .j. wylz..lknkm fy kl mr@ tntshwn blHshysh wlkhmr lrkhyS@ wtnmwn ... lan 'n 't'rjH byn lHzn `l~ Hlkm ldhy hw Hly, wbyn lshmt@ fykm l'nkm lan fqT t`rfwn .. \" \n mlHZ@ 'khyr@ whmh jd ... l tns 'n lrwy@ ktbt qbl lthwr@ lmSryh !", "date_added": "Mon Jul 09 23:46:29 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Mon Jul 09 23:48:09 -0700 2012", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 5, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "3e6c3b92cc90df443925c58f8899be6e", "book_id": "13521", "review_id": "7cef8abfe2a179801cf94a5f4b0c4de2", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Not nearly as good as Wicked. The story seemed strained.", "date_added": "Sun Jun 24 14:38:09 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Jun 24 14:39:39 -0700 2012", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "35299885", "review_id": "021b268149efdabab6a388d6132729c7", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Monsters Exist is a collection of 14 short stories from the worlds of horror and often the dark paranormal, written by a great assortment of horror-writing authors, most of whose names already strike fear in the reader! \"Kleaver, Buller, Demmer, Deadman...\" \n I'm commenting on each story and giving it a rating, apart from the overall rating of the whole anthology. \n \"Master Vermin\" by Wallace Boothill \n The anthology opens with an interesting piece that is different from what you'd define as horror. There is a significant bit of well-fitted gross descriptions in this story. I liked the suspense and how the ending was unexpected. It gives you a different kind of scary; a creepy thought rather than simply a scary story. \n Rating: 3.75 stars. \n \"Legend Trippers\" by Theresa Braun \n \"Like a clogged water pipe finally bursting, the images materialised.\" \n My second read for Braun, the story is about a myth of horned-creature called the \"Goatman\", who supposedly \"lure[s] victims to their death, straight into an oncoming train.\" A reporter trails a man called Jaxon because he, the reporter, believes that Jaxon has seen the Goatman, but Jaxon doesn't know what he's seen. Jaxon teams up with a waitress to find out what happened to her sister near the area where an accident had happened at an earlier time. \n The pace is slow at first and towards the middle, then picks up and makes a good ending. \n There are many quote-worthy bits and I love Braun's use of imagery. \n Rating: 4 stars. \n \"The Murder of Crows\" by S.J. Budd \n \"He felt death's close proximity that night, and this time it was coming for him.\" \n Barry, a taxi driver, has taken to killing a woman each night, for three nights in a row, until one woman gets into his car and his whole life changes. \n I loved the start, middle, and flow of this story but felt the ending was abrupt. I like the paranormal aspect, but felt that the main character or the author, or both, wanted to get the story over with. \n After a second reading, I'd give this story a 4-star rating. \n \"Wicked Congregation\" by Gary Buller \n \"Wicked Congregation\" is simply a wicked - pun intended - story! I loved it! \n One of the best stories in the anthology, Buller's piece takes an abandoned chapel for a setting. Narrated from the first person perspective of a High Peak Ranger, \"Wicked Congregation\" is about a remote town where Rangers have to make a sacrifice every two decades or all hell will break loose. \n \"Every twenty years they take a piece of our future so we may keep the rest.\" \n The flow, writing style and the suspense was well done. \n Rating: 5 stars \n \"Playing Dead\" by S.E. Casey \n I like Casey's choice of setting in this short story. I felt the story was a bit long, but I liked it \n Set in a carnival, Casey had me guessing throughout the story what the horror would be and what would happen. The story has this strong opening: \"Under the golden eye of Saturn, the only celestial light visible in the pre-night sky, the field vomited up a monstrosity.\" \n Rating: 4 stars. \n \"Lake Monster\" by Mr. Deadman \n \"The air was chilly and quiet, like a morgue, the sort of quiet that puts a keen emphasis on every sound, no matter how insignificant.\" \n Paranormal or not paranormal? This story keeps you guessing till the end. It's a bit different from the rest and there's a bit of comedy embedded in and some beautiful images. I truly enjoyed this one and didn't know what to think or expect throughout. \n Rating: 5 stars. \n \"Never Sleep Again\" by Calvin Demmer \n Sleep? Who wants to sleep? Definitely not me. Especially after reading this story! \n Another paranormal piece, I like that \"Never Sleep Again\" mixes mystery with creepy. I don't want to give anything else away. You just have to read it. \n Rating: 5 stars. \n \"The Voice from the Bottom of the Well\" by Philip W. Kleaver \n Smart, wicked, and creepy are the first words that come to mind when I read this piece by Kleaver. And \"Damn brilliant\". Short stories with children tend to be creepier than anything and Kleaver nailed it with \"The Voice from the Bottom of the Well\". His word choice and flow kept me on edge. I was terrified. \n When reading this short story, I covered my ears in the hopes that I won't be horrified, like I do when watching scary movies. \n Taking this story to a full length novel may also be plausible and it would make for a freaky scary movie. \n Rating: 5 stars. \n \"Eclipse at Wolfcreek\" by Sylvia Mann \n The story opens with a statement and reiteration of the anthology title \"Monsters exist.\" It then moves to naming the three types of monsters. My only problem with this story was that I felt there was some strong scientific jargon. \n Narrated from the perspective Buddy, the story is a tackles creepy differently as we get the description of Buddy's grandmother (you'll love her but she'll freak you out) and the setting. A house in the middle of nowhere. Buddy and his friend Prez go out hunting out of season in the woods near Buddy's home. Suffice to say, they should have listened to Buddy's grandma. \n Rating: 4.5 stars \n \"No. 7\" by William Marchese \n \"No. 7\" is an interesting piece mixing science fiction with the paranormal. There were some confusing parts during the confrontation but overall I enjoyed the story and the narration. It's not as scary as the rest but definitely worth reading. \n Rating: 3.5 stars \n \"Criatura\" by John Palisano \n With lots of dark humour, \"Criatura\" is a must-read scary and fairly gory story. Stranded in the middle of the desert at night, the narrator, Chuck, stumbles upon a creature that was only a myth told to children. I liked the way Palisano gave the reader background information about the \"Criatura\". \n Rating: 4.5 stars \n \"Bitten\" by Christopher Powers \n I couldn't pinpoint the era/timeline in which \"Bitten\" was set; it could be anything, though it felt like the 60's or 70's. I like how Powers weaved a story within a story, merging them at the end. \n Rating: 4.5 stars \n \"Kelpies\" by Leo X. Robertson \n Like \"Master Vermin\", this story isn't scary in terms of the content but the idea, it just leaves you thinking \"DAMN!\" \"No!\" \n It's one of the best pieces in Monsters Exist. It makes you wonder who the 'monster' is here. I thought the description of the kelpies was a little - too - weird though. Still, I kept thinking about the story several days after I finished it. \n Rating: 5 stars \n \"Bloodstream Revolution\" by M.R. Tapia \n The conclusion to the anthology, Tapia's \"Bloodstream Revolution\" has a historical fiction feel to it along with a little gory-paranormal. Reminiscent of the \"survival of the fittest\" idea, the story has a heartbreaking beginning. I could picture every single event quite well in this story. \n Rating: 4.5 stars \n Normally, it's hard to judge a full anthology or short story collection as there tend to be pieces that you dislike or like less than others. But the authors in the Monsters Exist anthology produced quality scary stories. Some I felt were a bit gory, there was significant profanity (fine with me but just mentioning that). What they all did was border on the dark side of the paranormal. \n I must say I enjoyed the different settings, ideas, and overall assortment of scary tales in this book. \n (Note to readers: There is adult content and cursing in the book) \n Overall rating for Monsters Exist: 5 stars! \n Note: I received a free copy of Monsters Exist from one of the authors in exchange for an honest review.", "date_added": "Thu Jul 13 07:08:07 -0700 2017", "date_updated": "Fri Sep 01 08:53:00 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Wed Aug 30 14:26:13 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Thu Jul 13 07:08:08 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "33012175", "review_id": "2875f86006dce663b4156855ffc48a19", "rating": 5, "review_text": "\"Creativity is as blurry as the line between fantasy and reality. It is not written in stone.\" \n Magora: The Bridge in the Fog by Marc Remus is the third instalment in the six-book Magora series. Unlike the first two, which can be read as standalones, The Bridge in the Fog requires background from previous books. In fact it starts right in the middle of the action! \n The Bridge in the Fog has a darker and eerier setting and feel as opposed to the first two books. Once again, Holly and her three friends Brian, Rufus, and Amanda, go back to Magora, world of art and painting and where they attend school. They travel to Magora through a painting. \n There are several ideas running through the story. Holly, a Gindar, which is like a bloodline for master painters, wonders if the evil Cuspidor, an unfinished Gindar, is her father. It scares her but it seems she is not the only one thinking that. Other students in her school have the same thought. \n Unfinished are paintings that were left incomplete by their artists, which means they roam in the form of pencil lines and need blood to become 'finished'. \n \"If a painter makes up something exclusively from his mind, it is creativity in its purest form.\" \n In the meantime, Holly learns that one of her favourite professors isn't teaching this year and sees her as depressed. With a little digging, Holly learns that professor LaPawnee is sad because the bridge to her world has been closed. \n More questions arise about Holly's grandfather, Grandpa Nikolas, who was the reason she had discovered Magora in the first place. Even though he had passed away, Holly learns that he may have created doubles from the real world, so she goes in search of grandfather's double. \n Magora: The Bridge in the Fog flew, rather than flowed, at a much faster pace than its predecessors, with tons of twists and turns. It was an absolute thrill! And I loved every bit of it! \n In his newest instalment, Remus adds expands his cast of characters and races, adding more to the world of Magora and increasing the mysteries. \n There were parts in the book when I was literally mumbling to myself \"No Way!\" and pretty much addressing the author in my mind. There were times when I was gaping, rereading parts just to be sure I read correctly. It looks like Remus has got lots of tricks up his sleeves and I can't wait to get my hands on the remaining three books! \n The Bridge in the Fog is about a hundred pages shorter than books 1 & 2, but the pace is a lot faster. \n As with the first two, Remus adds notes or quotes about art, writing, and creativity at the beginning of each chapter. The reader is still unsure who is saying these words, or whose thoughts they are, Holly's, the author's, or someone else entirely. It is worth noting, however, that these quotes take on a more personal aspect in Magora: The Bridge in the Fog. \n \"You might think creativity is something special, something that is far beyond your reach. But I believe that creativity is in every single one of us.\" \n Holly's self-doubt continues in the third instalment. Even though she is certain now that she is a Gindar, she still doubts her artistic abilities and herself in general. This aspect gives the protagonist a lot of realism, and makes the reader connect with her. \n I was hoping to see more of Brian, the sarcastic one in the group. I liked his creativity. He always makes me laugh. \n I haven't felt a thrill for a series in a very long time, not since the Harry Potter books were still in the publishing process. \n With Magora: The Bridge in the Fog, you won't be able to put it down! Trust me! \n Overall rating: Definitely 5 stars!", "date_added": "Fri May 26 06:53:20 -0700 2017", "date_updated": "Fri Sep 15 14:42:24 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Fri Sep 08 17:22:17 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Thu Sep 07 08:27:45 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "28692955", "review_id": "2da8c40d675fce0a1db37628e4898c4c", "rating": 5, "review_text": "LOVE IT! \n Magora: The Gallery of Wonders is the first instalment in the Magora series by Marc Remus. \n Note: I read the second book first but just had to pick up the first one. Each can be read as a standalone, but you'll be making connections if you read both. \n Centred around Holly O'Flanigan, who is living with her distant and annoying relatives The Smoralls, Magora: The Gallery of Wonders opens with Holly seeing a fire breakout at her grandfather, Nikolas' house. We don't meet Nikolas because he dies at the beginning, but immediately after we are introduced the world of Magora, which Holly stumbles upon when she discovers a chest with a painting and the strange creature, Tenshi. \n \"S-s-seahorses?\" \n Had she actually seen flying seahorses in the tree? Holly jumped back up on her feet and grabbed the binoculars. Jittery, she focused them. There they were, three seahorses as big as cats, but they weren't ordinary seahorses. Their leathery tails were spiked with gigantic steel needles, and their bodies were protected by rusted armor. Metal helmets covered their heads and smoke steamed from their snouts. Their bulgy eyes gazed at Holly as if they could see her from the distance. \n Magora: The Gallery of Wonders is full of interesting characters, twists, events and adventures. Some parts are reminiscent of events from other fantasy books, but overall Remus has lots of creative ideas in there. \n From the beginning, the reader is introduced to Holly's friends, who will appear in the following books: Rufus, Brian and Amanda. \n For me, Brian was sarcastically adorable and just cracked me up as I read. I loved his character. I liked them all - may be not Amanda, but she's a love-hate-type of character. \n \"Everything about Amanda repulsed [Holly]. She was arrogant, gossipy, and only cared about her looks. Most of all, she was an extremely good painter. That just made matters worse.\" \n This is the reader's introduction to Amanda; however, having read the second book, I must note I liked the development of both Amanda's and Holly's characters in terms of friendship and trust. \n Character development is evident for the four main characters and continues as the books progress. \n The coolest thing about Magora: The Gallery of Wonders is the pace by which the author introduces the reader to Magora and the concepts in that realm. Having read book two, I was already aware of certain bits, but reading book one gave me a perspective and depth. \n Holly gaped with astonishment at two tiny paws covered with fluffy orange fur. Behind the paws, two frightened green eyes appeared. What followed looked like an orange koala with a humanoid face, like that of a child. It had pointy ears and short arms and legs. \n \"It's a Nukimai.\" Grandpa Nikolas had painted creatures he told her were called Nukimais many times, but Holly had always thought he had made them up. \n One of the things I liked about Holly is that she's smart and actually tries to think outside the box. This is evident in the Quadrennial Art Competition she enters towards the end of the book. She is also brave and sometimes funny. \n In Magora, the children attend Cliffony Art Academy, where Holly can finally pursue her love of art, which in the real world everyone has discouraged her from pursuing. Although she's told she's a Gindar, a rare kind of artist that can create living beings, Holly struggles with her brush strokes and her creations. \n Each chapter begins with a kind of author's note on art, painting and fantasy versus reality. Among the ones I liked is: \n \"The line between reality and fantasy has many shapes. It can be thick or thin, colourful or dull, wavy or straight, blurry or sharp. It is always changing.\" \n The chapter on Ravenscraig Lane reminded me of Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter books, especially the pastry shop where the Holly asks for marzipan griffins and the shop owner jumps around trying to catch them from his shop. Note: It's a mouthwatering chapter! \n Throughout the book, we see Holly struggle with her painting. She has always loved drawing and colouring BUT people have discouraged her saying she didn't have the talent. At Cliffony, there are things she could do, but others that she just seems to fail it. Holly constantly self-doubts her abilities, giving her character depth and making the reader sympathetic. It also makes room for a lot of character development. \n Overall, Magora: The Gallery of Wonders is a highly interesting, exciting and artistic first instalment in a new magical series. It is a middle grade-to-young adult fantasy, combining art, magic, adventure and excitement. It's highly recommended for all ages. You'll love it, trust me. \n \"The struggle to balance fantasy and reality is part of learning that the two can't exist without each other. Reality is fantasy and fantasy is reality. It all depends on the viewpoint. And the line becomes unimportant.\" \n Overall rating: 10 stars \n This review is also post on my Nadaness In Motion blog with pictures provided by the author (including the chapter banner and a black-and-white portrait of Holly) at: https://goo.gl/tKULQM", "date_added": "Fri May 12 12:47:28 -0700 2017", "date_updated": "Sun Jun 04 11:54:16 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Sat Jun 03 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Sat May 27 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 1}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "34936154", "review_id": "c33aa350fd7946a6cad80eee8aef81f9", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Note: I received a free copy of Lady Blackwing from its author Devorah Fox in exchange for an honest review. \n \"What would she write for her first entry?\" \n A character study of poor ole Ollie over there? Or, how about that Laundry Room Zombie Apocalypse? Mercedes twirled the pencil, the scene forming in her mind's eye. \n Lady Blackwing by Devorah Fox is a 25-page novella about Mercedes, a waitress who likes to write but never finishes a story. \n The short novella opens with Roger, a man who wants to write his big story and so buys an extravagant notebook, a brand of pencil known to have been used by John Steinbeck. He sits at a cafe and orders an espresso, \"The drink of famous writers who, if they didn't hang out in bars as had Hemingway, hung out in coffeehouses.\" \n Roger gets frustrated by his inability to write a single word and leaves his notebook and pencil on the cafe table and leaves. Although Roger's accumulation of items used by his favourite authors doesn't do anything for him, they do more than plenty for someone else. \n The opening character reminded me of myself, when I want to create the perfect setting to get my writing flowing but nothing actually happens. Writers will easily relate and sympathise to him. \n \"He failed to understand what was so special about these notebooks and why Hemingway and other writers were so fond of them. His hadn't done a thing for him. His Muse had been AWOL.\" \n After Mercedes writers her first story, she wakes up to discover that it might have been real. As Lady Blackwing progresses, Mercedes slowly begins to write, grow confident and understand what the magical pencil can do. \n While there is little imagery in the story, there is character development for Mercedes. The book cover isn't the prettiest but it shouldn't put you off. \n I liked how Devorah Fox makes the reader question the paranormal aspect of the novella. I also liked the idea of a story within a story. As we get bits and pieces from Mercedes' short stories. The reader also gets to see how Mercedes, as an author, thinks; how she tries to throw obstacles in her protagonist's way and tries to resolve. \n Overall, Lady Blackwing by Devorah Fox is an exciting, quick-paced short novella. Highly recommended. \n Author Devorah Fox has revealed that she is currently writing a sequel to Lady Blackwing. I'm curious what else awaits Mercedes in the new adventure. \n Overall rating: 4.5 stars", "date_added": "Tue May 09 15:19:35 -0700 2017", "date_updated": "Sun Jun 11 15:29:50 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Mon Jun 05 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Sun Jun 04 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 2, "n_comments": 1}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "31491757", "review_id": "5da33c412a60b79eb931112573771ff4", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Magic, Merlin and lots of humour and mayhem, that's the first thing that came to mind when I started reading Sharon Pape's Magic & Mayhem. \n A paranormal, fast-paced, hilarious cozy mystery, Magic & Mayhem opens with Kailyn Wilde adjusting to the passing of her mother and grandmother, both witches, and to becoming the only person in charge of their magick shop \"Abracadabra\". \n Narrated from Kailyn's first person perspective, the novel is full of humourous comments, descriptions and events. Set in the small town of New Camel, the mystery is revealed from the beginning when Kailyn and her aunt Tilly go to see their lawyer and find him dead. \n \"In this town, heavy traffic was five cars lined up at a red light.\" \n Magic & Mayhem has an assortment of wonderful - and less friendly - characters, but all of whom have a role to play. There is Kailyn, whose magic, along with that of her family, has suffered a bug of late, as well as her aunt Tilly, who reads palms - although the accuracy of her readings can be questionable. \n Kailyn follows her mother's advice and attempts to summon a familiar, a kind of animal guide believed to help witches with their magic. Instead, she discovers an old man in her basement who goes by the name of Merlin. To her and Tilly's surprise - and to the reader's - the great wizard himself was somehow thrust forward in time from the Middle Ages to Kailyn's storeroom. \n \"Did this man really expect me to believe he was the legendary wizard? He looked more like a Don Quixote wannabe.\" \n One of the funniest and most entertaining aspects about Magic & Mayhem is Merlin's adjustment to and discovery of the gadgets of the modern world, from the toilet to the iPod to pizza. \n I loved the references to books and movies, as well as all the magic and witch-related terminology which gave Magic & Mayhem a truly magical feel. It made me feel I was part of the story. The overall word choice of the novel was perfect and the narration was highly enjoyable. The imagery was interesting and impeccable throughout. I have never seen so many perfectly-worded similes in one place. \n \"The kettle had gone from whistling to screeching like a banshee, by the time I plucked it off the stove. Merlin stood in the middle of the kitchen, rotating like a clumsy ballerina.\" \n After the discovery of the dead body, Kailyn begins her own investigation and several townspeople attempt to help her in any way they can, whether through throwing gossip her way or through actual help. Kailyn's curiosity is commendable, especially after she begins receiving death threats, and with the fact that the best suspect for the murder is her best friend Elise. \n \"There was no telling what would happen to history if Merlin died in the twenty-first century. It was bad enough that he would return to his time babbling about computers, aircraft, and men on the moon.\" \n As a cozy mystery, Magic & Mayhem fits all the characteristics, having a fair share of quirky characters, cats and a well-penned mystery. I liked how romance did not play a major - or even minor - role in the novel. \n Characterisation and setting were among the aspects that drew me in to the novel as well. Each character was well defined and the setting was realistic. Coupled with the fast pace of the novel, I couldn't put the book down. \n Almost before I was half way through the novel did I expect to give it a five-star rating. Having finished, I'd definitely give it 10 stars and can't wait to get my hands on the second instalment in the Abracadabra Mystery Series by Sharon Pape. A must-read at all costs. \n \"If we ever figured out how to send him home, it might to be with a pizza oven.\" \n Note: I received a free copy of Magick & Mayhem by Sharon Pape in exchange for an honest review as part of a blog tour with Lori Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.", "date_added": "Fri Feb 24 06:36:18 -0800 2017", "date_updated": "Sun May 07 14:23:29 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Sun May 07 14:23:29 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Sat May 06 13:29:34 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 2, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "33115353", "review_id": "4c5ff083149c2ff49b0b30b3485b3ad7", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Dead over Heels by Theresa Braun is a fast-paced paranormal short story. \n The story is narrated from the first person perspective of Veronica, a woman who has spent years under the illusion that her mother left her and her father \"because she didn't love them\". \n Veronica has spent years in search of love. She decides to make a wish on a candle then, after giving up hope, meets Sebastian via an online dating site. After they meet, the two feel as if they've known each other for a long time. \n I liked how the story has a strong opening that ended with \"I never knew that finding the one would be such a double-edged sword.\" \n The two decide to meet at The Riverside Restaurant, which is rumoured to be close to a haunted area. \n Veronica is cynical but entertaining. She's also quite descriptive, very down to earth and relatable. \n How long does it take to read Dead over Heels? An hour tops. (An hour and a half if you're a very slow reader). \n Overall, I enjoyed reading the - sad - story. \n \"Hey, could you send a couple of drinks to that table over there?\" Sebastian shot me a wink as he spoke. \n The server's mouth fell agape. \"Sir, who do you mean?\" \n \"The two over there.\" Sebastian motioned to the couple. \n Just then, the pair released their hand-holding, got up and started toward the door. She adjusted the sweater over her shoulders. He cradled the small of her back, kissed her temple and they were gone. \n \"Sir, no one has been sitting there all night.\"", "date_added": "Fri Jan 13 08:17:51 -0800 2017", "date_updated": "Fri Jan 27 17:41:44 -0800 2017", "read_at": "Fri Jan 27 00:00:00 -0800 2017", "started_at": "Fri Jan 27 00:00:00 -0800 2017", "n_votes": 2, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "33625653", "review_id": "1f9295baebcb5eb61d3f889b91a0bfe6", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Betrayed by Blood by Tiffany Shand is a novella and the first instalment in The Amaranthine Chronicles Series. \n The book opens with Kaylan Avilion, a magic-wielder with various gifts and a sad past, coordinating with others to capture a sorcerer whom they suspect is selling certain illegal potions. The attempted capture goes bust and Kaylan's fiance Elijah is presumed dead. \n A year later, Kaylan returns to the city she once lived because her sister, Freya, has gone missing. There she learns that Elijah is still alive but has changed significantly. \n There is a lot of evil and many mysteries surrounding Elijah, Freya and the Order which governs the city. \n We are told that the Amaranthine are another kind of Order that protects the people, albeit secretly. \n I felt there needed to be more character development. Also, the beginning was a bit confusing for me. Until the end, I couldn't figure out which characters had what powers or abilities. \n Still, Betrayed by Blood has many interesting characters and I liked how Shand revealed certain aspects about her characters through events. A kind of show don't tell technique but through events. She also uses the \"throw problems in their way\" technique quite well. \n There weren't many images or beautiful lines in the novella so there aren't any quotes - there were a few lines but they are mostly spoilers, so I'm not going to quote them. \n Quick-paced and exciting, Betrayed by Blood is a suspense-filled urban fantasy novella. \n Overall rating: 3.5 stars \n (Note: I received a free copy of Betrayed by Blood from the author Tiffany Shand in exchange for an honest review)", "date_added": "Fri Jan 06 16:10:18 -0800 2017", "date_updated": "Mon Apr 10 16:46:10 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Sat Mar 25 13:34:40 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Sat Mar 25 06:35:43 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 4, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "28897834", "review_id": "0ff3da2c11d25df73417a7662248a917", "rating": 5, "review_text": "\"Painting and writing are both products of creativity. Even though the two seem different, they are more similar than we think.\" \n Magora: The Golden Maple Tree is the second instalment in the middle grade-to-young adult Magora series by artist, painter and author Mark Remus. It can be easily read as a standalone, but has prompted me to immediately pick up the first book Magora: The Hall of Wonders. \n If you're a fan of the Harry Potter and Chronicles of Narnia books OR movies, then you'll love the Magora series, which has its own flavour. There are a few characters that you can relate to from other books, like Rufus who is a very Hermione Granger kind-of character, but Magora and its main protagonist Holly have their own character. \n Every chapter begins with a short note from the author about creating, art, writing, or something on this line. The book opens with: \"When you paint, you create. When you write, you create. When you imagine, you create. We create every day, even when we fear we can't create anything anymore.\" \n Magora: The Golden Maple Tree opens with a backdrop of what happened the previous year or book: \"A year ago, Holly had jumped into a fantasy painting that had been created by her grandfather, Nikolas.\" \n The reader also learns about Cuspidor, who has evil fire-breathing seahorses as his minions, and who has been tracking Holly and trying to get her blood. \n The central character of the series is Holly O'Flannigan who is joined by her three friends Rufus, Brian and Amanda. The four are transported to the world of Magora through a painting, where they learn that everything is related to art and drawing. They attend Cliffony Academy, where their tools are paintbrushes, a little reminiscent of magical wands. \n As soon as Magora: The Golden Maple Tree begins, Holly and the reader learn that Holly's friend Ileana, a previously \"Unfinished\" painting who had been \"finished\" the previous year through blood donations, has resumed her \"Unfinished\" form and is dying. Quickly, Holly races to gather her three friends and join Professor LePawnee to re-enter Magora. \n \"Holly felt as if an invisible hand was penetrating her chest, grabbing her heart, and slowly squeezing it like an orange.\" \n Holly admits to her friends that she feels responsible for what her grandfather has done, leaving several \"Unfinished\" pieces, resulting in a lot of evil taking place in Magora. Still, the reader is not told how Cuspidor came to power and why he seeks to destroy Magora. For a twelve-year-old, Holly carries a lot of weight on her shoulders, making her a fairly grown-up character for her age. \n Throughout the book, Holly searches for a way to save her friend. In the meantime, Magora is being attacked by a species called Chandrills. The group of friends learns of a golden maple tree that can both save their world from the pesky beasts and their friend from imminent dissolution. \n The book is full of humourous interactions between the characters, while Holly struggles with a possible crush. \n \"I might get too attached to people here. Because reality is reality and a painting is still a painting. Magora is a fantasy; it will never be real. And I don't think it's a good idea to start believing it could ever be.\" \n We are also told that Holly is a \"Gindar\", a rare form of artist that can create living beings through painting. However, since the first book, Holly has had her doubts about being a \"Gindar\" which in turn has put her in the limelight, making people raise the bar of their expectations from her. \n The language used is easy and the novel is quick-paced and exciting. Each character has their quirks, but Holly is the star. She has her flaws, misconceptions and is a well-crafted protagonist. \n The descriptions of the various games, tasks and adventures is detailed and enjoyable. I couldn't put the book down. \n I also liked the theme of friendship prevalent in the novel and how friends stick with each other despite their differences. \n As a painter, Marc Remus builds significantly on his career and knowledge, crafting an artistic series. A must-read for all ages. \n \"Magic only lasts as long as a fantasy world doesn't become everyday life. When routine takes over, the magic pops like a balloon in a fire.\" \n Overall rating: 5 stars", "date_added": "Fri Nov 11 15:13:32 -0800 2016", "date_updated": "Mon May 29 14:55:05 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Fri May 26 06:50:16 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Wed May 24 08:49:11 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 2, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "30657877", "review_id": "bd9cec0b54863690d721de6943327258", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Raven's Peak by Lincoln Cole is a fast-paced paranormal action thriller. It was also quite scary in places, and were it a movie with a bit of sound effects, it would definitely be creepy. It is the first instalment in the World on Fire series. \n The novel opens with a lengthy but action-filled prologue where we are introduced to Abigail, a demon hunter, who was out on a mission but had been possessed by the demon she, along with two others, was sent to destroy. Her mentor, Arthur goes to rescue her and is instead taken by the demon after a bone-breaking supernatural fight in a church. \n Though long, the prologue is eventful and exciting. \n \"What stood before Arthur was only the shell of the girl he loved. Something else was in control. He could feel the rage and hatred emanating from Abigail's lithe body. Her skin was covered in a heat rash, her flesh barely containing the demonic presence within.\" \n After the prologue, the novel begins five months after the events at the church, where we meet Haatim, a theology graduate who recently lost his sister to cancer and returned to the US from India, feeling angry at his father and God. He is given a kind of freelance job, by a man named George, to take pictures of Abigail, who is seen following George. \n From there, things progress as Haatim is thrust into the supernatural world of which he had no knowledge. Abigail attempts - at first - to withhold information regarding Haatim's father, who is a member of the Council that sanctions the missions against the demons. \n The duo then flees from otherworldly creatures trying to kill or capture them. Abigail, secretly, tries to find out more about the demon that took Arthur and seeks to save him. \n \"They could feel the supernatural presence, the sheer wrongness of it, as easily as he could. Even the forest could sense something was amiss.\" \n Abigail is tasked to go to Raven's Peak after rumours that there might be a minor demon in the area. From there, things take a whole new level of surprising and scary for both the demon hunter and Haatim. \n Character development in the novel is significant for both Abigail and Haatim. Abigail is also a sarcastic though often serious character, making her interactions with Haatim quite funny, especially since he is new to the whole supernatural scene. \n \"I thought you said I wasn't worth anything to them without the pictures.\" \n \"I didn't think you were,\" she said. \"Turns out, you're worth a whole hell of a lot.\" \n Raven's Peak had many scary parts, some nearly had me biting my nails with suspense, but overall it wasn't horrifying. The pace is very quick, even the longer chapters slip by and you're hungry for more. \n \"What happens when I don't come back? When I become the new threat and you have no one else to send?\" \n Overall rating: 4.5 stars. \n Note: I received a free copy of Raven's Peak from the author in exchange for an honest review (which was originally planned in October.)", "date_added": "Sun Oct 16 16:06:43 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Tue Nov 01 09:25:51 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Tue Oct 25 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Sun Oct 16 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 3, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "28094400", "review_id": "b9fa6c9c287a6e28b174727a282f5c39", "rating": 3, "review_text": "\"No one who has been accused has ever been found innocent. No one who has been accused has ever lived to see their family and homes again. No one who has been accused has ever seen anything besides the bars of the prison chamber until they hung on the hill.\" \n When the Black Roses Grow by Angela Archer is a romantic historical fiction novel with a hint of the paranormal set during the time of the Salem witch trials. \n From the start, the reader is aware of the injustices plaguing Salem, particularly with the regards to the trials persecuting so-called witches. \n I liked how the author kept me wondering if the book has actual paranormal events till the end. \n \"Suddenly, another stem sprouted before my eyes. In contrast, my limbs grew numb... My mind whirled, lost in a sea of unexplainable reasons and sheer terror, while the green vine curled through the air, and the leaves bounced and waved. Shadows closed in, hunting as they preyed on the pain pulsing through the deepest fears of my mind.\" \n Emmalynn Hawthorne, the protagonist, is a rebellious character, for a woman during at the time. She often speaks before she thinks, although there are many other times in which she does her best not to retort. As a character, Emmalynn is quite relatable. Her struggle with sin versus love and desire is real, strong and down to earth. \n \"I care not for the judgements of anyone in Salem.\" \n The sheriff later discovers that Emmalynn is both smart and has this rebellious side. \n There is also the mysterious character of Mr. Dekane, whom Emmalynn secretly admires, and whom we meet bit by bit but cannot understand his true intentions. \n \"Contrary to what other men think, Emmalynn, I do not believe that women are the Devil's instruments. I believe they are wonderful creatures that should not be provided for but cared for.\" \n I appreciate Archer's attempted use of archaic language such 'thee', 'thou', 'thine', to accentuate the historical feel of her fiction. However, there were a lot of inconsistencies throughout the novel, which irritated me. There were also many times that I felt the language is modern but with an archaic word or two wedged in here and there that just did not work out for me. \n One of the lines that I just couldn't imagine being said at that period - around 1692 - is \"Hath a seat.\" It's modern with an old use for \"have\". \n There were many beautiful lines, quotes and images throughout the novel. Here's a reflection by Emmalynn: \n \"One can only be strong before strife consumes, breaking the ties that bind them and keep them tucked away from all around. My strength wavered every day, but today felt different. Today, the pain overwhelmed me more with the ever-present conflict of casting the facade that nothing perturbed me. That I lived a happy life in a town I loathed. That I did not wake every morning with the gut-wrenching feeling of loneliness.\" \n At the beginning of the novel we are introduced to two strangers whose skin is very white. The warning: \"Beware of the white colourless people for they are the devil and will devour thy soul\" is reminiscent of an old wives' tales. \n Emmalynn is fairly well-developed character; still, there was some character development towards the end. Despite the significant amount of sobbing, she becomes aware that to look weak, makes the sheriff and the deacons even more vile. \"I would not allow them to drag me to my death. I would walk to it.\" \n Another thing I liked in the book is the author's ability to show through speech. \n Overall, When the Black Roses Grow would have received a 4.75-to-5-star review from me if it weren't for the attempted use or rather misuse of archaic language. Still, it is highly recommended. \n So the overall rating is: 3.5 stars. \n Note: I received a free copy of When the Black Roses Grow from the author in exchange for an honest review.", "date_added": "Fri Sep 02 12:40:49 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Mon Feb 27 01:23:08 -0800 2017", "read_at": "Fri Feb 24 12:58:04 -0800 2017", "started_at": "Fri Feb 10 14:31:34 -0800 2017", "n_votes": 2, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "31565981", "review_id": "f6d77520b3dba4223ba5020756b03e38", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Note: I received a free copy of Something from its author Shelby Lamb in exchange for an honest review. \n Something, book I in the Wisteria series, by Shelby Lamb is a dark, adult, horror and paranormal novel. And when I say dark, I mean pitch black dark. \n Even though most of the characters are aged 16, I wouldn't recommend this book for anyone under 18. The novel is meant for mature audiences and is high in adult content. There is also lots of profanity, so if you don't like it, read at your own caution. \n \"Bella gasped, delighted, glancing at the red Happy Birthday Bitch written around two fondant boobs and a fondant ass with the exact butterfly tattoo she had on her butt.\" \n Something by Shelby Lamb juggles four main characters, but the main main character is Aubrey Golding, an obsessive emo with suicidal intentions. Aubrey is constantly over-obsessing about her ex-boyfriend, Nathan, who ditched her three months prior. It is interesting to see the obsessiveness and how she struggles with and how Nathan suffers from it. Still I felt it was a little overdone at times. \n Other main characters include Bella, a narcissistic 16-year-old looking to make her name in the porn industry, and 15-year-old Kendra who is pregnant with twins. \n What do all the character have in common? They all talked to or mingled with Aubrey, who has recently picked up a book called Something from the local library. As the book progresses, Aubrey shares bits and pieces with the other three main characters. \n \"Vines bordered the edged of the first page, vines that wiggled and swayed as if they were alive.\" \n I liked how Lamb kept giving the reader bits of information that the characters themselves were unaware of, like creatures hiding in the darkness, pages moving, horns appearing and more. \n \"She hobbled toward the bathroom...not noticing the long, outstretched arm that slid back under her bed. Pale as a sheet, except for the dark veins, it had barely missed her ankle.\" \n A few things about the narration bugged me a bit, sometimes I felt that the author's personal views of her characters entered the narrative, disrupting the flow, and sometimes I felt certain parts could be skipped, particularly with several dialogues and some day-to-day descriptions. Similarly, some of the scary parts could have had shorter sentences instead of \"then\" and other linking words. There were also a few slightly gross, albeit needed, scenes. \n There were also some character discrepancies in Aubrey. Sometimes she was a bit mature or seemed grown up, at others she was like a 10-year-old. \n On the other hand, among the things I liked about Something was Shelby's use of thought-provoking similes and imagery throughout. \n While I'm usually not a fan of love triangles, Lamb's triangle is well-crafted, maintaining suspense. \n I liked how the author made me like and dislike Aubrey at the same. Just like Aubrey's conflicting world, the reader is made to feel conflicting emotions about her. While I often pitied her, there were times when she irritated me. In her fit of rage, I was totally rooting for her though. \n \"She closed the door, not noticing the strange, horned creature sitting by Aubrey's sleeping body, hunching over her like a dark, ominous cloud. \n That night, while everyone slept, a pale, smooth and slender hand placed a gift box down on the doorstep. He had found Aubrey once again. \n He always would.\" \n Normally, Something is not a book I would have picked up, but I'm glad I got out of my reading genres and read this. \n Something is a quick-paced, scary novel with short chapters and several lives intermingled, making the book interesting at all times. Highly recommended. \n \"I can smell the Demonolib curse on you.\" \n Overall rating: 4.75 stars", "date_added": "Wed Aug 31 05:31:12 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Tue May 23 17:06:53 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Tue May 23 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Sat May 20 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "30849848", "review_id": "d637dbf6687404e5cb8b328e191ff2df", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Damn! That was a good book! (And I rarely ever start my reviews like this!) \n Kings or Pawns by JJ Sherwood is the first instalment in the Steps of Power series. And what a start! \n The novel deals with Hairem, who has ascended the throne after his father's passing, and who has to deal with a council of corrupt members, all working on their personal gains and away from the needs of their respective elven realms. \n There is also the army general Jikun, whom we see as a bit selfish but nonetheless skilled and who at least has an idea about the duties of his role as a general and the sacrifices he has to make. \n Moreover, there is the general's captain Navon, who dabbles in necromancy, despite his general's orders and despite there being a death penalty for such a practice. I particularly liked Navon's character: cynical, funny, wise and above all kind and loyal. \n I also loved and enjoyed Sherwood's ability in creating her settings, which is made clear from the beginning of the novel. \n There is character development - for good or worse - for various characters in the novel, including King Hairem, General Jikun and others. I also loved Alvena, a mute handmaid with a surprising role to play. She and Navon were my favourites in the novel. \n Basically every character in Kings or Pawns has a role to play. No characters are redundant; those who come and go like messengers are not given names as they are not important. The author is lauded for that. \n \"The temperature in Darival had fallen with the sun, who had also, it seemed, taken her blanket of clouds with her.\" \n Kings or Pawns had me thinking throughout and occasionally wondering if some characters were not as they appear. It also grabbed my interest towards the politics of running a country, albeit a fantastical ones, and had me wondering what happens when a good leader is surrounded by corrupt ones. \n It is going to take me sometime to shake off the brilliant political intrigue and storytelling. \n \"Unlike the palace treasury, [the personal finances] of the council members were filling up like a halfling's pockets in a treasure trove.\" \n I also liked the theme of entitlement throughout Kings or Pawns, which is seen in many characters but particularly the council members. \n There are also several songs and poems in the novel, highlighting Sherwood's ability in writing both prose and poetry equally well. \n The word flow throughout the whole book is exceptional. You don't want to miss a beat, even when things are calm and we're just given a description of place. \n Kings or Pawns is fast paced and will probably keep you reading up all day and night as it did me. There might be some nail biting especially towards the second half of the book. \n I would definitely love to pick up the second book in the Steps of Power series, but I need to get some sleep first! \n My review is part of the August-long Steps of Power blog tour. I wanted so badly to go through the posts but did not want to come up on any spoilers. Check out the full tour here, which includes artwork, interviews, other reviews and more: http://www.stepsofpower.com/", "date_added": "Wed Aug 31 00:49:19 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Wed Aug 31 00:51:28 -0700 2016", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 2, "n_comments": 1}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "25311692", "review_id": "4ad9c519d8df8f4c2b0c7fff3fa470eb", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Stake Out by Lily Luchesi is the first paranormal, romance and crime novella in the Paranormal Detectives series. \n Easily read in one sitting, the book is fast-paced, action-packed and highly enjoyable. \n It opens with detective Daniel - Danny - Mancini surviving an encounter with a man named Vincent, whom we learn is a 200-year old vampire. After submitting his report of the incident, Danny is forced into an early retirement. Two years later, he is approached by a beautiful young-looking woman, claiming she is from a lesser known FBI division called the Paranormal Investigative Division (PID). \n The woman, Angelica, tells Daniel that what he had seen two years prior was true and that the PID is responsible for weeding out dangerous paranormal creatures, like Vincent. Danny struggles to come to terms with these revelations, but accepts to help Angelica catch the rogue vampire. The two slowly become attracted to one another, igniting a bit of a romance, which has deeper roots than the reader expects. \n Stake Out is fairly gritty but nonetheless exciting with likeable characters. I liked how the reader got the viewpoints and flashbacks of various characters throughout the book. \n \"He also knew that Angelica would personally kill him if he did anything to compromise the investigation. Her body might be 24, but her mind was older and more cunning than even Gandalf!\" \n One of the things I liked about the novella was the use of songs at the beginning of each chapter. It added a gothic feel to the book. \n I liked how Luchesi was to the point in the novella, while also keeping the reader on edge by feeding us bits and pieces of history about Angelica, Vincent and even Danny and the PID. I also liked how she had me guessing at events, many of which proved true and others I had to wait for the revelation. \n I also liked how Stake Out has a closed and open ending at the same time, prompting the reader to want to know what happens in later books. \n Overall, Stake Out kept me glued to the Kindle screen till I finished it. \n Overall rating is 5 stars. I definitely would love to pick up the next books in the series.", "date_added": "Wed Aug 24 04:52:05 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Tue Dec 13 04:29:46 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Sun Dec 11 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Sun Nov 20 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "n_votes": 2, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "26832363", "review_id": "563088c8461b985ab3831428d83179ae", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Nine Candles of the Deepest Black by Matthew S. Cox is a fast-paced horror/paranormal novel with lots of magic. \n The main character is Paige, who has been trying to heal after losing her older sister in a car crash, which she claims to have had a premonition about. Also trying to heal are her parents, who move to the supposedly quiet town of Shadesboro. There, Paige makes friends on the first day and they invite her to a Ouija game and later a spell-casting, which she doesn't believe in but agrees to do anyway. \n In the spell, each girl asks for what her heart desires, but the spell is mostly infused with dark magic and intentions. Once the spell is cast, the girls realise that in order to get what they want, the magic will take something in return. They also release a demon. \n The novel opens with a tense start especially in terms of conversation, however, Paige's sarcasm makes way for a light mood. \"Now I know how sharks feel with those little fish clinging to their ass.\" \n Paige is a likeable goth-character. I enjoyed seeing her transition from constant anger to kind and caring for her younger eight-year old sister, Melissa. Her character development is significant and realistic. \n Other characters who also progress in the course of the novel are her parents. (Which I truly liked). Melissa is a fun and adorable character, who gives a lot of warmth to the mostly cold-inducing novel. \n The part that bugged me though was the excessive description towards the end. I felt I wanted to know what's going on more than details about Paige. The parts behind the mirror were rather fuzzy and hard to imagine for me, as well. The grit at the end was a little over the top for me. \n I also liked that the novel isn't purely good versus evil - I mean there is evil and a demon and all, but the original evil came in the form of greed and heartlessness. \n \"The sight of [the candles] stirred an odd feeling in the pit of Paige's gut. Rather than normal black-coloured objects, they seemed to absorb light, appearing to be candle-sharped holes in reality.\" \n Nine Candles of the Deepest Black kept me cold and on edge all the time. Paige seemed to have a series of horrifying happening one after the other. \n Overall rating: 3.75 stars.", "date_added": "Wed Jun 29 14:57:44 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Sat Oct 01 13:33:28 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Fri Sep 30 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Thu Sep 15 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 5, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "29091578", "review_id": "565966d0ac19520f7de437e1cdc2d63f", "rating": 3, "review_text": "The Story of Lucius Cane by Vanya Ferreira is a novella - or short story - introducing the ancient vampire Lucius Cane, who meets an unlikely and strange foe. \n An introduction to a series, the story consists of a prologue and seven short chapters. \n The novella is quite short and does not leave much room for character development. It does, however, give a good description of both Lucius Cane and his opponent. \n The story alternates between Lucius and Jack, also known as Jack the Hound, mostly for his rugged and vicious appearance. Jack, too, has a paranormal side to him, although he is not a vampire. \n \"He noticed that his eyesight had improved and that he could see perfectly no matter how dark, his sense of smell had become so acute he could smell a break baking at the bakers over a mile and a half away...\" \n There is also the mystery of a secondary voice inside Lucius' head. Although we are told that that is for another - much longer - story. \n \"You have to be quick about it, Lucius.\" Spoke a dusty voice but Anne did not hear it.\" \n I like how the story unfolds. Some of it may appear as cliche, one man asked to kill another, but the ending - I definitely did not see that one coming. \n \"One day he came to the belief that there isn't anything quite as thrilling as hunting man, the most dangerous animal of all.\" \n Overall, The Story of Lucius Cane is an interesting and quick read. It certainly makes you want to carry on with the rest of the series. \n Overall rating: 3 stars. \n Note: I received a free copy of The Story of Lucius Cane from the author in exchange for an honest review.", "date_added": "Mon Feb 22 15:24:27 -0800 2016", "date_updated": "Sat Apr 30 08:03:42 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Wed Mar 23 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Mon Mar 21 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 2, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "25845800", "review_id": "38fd6ea92fbc0106d820de99002e1ccb", "rating": 4, "review_text": "The Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum by Kirsten Weiss is a fun possibly paranormal cozy mystery, and the first installment in a series under the same name. \n The novel opens with Maddie Kosloski and her friend Adele, who owns the Paranormal Museum and the second half of a building, which the latter is remodeling into a tea shop. The two women are confronted with the dead body of a not-so-likable acquaintance, Christy, in chapter one. \n Christy, it seems, had a knack for making enemies. While reading, you can't feel sympathy for the dead woman. It also appears as though everyone had a motive to kill her. \n \"Mother always told me to stay positive. But I can't help feeling like another show is about to drop.\" \n Maddie has significant faith that the police will handle the case with care and find the killer. However, she soon discovers that the school bully, Laurel Hammer, is one of the detectives in charge of the investigation, and it seems she has a grudge against Maddie. \n The first introduction we get of Laurel, apart from reminder of Maddie's friend Harper, is this: \n \"Laurel Hammer banged open the door to the interview room. \"So which one of you two idiots killer her?\" \n Maddie constantly tries to get people to tell the police what they know, and tries to do the same herself, but the police look at her as a likely suspect, especially when a second body appears; another fairly dislikable acquaintance. Even after they arrest her friend Adele, Maddie tries to be the good citizen and help the detectives. \n The Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum is narrated from the first person perspective of Maddie, who gets many funny and entertaining thoughts. She is also down to earth and realistic, so it is easy to imagine her and imagine being in her place. Also, we go deeper into her character as she hesitates about managing the Paranormal Museum, while job hunting after being fired from her previous job. \n \"Dion Fortune's scrying mirror.\" [said Herb]... \"Of course, I'm asking ten thousand.\" \n I coughed. \"Dollars?\" \n \"But for you, five.\" \n \"Thousand?\" I wouldn't pay five thousand for Ali Baba's mirror. There was no way anything in the museum cost that much. \n The overall pace is fairly quick. There is constant moving and events, but in terms of solving Christy's murder, things are a bit slow. There was also the GD cat, a recurring theme in paranormal novels, although I couldn't understand that cat or its intentions. \n The Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum is home to second mystery, one which Maddie stumbles upon, immerses herself in and takes it upon herself to solve. The mystery revolves around the picture of a woman named Cora, who is accused of murdering her husband. \n I truly enjoyed the mystery within a mystery, and how Maddie goes about in order to search for two killers, one dead and one alive. \n Another thing I enjoyed is how Weiss constantly made the reader think and doubt if the Paranormal Museum can live up to its name by being haunted - or not. Up until the end of the novel, the reader has doubts. \n \"The atmosphere thickened, choking. The quiet stretched, the only sound my own harsh breath, breath I could see in the air. It was a nails on a chalkboard silence, a deep silence that tightened my throat, made me tremble.\" \n I particularly liked the development in Maddie's character, a trait not often seen in mystery novels. When we first see Maddie, she has low self-esteem, and who can blame her after nine months of job hunting with no development in getting a job. But as the novel ends, we see a significant change in her character, both in her attempt to catch the killer and in her negotiation skills. \n The Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum is a quick, well-written and light read, with a mystery within a mystery and possible ghost. \n Note: I received a free copy via Lori Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours in exchange for an honest review as part of a blog tour for the book.", "date_added": "Tue Feb 02 17:19:59 -0800 2016", "date_updated": "Thu Mar 17 21:17:48 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Thu Mar 17 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Wed Mar 16 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "28253763", "review_id": "2e3886311e9c0669c3bd55c3faf78dd6", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Twice Upon a Time by Hope Irving is the first instalment in the Black Angel Book series. It is the story of the witch Deidre, who, being in love with the calligrapher monk Morgann, casts a spell to reunite their souls in the future. However, while Morgann's hosts remember everything, Deidre's do not. \n We later learn that the tale of Deidre and Morgann is believed to be legend, especially amongst calligraphers. \n The opening chapter though informative is narrated in a casual manner, not from a once-upon-a-time monk; it wasn't light either. Afterwards, the narration shifts between Rose and the man carrying Morgann's time-travelling soul. \n I liked how Hope Irving kept the second narrator's identity a mystery (obviously I'm doing the same). \n The idea that Morgann's current form may or may not appeal to Rose or Deidre is interesting and leaves room for possible problems. \n \"Somehow my soul remembers it all, hers doesn't. \n But how will she remember who she was, who we were? \n Will seeing me be enough? \n Will I need to trigger her memory? \n Will she accept me as I am now?\" \n Twice Upon a Time sets the backdrop for the upcoming books in the series. There is a lot of action, although not much with regards to bringing Deidre's and Morgann's souls back together. \n Rose is an ordinary girl, whose heart has been badly broken in previous relationship. Here, she comes to spend the summer with her American side of the family. She deeply seeks to get her mind off the previous relationship and the man who broke her, G. \n Rose is also a cutter and I particularly liked how Irving maintained this trait throughout the novel, even when Rose was happy, giving a realistic side to a paranormal story. \n \"Gifted Deirdre cast the spell that enabled our souls to eventually be reunited. She couldn't bear for us to be apart, and neither could I.\" \n I did not enjoy the too much drinking part of the novel; I felt it was overdone. But that's just me. \n Having been in the search for Deirdre's soul for-ever, Morgann or his host seems unable to comprehend that he may have found her, putting him off balance, and making him think irrationally. I liked that. Although, I felt sometimes he was way too irrational (but that's the norm in relationships now, especially when you make assumptions). \n Getting viewpoints of the two protagonists allows the reader to guess at events and see beyond what is going. There were parts when I was biting my nails with worry and others when I was telling off the characters or just going on \"No. No. Nooooo!\" (So you can probably say it's a bit of an interactive novel.) \n \"She had faith in me, so I have no choice but to have faith in me, too.\" \n Twice Upon a Time is filled with active, fun, interesting and recurring characters, giving the novel a realistic side. The group barely sleeps; however, they do give Rose a breather, allowing her to get her mind off G. often. \n Falling under the romance and new adult genres, the novel includes more than just kissing. In addition, Rose's desires are awakened all of sudden and need to be satiated. \n \"There is no way to find a logical way to deal with this when logic isn't involved.\" \n There isn't major character development for the two protagonists, however, this is expected considering the tale will continue in other parts and hasn't seen major progress in this book. Although Rose does develop a bit, at least she figures out what she wants and that she can't wait for her crush to grow up or take a decision, Morgann's host seems to require several hard slaps on the face to wake him up. \n Although there aren't many profound images in the novel, Twice Upon a Time has many beautiful quotes. I also liked the idea of calligraphy and how it connects the characters together, including Rose and her new crush. The following bit will you give you an idea on what I mean. \n \"To make it work, I have to focus like I do in calligraphy with the ductus; its' the same mechanism: one step at a time in a specific order. I have to remember to breathe. To ensure the fairytale ends well, I will stand by her side until she trusts me and she's ready for me. At last.\" \n I liked that the ending to Twice Upon a Time was different from what I expected. \n Note: I received a free copy of Twice Upon a Time from author Hope Irving in exchange for an honest review. I look forward to reading the next part(s) in the series, which I've been told are likely to be published in 2016.", "date_added": "Sat Dec 26 14:03:39 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Thu Mar 31 17:37:36 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Wed Mar 16 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Fri Mar 11 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "n_votes": 3, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "28054396", "review_id": "0eccf034fef15b3ff2bea4ab3b3557c1", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Note: I received a free copy of Evanescent by Gabriella Lepore via Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review as part of a blog tour. \n Evanescent by Gabriella Lepore is the story of Bronwen Snow, an ordinary girl living with her grandmother, who is hurled from her normal life when her grandmother tells her that \"it's coming for you\", gives her a letter and tells her to find a Felix Cavara in the castle up the hill. \n Bronwen is shocked but follows her grandmother's orders, especially since the latter's visions are usually \"frighteningly accurate.\" \n The novel opens with an eerie and suspenseful first chapter, keeping the reader on edge and prompting them to carry on. The chapters are usually short, some of which are divided into several parts. \n Arriving at the castle, Bronwen meets three boys, not older than she is, namely: Felix Cavara and his two friends Alastair and Loki. \n According to Ada, Bronwen is being hunted down by a \"Severan\", and we discover later that Felix for all the things he says is unaware of the dangers of that creature. \n \"It follows you,\" Ada mumbled vaguely. \"It's been hunting you, and it's finally coming for you.\" \n ...\"The only thing you can do... is run.\" \n Narrated in the third person, Evanescent is an easy, quick read. However, there was something off about the narration for me. I cannot pinpoint it exactly but I felt that although the writing was smooth, the narration wasn't light. It was irritating a bit. \n There isn't a wide assortment of characters, which is good - just the main ones and a couple of minor ones, some of whom put the whole story in motion. \n I disliked that Felix kept nagging about how he'd been living for \"hundreds of years\" when we discover that the hundreds are only 200 years. I felt it was an exaggeration, one Bronwen picked up. \n \"The cure to your ailment lies within me. If I am to die, you shall never be saved. So, let your father do his worst, for it will make my retribution all the more poetic.\" \n Although the novel is supposed to be centred on Bronwen, whom I thought was too naive, her character development comes only at the very end. We see development in Felix's character, especially as he begins to realise that his selfish actions have affected others and continue to do so. \n Loki was mostly the most lovable character, especially since he is the youngest in the novel, having been cursed with Felix and Alastair at the age of 12; whereas the others were cursed at the age of 18. \n Although Felix's snarky character often lightens the mood and provides humour, it is sometimes too much. His flirtations with Bronwen are not a lot of fun either - in my opinion at least. \n \"My condition? How tactfully put. I think the correct term is mortally challenged. No, if you must know, I like to keep a low profile because when you're as scandalous as I am, it's bound to create a certain, let's say, adoration. A following, if you will.\" \n Evanescent is not free of romance, though it is all clean with just some holding hands and may be a kiss. \n My main problem with the novel was the implausibility of several scenes and events. At one point, having knocked out Felix, the Severan catches Bronwen, while it appears that Alastair and Loki are standing there watching. There other instances, but apart from the narration this was the second most irritating thing about the novel. \n Evanescent covers many themes such as trust and betrayal, love, friendship and of course the evanescence/transience of life and how things happen for a reason. \n What I liked most about the novel was the ending: It was different. I totally enjoyed and respected that. I did not see it coming. \n Last but not least, the cover is gorgeous! \n \"I was scared to death in there,\" Bronwen whispered. \n \"And you'd rather be killed to death out here?\" \n Overall rating for Evanescent: 3 stars.", "date_added": "Fri Dec 11 09:44:03 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Mar 05 18:11:30 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Tue Mar 01 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Sat Feb 27 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "13162223", "review_id": "db50c7115c5201a665ddec323680b15f", "rating": 2, "review_text": "Bentwhistle the Dragon, A Threat from the Past by Paul Cude is the first instalment in the Bentwhistle the Dragon Series. The first chapter opens in the middle of a chase in Egypt, with an unnamed woman, whom we learn is a dragon in human form. \n After that the reader gets long alternating chapters narrated in the third person for two characters: Flash and Peter. Other chapters include a number of prisoners, where the reader gets a different from view point from the characters. \n The chapters with Flash are action-packed, exciting and fly by. The same cannot be said for the chapters with Peter, which are mostly mundane and boring, not to mention very slow. Some of Peter's chapters also involved sports, which I were not enjoyable for me and felt could be cut out. Others might find them fun, but I thought they were too long and not needed. At some point, I thought one of the games was going to affect the dragons in the long run, but it just turned out the dragons in human form were too tired, so I felt it was wasting time (for me). \n \"It was something all of his years of training had never prepared him for...fear, deep down, genuine fear, with a capital F.\" \n \"He knew now that his life hung in the balance, dependent on whether he could choose exactly the right window of opportunity, show one even exist.\" \n There was a lot of unnecessary descriptions and scenes for me, again in the chapters with Peter in them. At some point, I got the impression that every writer wants to include everything they've thought of in the book, but some of it just extended the length of the novel, which is an already long one. At some point, I felt I wouldn't be able to finish the book but I wanted to get to the end, so it spurred me forward. However, there were some points where I started skimming and skipping bits just to finish. \n There were some parts that I felt were not logic, like in the beginning with the pyramid, and later with Flash having a dislocated shoulder but miraculously undressing. There was also a significant amount of repetition in some parts that I felt could be trimmed. \n The novel would have moved a lot faster if the chapters were shorter, especially since there were breaks within the same chapter to alternate scenes and character perspectives. \n One of the things I truly disliked about Bentwhistle the Dragon was how the narrator addressed the reader in some parts, like saying \"Something quite literally magical happened.\" And \"I don't mean no energy to run, jump or swim. I mean he simply wanted to give up.\" \n When emotions and events are repeated over the course of the novel, they are often repeated using the same description or terminology. There were also bits between brackets, like the author was explaining to the reader what was happening. I preferred if that were integrated in the text itself. These bits bothered me. \n The problem that kept nagging at me was that Peter Bentwhistle is too ordinary. There is nothing special about him that would promote him to hero, as opposed to Flash who is likeable, practical and brave, and who has all the qualities that make him a hero. \n \"Risk and thrill seeking were simple part of his nature, as much as a twenty-foot tail, brown shiny scales, and teeth that a crocodile would die for, were part of his body.\" \n On the other hands, I loved the Lavapool game. It reminded me of Quidditch from the Harry Potter series, only played by dragons. I would have preferred I was given an idea how it was played rather falling right into it and having to figure it out for myself. \n There were however many interesting images and similes. \n \"Richie, normally cooler than a cucumber in a Siberian fridge, flinched just a little uncomfortably in her seat.\" \n \"Huge icebergs the size of houses littered the landscape like popcorn on a cinema floor.\" \n I also couldn't find the threat from the past. I think the novel needed some tuning in terms of redundant parts, so as not to lose the reader, and in some cases not to bore the reader as well. \n Overall rating: It took me a long time to write this review because I felt the novel didn't meet my expectations when I finally finished it. On closer inspection of my notes and while rereading bits for the review, I think a fair overall rating would be: 2 stars. \n Note: I got a request from the author for an honest review. \n The book is free via Smashwords here: \n https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...", "date_added": "Sun Nov 15 02:47:12 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Mon Dec 12 15:41:57 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Fri Aug 19 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Wed Apr 06 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "26112210", "review_id": "e34a753f17c5e11b5021fdcd2c1b0695", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Bound by Prophecy is the third installment in the Bound series by Stormy Smith. Like its predecessor, it picks up where the second book left off - straight into the action. \n Amelia had fallen into a kind of coma after the battle at Cresthaven and Aidan could only reach her in his animal form. \n I felt that I could have used a quick reminder or short summary of what happened in the previous books, even though I read them, but unlike the other two which I read almost simultaneously, there were several months between the second and third books. \n Bound by Prophecy is more focused on Aidan and Amelia's relationship, which means there is more romance than the previous books. It's still a clean novel, but I sometimes felt I needed less holding hands and kissing and more moving forward with the plot, which has several twists and turns that I doubt anyone saw coming. \n \"His fear washed over me like the first swim of summer, the water like ice until you're fully submerged.\" \n Quick-paced, the novel shifts between three perspectives this time, namely: Amelia's, Aidan's and Micah's. We also get to see the characters from book two more in-depth, especially Baleon and Micah. \n When the characters started travelling, I got confused, especially since there was Cresthaven and Syria. What was in Syria and how did they know? This part was a big question mark for me especially since I didn't remember it being mentioned in the second book - it could have been there but my memory fails me. Also, why is their home in Syria not Cresthaven? \n There were several instances in the novel that I felt Amelia was selfish, which is understandable and an important aspect in her character as a to-be leader, still sometimes I felt it was a bit much. \n There is also a lot of speculation as to Amelia's powers and her Keeper power, which has been a bit of a vague subject since the first book. \n \"I'm not part of some destiny or prophecy. What I am is a curse.\" \n One of the most likeable characters in all three books is Amelia's best friend Bethany, AKA \"B\". Her character is light, funny and sometimes the voice of reason. One of my favourite quotes was when she was reprimanding Amelia. \n \"Do you know what that means, Miss 'nobody likes me, I should go eat worms'? That means he doesn't hold it against you. And if he doesn't hold it against you, you damn well can't hold it against yourself.\" \n There is also the strained relationship between Micah and Bethany, who dated briefly before Amelia was forced to be with Micah (end of book 1 & most of book 2). Still there were some indications of hope. \n \"Micah walked slowly toward Bethany, as cautious as a zookeeper approaching a big cat, and likely for a good reason.\" \n Bound by Prophecy is filled with beautiful quotes and speeches by a variety of characters. \n Here Cole tells Amelia about their father's choices: \n \"He looked at me, and said, 'Cole, there are times when you have to rip your own heart out to show it how to beat.' I thought he was crazy, but I get it now. We were his heart. And what he had to do to us tore him up, but we had to learn how to beat alone.\" \n One of the characters that develops significantly in Bound by Prophecy is Micah, who moves from a prince put down by his mother to a strong leader. \n The parts narrated from his viewpoint are interesting, quick and calculated. He doesn't have time to lose and the character development is clear. His speeches were among the best in the novel. Below is the confrontation scene between him and his mother, Queen Julia. \n \"Power is held by those who take it. It is kept by those who wield it unflinchingly. It is earned by those who are willing to compromise anything to achieve their purpose.\" \n \"No mother,\" I interjected, \"that is where you are the one who has it wrong. Power is earned by those refuse to compromise their ideals and beliefs. It is kept by those who put the greater good before themselves. It is held by those who are supported and believed in. Power is merely having the resources to accomplish your objectives, and it is fleeting to those who throw people away like garbage when they don't conform. \n \"Power is celebrated and revered by those who benefit from it,\" I continued. \"You have maintained your power through coercion and fear, and that is why you are dying. You couldn't sustain your power because it was never meant for this purpose. You are dying because your life is not worth the air you need to breathe. You're dying because you are evil in the world needs rid of you.\" \n Although Bound by Prophecy was not my favourite book in the series, I enjoyed the first and second books more, it still earns a 3.5-star rating and is an interesting, fast-paced conclusion to the series - which Stormy Smith has said she might write new books using other characters \n Note: I know this review is long overdue - I finished the book in time but I did not have time to write the review. My apologies for the delay. \n Note II: I received a free copy of Bound by Prophecy from the author and as part of a blog tour in exchange for an honest review.", "date_added": "Tue Oct 13 19:02:20 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Tue Dec 15 14:14:14 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Sat Nov 21 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Sat Nov 07 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 2, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "26545688", "review_id": "7e5db110feb8131cc7a715881a029317", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Metamorphosis by Jennifer Carole Lewis is the second instalment in the Lalassu series. While the beginning doesn't seem to start where the other left off, it is a fair continuation of the events of the novel. \n While I feel that most of the book can be read as a standalone, I think reading the first part - Revelations - will make the reader guess the identity of certain characters, some events, connections (some of which will be right, others not) and connect the dots better than someone starting with this book. \n The book is divided into five parts named after stages of healing a wound. I liked that, especially when moving forward with the book, the reader realises that there is a lot of progress and healing required by many of the characters. \n \"Living in the past doesn't change it. It only destroys the present.\" \n Metamorphosis opens with former army corporal Ron McBride escaping from his captors and freezing in the Canadian wilderness. He carries the ashes of Nada, whom he was unable to save in the last book and hopes to give them to her family in a place called \"Ekurru\". \n Almost frozen in the cold, Ron wakes up in Doc's cabin, where he meets his rescuers. Ron worries that his former captors would catch up with him or worse harm those who have come to slightly welcome him in this place, which he later discovers is home to highly intelligent massive-sized bears. \n \"The warmth hit him like truck, sparking an irrational temptation to crawl directly into the tiny fire to thaw his frozen body.\" \n The book focuses on both Ron and Lily, whom Ron immediately falls in love with, and the metamorphosis of each of them; a psychological and emotional transformation for one and literal and physical for the other. \n The theme of the hero remerges in Metamorphosis, where the former corporal has always wanted to be a hero; however, in one of his tours, he believes he failed his friends, who died, while he lived. The novel portrays Ron's constant struggle to be a better - advanced - human being as well as his attempts to be worthy of Lily. \n While I understand the need to stress on Ron's problems and inward struggle, I still felt that it was too much at times, or becoming a bit repetitive. \n The Lalassu are people born with supernatural powers. In Metamorphosis, we are given additional information and background on them. Lily and her family are Lalassu but also called skinwalkers, since they have the ability to transform into bears. \n I enjoyed the use of psychology with the characters of Ron and Vincent, especially since the two characters are similar in several aspects, particularly being controlled by A.D., whose touch renders his victims his slaves. \n We also see how Lily's brother and grandfather try to break A.D.'s hold on both Ron and Vincent, a hold that makes it impossible for them to speak or even hear their captor's name. \n Several characters from Revelations make a reappearance in Metamorphosis with backgrounds on many of them, including Karan, who is best described here: \n \"Most people were too lazy to look past what they wanted to see and Karan had no problem with taking advantage of that.\" \n \"Karan never lost, no matter how long it took to achieve his victory.\" \n I felt the chapters were too long, and thought they'd be quicker if they were shorter, since each chapter already covers several places or sides in the novel. \n Ron's interactions - as well as those of the other characters later on - with the bears were rather cute. Ron's - and the reader's - first encounter with a bear in the book goes like this: \n '\"Good bear. Nice bear,\" he croacked. \n The bear's ears went flat against its skull, exactly like an annoyed cat. It snorted and shook its head.' \n Artful humour is prevalent in the novel to break the tension. An important aspect often forgotten or overlooked by writers. \n \"Your head is spinning fast enough to qualify for Exorcist Frequent Flier miles.\" \n One of the most important aspects in the novel for me is character development. I was glad to see the development of several characters not just the protagonists. *applause for the author* \n Metamorphosis is a novel of romance and journey of maturity and self-discovery, and it's full of beautiful quotes and imagery. I look forward to reading more in the series. \n \"It's easier to believe you are broken than to try and heal yourself.\" \n Note: I got an advanced readers' copy (ARC) of Metamorphosis from author Jennifer Carole Lewis in exchange for an honest review. \n Check out my review of the first instalment of the series, Revelations. http://nadanessinmotion.blogspot.com.... \n Also, take a peek at an excerpt from chapter one in Metamorphosis here: http://nadanessinmotion.blogspot.com....", "date_added": "Tue Oct 06 03:55:12 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Thu Feb 04 16:20:28 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Mon Feb 01 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Mon Jan 11 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "26131984", "review_id": "b0c532d4bc275b6c7375a7de7dc5092a", "rating": 2, "review_text": "Anger's Children by K. D. Rose is collection of three short stories. Judging this book or writing its review is particularly hard, since I hated one of the stories, loved another and one remained in between like and dislike. \n I must note, however, that the synopses for the stories were more interesting than most of the stories themselves. Sex is the focus of the stories; some of it was more disgusting than enjoyable. \n The stories are not related and can be read in any order. In the first part or story, titled \"Under the Shadow of Wings\", I did not enjoy the narration one bit. It felt like bits and pieces were scattered and there was no fixed timeline. Also, there was a mention of mighty sword at the beginning but it was never referred to again, which was strange. There was also a transfer of power but there was no rising tension to meet this power surge. \n In addition, contradictory tones in some parts, including \"She had already won. She had just come back to collect.\" It's like winning and collecting - we don't know what exactly, probably souls, except that they belong to her and \"all her dead relatives\" - are being justified. \n The story quickly shifts to impossible sex in an airplane restroom, which is tiny for one person, let alone two with one of them having wings! I also found the ideas she thinks are from her dead relatives rather confusing. \n \"Under the Shadow of Wings\" was an overall weird story and I really disliked it. It was the opening story and seriously put me off the rest of the book for a bit. \n The second story titled \"Eyes Only\" is considerably long compared to the first and last ones and makes up the bulk of the book. It is also the most enjoyable of the three. \n It is a story within a story within a story with a spectacular twist at the end, making it far more complex than the other two. \n With also a lot of sex, \"Eyes Only\" is bursting with suspense. It boasts several bits of imagery, including: \"Like a junkie, my addiction to her had galloped out of control.\" \n \"Eyes Only\" was not free of confusion, however. Still it is mostly enjoyable and interesting. \n The third and final story in Anger's Children is \"The Dark Man\" \n \"You remain a poignant gossamer of idealistic dreams instead of a champion of organised power - an actual force to be reckoned with.\" - these words echo at the end of the story as well, resulting in an unexpected and intriguing ending. \n As a reader, I wanted to know who the characters were. Are they gods? Or are they pawn in a game for the gods? \n Even though the characters have names, we don't know anything about them, except that they have met - and had sex - several times before and that they have been around for centuries. \n I also felt the storyline and timeline were quite vague. \n Overall rating: Again hard to judge but 2-2.5 stars. \n Note: I received a free copy via Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.", "date_added": "Sat Oct 03 02:53:24 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Tue Oct 13 18:38:39 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Wed Oct 07 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Sat Oct 03 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "24376990", "review_id": "36ec458f16b4d3dfb23ad19447169bf7", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Note: I received a free copy from author Jennifer Carole Lewis in exchange for an honest review. \n \"Wherever there is prey, there are hunters. Jungle, ocean, city - the location doesn't matter. Predators will always find the vulnerable.\" - The opening line for Revelations and one that rings true on several characters and lines in the story. \n Revelations (Book I of The Lalassu) is a quick-paced action-packed adventure mainly about a dancer with super human abilities. For years, Dani has been fighting her family's nagging that she take up the role of High Priestess for the lalassu people in order to serve as their guide and connection with the goddess. However, she wants no part in that and prefers her life as a burlesque dancer. \n Dani also has a darker core, which she calls the Huntress. Often described as a slithering being, the Huntress is meant to be Dani's connection to the goddess. But something is wrong with the Huntress and it appears to be evil or as we later discover, is \"corrupted\". \n \"Concentrating, gathering her personal self... Dani reached deep into her psyche. \n And touched a monster. The Huntress: terrifying, insatiable hunger; ancient rage howling for blood. Linked to the Goddess of her ancestors, it was part of her family's bloodlines, a genetic curse worse than any cancer or disease.\" \n Dani needs to feed the Huntress every few weeks. But because she knows what the dark being will do to her victims, Dani decides to hunt down men who need to be taught a lesson, or simply \"predators\". An example is given in the first few chapters with Josh. \n As Dani exits the club with Josh, we meet Michael Brooks and his cop friend Joe. Michael is a developmental therapist for children. He is kind of like an empath, who is able to read emotions and minds when he gets in contact with others, which he constantly tries to avoid. He uses his gift to discover the secrets children can't share with anyone else. \n \"For everyone else, touch was something casual. It could at times become sensual or intimate, but no one else had to fear it. Every time Michael's skin touched someone or something else, he became privy to their inner thoughts, their darkest secrets, fears and hopes.\" \n Michael senses something strangely dark when he enters the club Dani has just left. People who were out to have fun were in a frenzy of sex and rage. \n The novel shifts between Dani, Michael and Dalhard. The worlds of the first two soon collide especially after one of Michael's clients is kidnapped, and Dani's family is threatened, when her two brothers, both with inhuman speed and strength, are also kidnapped. \n Michael discovers that his charge, Bernie is a medium. What he thought were imaginary friends were actually the ghosts of the dead, bringing her messages and warnings. \n Revelations has an abundance of beautiful but different characters. There are layers upon layers of and character-depth. Although the story is mostly about Dani, and Michael might be a second protagonist or an equal to Dani, others like: Bernie, Joe, Eric, Dalhard and Gwen, all play major roles in the novel. The secondary characters are few, but everyone is important including Nada and Karan. Everyone plays a role and I loved that about the novel. \n One of the things I enjoyed is how Dani, the independent woman, fears what she can do to others. Her gifts are curses. There is a strong character duality, she's both good and bad. She sees the Huntress as evil and fears becoming a Priestess would change her. She also develops feelings for Michael and sees him as naive and too good-natured, making her over-protective of him. \n One of the main themes in the novel is that of the \"hero\". Michael likes comic books, which have shaped his definition of a hero. \"Inside the pages, people who were different became heroes, not freaks. He liked to imagine himself as one of the heroes, using his secret abilities to help others while maintaining a mild-mannered persona.\" \n As the novel progresses, Michael's view of the hero changes and develops. He sees Dani beat up a man who had been stalking one of the dancers. In an instant, the comic book hero who beats the bad guys changes before him after he sees it in a real-life incident. Michael also wants to see Dani as the hero, his, Bernie's and her family's hero. \n Meanwhile, Dalhard, the evil and rich businessman/mastermind, is working hard to \"acquire assets\" or people with superhuman abilities. He tricks Dani's brothers, Eric and Vincent, and we soon discover he has abilities of his own, ones transferred through touch. \n Dalhard later has his eyes on Dani, although he doesn't know anything about her Huntress or her legacy to become the next High Priestess for the Lalassu people, but he sees her as a golden ticket and a vessel for his experiments. \n Dani and Michael have to team up to save the ones they care about as well as the whole of the Lalassu people because Dalhard will stop at nothing to \"acquire\" them for his personal use and for bringing new game-changers to the world of politics. \n On another note, Jennifer Carole also has a way with words and I enjoyed her imagery and word choice throughout the book. (making it hard to pick certain quotes) \n \"But she triggered an uncomfortable wariness, a subliminal warning shivering and shredding the edges of his interest.\" \n One of the things I particularly enjoyed about Revelations and Jennifer Carole's style is her \"show don't tell\" technique. Something many writers struggle with. An example is \"Up close, his looks were even better: easily over six feet with broad shoulders and well-used gym membership.\" And \"She looked like every demonic little girl in a horror film.\" \n Revelations is a quick-paced novel that changes the common perceptions of the \"hero\", with journeys of self-discovery, acceptance and finding romance in unlikely places and people. \n Note II: This book is for adult/mature audiences.", "date_added": "Thu Sep 03 05:28:15 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Tue Oct 06 04:48:09 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Tue Sep 15 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Thu Sep 03 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "25271311", "review_id": "1bfb475d8adf7e3b84e3f49074c2f6df", "rating": 5, "review_text": "The Witches of BlackBrook by Tish Thawer is the first instalment in the Witches of BlackBrook series; however, it is does not have an open-ending. \n Quick-paced and easy to navigate, the story is about three witches: Karina, Kara and Kenna, who lived in the late 1600's, when magic was practiced freely. Mischief befalls the three, when a woman tricks the elder sister, claiming her baby is ill. After that, Karina is accused of killing the baby and being the devil's daughter. She is sentenced to burn at the stake, where she performs a spell to protect her and her sisters. \n Karina's spell takes the sisters, and the rest of the witches, across time, to be reborn in different bodies every time. \n The Witches of BlackBrook opens with a short but powerful prologue. We see a witch's sacrifice from the first page, which immediately gives an idea about the character, even though we are not sure who that character is from the beginning but later learn that it is Karina. \n The novel shifts between the present, where Karina is Trin, and their episodes and events from their past life before and during Karina's trial. Trin is a massage therapist and lives with her roommate/sister Kit, believed to be Kenna. Throughout their previous lives, they have been in constant search of their third sister Kara, but to no avail. \n The narration is in the third person throughout the novel, but we get the sense of things coming from certain perspectives. There are also short sections of an unknown character constantly trying to separate the three sisters and prevent their union. This character adds suspense and gives a strong eerie and creepy atmosphere. \n In the present, Trin meets Caris, a teacher, who recently moved back to BlackBrook with her cousin. During her first massage session with Caris, Trin sees memories of her and her sisters and immediately believes that Caris might be the third lost sister. However, Kit believes otherwise and we get a strong sense of jealousy. \n I enjoyed the use of spells, and the seamless shift between present and past. \n Trin may be the eldest sister, but she's not the wisest. And I really liked that. \"Trin was always thrown off when another witch was around. She desperately wanted everyone they'd stumbled upon to be Kara, that she'd lost perspective over the years.\" \n There is also the character of Jason, Caris' cousin, who is instantly attracted to Trin and reminds her of her long lost love, Jeramiah. \n The overall setting and descriptions throughout the novel are vivid, but there were several images and lines that stood out for me: \n \"She should be excited and proud of Kit, and she was, but the urgency of finding out what magical barrier was being cast upon her entire destiny seemed like a trump card in her book.\" \n There was also the use of tarot readings. \"Trin acknowledged the Magician card as her past, no surprises there. But the present and future card had her undivided attention. \n The Seven of Swords indicated deceit and deception surrounding her present, while the reversed Tower forewarned her of major changes, where she could no longer count on those close to her.\" \n Although in several instances the novel reminded me of the book and television series Charmed, Tish Thawer put in several twists, giving The Witches of BlackBrook its own character. \n Overall: A quick-paced magical five-star must read.", "date_added": "Sun Aug 30 15:43:41 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sun Aug 30 15:45:46 -0700 2015", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 2, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "23294183", "review_id": "22207f3eeca722e0e183b43dc26201e6", "rating": 0, "review_text": "Review to come as part of the blog tour - In progress", "date_added": "Wed Aug 19 01:31:58 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 18 12:08:17 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Sun Oct 18 12:08:17 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Tue Oct 13 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "25682457", "review_id": "b8aa22206141d004b6f1c4db3e0075bc", "rating": 2, "review_text": "Anger's Children by K. D. Rose is collection of three short stories. Judging this book or writing its review is particularly hard, since I hated one of the stories, loved another and one remained in between like and dislike. \n I must note, however, that the synopses for the stories were more interesting than most of the stories themselves. Sex is the focus of the stories; some of it was more disgusting than enjoyable. \n The stories are not related and can be read in any order. In the first part or story, titled \"Under the Shadow of Wings\", I did not enjoy the narration one bit. It felt like bits and pieces were scattered and there was no fixed timeline. Also, there was a mention of mighty sword at the beginning but it was never referred to again, which was strange. There was also a transfer of power but there was no rising tension to meet this power surge. \n In addition, contradictory tones in some parts, including \"She had already won. She had just come back to collect.\" It's like winning and collecting - we don't know what exactly, probably souls, except that they belong to her and \"all her dead relatives\" - are being justified. \n The story quickly shifts to impossible sex in an airplane restroom, which is tiny for one person, let alone two with one of them having wings! I also found the ideas she thinks are from her dead relatives rather confusing. \n \"Under the Shadow of Wings\" was an overall weird story and I really disliked it. It was the opening story and seriously put me off the rest of the book for a bit. \n The second story titled \"Eyes Only\" is considerably long compared to the first and last ones and makes up the bulk of the book. It is also the most enjoyable of the three. \n It is a story within a story within a story with a spectacular twist at the end, making it far more complex than the other two. \n With also a lot of sex, \"Eyes Only\" is bursting with suspense. It boasts several bits of imagery, including: \"Like a junkie, my addiction to her had galloped out of control.\" \n \"Eyes Only\" was not free of confusion, however. Still it is mostly enjoyable and interesting. \n The third and final story in Anger's Children is \"The Dark Man\". \n \"You remain a poignant gossamer of idealistic dreams instead of a champion of organised power - an actual force to be reckoned with.\" - these words echo at the end of the story as well, resulting in an unexpected and intriguing ending. \n As a reader, I wanted to know who the characters were. Are they gods? Or are they pawn in a game for the gods? \n Even though the characters have names, we don't know anything about them, except that they have met - and had sex - several times before and that they have been around for centuries. \n I also felt the storyline and timeline were quite vague. \n Overall rating: Again hard to judge but 2-2.5 stars. \n Note: I received a free copy via Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.", "date_added": "Tue Aug 18 23:08:23 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Fri Jan 15 17:39:27 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Wed Oct 14 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "25599454", "review_id": "7bd6f8369b2087f0e39c5d915a94d905", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Rare Form by Jen Crane is the first instalment in the Descended of Dragons series. Narrated in the first person from redhead Stella Stonewall's perspective, the novel opens with Stella leaving college and unsure of what to do in her life, when she crashes her car in another and a lamppost. \n From the first chapter we are introduced to Rowan Gresham, another main character, who tells Stella that he has been looking for her and that he has information about her father - a man Stella has never met and whom her mother would never speak of. \n \"It wasn't every day a girl learned of an alternate utopia with dwarfs and magic.\" \n Shortly after, Gresham takes the protagonist to another world called Thayer, where everyone has an animal ancestry and form - except Stella. \n In an attempt to prove to Stella that Thayer exists, Gresham brings a dwarf-like bearded man and hides him under the table at a restaurant. What bothered me about that part was that the focus was on the man not the fact that he magically disappeared. I felt that was a big of an anomaly in the narration or the character's focus. \n Another thing that annoyed me in Rare Form was the use of \"atop\", which was used roughly ten times in the novel. It's not a big deal, but when a word keeps popping up like that - and there are synonyms - I, as a reader, get annoyed. Others may not. \n In Thayer, Stella finally feels that she fits in, though she still wants to prove herself, especially after she learns that the students were betting that she wouldn't last a week there. \n One of the themes or main ideas focused on in the novel was that the school, known as Redix, is a place for \"adults\"; therefore, they have coffee by day and bar by night. No monitoring of alcohol or sex; everything is left open. \n \"Coffee during the day and a full bar at night.\" \n \"Are you freaking kidding me? A dorm with a bar? Pinch me now.\" \n \"It isn't a dorm. It's a residence hall for adult students. We're all adults here.\" \n However, as you read on a bit, several of Stella's actions and reactions seem to be unadult-like, especially in her infatuation with Gresham, which we later learn that he might be taken. \n At first, Stella's narration annoyed me. It was repetitive and fairly shallow; although she describes fear and what happens when we panic and all the crazy ideas we get quite well. \n Stella's character sees significant change during the course of the novel. \n In Thayer, she feels she has a place, makes friends quickly and begins to delve deeper into her new world and lineage - even though her mother still shies away from the \"Who is my father?\" question. \n Not one of the best - or prettiest - images in the novel, but still a creative one \"My mind vomited questions.\" Generally, Rare Form is full of beautiful paragraphs and speeches rather than standalone imagery. \n Although the main characters are Stella and Gresham, others like the jealous - and irritating - principle Livia Miles, who attempts to humiliate Stella throughout the novel and is constantly jealous of her. \n Our and Stella's first encounter with Livia goes like this: \n \"Ugh, Rowan. She is an imbecile. Wherever did you find her, and what moron allowed her into this institution. If this is the caliber of student my department is expected to instruct, I...\" \n Other characters include Stella's mother, Timbra, who becomes Stella's best friends, Boone, the enigmatic Ewan and others. \n Although Stella's main transformation comes towards the end of the novel, it is a significant one, where an adult and wiser Stella comes out. \n The protagonist struggles to find her animal form and to control it. Gresham is her mentor and uses an unorthodox method to help her. \n \"You can't possibly know what it means to coax a throbbing chakra; to fan its banked fire until, white hot, energy bursts forth and burns forcibly through your veins. You can't imagine the rush you'll feel when the only physical form you've ever known explodes into a thousand pieces and leaves a monster in its wake. And the liberating part about changing is that you don't even care. You're free. You're... yourself... finally.\" \n The novel also includes diary entries by Stella, which I felt were a sort of summary to the events, which were already narrated in the first person from Stella's point of view. \n On another note, the novel is fairly quick-paced, especially since its starts with a car crash and quick shift from our world to Thayer in the early chapters. \n Rare Form is not free of romance, in fact Stella is attracted to two people, though one more than the other, and there are several couples, some of which are having difficulty dating because of their animal forms, which is interesting in the turn of events. \n As we go farther into the novel we learn that a powerful wizard had enslaved dragons long ago and had them do his bidding in an attempt to control Thayer. That wizard remains hidden with his whereabouts unknown. Although it has been years since anyone has seen the dragons, Stella soon comes face to face with several. It is then that the already quick-pace heightens and the reader is propelled towards the end of the book. \n Although there were certain points I did not like about Rare Form, I must say, honestly, that I gobbled the novel in a few days, whenever time was made available (including a couple of minutes here and there at work). \n Quick, enjoyable and it has dragons, three things that make a good book. \n Note: I received a free copy of Rare Form by Jen Crane via Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review as part of the blog tour. \n Note II: This book is meant for an adult/mature audience. (18+)", "date_added": "Tue Jul 28 12:57:10 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 11 08:52:12 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Mon Sep 21 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Fri Sep 18 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 2, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "25490922", "review_id": "07b570e4241911441eb8cb049fd7de29", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Note: I free copy via Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. \n Shadow, Shadow by V. B. Marlowe is the first instalment in The Shadow Pines trilogy and an amazing multi-faceted becoming-of-age novel about four school students given four Shadow Boxes on their sixteenth birthday. They, Harley, Teaghan, Gianna and Brock, are told that they have the power to remove one person from their lives by giving them to the shadows, which need to feed. However, they are later told that they must use the Shadow Boxes or someone close to them will be killed/taken by the shadows. \n The novel opens in the middle of an action, giving immediate rise in tension from the first page and marking a strong opening as we see Brock Ethan being arrested. \n \"Everyone was used to me being in trouble, but Brock Ethan? He never did anything wrong.\" \n Shortly after, Brock tells Harley to run and she takes off. We are then transported back to events that happened nine months earlier, when they first received the Shadow Boxes. \n Narrated from the first person perspectives of Harley and Teaghan, Marlowe contrasts the girls' lives and choices. The author also sheds light on the Brock's and Gianna's choices and struggles through these two characters. \n Harley is a rebellious character, often in trouble, grounded and into watching and writing horror movies. Her name reminds me of a Harley Davidson bike, which I often feel she is like in terms of making a statement. However, Harley has several problems and we see from the first chapter that she lacks fatherly affection. \n Her mother disappeared and her father remarried Amy, a cruel and unfair stepmother, from Harley's perspective at least. Harley also has a trouble-making boyfriend, Nash, whom the reader immediately dislikes and deems the perfect candidate to be given to the shadows. \n \"I hadn't heard from Nash all week. That was typical with him. He called when he felt like it, and most of the time when I called him, he didn't answer his phone.\" \n From the first chapters, we see how, despite her misfortunes and familial problems, Harley has more heart than any of the other characters. She has a hard time deciding who she should trade to the shadows, even though several options arise. She even cares for those who have hurt her and takes her time to think of the consequences of \"trading lives\". \n Meanwhile, Teaghan is a geeky, lonely character. She is an introvert and would rather spend her life reading in her room; however, she is often picked on in school. Teaghan is the first to use her Shadow Box, and bit by bit her character changes. \n \"Happiness was a mythical creature that visited other people. I'd never seen it. Sometimes, I felt as if I was the only one who hadn't.\" \n Marlowe does a stellar job in contrasting characters, especially Harley and Teaghan and later Gianna. I think she's done a splendid job with the \"show don't tell\" in her novel. I couldn't help but constantly compare and contrast the characters. \n Another character, a sort of background character is Ava-kaya. She doesn't appear often but she has a major role to play as she is the one who first gives the students the Shadow Boxes. We also never learn how she got all four boxes at the same time. She is also the one with all the info about the shadows and Shadow Boxes, which she reluctantly gives out to Harley bit by bit. \n \"The four of you have been blessed with a great gift. Well, it's a gift for you, but a curse for someone else.\" \n I liked how the Shadow Boxes show the true nature of the characters. Teaghan, for example, begins to appear in a new light to herself and to others. \n Connected by the boxes, each character is tested differently throughout the novel and given different motives and motivations to use their Shadow Boxes. Brock and Gianna's struggles appear towards the end but also shed light on their different characters. \n \"The greatest gift in the world. Trading is what keeps the shadows appeased. It keeps the shadows in their place.\" \n My only problem with the novel is that the prologue or first chapter does not connect with the last, where we see a new character called Michael that we've never encountered before. I don't feel a thirteen-year-old would feel the depth of the characters but that could just be me. (Blurb says for Ages 13 and up). \n Both the narration and language are easy to navigate and light, helping the novel's quick pace, along with short chapters. The imagery, mostly similes, is well placed throughout the novel. Harley is a sarcastic character and her sarcasm adds to the occasional comic relief. \n Overall: 4.75/5 stars - only because the first and last chapters didn't meet for me, but overall, I loved the novel and couldn't put it down. I look forward to the remaining instalments in the trilogy. \n I also liked the cover, which was cute but mysterious at the same time. \n (I would also like to mention that I bookmarked nearly half the novel and wrote tons of notes but to rewrite/copy all that here would spoil the novel and would be too long - just though you should know).", "date_added": "Fri May 15 11:24:37 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Mon May 25 17:12:50 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Mon May 25 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Fri May 15 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "24301457", "review_id": "677d3c0db602cf62ae8535b09c1b2324", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Wish for Me by A. Star is the first instalment in The Djinn Order series. It is an action-packed steampunk, adult, fantasy and romance novel. \n The novel is narrated in the first person by Glory St. Pierre, who seems rebellious but is plain obnoxious. Glory stumbles on a strange looking vase which turns out is more of a genie or Djinn lamp. The contraption, nothing like the lamp Aladdin finds, houses the Djinn Irving Amir, who gives Glory the chance to make three wishes. The two characters start out their relationship on a sarcastic note but an arrow to Irving's shoulder quickly changes their relationship. \n Although there is significant character development for Glory, the protagonist and narrator, I did not like her; I liked her sometimes but those instances were few. The first few chapters put me off the two characters but bit by bit I began to like Irving Amir and respect him. \n Apart from the sweet-talk and \"uber-sexy abs\" and away from the early dislike of humans, Irving is overall an experienced, wise and loveable character, as opposed to Glory. \\ \n \"Humans are shallow creatures with shallow desires and they only ever wish for shallow things. Fame, infinite wealth, love from the one who would not love them otherwise... the story is always the same.\" This Irving's view of human in chapter one, but as the novel progresses, his view begins to change and begins to fall for Glory and she for him, although at first she is more attracted to him sexually than anything else. \n The sarcasm coming from both characters offers a bit of comic relief every now and then to ease the tension, which is a lot in the novel. \n After Irving gets a poisoned arrow to his shoulder and Glory accidentally wishes for magic, things change drastically. Both become hunted by more than one side. \n The ending of Wish for Me was much stronger than I anticipated. Not only that, many of the hunter-prey roles become reversed as Irving and Glory must team up with enemies to fight other enemies. \n A. Star uses several Arabic words and names, which I thought was cute considering Arabic is my mother tongue. \n I enjoyed the contraptions created by Irving. He likes to tinker and create. In his realm, everything is mechanical - the steampunk element - and I enjoyed the description of many of his creations, especially Nagi. \n One of the things that bothered me while reading, however, was the author's constant and repetitive use of \"questioned\". I mean there are options like \"asked\" and \"said\", and certainly others, but the excessive use of \"questioned\" irritated me beyond measure - it was worth a star or half a star in my rating. \n Also, there were several major shifts, from tit-for-tat arguments to romance in a jiffy. I didn't like that and felt it disrupted the flow of the novel. It also felt awkward in places. \n The adult content in Wish for Me is mainly because of the language and a couple of love scenes, which I didn't see as romantic or at least not what I was expecting with the author's bio (below). Still it is unsuitable for ages 18 and under. \n I did enjoy the action in the novel and felt like I was in a movie. \n A. Star uses several interesting and creative images such as \"Irving still treated me like a pimple he was itching to pop.\" \n Several revelations come at the end of the novel, paving the way of the second instalment in the series, which I would like to read if I get the chance. \n Overall rating: 3.5 stars \n Note: I received a free copy of Wish for Me via Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review as part of this blog tour. \n There is a giveaway as part of the blog tour, check it out here: \n http://nadanessinmotion.blogspot.com/...", "date_added": "Wed May 13 03:46:46 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Fri Jul 31 00:08:32 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Fri Jul 31 05:34:50 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Fri Jul 24 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 2, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "24416381", "review_id": "184e628d32a27c95c08de18f601e25b5", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Note: I got free copy of The Huntress: The Beginnings from the author in exchange for an honest review. \n The Huntress: The Beginnings by Nadja Losbohm is the first instalment in The Huntress series. Originally published in German, the novella (around 150 pages) is about Ada, whose life is turned around when she is told that she is destined to become a Huntress. \n Ada Pearce is an overweight ordinary woman, who hates sports. Helping a neighbour, she enters St. Mary's Church and is told that she has to leave her life and everything behind her to become a Huntress. \n There, her trainer and only companion is Father Michael, whom we learn does not age like normal people and has his life tied to being inside the church. \n Narrated in the first person from Ada's perspective, the novella opens with Ada telling the reader that she is pregnant and is going to meet with a reporter (Dan Meyers) to tell the world her story and get them to realise that there are monsters on the streets that they need to be careful of. Although Father Michael originally opposes the idea, he understands Ada's need to keep people safe. \n \"So, when I can't make my rounds, who else is there to protect all those people from what's lurking in the dark?\" \n A Hunter or Huntress comes along once every fifty years. With Ada's pregnancy, there will be several months of Huntress-free streets, making it a monster-playground. \n The prologue is after Ada discovers her role as a Huntress. As the novella moves forward, she tells the reader how that happens. \n \"My name is Ada Pearce, I'm twenty-four years old and I'm a vampire and monster hunter.\" \n The Huntress: The Beginnings is based on flashbacks as Ada tells the reporter her story. Some flashbacks are stories told to the reader and not the reporter owing to their sensitivity or simply because they are too private to be shared. Because of the flashbacks, there isn't a fixed pace for the novel. \n Although the narration is from Ada's perspective, we get glimpses into Father Michael's life - after he learns to trust her - and how he has struggled over the years to become the man he is today. \n We also see Ada progress from one who curses all the time to someone who begins to respect the institution she is in and the man in charge of it. At several points at the beginning of the novella, Father Michael warns her that if she continues to curse, he will throw her out. Her interests and concerns also change and she learns acceptance (among other things). \n She also learns to see past Father Michael's rough exterior and the walls he has put around himself over the years. \n Ada is fairly sarcastic, adding comic relief from time to time. Moreover, her interactions and situations with Father Michael, a man who has only trained Hunters for centuries, are quite funny. \n \"The Father had no idea about matters of a female nature.\" \n I particularly enjoyed those parts of the flashbacks, which show Father Michael's 'human' side and how time affects people who live in closed places (kind of like being with a grandparent). \n \"Everything about his face seemed to be crying out with pain. His black eyes shone wet as horrible images of events in his past raged behind the veil of tears.\" \n The Huntress is also a romance novella. From the beginning, we are told who the father of Ada's baby is, which should not come as a shock to readers since the couple lives together. \n \"Every time you go out there in the dark, I die anew,\" he whispered. \"I die with fear. I die with worry. I feel helpless every time I stay behind. I can't help you, can't protect you when you need it.\" \n I like the use of fairy-tale and other references in the novella. Father Michael tells Ada that she resembles Snow White, and that he finds the seven dwarfs to be scary. \n Although, I haven't read the original Grimm Fairy Tales, there are several references in The Huntress, which have encouraged me to consider reading the originals. \n \"Where do you think the authors of such books...got their ideas from? There's always a grain of truth in every legend.\" Ada tells the reporter in their first meeting. \n The novella is not devoid of monster-hunting. Although, apart from vampires, we do not get the names of monsters, we are given description details of each. Personally, I wished there were more details in the fighting, still a pregnant woman everything a not pregnant one can. \n \"Why weren't there any good-looking, nice-smelling monsters? I suddenly found myself wondering.\" \n The novella falls under the young adult genre and has no adult content, with the exception of minor insinuations. \n The first instalment in the series, The Huntress: The Beginnings is an enjoyable read. It sets the ground for the next three books as well as Ada's and Father Michael's world. \n Should the following instalments be translated into English I look forward to reading them. In the meantime, I'm content with Ada, her journey and her transformation.", "date_added": "Thu Feb 26 11:54:26 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Tue Jun 23 15:52:05 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Mon Jun 22 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Sun Jun 07 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 2, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "24485599", "review_id": "8725d397cdc698d6ce9d85e4c6b941e0", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Note: I received an advanced reader's copy (ARC) of Bound by Spells in exchange for an honest review. \n What a blast! \n Bound by Spells, the second instalment in the Bound series by Stormy Smith, picks up where the first book, Bound by Duty, left off. The opening chapter is a powerful one with interesting, even slightly scientific but enjoyable, descriptions of Aidan's transformation. \n Also narrated from the first person, the second book alternates between Aidan's and Amelia's viewpoints, each being in a different place. These shifting perspectives keep the reader on edge while also showing us events happening at the same time. \n As Bound by Spells progresses, we get many reminders of scenes mentioned in the first book, so one does not feel lost or confused, but rather the reader is able to connect events better and begins to make connections as the characters themselves do. \n Amelia continues to be bound by her duty towards her family and her people. In the final scene of the first book and the opening scene in this one, she is seen leaving Aidan, not because she wants to but because she has to go with Micah and Queen Julia, whom we see more often that we would like in this instalment. \n Since the novel picks up where the first left off, we are thrown directly into the action, which is quite fun and different from most books, which start out slow. \n Bound by Spells is rich with characters both from book one and new ones. I particularly loved Dillon, the ten-year-old AniMage, and the way he talks and how he is quite wise and brave for a child. Also, we get to see Nathaniel, Amelia's father in a new light. \n Apart from Amelia, Aidan is a centre-piece in this instalment. We see his character grow and develop, in more ways than one. His love and care for Amelia are enviable. \n As with the Bound by Duty, Amelia's uncontrollable sarcasm gets the better of her and lands in worse trouble than she is already in. I can personally relate to Amelia at this point, particularly as sarcasm gets me into trouble - but not as life-threatening \n Also, we get to see more of Bethany, who, despite being only human, proves to be a major character in the novel. She provides comic relief, insight, kindness and is just fun with her southern-accent tirades. \n The reader gets more than their fair share of the abominable Queen Julia, who tries to win Amelia to her side and demonstrates her twisted Hitler-like logic. Amelia and the reader see her for she really is, a mad woman on a mission to eradicate races in the name of purifying them for polluting Mage blood. While her intentions may have been well at first, she quickly shifted into a heartless abomination without a care for the innocent lives that may be lost. \n At one point or rather moment, the reader sympathises with the queen, but that's only a moment and then her craziness returns. \n Throughout the novel we see Amelia struggle with her Keeper power; the fight for who wins over the other is never-ending and a bit painful to read. \n As with the first book in the series, Bound by Spells boasts many beautiful images, such as: \n \"I walked into a minefield wearing clown shoes.\" \n \"Our power was a faucet constantly turned on. As long as it ran, we lived. But if it turned off, we were done\". Rereading this line and connecting it with the ending, a shiver runs down my spine. \n \"Her darkness sucked the light of my flame into an abyss, like a black hole eating the particles of light and the pieces of stardust from the universe.\" \n Bound by Spells is gripping novel full of power, love, emotional surges and blue and purple orbs of power. \n Stormy Smith has managed to write a book that is absolutely action-packed with bits of sarcasm, raging fury and tempers and above all an enjoyable ride. I couldn't put the book down and I'm currently dying to see what third instalment will unveil.", "date_added": "Mon Feb 02 15:21:41 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Wed Mar 25 14:52:15 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Wed Mar 25 14:52:15 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Mon Mar 23 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 2, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "24513660", "review_id": "aa9897d5547ad58de79b41b2463a1ecf", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Note: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review and as part of a blog tour with Xpresso Book Tours. \n Check out the giveaways as part of the tour here: \n http://nadanessinmotion.blogspot.com/... \n The Enchanted Rose by Nadia Nader, is a novella or short novel and the first in a new and gripping series. \n The protagonist is Vivian, whose mother recently passed away and who has been shipped off to quirky aunts she's never heard of in a town called Misty Hills. There she begins to learn about her lineage, her family and their curse. Worst of all, Vivian discovers she has a twin sister and a hoard of secrets kept hidden by her mother. \n When Vivian asks one of her aunts (Agnes) why her mother had never mentioned them, she says: \"Your mother never mentioned us because she was desperate to break free. Mentioning us would have made her escape futile... As it is, you are back with us, so she never managed to truly escape.\" \n Upon her first encounter with her twin sister Rose, Vivian is told \"You shouldn't have let her come back. Her father didn't want her. And neither do we,\" which set the loathing, jealousy and anger between the two sister from the beginning of the novel. There are other previous examples, but I felt this was one of the strongest. \n Later when Rose says \"I've been okay for the past fifteen years without you, I don't need you now,\" we understand that Rose has been hating and holding a grudge against her sister for fifteen years. \"Her eyes shone with unconcealed hatred. Her voice dripped with deadly venom.\" \n I like how Ms. Nader includes comic relief in her novel. Vivian is sometimes sarcastic but the clash between her and her sister Rose often leads to humourous situations, or black comedy. \n \"I was horrified that she would describe Rose as \"cheerful,\" and it must have showed, Mrs. Sherwood laughed.\" \n Bit by bit, we learn about the history of Misty Hills and the curse that haunts each family. What I liked about the story of how the curse came to be, is that the original story of two sisters contrasts with the bad relationship between Vivian and Rose. \n Vivian is doubtful of everything when she arrives in Misty Hills and remains so till the end of the novel; I like how that part in her character didn't change, making the reader that all that is going on is a dream. I also liked Vivian's character development as well as Rose's. \n I didn't feel that the book title \"The Enchanted Rose\" was the appropriate one as we don't see that reflected in the novel. It might be a good name for the whole series but not the first instalment. It also misleads the reader into thinking it will be a bit of a Beauty and the Beast story. \n The novel is filled with vivid but enjoyable description and imagery. \n \"There was a wild and wonderful beauty to the unkempt grounds.\" \n It also has the mysterious Hunter, who does not appear often but has a huge secret (and I expect a major role in the coming book(s)). \n I like how the novel does not focus on romance; there is Hunter but there isn't anything \"romantic\", which for me makes the novel stronger at least for this part. \n Overall, I enjoyed the novel and I believe I finished it in a couple of days. It would have been one day, if I didn't have \"stuff\".", "date_added": "Sun Jan 25 11:33:14 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Thu May 21 17:18:42 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Fri May 01 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Wed Apr 29 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 2, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "24381520", "review_id": "abed2889dcdfb20bdb1ae6924f681fe4", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Note: I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. \n Family Secrets by Kat Nichols is the first instalment in The Secret Societies Collection. The novel is about Sophia, who has been living with her best friend Abby after both her parents died, but soon she is sent off to live with family she never knew existed. \n Not only so, Sophia discovers that comes from a long line of witches. She has to learn everything within five months for her initiation on her eighteenth birthday. She is also to be named the next matriarch of the Blackthorne Coven. The family and coven are loaded with secrets, rivalry and lust for power.ophia is to be trained by her cousin Alexa, who is not an easy-to-deal-with character. At school, Sophia meets Connor, who has a secret of his own, and who is named by Alexa as the 'enemy'. But who is really the 'enemy' in Family Secrets? \n Sophia has a long journey ahead of her and she has to decide who is friend, who is family, who is foe, and who falls under more than one of these categories. \n Narrated in the first person, the novel is about Sophia, her magic and her journey of self-learning and self-discovery. Occasionally, it feels like a diary-entry, but it is nonetheless enjoyable and smooth. \n As the novel begins, we see the Sophia is not a strong character. \n \"Sophie, I don't want you to go.\" Abby grabbed me in a hug, squeezing me tightly. \n \"I don't want to go either. But I have no choice.\" \n \"Yes, you do. Fight back, Sophie. Stand up for yourself for once.\" Her voice was sharp and she pulled out of the hug, looking directly at me. \"Don't let people walk all over you.\" \n A little later, Abby also tells her \"Standing up for yourself doesn't make you a bad person, you know.\" \n As the novel develops, we see Sophia struggle with these words at several points, sometimes winning and sometimes losing. Despite playing a small role in Family Secrets, Abby is both an important character and a major part in Sophia's development. \n \"She was always more outgoing and confident than me. She knew how to act in all sorts of situations, while I just floundered in social waters like a toddler learning to swim.\" \n Bit by bit, Sophia learns to react differently to each character. There is Alexa, Connor, Lucas, Sydney, the maids and mostly importantly her grandmother Beverly. \n \"She stared at me like she was trying to see into my soul. Her blue eyes didn't remind me of my dad's now. Hers looked like ice chips - frozen and hard. My dad could never have those eyes.\" \n As the novel progresses, we see that even the grandmother has intentions of her own, which are constantly revealed to be darker than what others think. \n I truly enjoyed the magic system incorporated in the story. Nichols has certainly exerted efforts to lay down the rules for this well-crafted system, which is slightly complex for the practitioner but easy to understand for the reader. Each spell is bound by a sigil, a symbol, that the practitioner has to imagine in their mind before creating the spell through a hand gesture. \n In addition to reading journals written by previous witches from the coven, Sophia is to be instructed by her cousin Alexa in order to be ready for her initiation. But what happens when your tutor is jealous and adamant on making you fail so they can take your place? \n During training, Alexa is always pushing Sophia down rather than encouraging her. \"We'll start with the easiest of the elements--air. You won't be able to do too much now, but give it time.\" \n In the journals, Sophia learns about other types of magic; however, she soon realises that the journals she is given are of lesser witches. She finds much darker ones in her grandmother's study and begins to sneak those to read them. I particularly liked this part in Sophia, as it shows her the extents of and other secrets in magic. It also contributes to her development and better understanding of her coven. \n In one of the journals, she learns about a spell called \"Compelling\", which is a bit similar to the Imperius Curse in the Harry Potter books. \n The language used in Family Secrets is simple and helps the pace of the novel, which is fairly quick even from the beginning. I liked how Nichols used the maids, who add relief and warmth compared to the coldness Sophia encounters from her family. \n \"The way she said dear grated on my nerves. It turned an endearment into a dirty word.\" \n Although I had an initial dislike for the novel's title because of the negative connotations often associated with those two words, when I finished the novel, I felt it was actually a suitable one. \n I must say, I didn't want the novel to end. It was quick, fun and enjoyable, even the sad parts played major roles in the character and plot building. I can hardly wait for the second instalment in the series.", "date_added": "Fri Jan 09 15:26:51 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Tue May 19 01:37:27 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Wed May 13 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Mon May 04 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 2, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "18910286", "review_id": "a91d40837f1d6f35efd59ee3fb829aca", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Insanity has got to be the quickest-paced novel I've ever read! Full of short chapters and never-ending madness... I absolutely loved this book. \n I don't know if there is a particular character I liked over the others, but I most certainly liked them all for various reasons: the imagery, characters, the background, the different settings, the sarcasm and the humour. Even the Cheshire. \n The first instalment in the Mad in Wonderland series by Cameron Jace, Insanity revolves around Lewis Carroll's famous Alice in Wonderland books. Jace uses the original novels and twists them brilliantly into black comedy and humourous but serious fiction. \n I'm pretty sure this novel falls under the 'absurd' genre but it will the novel of the absurd (not the theatre of the absurd). \n While I haven't read the original books, I have definitely added them to my endless to-read list after this and will be seeing the old literary characters in a brand new light after this read. \n It seems Wonderland was full of monsters that Lewis Carroll had to lock up with magic; however, several of these monsters escaped and shape-shifted into humans. While some live peacefully, others are wreaking havoc, particularly the Cheshire Cat, who is on a killing spree. \n \"If you've survived parasites and bacteria until the age of nineteen, you can survive sane people\" - one of the many cool-but-insane things the Pillar tells Alice in the story. \n Insanity is mostly narrated in the first person from Alice's perspective, with a few exceptions narrated in the third person. Alice, the protagonist of the novel, is young girl in an asylum. She regularly endures shock therapy at the hands of her wardens, who seem to enjoy it A LOT. She has no idea who she is or what the outside world is like. Soon, she is introduced to a serial killer living in the asylum known as Pillar the Killer. \n The two inhabitants of the Radcliffe Asylum embark on morning-only journeys to find the Cheshire and begin to meet several people/characters from Lewis Carroll's book. \n Everything in Insanity and the mystery behind the killings is related to Lewis Carroll, his life and writing. It's brilliantly entertaining and mind-boggling to both Alice and the reader. \n For a book named Insanity, there is a very fine line between what is considered rational and what is seen as 'crazy' and Alice finds it very difficult to differentiate and to be sane in the modern world. \n Moreover, she cannot remember her past and finds it easier to be crazy. Even the asylum becomes 'home' after she goes out to the real world. \n I particularly like how comic relief and sarcasm are interwoven in the fabric of the novel; they are ever-present, so that the reader's brain is never fried but is constantly relieved even in the most serious of situations. \n When we first meet Alice, she narrates how she keeps her sanity, saying \"My orange flower is also my personal rain check for my sanity. If I talk to her and she doesn't reply, I know I am not hallucinating. If she talks to me, all kinds of nonsense starts to happen. Insanity prevails.\" \n Throughout the novel, there is wisdom in insanity; I must admit I found it way better than Shakespeare's Hamlet - both book and character. While the play which is at the top of my never-likely-to-read-again list, Insanity is deeper and better played. I'm not sure how to say, I just loved how the absurdity made a lot of sense. \n Alice landed in the asylum after a tragedy; it was said that had killed all her friends on a school bus after claiming they were Wonderland Monsters, including her boyfriend, whom she cannot remember. When she tries to remember him, she says: \"Whatever we shared is buried somewhere in the abyss of my mind. I just don't know how to swim deep enough and return to the surface with it.\" \n Cameron Jace cleverly critises modern governments in his novel Insanity. Several things the Pillar says ring true. The encounter with Maragret Kent is interesting and leaves much food for thought. I must say, there are things I never understood about governments, no I - believe it or not - actually look at them in a new light and have a better understanding. (I can't believe it either). \n I also particularly liked Jace's use of modern-day governments, the comparisons and the examples \n With a lot of action, running around, getting a Certificate of Insanity, going to the British Parliament and chasing a serial killer - with the help of another serial killer - Insanity is by all means a highly enjoyable and insane must-read. \n Note: I received a free copy of Insanity via Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.", "date_added": "Mon Dec 08 11:39:08 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Sat Mar 07 09:35:14 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Fri Mar 06 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Sat Feb 28 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "23277025", "review_id": "c756dfd88e75e731b0c29c465428b1b6", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Chronicles of Steele: Raven by Pauline Creeden is my first ever steampunk read, and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed both the genre and Creeden's storytelling. The book is divided into four episodes, each is subdivided into scenes. \n The novel is about Raven Steele, a reaper. Reapers are not entirely mercenaries, or at least they did not start out as such. Their main code is, for every life they take, they must redeem it by saving another. This code stops them from falling in a downward spiral of becoming unfeeling and heartless. \n The novel opens with Raven having made up her mind to go to Gregory and declare her love for him. On the way, a broken automated horse pulling a carriage lands in the water and Raven saves the young boy in the carriage. The boy turns out to be the young Baron, the second in line to rule New Haven. Raven is taken to the Duke and there his older son, Solomon, tells her that the young Baron, Darius, has a demon and that he just suffered a failed exorcism. He asks her to take his brother to the Wood Witch to cure him, or their father, the Duke, will kill him. Raven sees an opportunity to redeem herself by rescuing Darius. \n At the beginning of the novel, we see Raven trying to think of other people as human. A short while after that thought and in her first confrontation in the book, Raven is arrested and the scene is described with \"...gripped the chain between the cuffs and pulled her forward like an ox.\" The image is highly ironic as she tries to think of others as people, whereas such people treat her like an animal even though she gets out of her way and saves a life. \n Throughout the book, Raven tries to escape the Duke's guard to get Darius to the Wood Witch. Getting there isn't easy, but the worse is yet to come as it turns out the Darius is very special and the Wood Witch has much better and bigger plans. \n The novel is narrated in the third person. The language is simple with many beautiful images: \n \"Sunlight sifted through and between the buildings stacked next to one another like books on a shelf.\" \n Every scene in every episode begins with a few lines of advice or notes in the reapers' code. For instance \"Defeat is a state of mind. The loser is not the person who fails, but one who gives up. If one never gives up, lost ground can be easily recovered when the opportunity presents itself.\" Also, \"Actions must be guided by reason, not emotion. The moment decisions become based on feelings, one will err\". \n I particularly liked Credeen's use and choice of colours in these lines, which reflect both Raven's and the author's views as to the Duke's choice since his guard wears brown coats. \"Brown might be a good colour for a dirty job, but a bloody one? As a reaper, Raven wore black - the appropriate colour for the purpose.\" \n In the Chronicles of Steele, there are many bits of sound and advice and food for thought. For example, Raven is highly intelligent and calculating, often anticipating her opponents' moves. In one scene, she tells Darius, \"You don't have to be faster than a bullet, you just need to be smarter than the man holding the gun.\" \n Despite being such a strong character, certain little things still get to Raven. She's hard on the outside but afraid of a tiny thing like spiders. This makes her character more realistic and believable. \"As a reaper, she trained to conquer her fear. Yet the thought of eight hairy legs creeping across her skin made her cringe.\" \n Moreover, we say Raven develop, particularly in terms of emotions. She begins to care for Darius and worries about him. Is he cold? Is he well fed? Later, she draws strength from his faith and trust in her. \n Chronicles of Steele is rich in characters from Raven, to Monroe, Captain Jack Grant, Darius, Colton and even Nikki the dog. Credeen's storytelling is enjoyable and when you think you've been let down, Credeen shows you she's just been teasing - I liked that bit. \n What I particularly loved about the novel is that it mixed so many genres into one beautiful read. It is action, adventure, disguise, mystery, fantasy and supernatural with a tiny tinge of romance. \n \"That woman's passion was like a storm, and he could either cower from the lightning, or be brace and stand in the rain.\" \n Note: I received a free copy in return for an honest review and as part of the Chronicles of Steele: Raven blog tour. \n Note: The books were originally published separately, though my copy is of all four episodes.", "date_added": "Thu Nov 06 13:27:33 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Tue Jan 13 21:29:15 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Mon Jan 12 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Thu Jan 08 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "23011168", "review_id": "5dea2fd9390157e44bb8f347ff2a0829", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Strings by Darren Gallagher is a collection of 33 mostly scary short stories spanning different eras, worlds, themes and places. The stories encompass a variety of topics ranging from vampires and werewolves to swarms of spiders, to newly-made up creatures to cowboys even. \n 'Ruby Red Soldiers' is a ten-star opening to the Strings collection. It is highly creative with a new take on the supernatural. I'm doing an effort not to spoil this one but suffice to say I loved every bit of it. Also, the fact that I don't think I have read - or seen - any scary stories that take place during the day. It's always the dark and dead of night, but not Gallagher, and not this story. \n 'A Hiker's Life' is an excellent and creative masterpiece about the things that go bump in the morning! I love how Gallagher had me fooled throughout this entire piece. \n I loved the five-star piece called 'The Wishing Well', which was not scary at first but the ending was the scariest part. In a 'A Bag Full of Ashes' who could have though Christmas would be scary? It's new, suspenseful, different and interesting. It also has this sort of uniting in death theme. \n 'Renovation' is one of the stories that do not include the supernatural element but that is scarier than many other-worldly stories. I loved the image \"the kitchen was an untapped pit of darkness\". This story will give every reader the notion of thinking several times and looking into suspicious investments. A ten-star piece! \n 'Kumari' is a short story hit the spot for me. It is certainly one of my favourites in the Strings collection. There is no magic involved, just a little girl with a warrior within against a male-dominated society. I did not feel it was a scary story but certainly a ten-star masterpiece! \n 'Fighting the Curse' is a dark and interesting story though a bit bloody and gruesome but nonetheless different and enjoyable. \n In 'A Secret in Time' I felt that there was something wrong with the third person narrations of this story, like it's too passive or too slow. Overall, the storyline is good and though the Hiker's transformation is a big vague, the story is interesting and would be great to build up a full-length novella or novel on it. I enjoyed the fight and the constant power shift as well as the sort of beauty and the beast reversal. \n Moving on to a 'New Life, New World, New Beginnings', which represents a new take on the sewer cliche as one character says \"You mean all a criminal has to do to escape is go into the sewers?\" and surprisingly the answer is \"Yes!\" Which is rather comical. This story is another Gallagher masterpiece that is highly creative with more experimentation on Lycans rather than werewolves. \n I loved 'Hustled', which I felt could be metaphoric for the burdens we bear and encumber ourselves with in life. The story moves at a fairly slow pace at first but for good reason then the speed picks up with the turn of events and the speed that comes with such a shift is very nicely done. I liked Sebil's cunning. \n In 'Till Death Do Us Part' I loved the bit when one character asks \"Why?\" and the reply was \"Because I want to and because I can\". \n 'Akuya' is one of the top masterpieces in the collection. I loved every bit of it, particularly how it is not about good and evil or even their notions. A must read! It is followed by 'Flight of a Dead Man', an action-packed story that seems to be inspired by the theme of The Transporter movies. I loved Gallagher's use of this speech in this piece. A must read ten-star story! \n Another masterpiece is the story of 'Sinsu', which I truly enjoyed, especially how it unfolded, how taunting bad dreams could be and I believe many can relate to having a bad day after a nightmare. The ending was perfect. \n 'Too Little, Too Late' is a heart-breaking story that is not scary and has no place in this collection in my personal opinion. It is well written but I did not like the content. \n I wish I could mention and comment on all but that will make my review far longer than it already is. However, I will briefly mention a few more titles that I enjoyed: 'Down by the River', 'Little Haven', 'Jars of Hearts', 'A Murder of Crows', 'Blood Ties', 'A Christmas Tree Is More than Just an Object', and 'Frozen Out'. \n Overall Gallagher uses many children in his stories to reinforce the scary element, added to using familiar ideas like Christmas trees and contemplating at the lake and twisting the events to create something brand new. This adds a lot to his works, most of which are highly enjoyable. \n There were a few stories that were er.. ok for me, but only one felt out place in this collection, hence a 4.5-star rating is in order. I realize it is almost impossible to like every piece in a collection. \n Note: I received a free copy of Strings from the author for an honest review and while this post was originally slated for 31st of October, 2014, stuff happened and both my reading and post were delayed.", "date_added": "Tue Oct 07 01:02:31 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Sun Nov 23 13:32:08 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Sat Nov 22 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Thu Oct 23 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "23215890", "review_id": "359c5c2e96289a89b60d6e87b0f4ec4f", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I received a free copy for an honest review and this is my stop in Aoife Sheridan's October blog tour! \n \"Ghosts, angels, and demons exist. They are not the things from movies. They are so much worse.\" (p. 43) \n Hunters is the first instalment in The Demon Series by Aoife Marie Sheridan. \n I enjoyed the novel, loved the characters but the protagonist, Abigail, I hated her! \n It's the first time for me to dislike a central character so much. \n Abigail Thornton is a nineteen-year-old vodka-aholic demon hunter. But instead of demon hunting, it seems she has a knack for attracting demons - for reasons unknown to her or the reader. \n In the first demon-hunting encounter the reader comes across, the demon recognises Abigail and calls her by her name. The situation is unheard-of, even for a hunter. \n I particularly like how every character is a mystery, not just the central character or Daniel, who is always by her side and is like every girl's dream, but also Cathy, Nicholas, Father Peter, even Simon, to a small extent. \n Abigail has had a rough childhood. Her mother, as she remembers her, suffered from depression and was rarely herself. Her father was never around and her childhood was spent playing with her brother Sam. Abigail came across her mother's body after she had committed suicide. But that wasn't the worst thing eleven-year-old Abigail saw that night, there was someone else in the bathroom, a dark figure, whose face she had never seen before. \n Abigail and I can agree that some characters are just down-right obnoxious like Steven and Cathy, though the latter can be good at times. \n There is a thin line of romance in the novel, between the often unfeeling Abigail and Daniel. The love is not unrequited, it's a mystery of its own. However, one often gets the urge to want to smack Abigail on the face, like when Cathy does, but for different reasons. \n Sheridan lays out several mysterious threads throughout the novel, a sort of large setting for the parts to come. Some threads are answered, others are not. As the saying goes \"The more you know, the less you know.\" (No idea who said it), but that's the situation with Abigail. She has so many questions about herself, her parents, her life, Daniel. But as she begins to ask questions, she begins to fear the answers that she will hear. Worse, answers come to questions she never even thought of; they begin to surface, particularly those of her birth. \n Hunters is narrated in the first person perspective, mostly from Abigail's point of view, though occasionally from Daniel's. Abigail might be a sad and angry teen most of the time, but she is highly sarcastic, giving some dark humour to the already dark story. \n I look forward to reading the coming instalments in the series and to see how these threads of mystery will come to light. I hope more questions will be answered rather than asked.", "date_added": "Mon Oct 06 02:23:26 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Thu May 14 19:38:54 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Thu Oct 16 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Mon Oct 06 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "21957948", "review_id": "1e46c5b6c81338646d3e547acd816f61", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Bound by Duty is the first instalment in the Bound series by Stormy Smith. The novel focuses on Amelia, an 18-year-old with massive power she has no idea how important it is or how to control it. \n Throughout her whole life she has been lied to by everyone. Her mother was murdered by Queen Julia, a malicious woman who craves dominion over all who possess magic. Not only that, as a baby Amelia was betrothed to Julia's son, and must wed him when she's 21. \n Also, throughout her life her father has been distant and the only source of comfort had been had brother, Cole, who has had to leave in order to find out more about Amelia's power and destiny. \n Bound by Duty moves at a quick pace; it opens with a scene, narrated in the third person, of the Queen and hunters. The rest of the novel is in the first person from Amelia's perspective. \n Amelia is a very down to earth and highly believable character. We see her emotions rise and fall, build up and deflate. The reader feels her confusion and anger equally. It is like being one with her. She is also an Elder, and it remains fairly unclear to both the protagonist and the reader what that is, only that she is the last of her kind and the strongest of all the Elders. \n She is often funny and sarcastic, and her situations are believable and natural. At one point she says: \"I have to be the only person on the planet capable of pissing off every guy in my life on the same day while managing to get them all to lie to each other - while lying to them myself.\" \n Furthermore, Amelia's character progresses slowly, despite some bad decisions which lead to more trouble, it is clear that she means well despite being unable to fathom the forces that she's up against. As Amelia learns more about herself and history, she becomes entangled in the theme of duty versus love. \n Bound by Duty is rich in imagery. I particularly enjoyed those used to describe a Amelia's power; all her life she's been told to hide and keep her power hidden, so one of the images she uses to describe her power, she says \"I felt my power build; pinpricks of electricity racing through my veins, filling my blood inch by inch.\" \n I loved the image \"I was a war-torn battlefield of emotion.\" \n Although the novel mainly focuses on Amelia, there is a richness of characters. We see how others develop like Cole and Aidan, the latter being one of the mysterious characters along with Derrick. \n Others include Bethany, the southern girl, who wants to hook Amelia up with a guy and gives relationship advice, as well as Micah, another mystery character who is not what he seems but appears to be a bit of a Snape-kind-of-character. \n Finally, although we do not see much of Queen Julia, just a handful of times, the emotions she leaves the reader with are exactly those Amelia feels, hatred and anger at the mere mention of your name. \n Bound by Duty has many wonderful and memorable quotes, so I'm just going to list them here: \n \"Now I was falling faster than a comet plummeting to the earth, just waiting to create a giant explosion. Just like a comet, I had no idea exactly how much damage I would leave in my wake.\" \n \"Because I started our relationship with truth. I haven't lied you. I manipulated you to get you here, but I didn't lie to you. I don't lie.\" \n \"Your heart is yours to give, it is no ones to take. Not a queen. Not a prince. No one.\" \n I enjoyed the novel and look forward to reading the next instalments of the Bound series. \n Note: I received a free copy of Bound by Duty from its author Stormy Smith for an honest review.", "date_added": "Sun Oct 05 10:52:03 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Fri Jan 09 14:41:03 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Tue Jan 06 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Fri Dec 19 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 2, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "20456671", "review_id": "01d82b27304fa608abfa7c3619547e99", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Of Sea and Stone by Kate Avery Ellison is the launch pad and first instalment in the Secrets of Itlantis series. Told in the first person from Aemi's perspective, the novel opens in the Village of the Rocks. However, it soon moves to the Cities of Itlantis, built beneath the water, after our heroine is kidnapped along with others from her village. \n Aemi is a 'thrall', a fancy word for slave, so was her mother. However, Aemi has been collecting as much money as she could in order to buy her freedom and go to a place her mother told her tales about; a place called Perilous. Kidnapped, Aemi goes to Itlantis, where she becomes an Indentured, a person serving a sentence in order to pay debt. This is a means to hide both her identity and Nol's, the only person left with her from her village and a person she constantly dislikes. \n Of Sea and Stone is quick-paced, although the final five or six chapters move at torpedo-speed. \n Aemi's character is an interesting one; she is quick, intelligent, capable of plotting and overall likeable. However, she is often paranoid, which is both useful as it makes her observant but often annoying. Once in Itlantis, she constantly tries to find a means to escape and go back to the surface. However, as time passes and she gets closer to the family she serves, she feels a pang whenever she thinks of her escape plans and that she would never see Lyssia, her mistress and friend, again. \n \"Nevertheless, something lingered in my chest, heavy like sadness. Leaving this house would require its own kind of grieving, one that made little sense to me but that was undeniable. A captive caring for her captors.\" \n We see Aemi's character develop from hard-headed to kind and loving, especially as she becomes acquainted with new feelings and terms like 'friends'. Since the novel is narrated from her perspective, her emotions are very clear and beautifully written. \n At one point she says: \"I was a pit of shadows, an ocean of unshed tears.\" \n Nol, too, is an interesting character. The novel opens with him as the mayor's second son, who is smug, haughty and obnoxious. But as events progress and he is thrust in Itlantis, he realises many things and captivity changes him. His character gradually changes, showing signs of clear and quick thinking, a good understanding of politics and a caring heart. \n Of Sea and Stone is rich with likeable characters. I also liked the names given to the Itlantean cities, and how the name reflects the general theme or focus of the city: Celestrus, Primus, Verdus, Arctus, Magmus and Volcanus. \n Ellison's word choice and imagery throughout the novel is beautiful and nicely-fitted to the sea and its imagery. \n I had been wondering about the connection of the title \"Of Sea and Stone\" and the novel itself; I didn't quite figure it out for myself but it came at the end and kept me thinking. \n Given the chance and time, I would definitely look forward to see more of Aemi and her adventures, particularly as the novel ends at a climactic point. \n Of Sea and Stone is a clean young-adult novel, and I truly liked that and that there was not much - if any - romance in the novel. \n Overall rating: 4.5 stars \n Note: I received a free copy in return for an honest review by Xpresso Book Tours and as part of a Blog Tour.", "date_added": "Thu Sep 25 15:06:36 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Tue Feb 10 00:49:00 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Mon Feb 09 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Fri Jan 30 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "23154057", "review_id": "f7dc6e3fed163bf4db3575c213ac3033", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Krymzyn is a story of a boy and a girl, two worlds - literally, a love and above all balance. \n The novel written by B.C. Powell begins with a third person present tense description of what appears to be an initiation of a young girl; one set to embark on a destiny never before seen in the land of Krymzyn. \n The novel shifts to the perspective of Chase, a young boy of twelve, who sees the girl during a seizure, which he learns is caused by a tumour. He is told such 'visions' of places and people are nothing but 'hallucinations' because of his tumour, yet Chase cannot help but believe that place called Krymzyn is real. Once the tumour is out, he stops going there. \n Years later, he gets another tumour and following another seizure and he goes back to Krymzyn. He later connects that only through his seizures - and tumours - can he go to this wondrous world and see the beautiful Sash who stole his heart. \n The people of Krymzyn live their lives in and for balance. Emotions like love, jealousy and hate are alien to them and are considered extremes. When a person dies there, the land calls for another to be 'made' to restore the balance. Each person has a purpose in Krymzyn; no one is idle. \n The novel contains many beautiful imagery and ideas that would do well to be present amongst us on earth - in real life. Moreover, Krymzyn is about colours; Powell uses many colours for vividness and to prepare the reader for the truth that will later be revealed to Chase. \n Most of the novel is written from Chase's perspective; although it varies between past tense narration, as you would write in a diary, and present tense narration when he goes to Krymzyn to give the feeling of immediateness, the now. Chase attempts to convince his family that Krymzyn is a real place with real people; hence the tense used to describe it gives that sense to the reader. \n Character development is evident many characters in the novel, but particularly in the two protagonists Chase and Sash as well as in one of Krymzyn's Disciples, Eval. For Sash, the first time she sees Chase in her vision, she is overwhelmed by all the earthly emotions she experiences. She has no names for such emotions but knows that she is the only one in Krymzyn to have them and experience them. At one point, Sash requests Chase the most difficult explanation of all: \"Explain love to me again.\" \n Chase has to explain the trickiest emotion to a girl who does not even know what smell and taste are. His answer, however, is beautiful: \"It's probably the hardest emotion in my world to describe. Imagine how you felt when your purpose was revealed to you. The excitement you feel when fulfilling your purpose, when you're getting the sap. Then combine that with how you feel when you honour the Sustaining Tree, when you press your face against the trunk. How you feel when you stand on the Tall Hill and see the beauty of Krymzyn. Then add how you felt just a moment ago while watching the children. When you put all of those feelings together for one person and you can't stand to be without that person - it hurts you inside when you're apart - I guess that's how love feels.\" \n As seen with the word 'love' (underlined and italicised), certain words do not translate in Krymzyn, like the earthly emotions as well as curse words, sarcasm and words like 'family', 'parents', and many others. It is an interesting technique that makes the reader wonder how Chase is going to explain certain things. It also shows the tremendous effort taken by the author to create such an intricate and different world. \n I'm not sure if it was intended, but for me, the name 'Chase' is significant as it shows how he chases his dreams in Krymzyn, despite everyone telling him that they are mere hallucinations and figments of his imagination. He also seeks to make these dreams a reality. \n Powell has created a new world that stands in strong contrast to earth. Although there is balance, there are no emotions. The people of Krymzyn are often - if not always - expressionless. Their lives are bound by duty and honour to their land. Powell is lauded for his creation, especially as the reader and Chase become dumbfounded by the many apparently impossible equations of maths and physics, which nonetheless hold and act as a strong base. \n Overall, Krymzyn is a beautiful place and book. It is rich in comparisons and makes one thing. Powell is lauded for this quick-paced creation. \n (Worth noting, the novel contains several sensual and adult scenes. While it may be considered Young Adult, I feel it should be read by those aged 18 or over). \n I received a free copy of this book for an honest review through Xpresso Book Tours.", "date_added": "Sat Sep 13 12:01:47 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Thu Nov 20 04:44:34 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Wed Nov 19 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Mon Nov 10 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "23010894", "review_id": "08497290443f358f849eae81e131dd10", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Madison, the protagonist and narrator in Rebecca Chastain's A Fistful of Evil, possesses an ability she calls \"soul-sight\", with which she can switch her vision to see people and the world from a different view and perspective literally. \n When Madison switches to soul-sight or Primordium, she sees people's souls and life force. Every person's good or bad deeds give them a colour, a particular shade of white, grey or black. \n Madison does not like her ability, after a sad experience in her teens, and wishes she could forget about it or get rid of it. However, while searching for a job, she finds herself part of the world of Enforcers and evil-fighting. \n Narrated in the first person from Madison's perspective, A Fistful of Evil has a lot of sarcasm, owing to Madison's character, making the humour element ever-present in the novel. One of the thoughts that come to her is after starting her new job and having to buy a phone. She says/thinks \"A cell phone yesterday. A video conference today. Watch out, world. I might get a Twitter account next!\" \n What I also truly loved about A Fistful of Evil is the fact that it does not have a love story or that the romantic element is neither the centre nor is even in the periphery. Madison and her best friend Bridget do talk about men and Madison has a crush on several, however, there is no romance in the novel. Applause to Rebecca Chastain for that. \n All the characters in the novel are well-crafted and loveable. Even the demon, one cannot seem to hate him entirely. Rose is funny, flirty and helpful. She is also the one who \"babysits\" Madison at first. One of the funny scenes I enjoyed was this: \n \"Mr. Pitt snorted. He redirected his gaze to Rose. \"Make sure she doesn't do anything stupid.\" \n \"That's above my pay grade.\" \n A Fistful of Evil shows Madison's character as it grows, falters and gets up again. Madison has several moments of revelation, of light and realisation, that lead her to her decision as to whether she wants to accept her soul-sight and become an Enforcer or not. It is also the little things that make us great people, as both Madison and the reader realise and as Chastain so beautifully reveals it. \n There are many beautiful lines, images and scenes in the novel. One of them has Madison contemplating and weighing right and wrong when doing good; how much wrong or rule-breaking is a person allowed to do in order to do good? \n \"I may not be proud of my job history, but I'd never committed a crime before, let alone a crime in the name of my job. Then again, I'd never done anything as important as battle evil. My other jobs had been meaningless or boring--often both. At least as an enforcer, I was positively influencing the very balance of good and evil. That had to outweigh the minor transgressions I'd made along the way, right?\" \n Imagery is an important aspect in the novel and Chastain is highly lauded for her choice of imagery and humour. A favourite is the funny and realistic \"But there was nothing like a hound of death on my heels to give me an Olympian-worthy boost.\" \n Also, \"The horror reel played out in my head, with the hosts scattering across the continent, then the world, a pandemic of evil\" is a highly visual image. \n Also, when she was scantily dressed, she thought to herself: \"embarrassment came complete with its own heating system.\" \n After battling a demon and nearly dying, Niko - also known as \"Mr. Dark and Deadly\" - takes Madison to refuel or \"recharge\" her energy, which includes having something to eat. One can proudly say that they will look at green salads differently after reading this novel. \n \"Niko selected Cobb salads for both of us--without bacon!--plus four large sides of grilled vegetables. \n Screw that. I'd almost died tonight. I deserved something better than rabbit food.\" Later, Niko explains why it is important to eat greens and why Madison's comfort food of fries and a milkshake do nothing to fill her up or recharge her energy. \n Overall, A Fistful of Evil is an enjoyable, quick-paced fantasy novel. It's fun, it's different and it makes you think. \n It is the first instalment in the series and I look forward to reading the second part.", "date_added": "Thu Sep 11 15:05:09 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Fri Oct 03 11:41:29 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Wed Oct 01 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Thu Sep 11 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 4, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "19469666", "review_id": "aa0cc42d09affaaad9e8ca5374eafe25", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Eden Forest is a novella and the first instalment in The Saskia Trilogy by Aoife Marie Sheridan. \n Narrated in the first person present tense, Eden Forest opens in Saskia with Marta giving a description of the land and alerting the reader to her pregnancy, which we later know is from a love affair with the King of Saskia. We also learn about Saskian laws and traditions and how Saskians are immortal and born with an affinity of air, water, earth, fire or spirit. At first glance, Marta appears to be a caring person. \n The reader learns that Saskia is a world parallel to earth and that a fire barrier separating the two worlds can be crossed but with great difficulty. \n Eden Forest is written from several perspectives, all in the first person; however we are told whose point of view we are reading at the beginning of each chapter, avoiding any possible confusion. It is a very interesting way of writing - the first I've read seen - and it gives character depth. Through this technique, Sheridan merges with each character making them come to life on the pages of her novella. \n The author has an abundance of intriguing characters, but what I liked most was how each character has a specific role to play in the story - even eight-year-old Mei. Some have minor roles but are expected to have much bigger ones in the coming parts of the trilogy. \n As the novella progresses, two characters stand out in contradiction; Marta and her daughter Sarajane. Whereas Sarajane is caring, believable, down to earth, intelligent and understanding, her mother, Marta, is unmotherly-like, as opposed to what we have seen in the first chapter. A face-off between Sarajane and King Morrick makes this point clear. Moreover, most of the time we see Marta, she is crying; yet the reader feels that her emotions are not deep. And when she finally sees her daughter after a long absence, all she is concerned with is food! (Of all things!) \n Another interesting character is the conflicting, contradictory Tristan, King Morrick's head Guardian and who is later given the task to retrieve, or rather kidnap, Sarajane. Until the end of Eden Forest, the reader cannot read this particular character. \n There is also a massive contrast between Saskia's King and Queen, which makes the reader wonder how they ended up together, but that comes at the end of the story. \n Eden Forest is a quick and easy read. Its pace is fair at the beginning but starting chapter three, the pace and events become intense. You cannot put the book down and you feel the need finish the novella and skip work and sleep in the process. \n I truly enjoyed Aoife Sheridan's Eden Forest and can hardly wait for the next two parts, which I expect will have more details about the elemental affinities and focus more on characters briefly mentioned or introduced like Carew. \n (Note: There are a couple of brief, adult scenes).", "date_added": "Tue Jun 10 07:50:44 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Fri Aug 22 15:14:59 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Thu Jul 17 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Thu Jul 03 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 2, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "18689577", "review_id": "e9a7d7d464693756b070d49bbb37694e", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Superb \n I must admit I couldn't put this book down or even sleep till I finished it. \n the characters are realistic with their flaws and positive aspects. Xanthus is probably every girl's dream and yet he is very jealous which turns out to be quite handy. His timing whenever Sara is in danger is impeccable. \n Also, the writer's tension-relief-tension is nicely done with a lot of comic relief in between the heated and quick-paced events. \n I can't wait to read the second part of the series.", "date_added": "Mon May 26 20:24:50 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Sat May 31 07:06:10 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Sat May 31 11:36:06 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Tue May 27 15:12:24 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 9, "n_comments": 2}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "17613068", "review_id": "c2492e1f53add6f245d245ded3825235", "rating": 5, "review_text": "The Colour of Dishonour by Rayne Hall is a collection of six short stories inspired the setting of Hall's epic dark fantasy Storm Dancer. What I love about this collection is that not only are all the stories well crafted, but they also all have a moral in them. \n The collection opens with 'Kin', a highly ironic and moral story. Leha has three daughters, Mahlega, Gonil and Komal. She is proud of the first two but has disowned the third after having a child born out of wedlock. Their land is struck by their gods and by starvation. So, Leha seeks her daughters for food and shelter. \n \"The Seventh Scroll of Wisdom says that kin need to stick to kin like skin to flesh.\" This can neither be said for Leha nor her two eldest daughters. It is a very striking line at the beginning of the story. Leha believes she is following the rules to the letter and justifies disowning Komal. She believes she will be repaid for all she has done to her eldest daughters. \n The reader meets Leha's first daughter Mahlega and her family, who are very selfish and insensitive. All they care about are their needs, like the child who wants new clothes while people are starving and dying. Moreover, All Mahlega cares about is the roofing and how she doesn't like dates and says they are for animals and beggars. Certainly not 'kin' a mother can be proud of. \n When Leha proposes to live with Mahlega because of the famine, \"They looked at her aghast. \n \"Out of the question,\" her son-in-law said. \"I can't have you live here, with six people in two rooms already.\" \n The husband is rude and utterly disgusting but nonetheless very realistic as we see this type of person in real life. \n Mahlega gives her mother exactly what Leha had given her third daughter when she cast her out. It's highly ironic but sort of like divine repayment for casting out Komal. \n \"Mighty Ones, let these people taste the fruit of bitterness. Turn their own children against them, let them feel what it means to be cast aside.\" These are Leha's thoughts after being kicked out by Mahlega and her family. They are highly ironic and Leha cannot realise that she has done the same to her daughter before. \n After being turned out by one, Leha goes to seek warmth and a place to stay from her second and so-called loving daughter, Gonila, who is far from being such a daughter. Later we see Gonila eyeing her mother's gold earrings. Not only is she heartless, but also greedy. Her mother shows up at her doorstep, cold and without a place to stay, and all she cares about is getting 'financial' support from a homeless woman, her homeless mother, who sold her house to pay for her daughter's, Gonila's, education! \n After being turned out twice by the two daughters she did everything for, Leha still would not go to her third daughter, whom the reader knows will not be like her sisters. \n 'Kin' resembles William Shakespeare's King Lear. Even the name Gonila resembles Gonoril. It is a very powerful story about family, love, kindness, selfishness, cruelty and forgiveness. 'Kin' is a short story with the weight of a novel. \n 'Greywalker' is the second story in the collection. The Grey Walker is a zombie-like creature, and the story parallels that the exchange made by Dr. Faustus. It also has many stunning images. It is a carefully-crafted story that I have enjoyed reading over and over. I'm not a fan of zombies, but this story was different for me and I loved every bit of it. Few would find a beautiful image such as this in a zombie-like tale: \"But his actions had not been waterdrops that evaporated in the sun without leaving a trace. They had been cruel flames, scorching deep holes into Laina's defenceless heart.\" \n The 'Greywalker' ends at a climactic point. We finally know why the witch never mentioned a payment at the beginning. Turgan is not mindless, nor is he innately evil but he ends up being a Greywalker and understands his purpose. \n The 'Greywalker' is a 10-star story. \n 'The Water of Truth' is an excellent story about business and greed. However, it seems the so-called educated Yarkoud remains unaware of his greed and will continue repeating his mistakes. His sister, the one he calls 'uneducated' and is ashamed of her, is not bedazzled by money and wealth, and stands in strong contrast to her 'educated' brother. \n 'Each Stone, a Life' is a story of puns and nerve-wrecking. It was not my favourite but that is my personal opinion, although I felt as nerves as the protagonist of the story. It is very well written and plays on emotions well. \n 'The Colour of Dishonour' is a story with layers and layers of puns and irony. \n \"I have blood on my hands\", a recurring line of irony. Also, the use of the colours white and red and the contrast between them is used wittingly in this story.. It is a brilliant 10-star piece. I wish I can quote it whole - but will refrain from that. \n 'A Horse for a Hero' is the last piece in this collection and focuses on a winged horse named Pagos and his journey towards maturity. At the beginning Pagos dreams of a sort of knight or warrior in shining armour. It seems it is not only princesses who picture such dreams. \n \"How dreadful he had been to the nomads, who admired him because they were poor! How nasty he had been to that boy, who was merely immature and spoilt!\" \n I love how Hall ties the beginning and ending of this story together. \n Overall The Colour of Dishonour collection is a weighty but highly enjoyable set of short stories. I enjoyed them all and I loved how they all had a moral to them. It is not often you find the 'literature with a moral or purpose' these days, so this collection was by all means spectacular for me. \n A must read to all and definitely stories I would go back to over and over.", "date_added": "Sat May 24 19:04:45 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Fri Oct 17 04:08:38 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Mon May 26 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Sun May 25 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "18306338", "review_id": "f1ed3b02da977980644637e1ccea34aa", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Elven Jewel by Kasper Beaumont is the first instalment in the Hunters of Reloria series, which feels a lot like, and has many similarities with, The Lord of the Rings. Elven Jewel, however, is written for a much younger audience. \n Elven Jewel opens with the halflings having fun but suddenly they see invading Vergai creatures, which are described as \"reptilian creatures\" and I couldn't help but picture them as walking crocodile-like creatures. \n Soon, we are thrown into a quest to seek out the elves and warn them of the incoming Vergai, who seek to steal the jewel that maintains the safety of this planet. Soon, however, the halflings and others become part of a bigger company that journey to battle the Vergai and rescue Princess Shari-Rose and the planet. \n There is a contrast in the characters of the two boys and a starker contrast between the two women: Sienna and Shari-Rose. Sienna is confident and deals with loss much better than the princess who is six years her senior. \n We get the first confrontation between the independent and indignant Sienna and the proud princess (p.89). The reader can't help but be sympathetic towards Sienna and have the urge to smack the princess even if she is the most important character to the events of this story. \n It is said at the beginning of the novel that elves are haughty. We see it in the princess and again in Daeron, her guardian. I felt his long speech on p. 155 is too long and annoying, especially since he defends the obnoxious nature of his charge, whom he has been guarding since birth but has not tried to fix. Though, the reader hopes this ordeal will teach the princess a thing or two about humility and good manners. Daeron's speech comes in response to Randir's highly ironic and funny quote \"[He] decided he would never understand that irksome elf. \"When she's not being an absolute troll!\" he said loudly.\" \n There are, of course, some memorable quotes and images in Elven Jewel. On p. 146, Asher tells Shari Rose: \"To be kidnapped once may be unlucky Princess, but twice is exceedingly careless.\" \n Even though Shari-Rose is supposedly the centre of the story we don't see her much, which is a good thing considering her temperamental character. Still, it is interesting that there is no main or single protagonist in the story. We have several heroes with different abilities and ideas. This gives a great depth to the novel Elven Jewel. There is no single protagonist; there are several heroes and the reader is free to choose their favourite. \n My overall rating for Elven Jewel is 3 stars and I look forward to embarking on the rest of the journey with the Hunters of Reloria in Hunters' Quest. \n For my full and slightly lengthier review of Elven Jewel, check it out here: http://nadanessinmotion.blogspot.com/...", "date_added": "Fri Mar 14 02:46:28 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Fri Apr 04 15:51:28 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Tue Apr 01 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Mon Mar 17 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "9783478", "review_id": "c08503c4b69f9b468f7b0edea1c8637c", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Merlin: The Lost Years is the first installment in the Merlin Saga by T. A. Barron. The prologue is written in the third person, while the rest of the novel is narrated in the first person by a 12-year-old Merlin, or as he is called throughout the novel, Emrys. \n The opening lines of the story remind the reader of the popular scene when an arm rises from the water holding Excalibur. \n Emrys washes up on a shore, alone at first, and has no memory of who he is and how or why he got to this place. He notices a beautiful woman also washed up on the shore and wonders if she could be his mother but feels she is too beautiful to be so. They are attacked by a wild boar and saved by a stag. \n This, slightly strange, beginning is explained after a few chapters. \n Emrys is not convinced that this is his real name and is unsure if the woman, Branwen, is his mother. Throughout the novel, he tries to find out who is he is, who is parents are and where he belongs. \n Emrys has powers but when he uses them, they result in more destruction than intended and he learns to fear them. Throughout the novel, Emrys considers using his powers several times but remembers the promise he made to Branwen to never use them in addition to the painful memory where he loses his eyesight. \n Despite being narrated in the first person, the novel moves at a fairly quick pace. Though the parts about Emrys remembering the painful memory of using his powers are frequent and feel repetitive \"the smell of burning flesh...\" is repeated several times. \n The idea of the \"lost years\" is resolved in the end, where Emrys, and the reader, come upon some startling revelations. \n I liked Barron's use of the giants and how size does not matter. Shim is adorable, especially in the way he speaks \"but I is!\", \"certainly definitely absolutely\" and \"very very very scared\" just to name a few instances. The first meeting with Shim is beyond enjoyable \n Merlin: The Lost Years is a journey of self-discovery and is a good start to the world of young Merlin (Emrys). And I look forward to reading the second part of the saga, titled The Seven Songs.", "date_added": "Thu Mar 06 02:22:44 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Thu Mar 20 17:26:59 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Sat Mar 08 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Thu Mar 06 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 3, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "18632165", "review_id": "85826ce20a8046ca422a6f71bf8c22fb", "rating": 5, "review_text": "An excellent novella! \n I loved every bit of it! \n Set in Maine, the United States, the novella begins by introducing the reader to exorcist Jade Clarence, who has been given a final opportunity to prove herself capable of working in the family business of exorcism. She goes to Maine to exorcise a ghost, and meets Dutch \n The novella is divided into seven chapters of varying lengths. The language is simple with lots of dialogue and short paragraphs, all which add to the quick pace of the novella. The dialogues provide information, interaction between characters and bits of comic relief and romance mixed with comic relief. \n Throughout the novella, Jade explains to Dutch how exorcism works, and reflects on her most recent experience. \n Ghosts of the Falls has a slight fairy-tale feel to it, but with a remarkable twist in the end. \n The book also contains two excerpts from Gilman's other works, namely Deep in Crimson and Wings in Redemption. \n I couldn't put Ghosts of the Falls down and I am excited to read more by Sarah Gilman. Every girl/woman will want her own 'Dutch' after reading Ghosts of the Falls. \n Special thanks to author Sarah Gilman and Katie Clapsadl from Entangled Publishing for providing me with a free copy for this review.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 24 07:21:38 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Mon Nov 11 00:28:36 -0800 2013", "read_at": "Thu Nov 07 00:00:00 -0800 2013", "started_at": "Thu Nov 07 00:00:00 -0800 2013", "n_votes": 2, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "18308072", "review_id": "89585fa22d16d93f99c0342f19cf11d2", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Thirty Scary Tales by Rayne Hall is a collection of short stories encompassing an array of settings, narration styles and topics with theme of 'scary'. \n There are tales of vampires, ghosts, magic and dreams and other supernatural elements. They are all beautiful and enjoyable but do not compare to the pleasure and intrigue I experienced while reading The Grey Walker, Arete, Through the Tunnel, The Colour of Dishonour, Burning and The Painted Staircase - just to name a few. \n There are a few stories set in Rayne Hall's dark epic fantasy novel Storm Dancer such as The Colour of Dishonour, The Grey Walker, and Each Stone, A Life. Each of these stories is exceptional in its vividness, creativity and unfathomable twists! You have no idea what you're up against! \n Thirty Scary Tales boasts a ton of stunning imagery in this collection, whether scary or just plain beautiful. The reader cannot help but highlight and enjoy. The author also uses an array of settings for tales ranging from Germany to England to Turkey, and extending from Ancient Greece to the Middle Ages to modern times. \n One of the Storm Dancer-set stories is The Colour of Dishonour with its layers of puns and irony (\"I have blood on my hands\"). I still cannot shake off the admiration (for Hall) and the horror (for the Captain). The Colour of Dishonour is a 10-star story. \n By Your Own Free Will makes you think: How far would you go for love? How much are you willing to sacrifice to be noticed by one man? Would you trade your IQ for it? \n Special thanks to Rayne Hall for creating and collecting this set of stories in a single volume and for sending me a free copy of Thirty Scary Tales for a Halloween review. I enjoyed reading them all. As for the Storm Dancer-set stories, this collection has prompted me to begin reading the dark epic novel as soon as I can. \n For the full (extended) review: please click here (no spoilers): http://nadanessinmotion.blogspot.com/...", "date_added": "Tue Sep 24 20:55:28 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 27 04:30:17 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Sat Oct 26 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Sat Oct 12 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "18219262", "review_id": "9ce8dea02e91a7501ae7ee7a8a8393c0", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Jean-Baptiste, Vicomte de Martell is said to be a crusader but is given the description of a pirate with one eye and a hook instead of a left hand. It is a bit odd that this crusader-pirate is given a French name but lives in Saarland, Germany (even if it is a fairy tale). \n Like with all fairy tales, the element of magic is present. It is different here; a black pearl that changes Lady Avezoete (who represents the princess in traditional fairy tales). \n The full moon is usually when the werewolf transforms from human to beast, but in The Lady Wolf, it is slightly in reverse. It is when Lady Avezoete decides to take out the black pearl from her mouth and return to her human form. \n Overall, The Lady Wolf is an enjoyable short story with a happy ending, or double happy ending.", "date_added": "Tue Aug 20 07:06:08 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Wed Aug 21 04:25:19 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Sun Aug 18 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "17242184", "review_id": "636c29b97cd502e88fc73adc4e4ac503", "rating": 5, "review_text": "An excellent book! \n Although I have not read the first installment (just watched the movie several times - a terrible mistake), I truly enjoyed this book with its endless adventures, Percy's sense of humour and true friendships that make you admire the characters, the writer, and your life. \n Oh and I fell in love with Tyson. I also can't wait to get home and begin reading \"Percy Jackson and the Titan's Curse\". \n There were many instances in this book where I felt a close resemblance to the \"ideas\" and \"themes\" in the Harry Potter books. Percy is like Harry in so many ways. He may be a weapon, he has friends who go to lengths for him and trust him. Percy is a demi-god and Harry is a wizard, so there is the magical element in both characters and both books. \n \"Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters\" is certainly a MUST-READ! Oh and there is a pun on 'sea' ;)", "date_added": "Fri May 31 08:17:21 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Wed Jun 04 06:42:22 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Wed Jun 04 06:42:22 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Mon Jun 02 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "13833", "review_id": "9bbf5341caa36db751318e65ab50c123", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Absolutely WICKED! \n (full review to come soon) but definitely a MUST READ!", "date_added": "Thu May 16 03:07:24 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Wed Jan 01 11:34:18 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Wed Jan 01 11:34:18 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "24094", "review_id": "752e5059b315c19d98f342f73fe078fc", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Wolf-Speaker is the second book in The Immortals Quartet written by young-adult author Tamora Pierce. The reader follows Daine as her ability to talk to animals grows and as her adventures continue. \n In Wolf-Speaker, Daine, now fourteen years old, is summoned by Brokerfang, the leader of the wolf pack she associated with after her family was killed. She rides to answer the summons along with her pony Cloud, dragon Kitten and the mage Numair. The pack tells her that the humans, in Dunlath, are cutting off all the trees, chasing away all the game and doing extensive mining, which is disturbing the wolf pack that has had to relocate. \n When they arrive at Dunlath, Daine and Numair realise that something is amiss. Numair meets an old-school friend/enemy, named Tristan as well as three other mages. \n Daine's character continues to grow and she learns several valuable lessons in Wolf-Speaker, which show great character development. The story has lots of rising tension but not the type of rising tension that shatters your brain. There is also some sarcasm and light humour here and there to break the tension even for a few seconds. \n Wolf-Speaker introduces the reader to many new creatures from Tamora Pierce's vivid imagination, such as 'Hurroks', 'a slurring of horse-hawk', a wholly different take on the Basilisk and others. \n This second installment in Tamora Pierce's The Immortals Quartet is as exciting as the first. Also, the character descriptions at the beginning allow the reader to read each installment without having to refer to or read the previous parts.", "date_added": "Thu May 16 03:00:53 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Mon Dec 30 04:42:03 -0800 2013", "read_at": "Sun Dec 29 00:00:00 -0800 2013", "started_at": "Fri Dec 27 00:00:00 -0800 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "13836", "review_id": "6256d33d54f3056c0c9391d25ef5e973", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Wild Magic by Tamora Pierce is the first installment in The Immortals series. The story focuses on thirteen-year-old Daine, who has 'a knack with animals'. She speaks to them with their mind. \n With, her home destroyed and her family - mother and grandfather - killed, Daine leaves with her pony, Cloud, to find work and a place to escape those who killed her family. \n She becomes Onua's assistant and helps drive ponies and horses to Tortall (the capital of the Kingdom). On the road, the two women meet new creatures and Daine discovers new abilities, but is still unable to control them. She also meets the powerful mage Numair and later becomes his student. He tells her that she possesses wild magic and teaches her how to harness it better. \n We see Daine's character develop as does her magic and her abilities - which continue in the second installment of the series Wolf-Speaker. Tamora Pierce gives a new dimension to all creatures, mortal and immortal, with many interesting additions to creatures like dragons, as well as new ones like Stormwings. \n As a fan of animals in general, and horses and magical creatures in particular, I could not put Wild Magic down. \n For more reviews, check out my blog: http://nadanessinmotion.blogspot.com", "date_added": "Thu May 16 03:00:14 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sat Jan 04 20:15:10 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Mon Dec 23 00:00:00 -0800 2013", "started_at": "Thu Dec 19 00:00:00 -0800 2013", "n_votes": 3, "n_comments": 1}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "13647567", "review_id": "6de782ffae8b9598d12e784705e5990d", "rating": 5, "review_text": "It is one of those books that you are dying to finish but at the same time dreading reaching the end because it means you'll suffer having to wait for the next part of this UTTERLY SPECTACULAR series! \n Her Knight's Quest by Alexis Morgan is the second instalment in the Warriors of the Mist series, following My Lady Mage. It picks up where where My Lady Mage left off; the five Warriors of the Mist had concocted a plan in the hope of defeating Duke Keirthan and putting an end to his tyrannical rule aided by blood magic, thus fulfilling their quest. \n Her Knight's Quest begins with setting Gideon's plan in motion. According to the plan, Gideon and Murdoch are to stay with Lady Merewen and guard her keep from further attacks, while Duncan would pretend to be scholar seeking work as a scribe in the abbey to be able to gather information to defeat the Duke, and finally, Kane and Averel would travel to the city and seek work in the Duke's palace. Keirthan would be quite interested in having a man like Kane who bears a dark mark on his face. \n The first ten chapters in Her Knight's Quest shift between Gideon, the other warriors and Lady Merewen and events taking place at her keep, on the one hand and Duncan and Lady Lavinia, on the other. \n Starting chapter 11, however, the novel takes the reader to a new dimension in the story; Duke Keirthan. We are introduced to the Duke - whom we briefly met in My Lady Mage - and his history. The present Duke of Agathia is Ifre Keirthan, who, it seems, usurped the dukedom from his brother Armel. \n Chapter 11 solves many questions that come to the reader's mind over previous 10 chapters. It also solves the other characters' frustrations and questions they voice. As dark and bloody as Ifre Keirthan is, many events come to light in this chapter, which has a climactic feel to it. \n After chapter 11, the story continues to shift but not between two parties, but three, as Duke Keirthan becomes more involved in the story. Starting chapter 11, it is almost impossible to put the book down. The reader feels that all chapters are of extreme importance. \n Alexis Morgan's tension build-up picks up pace. More mysteries are answered in chapters 13 and 14. Duncan and Lavinia reveal things about themselves that set the story in motion and that link different characters and parts of the story together. Starting chapter 11, momentum builds up and there is no stopping it till the end of the book. \n Her Knight's Quest differs from its predecessor, My Lady Mage, in that there is a lot going on everywhere with each of the characters; there are events taking place at Merewen's keep, at the abbey, and with Duke Keirathan. We also learn about the Duke's past, his rise to power or rather usurpation of the dukedom, and about magic, the duke's dark blood magic and Lavinia's pure earth magic. \n Despite the constant rise in tension, Morgan employs occasional short romantic scenes and some humour. A single humourous line easily breaks the reader's tension, giving them a bit of relief. \n As with My Lady Mage, Alexis Morgan ends her novel on a high note of anticipation. The reader feels as though they need to read all three parts consecutively without halt or pause. \n The second instalment in the Warriors of the Mist series earns a 4.5-star review (from me). It goes without saying that I can hardly wait for the Honor's Price, the third instalment in the series.", "date_added": "Mon Mar 11 17:32:10 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Mon Mar 31 16:31:40 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Wed Jul 17 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Mon Jul 08 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 4}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "372807", "review_id": "7bd168f686137a5b29237cd54544aecf", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Until almost the end of the novella, I, the reader, like the dragon a lot more than Alys, the protagonist of the story. She is paranoid to the point of irritation. The dragon, on the other hand, is mysterious, does not express emotions much and is often smarter; too quiet for Alys's taste and needs perhaps. The reader, myself at least, only begins to like Alys when she starts taking matters into her own hands and becomes will to risk her life for others. \n I'm wavering between giving Dragon's Bait three-and-a-half and four stars. It is an interesting story that distinguishes itself from the damsel in distress cliche.", "date_added": "Sun Feb 17 04:02:20 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Sat Jul 06 08:18:20 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Sat Jul 06 08:18:20 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Fri Jul 05 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "11465665", "review_id": "84fc58087eab24273b1ff37166c4da1f", "rating": 3, "review_text": "ltmym@ \n qS@ \"ltmym@\" hy lqS@ l'wl~ ly llktb nbyl frwq wldhy ktshft 'n lh slsl mn lktb 'y ySl jmly `dd ktbh lnHw 150 ktban w'shhrh slsl@ \"rjl lmstHyl\" lty knt tqr'h 'my mndh snwt `dyd@. wqd qr't 'my qS@ 'w rwy@ \"ltmym@\" fy ywmyn fqT fy Hyn qr'th 'n fy 'ql mn 'sbw` ('ym mtfrq@ `l~ mdr 'sbw`), wqlt 'nh rwy@ shl@ wmkhtlf@ wZryf@. wknt rwy@ \"ltmym@\" kdhlk blnsb@ ly m` b`D lDft wlkhtlft. \n frwy@ \"ltmym@\" hy rwy@ lkhyl l`lmy l'wl~ lty 'qr'h bllG@ l`rby@ (b`ydan `n lqSS lty drsnh fy lmdrs@) w'n `l~ dry@ 'n hnk l`dyd mn lkutb lmSryyn wl`rb ldhyn yqwmwn btjrb fy hdh lmjl l'dby ldhy ystkhdmh kthyran lkutb l'wrwbyyn wl'mrykyyn. \n tdwr 'Hdth rwy@ `n tmym@ 'w qld@ ytwrthh lns `br `Swr ltrykh w'nH lkr@ l'rDy@ lmkhtlf@ bdan mn l`Sr ljlydy wmrwran bmws~ wfr`wn wb`Sr klywbtr wblmlk rytshrd qlb l'sd wlst`mr lbryTny lmSr w'khyran tSl l~ zmnn hdh 'y lHDr. wlfkr@ lsy'd@ hy 'n hdhh ltmym@ tHmy mn yrtdyh wyqdm lktb `d@ 'mthl@ `br `Swr wfSwl lrwy@. `ndm tSl ltmym@ l~ `Srn hdh ybd' lSr` `l~ tmlkh wkshf khbyh w'srrh wkyfy@ `mlh wGyrhm. \n t`d \"ltmym@\" rwy@ mthyr@ khS@ fy fSwlh l'wl~ thm tbd' l'Hdth ttbT' b`d wSwl ltmym@ l~ lHDr Hyth tmtlk ltmym@ ft@ smh zynb wrtht ltmym@ `n 'mh lty wrthth `n 'mh - 'y jd@ zynb - thm y`wd `nSry ltshwyq wlthr@ fy lfSwl l'khyr@ lty tmtz bsr`@ l'Hdth. \n wtqwm ltmym@ bHmy@ mn yrtdyh mn khll wHsh rhyb l yrh lshkhS ldhy yrtdyh. \n tnthy lrwy@ `l~ nhy@ s`yd@ Hyth ynl l'shrr wlmkrwn `l~ jzy'hm fy Hyn yHSl l'bTl `l~ 'Hlmhm. \n wqd lHZt 'n ltmym@ kthyran m tq` fy 'ydy lmlwk wlqd@ kbr lshkhSyt mm ydhkrn blkhtm fy thlthy@ \"mlk lkhwtm\" llktb lshhyr jyh 'r 'r twlkyn. \n wqd '`Tyt hdhh lrwy@ thlth njwm `l~ mwq` jwd rydz (www.goodreads.com) l'n hnk `d@ 'shy Dyqtny 'thn qry'ty lh, 'wlh 'slwb lktb fy ldll@ `l~ stmrr shy m 'w lldll@ `l~ hwl 'w sw hdh lshy, ftkrr lklmt `l~ 'sTr mttly@ l yfy blGrD bl `d@ m ykwn zyd@ `n lHd lmnsb 'w lmTlwb lmwqfin m fy lrwy@, w`l~ sbyl lmthl fy SfH@ 64: \n \"wlkn lshbn lthlth@ nqDw fj'@, bkl wHshy@ ldny... \n wSrkht zynb... \n wSrkht... \n wSrkht...\" \n fy Hyn 'n qwlh Srkh@ wHd@ rnnn@ knt stfy blGrD. \n km ystkhdm lktb \"lfSl@\" bSwr@ mr`b@ km lw 'n llG@ l`rby@ t`shq lfSlt whw 'mr Gyr SHyH. wystkhdm lktb klm@ \"llGy@\" kthyran jdan fy rwyth w`nd qrth fy Gyr mHlh fhy tstfz lqry' wtD`f mn qw@ ljml@ wlklm@ lty sbqth, w`l~ sbyl lmthl fy SfH@ 11: \n \"wSr lmshhd klh blf`l 'shbh blwH@ mkhyf@.. \n llGy@..\" \n stkhdm \"llGy@\" hn yD`f klm@ \"mkhyf@\" lty tb`th lr`b fy qlb lqry' w`qlh, km 'n stkhdm lktb llf`l \"rH\" bdlan mn \"Sr\" 'w \"'SbH\" 'w \"bd'\" 'w Gyrhm mn l'f`l yw'dy l~ rkk@ fy llG@ l`rby@ km 'n f`l \"rH\" 'qrb ll`my@ wl ytmsh~ m` llG@ l`rby@ lfSH@ lmstkhdm@ fy lrwy@. wystkhdm lktb 'yDan Hrf ljr \"fy\" fy Gyr mwD`h lmt`rf `lyh 'w lm`td@, fyqwl mthlan: \"fy bT\" w\"fy S`wb@\" fy Hyn 'n lmt`rf `lyh hw \"bbT\" w\"bS`wb@\", km yq` fy lkhT' lshy'` bstkhdmh \"'y@\" fy Hyn 'n lklm@ lSHyH@ hy \"'y\" sw tb`h mdhkr 'w mw'nth (wn knt lnqT@ l'khyr@ GlT@ lmrj` - n wjd - wlys bltHdyd lmw'lf). \n w'Hynan ystkhdm lktb nfs lwSf lnfs lshy fy mwqf mtqrb@ mthl stkhdmh fy lfSl l'wl \"ywlwn dhlk lSndwq l`jy 'hmy@ blG@\" wfy lSfH@ ltly@ \"ywlyh ljmy` 'hmy@ blG@\". f'yn lbtkr fy hdhh lrwy@ ljdyd@? \n wkthyran l ywjd fwSl `nd lntql byn lshkhSyt wlmshhd lmkhtlf@ fy lrwy@ mm yw'dy l~ stGrb lqry' wyDTrh lltwqf llHZ@ lsty`b m Hdth, km ystkhdm lktb lnqT lmttly@ 'kthr mm ynbGy flm`td hw thlth nqT mttly@ ( ... ) km ystkhdm 'd@ lstfhm ylyh 'd@ lt`jb ylyhm `d@ nqT whw khT' fy llGty lnjlyzy@ wl`rby@. \n w'khyran ystkhdm lktb f`l \"yGmGm\" km lw 'n llG@ l`rby@ qd khlt mn l'f`l! wylHZ 'nh ystHyl 'n \"yGmGm\" shkhSan lmd@ 'rb` 'sTr mttly@! \n n rwy@ \"ltmym@\" lyst Twyl@ mm ys`d lqry' `l~ lqr@ lsry`@ w`l~ lsh`wr blrH@ `nd qr@ `d@ fSwl mttly@ km 'nh tmtz b`d@ 'jr shyq@, Df@ l~ 'nh jdyd@ wnhyth wfkrth mkhtlf@ `n qSS lkhyl l`lmy@ l'jnby@ wl`rby@, why rwy@ tstHq lqr@.", "date_added": "Fri Feb 15 06:14:21 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Tue Apr 02 03:23:55 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Mon Apr 01 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Wed Mar 27 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 3, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "5996777", "review_id": "14ee4c1526e0e0936351759107321183", "rating": 1, "review_text": "I absolutely HATED this book! It was the second book by Naguib Mahfouz for me, and so far the last, I have not gotten over it to venture with something else! \n I don't remember how many tales there were.. but they were all sad and left the reader, me, miserable and depressed!", "date_added": "Mon Jan 07 18:14:35 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Mon Jan 07 18:16:11 -0800 2013", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "12648008", "review_id": "944e424c6defccd47244f3fc7dc31b5d", "rating": 5, "review_text": "My Lady Mage by Alexis Morgan is the first installment in the Warriors of the Mist series. The book is as breath-taking and as intriguing as its cover. \n Not being a fan of romance, My Lady Mage is my first fantasy-romance novel. Still, I deal with romance with care for there are often cliches - just read the synopsis of many fantasy books and you'll notice a pattern - but here, I enjoyed it. And that means Alexis Morgan did something spectacular, for I'm not easy to please. \n The novel opens with a sort of introduction titled \"River of the Damned\" describing the Warriors of the Mist. It begins thus: \"The Warriors of the Mist are a legend, their origins lost in the shadows of the past. In dark times, it is whispered, the warriors can be summoned from beneath the roiling currents when a champion is needed and if the cause is just.\" \n My Lady Mage revolves around Merewen, whose father ruled their Kingdom in the land of Agathia, but because the law forbids a woman from ruling after her father's death, Merewen's uncle, Fagan, takes over. Not only has evil roamed the land ever since, but it also grows stronger with each passing day. The first part in the Warriors of the Mist series focuses mainly on Merewen, the warriors, her uncle and his wife and we get a peek at the Duke. \n Merewen goes to the river and prays to the gods. Her summons is answered and five warriors spring from the water. \n I personally enjoyed how Morgan drew on other well-known texts in literature. For instance, \"Then, an arm brandishing a sword burst forth from the deepest part of the river\" (p. 5). This reminds me of the popular scene in the stories - films and series - of King Arthur, when the Lady of the Lake raises her arm, holding Excalibur. There are many such examples throughout the novel. \n There are five warriors, led by Gideon and as the story progresses we learn that each of them has a painful past. We also learn how each of them came to join Gideon and become the Damned. \n Each of these warriors is memorable and loveable on their own. I tried very hard to pick a favourite but couldn't do so entirely; even Kane, who appears to be - and is in fact - brutal and blood-thirsty, cannot be hated or disliked. \n Merewen is a hard-headed, rebellious woman. Not only is she brave, but she is also very caring and considerate. She, literally, puts everyone before herself and is willing to risk her life for the people who respected her father and herself and who have remained loyal to both. \n Towards the end, we meet the Duke, who rules over all the lands of Agathia. There is a reversal of roles in the scene in chapter 22, where Fagan, who constantly terrorises and abuses his wife, cowers before the Duke and is terrified of him. It is an interesting, dead-cold scene. \n I am not a fan of profanity and there were some instances in this novel where I felt there was no need for it. On p. 91, \"Meanwhile, Kane continued polishing the damned horse's hide.\" Personally, I don't see a reason for the word \"damned\" here, especially since what precedes it does not carry any angry tones or the like. \n Also, the use of the ('d) as a contraction for had (most of the time) is very annoying as the reader has to, often, think whether it is 'had' or 'would'. Moreover, it is the only contraction in the text. For me, there should either be contractions throughout or none throughout as well (speech excluded). It also looks out of place. Without this ('d) - and a couple of needless uses of 'damned' - the book would have been utterly perfect! \n The first part in the Warriors of the Mist series is by all means a grabber, a must-read. The moment you finish it you feel like you need the second part right after it to carry on the adventure. The characters are memorable, each in their own way. The book contains some adult scenes so I wouldn't recommend it for anyone under 18 (I suppose that could differ with American and European audiences). \n Alexis Morgan's choice is words and imagery is notable throughout the novel. She wittingly uses tension and comic relief well in her novel, which, I must say, is a blessing. \n For the full (extended) review: please go here: http://nadanessinmotion.blogspot.com/...", "date_added": "Mon Jan 07 13:34:33 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Mon Jul 01 06:19:24 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Mon Mar 25 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Mon Mar 11 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "15329", "review_id": "a95227238f678dcb1d84d86855b18f13", "rating": 5, "review_text": "One of my favourite books so far. \n One thing I particularly liked about The Hobbit - apart from being much shorter and much more exciting than the subsequent trilogy - is that it proves that romance is not an essential part of a book. Unlike the movie, The Hobbit does not have any women and therefore no romance, and it's perfect. \n I highly recommend reading it.", "date_added": "Mon Jan 07 13:23:57 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Mon Oct 24 09:38:35 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Mon Jan 14 00:00:00 -0800 2013", "started_at": "Mon Jan 07 00:00:00 -0800 2013", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 1}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "93273", "review_id": "bc1f6274671b595701b790f6d8218e85", "rating": 1, "review_text": "This is by all means a HORRID book! It is an insult to the Tales of Camelot, King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. The writing of the book is terrible; it makes you want to skip parts. It is very hard to enjoy this book. I am currently hiding this book in the farthest, darkest shelf in the house.", "date_added": "Fri Jan 04 09:18:49 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Feb 10 03:38:49 -0800 2013", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "41899", "review_id": "90f6a8cec740e2f6b03fe68a6dd215f2", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I love it! \n Think of it as a mini-reference to an array of fantastical creatures, with some really cute notes by Harry, Ron and Hermione - mostly Ron though, on the side.", "date_added": "Sat Nov 17 12:24:02 -0800 2012", "date_updated": "Mon Aug 19 19:02:42 -0700 2013", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "f88032f4ad97b46654fe59ce3387cf5d", "book_id": "23524550", "review_id": "5412d8cf4f3509b138e969bab1d3fbde", "rating": 1, "review_text": "ktb qmyy' mn 'wlh lakhrh", "date_added": "Tue Jun 05 03:42:47 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Mon Feb 20 01:48:30 -0800 2017", "read_at": "Tue Jun 02 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Sat May 09 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 1}
{"user_id": "197ee8c6624f698557603a05ad670d45", "book_id": "15863832", "review_id": "bd538c4a0f61b6bc06259c78014185e3", "rating": 2, "review_text": "Hizli okunuyor. Merak uyandiriyor ve sizi surukluyor, zaman gecirmek icin okunabilecek bir kitap. Sayfalari cevirirken zamanin nasil gectigini fark etmeyip benim gibi bir gecede okuyabilirsiniz. Fakat benden daha fazla puan alamayacak. (You should know, I don't even like it :P).Biraz acimasiz olacak galiba ama bende karakterler baska genclik romanlarini ve karakterlerini kopyala-yapistir yapmislar gibi bir his birakti. Ugruna onlarca tehlikeye girilen kucuk kardesi ile Penryn'in baglari uzerinde biraz daha durulsa belki farkli bir derinlik yaratilabilirdi. Ayrica ana karakterin pasif kaldigi kisimlardan da hoslanmadim birkac sayfa oncesine donup yazilari degistiresim geldi adeta cunku zamansiz bir pasiflikti. Karakterin tabiri caizse badass kisiliginin bosa gittigini dusundum biraz. Tabi bu benim kisisel fikrim beklentilerim begenen okuyuculardan farkli olabilir. Yine de ilgi cekici bir dunya yaratilmis ve bu dunya surprizler ile dolu bu yuzden okumasi zevkliydi. Ikinci kitabi okumayi dusunuyorum cunku merak ettigim birkac nokta var :)", "date_added": "Sun Aug 28 08:17:58 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Sun Aug 28 08:42:28 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Sun Aug 28 08:42:28 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Sat Aug 27 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "197ee8c6624f698557603a05ad670d45", "book_id": "9413044", "review_id": "c0428d099a88589bbb4cbc9cd411a860", "rating": 5, "review_text": "<3", "date_added": "Fri Dec 21 16:25:46 -0800 2012", "date_updated": "Mon Apr 21 08:40:34 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Mon Apr 21 08:40:34 -0700 2014", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0d8d07544717e84149df654caae803d0", "book_id": "15763668", "review_id": "2e0b27421494033c96165a24191d5bb6", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Glimpse, the newest offering by author Sara Daniell revolves around Orion Draper, A high school student on a land called the Sphere. When she hears of a strange world called Earth, her questioning nature won't stop until she knows what this \"Earth\" is all about. Finding her way there is easy but finding her way back home is nearly impossible and life becomes a new danger every second. \n I think that Sara Daniell has invented an ingenious plot with a cast of very likable characters. Orion is the tough girl who does things by her own rules. Through her rough exterior though she is extremely likable. Her friend Sage is the wonderful comic relief that keeps Orion grounded. Add in Plath, the hunter from the Sphere. He is simply a killer with a heart. The novel is fast-paced with non-stop action. The ending I did not see coming and it definitely makes me eager for the next book in the series.", "date_added": "Thu Aug 30 16:29:31 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Sep 20 18:51:46 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Thu Sep 20 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Sun Sep 16 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0d8d07544717e84149df654caae803d0", "book_id": "13625827", "review_id": "0aa9718345149909ac54879bfd50b6cb", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Katie Jennings debut novel, Breath of Air, is the first novel in the four book Dryad Quartet series and, like its title is a breath of fresh air for the fantasy genre. \n It revolves around Capri, an orphan girl who, on her 18th birthday discovers the truth of her origins and journeys back to Euphora, the enchanted place where she was born. Soon after Capri returns to Euphora though, strange events begin to happen that mirrors what took place soon before Capri disappeared at the age of three. Capri, her friends and her newfound love begin to unravel the mystery of events both past and present in hopes of bringing peace back to Euphora for good. \n It is a wonderful first novel for Jennings. Her writing is very descriptive and makes it easy to imagine the world and the characters of Euphora. Speaking of charcters, Jennings give her characters rich histories and interesting personalities. The heroes are very likable and the villains can be quite nasty. Also, there are many characters introduced but I felt that all were developed quite well. \n It is hard to believe that Breath of Air is Katie Jennings' first novel. The writing is very good, especially for a first novel and she should be commended for undertaking the daunting task of a four book series for her debut works. I am looking forward to the remainder of the Dryad Quartet series as well as future tales from author who looks to have quite a bright future in front of her.", "date_added": "Wed Jul 11 08:22:57 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Jul 29 11:24:24 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sun Jul 29 11:24:24 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Wed Jul 11 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0d8d07544717e84149df654caae803d0", "book_id": "11023788", "review_id": "a8f5ae1191132d0406dd9637ca7253dd", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Very good story though a little too short. The characters were very good and I would have liked to seen them fleshed out a bit more but the writer's style is very easy going and easy to read. As I read the story I thought Kendall Lake may have been patterned after Rhett Butler but much nicer. Would have been a 4 if not for the short length and quick rap up. I do recommend it though and look forward to more of Ms. Pape's work.", "date_added": "Mon Jul 02 06:00:35 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Jul 03 07:14:56 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Tue Jul 03 07:14:56 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Mon Jul 02 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0d8d07544717e84149df654caae803d0", "book_id": "15701498", "review_id": "16f9b0fe0c3f5b16329b1a5e41037229", "rating": 5, "review_text": "As a review for all three parts, I think Odd Interlude was a fun and exciting novella to satisfy us Odd Thomas fans until the release of Odd Apocalypse next month. Not your typical Odd Thomas adventure but a fun read!", "date_added": "Wed Jun 27 06:16:49 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Jul 01 08:25:43 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Fri Jun 29 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0d8d07544717e84149df654caae803d0", "book_id": "453916", "review_id": "88449b70d9c55daacd1c146cb60be1eb", "rating": 5, "review_text": "One of the hardest books of Koontz to find, but it is so worth the effort! This is actually one of my all-time favorite books by Koontz. It is a wonderful dark fairy-tale about good toys that are alive and when their creator dies, the bad toys also come to life and seek to destroy the good toys. This is fun, classic and one very enjoyable book with wonderful illustrations by Phil Parks.", "date_added": "Fri Jun 15 14:04:37 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Fri Jun 15 14:07:28 -0700 2012", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0d8d07544717e84149df654caae803d0", "book_id": "225606", "review_id": "21cc7101d103a06d458340ad6217a801", "rating": 5, "review_text": "OK...this is one of my favorite books of all time! This book had some good frights but it made me laugh! The adventures of Duke and Earl are hilarious. \n The idea of a nerdy vampire and a redneck werewolf are about as laugh out loud as you can get. It even has a bit of romance. A Lee Martinez has become one of my favorite authors because of this book.", "date_added": "Thu Jun 07 18:31:31 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Fri Aug 03 18:19:03 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Thu Aug 18 00:00:00 -0700 2011", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "0d8d07544717e84149df654caae803d0", "book_id": "7108001", "review_id": "a8d43d2fb1f3a21b1eb1435f3dc90176", "rating": 4, "review_text": "This was so much fun! What I thought was really wonderful was how the author truly made the events in the book tie-in with true events and made the entire history seem plausible. Also loved the journal concept. Very well done. Have not yet seen the movie but I must admit I can't wait!", "date_added": "Tue Jun 05 04:28:31 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Jul 12 14:50:32 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Fri May 25 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "393d2d875aef4b1f428f9daac75e92b7", "book_id": "23359246", "review_id": "c892c639271983eed29ad84fc2ce1023", "rating": 2, "review_text": "I started reading House of Night back in 2009, when I was 17. Never thought I'd still be reading this series seven years later. What a journey. I'll forever cherish theses books because they've been with me for so long. On the other hand, though, they enfuriate me sometimes. Why twelve effing books when you could only do seven (the magic number)? I can't remember what happened in most of them, not because I read them a long time ago but because they were fillers. And not bearable ones. One or two times I considered giving up on this series. But I couldn't. Even though the characters annoyed the hell out of me most of the time and the story kept repeating itself over and over again. I finished them, it's done. I'm saying goodbye to Zoey and her circle and Aphrodite, my forever favourite. But I don't think I'm going to miss them all that much. It's quite sad.", "date_added": "Tue Mar 08 15:04:34 -0800 2016", "date_updated": "Tue Dec 06 15:34:34 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Tue Mar 01 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Sat Aug 01 00:00:00 -0700 2009", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "393d2d875aef4b1f428f9daac75e92b7", "book_id": "6304335", "review_id": "2d39ee74f57a78d280565b1721bab2e5", "rating": 3, "review_text": "** spoiler alert ** \n I liked it, it's beautifully written. But if I had read it five, four years ago I would'd like it more. It's more for teenagers.", "date_added": "Fri Aug 30 15:49:14 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Wed Feb 24 09:07:21 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Fri Sep 13 01:22:04 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Fri Aug 30 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "74923eed26118d852196f9aa18070272", "book_id": "15839976", "review_id": "b3125aee7b745789c7c91b874dfee06f", "rating": 5, "review_text": "This book was amazing cover to cover!! A mix of fantasy, sci fi and dystopian elements, the book followed Darrow as he begins his search for justice. The plot was full of twists, many unpredictable and I loved that about it. I cannot wait to read the next book!!", "date_added": "Thu Aug 11 15:22:07 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Thu Aug 25 16:40:11 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Fri Aug 26 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Fri Aug 19 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "74923eed26118d852196f9aa18070272", "book_id": "29056083", "review_id": "0bc5640f507446f9f8f45c864cdb8f7c", "rating": 2, "review_text": "** spoiler alert ** \n This book was very disappointing. There were many issues with the play. \n 1) The plot was all recycled from the previous novels. We've seen the Triwizard tournament before and been over how Harry's family died before and so on. \n 2) Harry potter books always offered a lesson to readers, and again this play's 'lesson' was one already learnt in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. \n 3) Characters were much weaker in comparison to their former selves, especially Ginny. \n 4) Stage directions of heart ache and so on hinted at a homosexual relationship. This would have been nice as the series heavily missed representations of the LGBT community. \n 5) Also, when was Bellatrix supposed to be pregnant? She couldn't have got pregnant before the fourth book as Voldemort did not have corporeal form until the end of this text, and for the fifth, sixth and seventh we see Bellatrix often. Therefore, how was she never seen to be pregnant? \n I just found the whole thing unnecessary, not very well thought out and annoying as it messed with the past novels. Not a fan.", "date_added": "Tue Aug 09 10:38:53 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Wed Aug 10 09:32:22 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Thu Aug 04 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Tue Aug 02 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "bda99715e8f6865c236926a0979b72a5", "book_id": "421129", "review_id": "57381533d30d81746d5abea653f91eab", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Mon commentaire sur le livre : \n ici", "date_added": "Tue Jun 05 04:51:25 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Jun 06 02:14:12 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Mon Aug 01 00:00:00 -0700 2011", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "25799039", "review_id": "5b50b8506cce7e95f1beb1b6f61be340", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Jopa parempi kuin Itarannan esikoinen. Tyyliltaan hyvin samankaltainen, mutta kokonaisuutena viela ehyempi ja tarinana pidempi. Ei tasta oikein osaa sanoa mitaan jarkevaa, todella hyvaa spefia/fantasiaa.", "date_added": "Thu May 18 03:22:54 -0700 2017", "date_updated": "Thu May 18 03:24:35 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Mon Jun 27 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "21902149", "review_id": "07d0f1182b0abc03256eb3398dd41392", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Tamankin kirjan avaamiseen meni uskomattoman pitka aika. Siina alkuunpaasemiseen meni viela pidempi. Luin alkua pienissa paloissa ja ihmettelin, mika on, kun Moers ei tempaakaan mukaansa. Puolivaliin paastyani en kuitenkaan malttanut laskea kirjaa kadestani, vaan luin sen kaytannossa yhdelta istumalta loppuun. Ja mika cliffhanger lopussa! Moersin mielikuvitus on vertaansa vailla, sita ei voi kuin kehua. Yksitysikohtaiset kuvaukset asioista, hullu liioittelu, sanaleikit, kielella leikittely, huikeaa. Kiitos myos kaantajalle, ei varmasti ole ollut ihan helppo tehtava... Kirjojen ja kirjallisuuden rakastajan pakkolukemista, seuraavaa (ja viimeista?) osaa odotellessa.", "date_added": "Wed May 10 03:59:26 -0700 2017", "date_updated": "Wed May 10 04:02:57 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Mon Jun 01 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "12567120", "review_id": "619def5db22bb821761509506568d63d", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Viihdyttava kirja, josta ei puutu menoa ja meininkia. Kesalomalukemista.", "date_added": "Sun Dec 14 06:29:59 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Sun Dec 14 06:30:56 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Mon Aug 11 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "6662349", "review_id": "15cfce5e04d38f754ec8c1bee3a07ef4", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Kirja, jonka lukemiseen meni vauvan takia ikuisuus. Todella hyva fantasiakirja, jonka olisin toisenlaisissa olosuhteissa lukenut varmasti huomattavasti nopeammin. Juoni tuntui vetavalta ja henkilot kiinnostavilta ja idea tietoisesta laivasta tuntuu raikkaalta ja uudenlaiselta. Seuraavan osan lukemiseen menee varmasti taas aikaa, mutta luettavahan nekin on, jotta saa tietaa, mita Vivacialle ja muille tapahtuu...", "date_added": "Sun Dec 14 05:59:52 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Sun Dec 14 06:02:29 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Mon Jun 16 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "12124232", "review_id": "4a6232cca1767a27cd348dd61f42d1de", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Samaa vampyyrihomppaa kuin aiemmatkin, ehka hiukan kovemmilla kierroksilla seksin ja vakivallan suhteen talla kertaa.", "date_added": "Sun Dec 14 05:55:13 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Sun Dec 14 05:56:23 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Thu Apr 10 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "10020598", "review_id": "1c685b7fe296b4baa823eae486731a55", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Viihdyttavaa vampyyrihomppaa.", "date_added": "Thu Apr 10 00:25:37 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Thu Apr 10 00:26:28 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Tue Apr 08 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "9537808", "review_id": "e375dadd0d7cde4796df6bd4ab27129c", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Vampyyriviihdetta ja vampyyriseksia. Sopivaa homppalukemista lauantai-iltapaivaan.", "date_added": "Thu Apr 10 00:15:27 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Thu Apr 10 00:16:49 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Sat Mar 22 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "8471015", "review_id": "d13f28b74c539c6d36dce3a8d9de7fe7", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Tv-sarjan pohjana olleiden kirjojen ensimmainen, jo klassikoksi omassa genressaan muodostunut romaani. Ihan hauskaa ja kevytta vampyyriviihdetta, nopeaa ja helppoa luettavaa. True bloodia seuranneena on tosin mahdotonta olla kuvittelematta kirjan hahmoja juuri sen nakoisina kuin sarjan nayttelijat ovat ja valilla lauseita myos kaantaa paassaa huomaamattaan englanniksi ja ne soivat paassa syvalla etelan murteella... Viihdyttavaa lukemista.", "date_added": "Thu Apr 10 00:02:38 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Thu Apr 10 00:05:48 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Tue Mar 18 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "864890", "review_id": "ff2ea910f1f3aae0e8bdd054e0e4dee7", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Ensimmaista kertaa englanniksi luettu ja huomattavasti synkempi kuin muistinkaan. Hyva, jalleen kerran, muttei paras Potter kuitenkaan.", "date_added": "Fri Dec 20 10:34:46 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Wed May 28 13:34:40 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Sun Aug 25 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "331562", "review_id": "b656c08bc5a19d29093a0d781b3a5f4a", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Jalleen, mukaansatempaava kirja, joka on tullut luettua useampaan kertaan aiemminkin. Ei suosikkini Pottereista, mutta hyva.", "date_added": "Fri Dec 20 10:19:29 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Fri Dec 20 10:21:12 -0800 2013", "read_at": "Wed Jul 31 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "72193", "review_id": "f58dd9b336063bb333e47aa35b754401", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Monta kertaa luettu kirja (niin suomeksi kuin englanniksikin), mutta jostain syysta tama ei koskaan meneta hohtoaan", "date_added": "Fri Dec 20 10:13:04 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Wed Sep 28 02:31:19 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Mon Jul 29 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "17339755", "review_id": "d427a547fde4fa5245764b0bdd3d017c", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Aika erilainen kirja kuin etukateen kuvittelin, muttei huono missaan nimessa. Kirja tuli ahmittua muutamassa tunnissa, enka oikein osaa sanoa, mita mielta olen oikeasti kirjasta. Hyva, kylla, mutta aiheeltaan surullinen, varsinkin kun takakannessa mainitaan kirjan olevan omaelamakerrallinen. Jostain syysta mieleen tuli myos elokuva Winter's Bone. Hammentava kirja, jota jaa miettimaan.", "date_added": "Fri Jun 28 06:54:07 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Fri Jun 28 06:56:20 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Sat May 25 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "6595954", "review_id": "c4ec1b10422c27c91d008760dc982555", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Aika janna ja erilainen kirja. Tama taitaa olla toinen Ahernin kirja, jonka luen, eika varmasti jaa viimeiseksi. On virkistavaa lukea kerrankin homppakirjaa, jossa ei leikitellakaan romantiikalla, vaan tuodaan sadunomainen, jopa fantasiamainen elementti mukaan. Positiivista on myos se, etta tarinan loppu jaa osittain auki, eika selittele liikaa, mita kenellekin kavi ja mita ei kaynyt, romantiikan suhteen siis. Hyva kirja.", "date_added": "Fri Aug 17 13:18:52 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Fri Aug 17 13:21:44 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Tue Jul 17 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "10121252", "review_id": "4954045b3f0f583e8aa8b701a5f53162", "rating": 1, "review_text": "Tama oli kirja, josta olisin kovasti tahtonut pitaa, mutta eritain lupaavan alun jalkeen putosin taysin karryilta ja pakkokahlasin kirjan sitkeydella loppuun. Harvoin tulee vastaan kirjoja, jotka vaativat lukijaltaan nain paljon. Ehka en lukenut kirjaa ajatuksella, ehka missasin jonkun oleellisen pointin, mutta en yksinkertaisesti ymmartanyt kirjasta juuri mitaan. Aivan kuin olisi lukenut David Lynchin elokuvan kasikirjoitusta. Valilla kirjassa luuli paasevansa mukaan, ennen kuin putosi taas taysin ja loppuun paastya jaljelle jai vain hammennys.", "date_added": "Fri Aug 17 11:29:32 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Fri Aug 17 11:33:20 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sun Feb 26 00:00:00 -0800 2012", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "13091715", "review_id": "a63c15c3b1847ad2a1d2debc7ffbda36", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Tama on sarjassamme kirjoja, jotka nyrjayttavat aivot. Todella mielenkiintoinen ja uudella tavalla rakennettu tarina sinansa perinteisen aiheen ymparille. Kuka on oikeasti hyva, kehen voi luottaa missa kaupungissa tapahtuu mitakin. Hyva kirja, jota on melkein mahdotonta luokitella minkaanlaiseen kategoriaan.", "date_added": "Fri Aug 17 10:15:27 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sat Mar 15 13:32:07 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Tue Dec 06 00:00:00 -0800 2011", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "13422727", "review_id": "c0bd7f4fee0932d9fe22436e3e8c7e18", "rating": 5, "review_text": "** spoiler alert ** \n Vuosien odotus palkittiin vihdoin. Kirja on samalla seka toiveiden tayttymys, etta pieni pettymys. Eri henkiloiden nakokulmia on hurjasti, ja juuri kun saa kiinni yhdesta, mennaankin jo toiseen. Osa tuntui myos jopa pitkaveteiselta, mutta samalla olisi pitanyt olla todella tarkkana, muuten huolellisesti katketty vihje saattoi menna sivu suun. Toisaalta, moni juonenkaanne paljasti paljon ja tapahtumat veivat mennessaan. Silti kirja tuntui aika hajanaiselta ja juoni senkin vaan leviaa. Joitain epamartinmaisuuksia kirjassa oli myos, kuten henkiloiden \"kuolleistaherattaminen\" ja muodonmuuttajajutut tuntuivat Robin Hobbilta lainatuilta, samoin Aryan salamurhaajaoppi... Silti, onhan tama parasta fantasiaa, mita olen koskaan lukenut.", "date_added": "Fri Aug 17 09:02:11 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Fri Aug 17 09:09:21 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Wed Aug 03 00:00:00 -0700 2011", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "2213661", "review_id": "ff141557c6d8db5b46528efcdd7ee1f0", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Todella hyva Gaimanin kirja. Sekoitus Universumien tomua, Harry Pottereita, Painajaista ennen joulua ja Corpse bridea. Ja vaikka onkin lastenkirja, on siina aikuisellekin paljon annettavaa. Mukavaa oli myos se, etta asioita jatettiin myos avoimeksi, eika kaikkea kerrottu. Hyva kirja.", "date_added": "Fri Aug 17 07:55:51 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Fri Aug 17 07:57:58 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sun Mar 27 00:00:00 -0700 2011", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "283870", "review_id": "209cd5e6ca5ceaa5f3ccf59935cdbd12", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Hyva kirja, vaikka lukemiseen menikin luvattoman kauan.", "date_added": "Fri Aug 17 05:50:18 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Fri Aug 17 05:51:00 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Tue Mar 30 00:00:00 -0700 2010", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "6697608", "review_id": "78c32427190d3ab279505a3b1863e3b0", "rating": 2, "review_text": "** spoiler alert ** \n Ohhoh... Alkuosa kirjasta oli suorastaan scifia ja loppuosa niin ennalta-arvattavaa homppaa, ettei tosikaan. Tottakai Bella saa lapsen ja tulee taydelliseksi vampyyriksi ja tottakai kaikki ongelmat, kuten lapsi, Jacob ja Charlie, ratkeavat kuin itsestaan. Ja tietysti kaikki elavat onnellisina ikuisesti. Pahempaa homppaa kuin Judith Krantz ja Nora Roberts yhteensa!", "date_added": "Fri Aug 17 04:16:55 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Fri Aug 17 05:00:45 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Wed Nov 18 00:00:00 -0800 2009", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "5883543", "review_id": "53c1359096aa7c9c8f0c29435004b33e", "rating": 2, "review_text": "Taysin eparealistinen ja alloromanttinen, henkiot eivat todellakaan kayttaydy uskottavasti (Edwardin reaktio Bellan ja Jacobin tunteisiin...), mutta jotain kummaa kirjassa vaan on. Jotain joka saa odottamaan seuraavaa osaa ja valvomaan kolmeen asti yolla.", "date_added": "Fri Aug 17 03:34:49 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Fri Aug 17 03:36:35 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Tue Oct 13 00:00:00 -0700 2009", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "6457347", "review_id": "7e9eaa29d3fd9083dcf08a4aa1bf5e85", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Taydellista tyttohomppaa, ei mitaan jarkea koko tarinassa, paahenkilo aiheuttaa lukijalle harmaita hiuksia, mutta jostain syysta on ihan pakko lukea lahes ahmimalla. Kesakirjoja nama.", "date_added": "Fri Aug 17 03:27:08 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Fri Aug 17 03:28:39 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Tue Aug 18 00:00:00 -0700 2009", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "535757", "review_id": "172168937cd63a31e227acb36c70b23b", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Jalleen kerran, jarjettoman hyva! Alussa oli pienia kieliongelmia kun sarjan muut osat olen lukenut suomeksi ja taman englanniksi, mutta kun lopetti paikannimien suomenkielisten vastineiden miettimisen, alkoi lukeminen luistaa. Joitain tylsia kohtia mukaan mahtui, mutta varsinkin loppua kohden kirjaa oli vaikea laskea kasistaan. Erikoinen ja lukijaa koukuttava ratkaisu oli myos kirjoittaa tarina vain puolen henkilomaaran nakokulmasta, mutta ratkaisu toimi. Martin on juonenkehittelijana taysin omaa luokkaansa, kaanteita ja tulevaa on melkein mahdoton ennustaa, kun kuka tahansa saattaa tehda ihan mita tahansa, vaikka kuolla. Parasta fantasiaa, mita olen tahan mennessa lukenut.", "date_added": "Thu Aug 16 11:41:52 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Aug 16 11:46:19 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Thu Apr 02 00:00:00 -0700 2009", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "3950967", "review_id": "3208e01a7c386881ab14fbf16020e32a", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Ihan hauska velhojen ja noitien satukirja, joka ei varsinaisesti tuo mitaan uutta Potter-maailmaan, mutta syventaa tietamysta jonkin verran.", "date_added": "Thu Aug 16 10:53:12 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Aug 16 10:54:27 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sat Jan 03 00:00:00 -0800 2009", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "10051726", "review_id": "6998ffe943a029372a450be7f2c81e05", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Aika Dickensmainen kirja, jonka lukeminen oli jostain syysta puoleenvaliin asti takkuista, vaikka tarina oli alusta asti mielenkiintoinen. Puolenvalin jalkeen loppu menikin aika vauhdikkaasti. Jannan erilainen fantasiakirja, vaihtoehtoista historiaa. Juonikin oli aika janna ja loppu jai hiukan avoimeksi, mutta ei liikaa. Erilainen, mutta mielenkiintoinen kirja.", "date_added": "Thu Aug 16 08:35:41 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Aug 16 08:38:20 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Wed Nov 19 00:00:00 -0800 2008", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "15745918", "review_id": "3d4ccb7e6bc0b5c14e171eb1f54dc577", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Kuten kaikki aiemmatkin Moersin kirjat, on tamakin huikeaa mielikuvituksen ilotulitusta. Tarina tempaa mukaansa ja vie mennessaan, kirjailijalla on todella ollut orno tata kirjoittaessa! Paras Moersin kirja tahan mennessa.", "date_added": "Thu Aug 16 07:24:09 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Aug 16 07:29:02 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Tue Sep 23 00:00:00 -0700 2008", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "6129629", "review_id": "a1eef4369e3405f39d01332abf770d0e", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Ilmeisesti aika kehuttu ja tykatty kirja, joka jaksoi viehattaa puoleenvaliin asti, mutta sitten kiinnostus herpaantui. Edward on NIIN ihana ja komea, mutta vaarallinen ja koko kirja on enemman tai vahemman fluffia, sopoilya. Edwardin yliluonnolliset kyvyt tuntuvat valilla liiankin yliluonnollisilta ja taydellisilta, samoin koko Edwardin hahmo. Ihan luettava kirja kuitenkin kaikesta huolimatta ja varmaan hankin myos seuraavat osat kasiini jossain vaiheessa.", "date_added": "Thu Aug 16 06:09:19 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Aug 16 06:12:22 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Thu Aug 28 00:00:00 -0700 2008", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "70947", "review_id": "01c40ebca62df7283625df5975b91a2d", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Vaihteeksi englanniksi luettu kirja ja onhan tama edelleen hyva. Kirjasta tehdysta elokuvasta oli jatetty huikean paljon pois todella oleellisia kohtia, joiden pois jattaminen vaikeuttaa mahdollisten seuraavien elokuvien ymmartamista... Mutta, kaikkiaan loistava kirja ja loistava koko sarja, myos englanniksi luettuna.", "date_added": "Thu Aug 16 05:53:16 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Sep 05 06:05:54 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Mon Aug 18 00:00:00 -0700 2008", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "6795810", "review_id": "80234a6690d4bbc19a731a2705011eba", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Loistavaa, jalleen kerran. Paahenkiloita tosin kuolee siihen tahtiin, etta lieneeko ketaan enaa viimeisessa kirjassa jaljella... Mutta ei voi kuin ihailla kirjailijan taitoja. Juoni alkaa olla niin monimutkainen ja sotkuinen vyyhti, etta on vaikea muistaa missa kukakin henkilo milloinkin on menossa. Kirjailija onnistuu myos jatkuvasti pitamaan jannitysta ylla, eika lukija joudu pettymaan missaan vaiheessa.", "date_added": "Thu Aug 16 03:37:56 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Aug 16 03:40:21 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Fri Jun 06 00:00:00 -0700 2008", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "6795801", "review_id": "95a54e61289333320b3d6df1562b37fb", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Jalleen kerran, loistavaa. Koko sarja on aivan mahtava, vaikka lukijalla ei olekaan mikaan helppo tehtava seurata melko monimutkaista juonta kymmenine tai jopa satoine henkilohahmoineen. Lukeminen on kuitenkin hyvin palkitsevaa, eika kirjaa huvittaisi laskea kasistaan lainkaan. Sarjan joskus paattyessa on hauska nahda, miten Martin aikoo lopulta punoa kaikki langat yhteen.", "date_added": "Thu Aug 16 03:34:40 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Aug 16 03:37:34 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sat May 31 00:00:00 -0700 2008", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "3131781", "review_id": "443544614c1c74a2f357c9d79bc40e68", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Toisella lukemiskerralla (ja ensimmaisella suomeksi) kirja tuntui huomattavasti paremmalta kuin ensimmaisella. Puolet kirjasta ei tuntunutkaan olevan pelkkaa telttailua, eika lopun taistelukohtaus tai 19 vuotta myohwmmin -epilogikaan tuntunut niin kliseiselta kuin ensimmaisella kerralla. Kaannos on onnistunut myos hyvin (kuten aina) ja tavoitti alkuperaistekstin tunnelman niin hyvin, etta itkin tismalleen samoissa kohdissa kuin ensimmaisella kerralla. Erittain hyva paatos loistavalle sarjalle, vaikka olisinkin kaivannut Tylypahkaa enemman.", "date_added": "Wed Aug 15 12:57:48 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Aug 15 13:01:26 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Mon Mar 17 00:00:00 -0700 2008", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "6588356", "review_id": "d5f6b29c26acdb1a95e1f67ad128831f", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Toinen osa jatkaa siita, mihin ensimmainen jai ja sama taso pysyy ylla tassakin. Loistavasti kirjoitettu, ylatyksia tupsahtelee jatkuvasti, eika Martin arastele tappaa paahenkiloitakaan. Henkiloita kirjassa kylla vilisee niin runsaasti, etta on vaikea valilla pysya perassa siita, kelle tapahtuu mitakin ja kuka vaikuttaa missakin, mutta eri henkiloiden seuraaminen eri luvuissa on nainkin laajassa saagassa oikeastaan ainoa oikea vaihtoehto. Mitaan suurta moitetta en tastakaan keksi, aivan loistava fantasiasarja.", "date_added": "Wed Aug 15 12:50:28 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Aug 15 12:53:59 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Fri Mar 14 00:00:00 -0700 2008", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "12170735", "review_id": "c76534c18e5b76a3765387b33d4f92be", "rating": 2, "review_text": "Verrattuna kolmeen ensimmaiseen, alkuperaiseen Maameren tarinat -kirjaan, taytyy suorastaan ihmetella, miksi kirja ylipaataan on kirjoitettu... Juoni ja kerronta eivat solju samalla tavalla eteenpain kuin ennen, tarina itsessaan on aivan liian ennalta-arvattava ja suorastaan naurettava. Tenarin ja Gedin rakkaustarina on jopa tylsa ja koko kirjan huipennus, jota pedataan koko alkukirja, on muutaman sivun mittainen antikliimaksi aivan kirjan lopussa. Malliesimerkki huonosta jatko-osasta.", "date_added": "Wed Aug 15 07:56:36 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Aug 15 08:00:04 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Fri Dec 14 00:00:00 -0800 2007", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "444387", "review_id": "12787603ebcaa5724902daa05d28fbfc", "rating": 2, "review_text": "Hyvin samantyylinen kuin Todorovin kirja, kasittelee samoja asioita lahes samalla tyylilla. Ei kovin mielenkiintoinen tai relevantti oman tutkimuksen kannalta.", "date_added": "Wed Aug 15 07:53:22 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Aug 15 07:55:50 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Thu Dec 13 00:00:00 -0800 2007", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "13005063", "review_id": "656e4862922b50d444eefcc225a8f144", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Todella hyva trilogia! Varsinkin ensimmainen osa, joka kertoi Gedin varhaisista vuosista ja Roken velhokoulusta, oli mahtava. Siina oli samaa henkea kuin Robin Hobbin Narri-trilogiassa, joka on yksi parhaista nykyfantasian saralla. Toinen osa oli myos ihan hyva, muttei yltanyt aivan samalle tasolle ensimmaisen osan kanssa. Atuanin kohtalosta maanjaristyksen jalkeen olisin halunnut tietaa enemman, samoin Tenarin alkuperaisesta perheesta. Kolmas osa taas oli hiukan heikompi kuin toinen, aukkopaikkoja siinakin ja sellaisia kohtia, joista mielellani olisin lukenut enemman. Trilogia tosiaan oli hyva, mutta kolme tarinaa ehka liian irrallaan toisistaan ja Ged jo aika vanha viimeisessa. Myos osa henkilohahmoista jai osittain irrallisiksi, eika heista kerrottu niin paljoa kuin mahdollista.", "date_added": "Wed Aug 15 07:26:09 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Aug 15 07:31:29 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Tue Dec 04 00:00:00 -0800 2007", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "8492687", "review_id": "45231df9fef4a6cc295a7ec0145f10a2", "rating": 1, "review_text": "Huonoin kirja tahan mennessa Narnioista. Jatkuvat kristilliset viittaukset kayvat hermoille ja tassa on niin suoraan osa luomiskertomuksesta, etta sita ei voi olla huomaamatta. Kun niita ei osaa sivuuttaa...", "date_added": "Wed Aug 15 07:16:12 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 27 12:02:38 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Sun Dec 02 00:00:00 -0800 2007", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "8492744", "review_id": "66088b36fa0f29f415346482201d587f", "rating": 2, "review_text": "Eipa tastakaan osaa mitaan sen kummempaa sanoa, ehka kirja on suunnilleen samalla tasolla kuin edellinen osa.", "date_added": "Wed Aug 15 07:08:16 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Aug 15 07:09:17 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sun Dec 02 00:00:00 -0800 2007", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "3304123", "review_id": "4329dc6458e53a7dc37e940afb8d54f9", "rating": 2, "review_text": "Tassa paaosissa olivat Jill ja Eustace ja kirja oli ehka aavistuksen parempi kuin esim. Prinssi Kaspian. Mutta en kylla kuitenkaan erityisesti naista kirjoista pida.", "date_added": "Wed Aug 15 07:04:19 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Aug 15 07:05:56 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Thu Nov 29 00:00:00 -0800 2007", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "3304180", "review_id": "6f11a22b549db862b39ae3cb600ac403", "rating": 2, "review_text": "Tenttia varten pakkoluettavaa, en kylla muuten tykkaa.", "date_added": "Wed Aug 15 06:56:40 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Aug 15 06:57:29 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Mon Nov 26 00:00:00 -0800 2007", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "3304162", "review_id": "c9712f2b570816c6f100c54e59092e90", "rating": 2, "review_text": "Tassakin koko sarja tenttikirjoja ja taytyy sanoa, etta ilman tenttiinlukupakkoa en kylla jaksaisi kahlata koko sarjaa lapi... Vaikka fantasia ja satu ovatkin lahella toisiaan, on Narnia sijoitettu fantasiaan, vaikka se kuuluisi satuihin. Tarinat ovat hyvin mustavalkoisia, viittauksia Raamattuun loytyy makuuni liikaakin ja henkilot ovat latteita. Mitaan sen kummempia motiiveja tai syita ei juurikaan esitella. Juonet ovat myos ennalta-arvattavia ja ainakin ensimmainen kirja muistuttaa jollakin tavalla Viisikoita... Ei todellakaan lempikirjojani.", "date_added": "Wed Aug 15 06:51:05 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sat Nov 23 09:13:45 -0800 2013", "read_at": "Mon Nov 26 00:00:00 -0800 2007", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "6124600", "review_id": "4a5ac40e21b3b3504c153f3d508d2c4d", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Mita tasta kirjasta voi sanoa, fantasiaklassikko, jonka talla kertaa luin tenttikirjana. Mahtava tarina, joka puree niin kirjana kuin elokuvana (kirjana tosin viela paremmin), jonka takana on tuhansia tunteja maailman ja kielen luomista. Tarina tempaa mukaansa edelleen, hahmot ovat uskottavia ja koko kirja lahes taydellinen olematta kliseinen (tai no, tastahan ne kliseet uudempiin fantasiakirjoihin taisivat valua). Edelleenkin mahtava lukuelamys.", "date_added": "Wed Aug 15 06:46:19 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Aug 15 06:49:09 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sun Nov 25 00:00:00 -0800 2007", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "12991049", "review_id": "748e4f26f49c0049397a8ee9add0ea7c", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Periaatteessa tasta osasta ei voi sanoa mitaan, mita ensimmaisesta osasta ei olisi jo sanonut, koska kirja on ollut alunperin yhta nidetta ja on vaan suomeksi ilmestynyt kahtena eri osana. Hyva kirja ja vaikka loppuratkaisu oli erittain ennalta-arvattava, riittaa juonessa tarpeeksi yllatyksia ja koukkuja.", "date_added": "Wed Aug 15 02:43:45 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Aug 15 02:45:49 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Tue Aug 28 00:00:00 -0700 2007", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "12991018", "review_id": "a7b750fe3fcc09fe5aa13b813615da34", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Erittain hyva fantasiakirja, joka ehti lojua hyllyssa lukemattomana aivan liian kauan. Tarinassa on toki kliseita, mutta perusjuoni on hyva ja henkilohahmot uskottavia. Hyva kirja.", "date_added": "Wed Aug 15 02:33:33 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Aug 15 02:35:09 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Tue Aug 07 00:00:00 -0700 2007", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "13405673", "review_id": "8fd2a416bd85e764518d9d6a1d0269a7", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Jatkoa erinomaiselle Mustesydamelle. Todella hyva tamakin, tosin alun luin jo kevaalla, joten siita en muista enaa niin paljoa. Hyva kirja kuitenkin, vaikkakin jaa todella kesken. Ehkapa trilogian kolmas osa punoo kaikki langat yhteen.", "date_added": "Wed Aug 15 02:18:07 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Aug 15 02:19:47 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Tue Jul 03 00:00:00 -0700 2007", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "10273360", "review_id": "81e4c51bff2b668ce9de76b3cbec31f6", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Kirja, jonka lukemiseen meni todella pitka aika ja josa en edes oikein pitanyt aluksi. Ihan mielenkiintoinen kirja omalla tavallaan, mutta jokin tokki, eika kirja ollut aivan sita, mita odotin. En lukisi uudelleen.", "date_added": "Wed Aug 15 02:13:10 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Aug 15 02:14:40 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Tue Jun 26 00:00:00 -0700 2007", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "799072", "review_id": "e1a5b7ac578abcdbf7b8c723c30e10cd", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Ihan viihdyttava Molly Moon, muttei aivan ylla ensimmaisten kirjojen tasolle. Juonen kanssa taytyy aina olla tarkkana, kun on kyse aikaatkailusta. Tassakin muutamia aikamatkustukseen liittyvia juttuja on jaanyt selvittamatta ja juoneen on sita kautta jaanyt aukkoja. Ihan viihdyttava kirja kuitenkin.", "date_added": "Tue Aug 14 12:33:01 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Aug 14 12:35:16 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Fri Apr 13 00:00:00 -0700 2007", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "33507", "review_id": "8919bad2f0c8af865c6df1cfde822999", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Klassikko, jota en ole aiemmin lukenut, mutta nyt tarttui kirjahyllysta kateen. Kiehtova ja aikaansa mielenkiintoisella tavalla kuvaava. Taytyy nostaa hattua Vernen visioille sukellusveneista ja merenalaisesta maailmasta, todella osuvia nain nykypaivan ihmisen silmin. Loppu on kirjassa hiukan keskeneraisen tuntuinen, mutta toisaalta on hyva, ettei kapteeni Nemoa lahdeta selittelemaan sen enempaa. Hyva kirja.", "date_added": "Tue Aug 14 12:26:17 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Aug 14 12:29:16 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Mon Apr 09 00:00:00 -0700 2007", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "10707081", "review_id": "18069ac7f43a0ac19ac6aadbd62f4c91", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Kirja, joka on lojunut hyllyssa kauan ja vasta laina-ajan uhkaavasti kuluessa sain sen luettua. Ihan alyttoman hyva kirja! Jones onnistuu valttelemaan perinteisia fantasiakliseita (ei mikaan ihme tietysti, onhan han kirjoittanut niistakin kirjan), punomaan monitahoisen juonen ja solmimaan lopussa kaikki langanpaat yhteen. Ei hanta suotta ole kehuttu. Hyva kirja, joka oli pakko lukea kertaistumalta loppuun. Toivottavasti jatko-osa on yhta hyva.", "date_added": "Tue Aug 14 10:04:56 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Aug 14 10:10:44 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Tue Jan 30 00:00:00 -0800 2007", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "12250255", "review_id": "0772850e53d22c72f6524709f3f930ed", "rating": 1, "review_text": "Harvoin tulee luettua vapaaehtoisesti niin huonoa kirjaa, ettei siita ole juuri mitaan hyvaa sanottavaa. Juoni on kokko ja ennalta-arvattava, henkilot suoria kopioita aiemmista kirjoista, maailma on taynna aukkoja ja kieli on tonkkoa ja taynna toistoa. Samoja asioita toistetaan moneen kertaan, eri henkiloiden nakokulmasta. Suomentaja on myos mokannut pahemman kerran kayttamalla sellaisia fantasiakiejaam sopimattomia sanoja kuin tavis ja ottari... Taitto on myos epaonnistunut, sivuilla on todella vahan tekstia ja marginaalit monta senttia. Tyhjia, uuden osan valisia sivuja on myos liikaa. En tieda miten edes jaksoin lukea loppuun koko kirjan, saa nahda, jaako sarjan viimeinen osa kirjaston hyllyyn odottamaan muita lukijoita.", "date_added": "Tue Aug 14 09:58:36 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Aug 14 10:03:19 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sun Jan 28 00:00:00 -0800 2007", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "464164", "review_id": "e09c1f6e7abbffe70a1d24a7088d60c2", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Kirja, joka on lojunut hyllyssa varmaan pari vuotta, mutta en ole lukenut kertaakaan, englanniksi siis. Nyt kun kirjoja on lukenut seka suomeksi etta englanniksi (ja yritin ensimmaista kerran ruotsiksikin), huomaa etta vaikka Kaparin suomennokset ovat todella hyvia, englanninkielisissa on oma viehatyksensa, tuntu siita, etta sanat ovat tismalleen samanlaisia kuin Rowling on ne kirjoittanut, ilman etta kukaan on niita kaantanyt. jos ymmartaa englantia hyvin, kannattaa kirjat lukea ehdottomasti alkukielella, patee tosin muihinkin kuin Pottereihin. Azkabanin vanki on aina ollut lempikirjani suomeksi ja se on sita englanniksikin, vaikkakin half-Blood Prince antaakin hyvan vastuksen. Kuitenkin, erinomainen kirja.", "date_added": "Fri Jul 27 09:54:03 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Fri Dec 20 10:23:22 -0800 2013", "read_at": "Sun Jul 23 00:00:00 -0700 2006", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "12045460", "review_id": "6033a952440f742c77e0cd297136aed5", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Taytyy kai ruveta pikkuhiljaa uskomaan, etteivat Pratchettin kirjat ole minua varten. periaatteessa kaikki palaset ovat kohdallaan, hyva huumori, fantasian parodisointi ja hauskat henkilohahmot. Lopputulos naurattaa paikka paikoin, mutta kokonaisuus jaa vaisuksi, varsinkin tassa kirjassa, vaikka noitakolmikko onkin ollut ehdottomasti paras osa Pratchettin kirjoissa.", "date_added": "Thu Jul 26 12:14:17 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Jul 26 12:17:54 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Mon May 01 00:00:00 -0700 2006", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "943082", "review_id": "0105fd1f18a9e8cf5081a10d566a4345", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Paras Potter ihan ehdottomasti ja piti hankkia myos suomennoksena, taydentamaan sarjaa. Itkin jalleen lopussa ja valilla tuntui etta koko kirja olisi ollut ihan uusi, en muistanut laheskaan kaikkea, varsinkaan yksityiskohtia. Yllatyksia ja uusia juonenkaanteita, paljon aiempia kirjoja selittavia kohtia. Pidin myos suomennoksesta, varsinkin Slughorn -> Kuhnusarvio -vaannoksesta. Hirnyrkkeihin tottuminen vei hiukan aikaa, mutta mielestani onnistunut kaannos, vaikkeivat kaikki Kaparin tyylista pidakaan. Loistava kirja, joka piti otteessaan ja sai haluamaan jatkoa. \n Puoliverinen prinssi alkaa menna jo Azkabanin vangin ohi suosikiksi. Kirja on haikea ja surullinen, mutta samaan aikaan taynna toivoa ja rakkautta. Kirja myos paljastaa aika paljon lopullisesta loppuratkaisusta, mutta jattaa kuitenkin jonkin verran yllatykseksi. Kirjan lukemisesta oli myos jo sen verran aikaa, etta yksityiskohdat olivat aika lailla unohtuneet, samoin osa ihan juonestakin. Pottereiden parhaimmistoa, ehdottomasti.", "date_added": "Thu Jul 26 11:02:11 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Apr 30 03:00:47 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Sat Mar 25 00:00:00 -0800 2006", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "924046", "review_id": "72aa44b10b1bd086ae2628af72e0f25c", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Kirja, joka keratti paljon huomiota ilmestyessaan. Kirja, jota on verrattu niin Harry Pottereihin kuin Salaiseen puutarhaankin. Kirja, joka on fantasiaa olematta fantasiaa. Hyva, joskin ennalta-arvattava kirja, vomppuelaimet ovat todella sympaattisia, samoin Murra-Yari. Loppuratkaisu on tosiaan arvattavissa melkein alusta asti ja paikoitellen kirja sortuu kliseisiin. Kuitenkin hyvin lamminhenkinen kirja ja taytyy myontaa, etta kyyneleet valuivat silmista viimeisilla sivuilla. Lukemisen arvoinen kirja.", "date_added": "Thu Jul 26 10:46:27 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Jul 26 10:49:21 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sun Mar 19 00:00:00 -0800 2006", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "47521", "review_id": "3cd53fe96b8e825399a5acca7ad6c945", "rating": 4, "review_text": "** spoiler alert ** \n Yllatyksellinen kirja todellakin! Muistan, etta katselin kirjaa nuorempana kirjastossa, mutta en lainannut, koska kirjalla oli niin tyhma nimi. Samaa mielta olen edelleen, mutta sisalto on erinomainen! Howardin henkilollisyys oli taydellinen yllatys siihen asti kunnes Erskinen henkilollisyys paljastui, mika oli myos taydellinen yllatys. Kirja oli todella yllatyksia taynna! Howardin oleminen Venturuksena, Kyylan Erskinena, avaruusalukset, aikahyppaykset ja loppu, joka jai edelleen hieman arvoitukseksi. Kirjoittiko Quentin koko tarinan? Vaiko vaan lopun? Erittain hyva kirja, jota on vaikea selittaa ja joka vaatisi toisenkin lukukerran.", "date_added": "Thu Jul 26 10:41:36 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Jul 26 10:45:13 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sun Mar 12 00:00:00 -0800 2006", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "13503598", "review_id": "63e03954c3a965de9a27006bf0a3e73c", "rating": 3, "review_text": "** spoiler alert ** \n Olen pitanyt kaikista lukemistani Funken kirjoista ja niin pidin tastakin, vaikka loppuratkaisu oli arvattavissa jo takakannen tekstin perusteella. Kaikki tuntui myos kayvan hiukan liian helposti ja joko Funken kerronnassa tai suomennoksessa on pienta ontuvuutta, teksti ei tempaa mukaansa ihan niin hyvin kuin olisi mahdollista. Lopun lohikaarmeiden henkiinheratys-juttu oli myos ihan samanlainen kuin Nakijan tarun lopussa, tosin sellainen on myos helppo keksia itse, ei sita ole valttamatta suoraan kopioitu mistaan toisesta kirjasta. hyva kirja silti kokonaisuudessaan, vaikka pienia puutteita olikin.", "date_added": "Thu Jul 26 10:37:49 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Jul 26 10:40:59 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Tue Mar 07 00:00:00 -0800 2006", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "15767835", "review_id": "bac0e5be26a07f4ee5c45f8dba372a77", "rating": 2, "review_text": "Parodia on aina hankala laji, joskus se onnistuu, useimmiten ei. Tama on jotain silta valilta. Periaatteessa joitain hyvia ideoita, mutta toteutus tokkii pahasti. Toisaalta kirjoittaja tietaa sen itsekin ja heittaa siita herjaa jatkuvasti. Osittain pidin, osittain en, en osaa oikein sanoa itsekaan.", "date_added": "Tue Jul 24 14:32:55 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Aug 14 03:32:42 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Mon Feb 20 00:00:00 -0800 2006", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "9369471", "review_id": "3a11cc3cdbc06bb28323a11af57ecd50", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Kirja, jonka lukeminen on kestanyt luvattoman kauan. jostain syysta, vaikka Pratchettin kirjoista pidan, niiden lukeminen kestaa todella kauan. Tamakin on tosi hauska ja osoittaa aika syyttavalla sormella nykyista shoppailu- ja ostoskeskuskulttuuria. Kuolema on ihan ehdoton suosikkihahmo Pratchettin kirjoissa! Hauskaa ja kevytta, mutta viihdyttavaa ja mietityttavaakin lukemista.", "date_added": "Tue Jul 24 14:20:42 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Jul 24 14:22:57 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sun Jan 22 00:00:00 -0800 2006", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "8640823", "review_id": "f38260defaf314da720c2b51da1ef6de", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Ihan ok paatos Austraasia-trilogialle, muttataysin erilainen tyyliltaan kuin aiemmat kaksi. Tama oli paljon filosofisempi ja enemman nuorten kirja kuin aiemmat. Toisaalta mukaan mahtuu myos epauskottavuutta, mm. Tomin ja Timon isan juoppous ja siita yhtakkinen parantuminen. Kirja on myos paikoittain aika naiivi ja loppuratkaisu on liiankin helposti arvattavissa. Kirja piti otteessaan siita huolimatta. Ei mahtava, muttei valtavan huonokaan, varsinkaan suomalaiseksi nuorten fantasiaksi.", "date_added": "Tue Jul 24 14:17:11 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Jul 24 14:20:05 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Thu Jan 12 00:00:00 -0800 2006", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "62033", "review_id": "dab01839fe71c89116d31bd9b03c2f3d", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Ihan mahtava kirja! Kaikki Moersin kirjat ovat olleet loistavia ja Rumo ei peta odotuksia. Alku ei ole ihan niin mukaansatempaava, mutta noin sadan sivun jalkeen alkaa tapahtua niin paljon, ettei kirjaa malta jattaa kesken lainkaan. Kirjailijan kuvitustyyli on hillittoman hauska ja suomennos erinomainen. Kirjasta ei kertakaikkiaan loydy juuri moitittavaa, paitsi se, etta suomeksi kirja julkaistiin kahdessa osassa ja juoni jaa ikavasti kesken... \n Kommentit toiseen osaan: Paikoittain suorastaan raaka kirja ei ole aivan yhta hyva kuin ensimmainen osa, mutta viihdyttava silti. Moersin mielikuvitus on uskomaton ja hieman Rowlingmainen uusiosanojen kaytto paikoittain loistavaa. Myos kirjan viittaukset muihin kirjoihin ja samantyylisen juonen kayttaminen kuin Sinikarhussa on hauskaa huomata. harkitsen vakavasti gradun tekoa Moersin kirjoista. Erittain hyva kirja.", "date_added": "Tue Jul 24 13:31:17 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Jul 26 12:12:35 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Mon Nov 21 00:00:00 -0800 2005", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "12250208", "review_id": "08794a19c707906581f21c0e92b5e900", "rating": 1, "review_text": "Hohhoh. Jo edellinen (ensimmainen) osa oli huono, mita talta voi odottaa? Kirjan huonouden takia teki mieli jattaa kirja kesken jo alussa, mutta sinnittelin loppuun. Heti alussa oli keksitty hataiset ratkaisut edellisen kirjan jattamiin aukkoihin, eika niihin myohemmin juuri palattu. Syyta olisi kylla ollut... puolet kirjasta on pelkkaa toistoa ja kuvausta eri henkiloiden kautta edellisen osan ja kirjan alun tapahtumia, aina kyllastymiseen asti. Suuri osa henkiloista on kopioita Eddingsien muista kirjoista, tassakin esiintyy velhotar nimelta Ara, joka on taysin samanlainen kuin Polgara, nimea myoten... kirjassa ei edes oikeastaan tapahdu mitaan ja juoni on lukijan aliarvioimista. Aukkoja on edelleen ja kirja ei ansaitsisi fantasiakirjan genreen kuulumista. Miksi sitten jatkan Eddingsin lukemista? Eddings on ensimmainen fantasiakirjailija jota luin ja ihan tottumuksesta tulee luettua. Tamankin aikana valmistui lahes metri kaulaliinaa, siina sivussa.", "date_added": "Tue Jul 24 10:52:08 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Jul 24 10:58:09 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Fri Oct 07 00:00:00 -0700 2005", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "934567", "review_id": "502ef65fb396c5aa76eedf8c3c3fa194", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Ihan ok kirja, jonka lukemiseen meni jostain syysta melkein kuukausi. Ehka siita johtuen kirja vaikutti hajanaiselta ja sekavaltakin, eika ollut laheskaan muiden lukemieni pratchettien veroinen. Ihan luettava kuitenkin.", "date_added": "Tue Jul 24 10:17:18 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Jul 24 10:18:34 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Mon Aug 22 00:00:00 -0700 2005", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "93124", "review_id": "98cfa2de93e691f84d4c699a49545754", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Uusin Potter, jonka luin reilussa paivassa. Erittain hyva, ellei jopa paras tahan mennessa. Puoleen valiin asti ei kovinkaan yllattava, mutta varsinkin viimeiset sata sivua olivat mahtavia. Itkin ja nauroin. Jonkin verran enemman oli ennalta-arvattavuutta kuin aiemmissa, mutta myos erittain yllattavia piirteita. Romantiikkaa oli enemman, ei Voldemortia suoraan ja paljon aiemmin selittamattomia asioita. Kaiken kaikkiaan loistavaa, mahtavaa. Tahtoo lisaa.", "date_added": "Tue Jul 24 09:43:24 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Apr 30 02:59:04 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Wed Jul 20 00:00:00 -0700 2005", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "944737", "review_id": "bce5b941059a9ff30372d6e65188f716", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Hillittoman hauska kirja, jonka viittaukset satuihin ja myos muuhun fantasiaan (TSH) ovat ainutlaatuisia. Pratchettilla on huumorin taito hallussaan, erittain hihityttavaa luettavaa.", "date_added": "Tue Jul 24 09:11:37 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Jul 24 09:12:48 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sat Jul 02 00:00:00 -0700 2005", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "10591134", "review_id": "a7c0db145db95dbc9438a1d91fd17780", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Erittain hauskaa ja kevytta fantasiaa. jonkin verran kuluneita ideoita, mutta nekin oli esitetty uudella tavalla ja jonkin verran juoniaukkoja, mutta niin kai kaikessa fantasiassa. hyva ja mielenkiintoinen tarina ja pisteet siita, etta paahenkilo oli tavallinen, tylsahko mies vailla erityistaitoja. Hyva kirja.", "date_added": "Tue Jul 24 08:40:11 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Jul 24 09:02:42 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Mon Jun 27 00:00:00 -0700 2005", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "10428287", "review_id": "6607e314527732fa0bbc898120adc90d", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Hullun hauska kirja. harmittaa, etta nain ensiksi naytelman ja vasta sitten luin kirjan, koska lukiessa naytelman tapahtumat pyorivat paassa ja kirja on kuitenkin paljon parempi kuin naytelma. Ehdottomasti luen lisaa Pratchettia.", "date_added": "Tue Jul 24 07:47:18 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Jul 24 07:48:32 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Tue Jun 07 00:00:00 -0700 2005", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "12224267", "review_id": "e389822e65c34f13efc72917f20e9a99", "rating": 2, "review_text": "Taattua Eddingsia, niin hyvassa kuin pahassakin. Luojan kiitos, epaonnistuneen Reginan laulun jalkeen on palattu siihen, mika osataan hyvin. Toistaiseksi eras ominaisuus, joka mm. Belgarionin tarussa on paaosassa, eli rakkaus ja romantiikka, on puuttunut. Hyva niin. Juoniaukkoja kylla loytyy, fantasiassa niita on tosin muutenkin paljon. Miten selitetaan esimerkiksi se, eta jumalat, joiden pitaisi olla kaikkivoipia, eivat pystykaan tekemaan jotakin tiettya asiaa. Tassa tallaisia aukkoja ei juurikaan seliteta ja se tuntuu lukijan aliarvioimiselta, samoin kuin se, etta jotkut asiat toistetaan lyhyen ajan sisalla jopa kolmeen kertaan. juoni on aika peruskamaa, eika sisalla kovin suuria yllatyksia. Jospa seuraavat osat parantaisivat tarinaa.", "date_added": "Tue Jul 24 07:19:58 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Jul 24 07:23:19 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sun May 22 00:00:00 -0700 2005", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "113304", "review_id": "0bada59946441b990baf4517075c8487", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Funken toinen suomennettu kirja, Mustesydan osui kasiini ja se oli hyva. nyt tama ja tamakin oli ihan ok, mutta jotain jai puuttumaan, se viimeinen silaus. Nyt kaikki ratkesi hiukan liian helposti ja tarina sai onnellisen lopun. Juoni oli kylla hyva ja idea hauska.hyva kirja kuitenkin.", "date_added": "Tue Jul 24 04:56:43 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Jul 24 04:58:27 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Thu Apr 07 00:00:00 -0700 2005", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "12642617", "review_id": "fcb2de27fb1bbb708cffd060029f1dd7", "rating": 2, "review_text": "** spoiler alert ** \n Aika normaali loppu trilogialle. Ei kirjana mikaan erikoinen ja viimeisessa osassa viela korostuu juonen aukot ja henkilohahmojen irrallisuus ja tietty samastumattomuus. Tessin kuolema kerrottiin jo takakannessa ja sita osasi siksi odottaa, vaikka se tapahtuikin vasta kirjan lopussa. Ja kaikki kaantyy aina parhain pain...", "date_added": "Tue Jul 24 04:36:40 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Jul 24 04:38:22 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sun Mar 20 00:00:00 -0800 2005", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "12642528", "review_id": "dccca8d4d96de007517993288fa2fe58", "rating": 2, "review_text": "Jatkoa vuorileijonan varjo -trilogialle, jota edelleen luen opponointia varten. Ihan hyva kirja, mutta PALJON raivostuttavia piirteita. Naisten hedelmallisyys; yhdesta yosta tulee heti raskaaksi. Suurin osa ongelmista johtuu myos tulevista lapsista. kaiken helppous ja se, etta kukaan tarkeista henkiloista ei kuole. Onnellinen loppu ja ihmisten ikuinen hyvyys. Myos teoksen kieli on valilla liian suoraviivaista, asioita ei juurikaan pohjusteta tai seliteta. Liiankin helppoa fantasiaa.", "date_added": "Tue Jul 24 04:33:41 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Jul 24 04:36:29 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sat Mar 19 00:00:00 -0800 2005", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "1941443", "review_id": "671fabec7da6d1471c8e54d89853e319", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Proseminaarin opponointia varten luettu kirja, uusi tuttavus. Ensimmaisen osan perusteella leppoisaa fantasiaa, jossa on paljon nuortenkirjamaisia piirteita ja kevytta huumoria. Paikka paikoin mieleen tulee Eddingsin fantasia, molemmissa on yhteista myos se, etta kirjailijat ovat pariskunta. Aika ennalta-arvattava juoni, mutta ihan ok kirja silti.", "date_added": "Tue Jul 24 04:13:54 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Jul 24 04:15:23 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sun Mar 06 00:00:00 -0800 2005", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "8960", "review_id": "c08c75f71d339d8e5ddf27c82d0bd08d", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Jostain syysta vampyyrikirjat tehoavat. Erittain kiinnostava kirja ja hyvin kerrottu, aikuinenkin jaksaa lukea. Tassa sarjan osassa tapahtumia ei ollut aivan niin paljoa kuin kolmessa aiemmassa ja tassa juoni jaa selkeammin kesken. Pitaa kuitenkin otteessaan sen verran hyvin, etta seuraavatkin osat pitanee lukea, kunhan ne suomeksi ilmestyvat.", "date_added": "Tue Jul 24 03:58:57 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Jul 24 04:10:18 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Tue Feb 22 00:00:00 -0800 2005", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "8640815", "review_id": "2ae8b1a0d9f2e75aa238f73869f31629", "rating": 4, "review_text": "** spoiler alert ** \n Jatkoa Kevaalla isa sai siivet -kirjalle, parempi kuin ensimmainen. Omituisten kielikuvien kaytto jatkuu, samoin mielikuvitus paasee valloilleen. Samalla kuitenkin perinteisten fantasiaelementtien kaytto lisaantyy. Pitaa lahtea salaa vaaralliselle matkalle vuorille hakemaan jotain tarpeellista, ehka eniten kaytetty juoni fantasiakirjallisuudessa ikina... Lopussa mukaan tulee myos paljon kaytetty uuden maailman Aatami ja Eeva -kaanne, kun Laurasta ja Tomista tulee Austraasian \"ensimmaiset ihmiset\". Kaiken kaikkiaan hyva kirja kuitenkin ja kotimaisuus on aina plussaa.", "date_added": "Tue Jul 24 03:45:33 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Jul 24 03:48:39 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sun Feb 13 00:00:00 -0800 2005", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "3174495", "review_id": "55efd6cb9604a46f0b9c4de43a193a7e", "rating": 4, "review_text": "kirja, jonka luin keskustelufoorumin suosituksen perusteella, seilla suositeltiin kirjaa ja sanottiin sen olevan jopa hieman Pottermainen. Alku vaikutti hieman tylsalta, mutta kun alun yli paasi, kirjakin paasi vauhtiin. mielikuvituksekas, mutta silti tarpeeksi perinteinen. velhomaisia piirteita yhdistettyna perinteiseen seikkailuun ja hyva tulee. Ainoa, mika hieman hairitsi, oli se, etta asioista toisiin hypittiin hieman liian nopeasti ja selittelematta. Tuntui, ettei kaikilla tapahtumilla ollut selvaa yhteytta, mutta siita huolimatta erittain hyva kirja nuorten/lastenkirjaksi.", "date_added": "Mon Jul 23 08:37:42 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Mon Jul 23 08:40:43 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Tue Feb 08 00:00:00 -0800 2005", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "114956", "review_id": "97ab4b411728cb641701bbc09847a328", "rating": 2, "review_text": "Jotenkin nopeasti kokoonhutaistu kirja, ennen seuraavaa varsinaista Artemis Fowlia. Kirjan varsinaista antia ovat kaksi tarinaa, jotka taydentavat edellisia tarinoita, mutta muut ovat kirjantaytetta. Ei mikaan erikoinen kirja, rahastuksen makua.", "date_added": "Mon Jul 23 07:03:04 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Mon Jul 23 07:05:06 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Wed Jan 12 00:00:00 -0800 2005", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "11812518", "review_id": "fc899256d74afdc16351504e80660778", "rating": 5, "review_text": "kirja sotkee nerokkaasti perusfantasiaa, nykypaivaa ja mytologiaa. Alussa ihmettelee etta hah, mita ihmetta tama on, mutta kirja tempaisee tehokkaasti mukaansa ja valvottaa pitkalle yohon paastamatta otteestaan. Ei Gaimania suotta ole kehuttu, todella hyva ja mielikuvituksekkaasti kirjoitettu kirja.", "date_added": "Mon Jul 23 05:38:31 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Mon Jul 23 05:40:38 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Tue Jan 04 00:00:00 -0800 2005", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "799073", "review_id": "a2c1b05a60ca787cc69f9422a3ec3204", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Tavallaan parempi kuin sarjan aloitusosa, mutta kliseita on edelleen aika paljon. Mollyn aidin arvasi jo melkein ensimmaisessa osassa, tassa se tuodaan viela korostetummin esille, onhan se suuri osa juonta. Juoni on muutenkin kohtuullisen ennalta-arvattava, mutta sisaltaa sen verran omaperaisyytta ja mielenkiintoisia poikkeamia, etta se jaksaa kylla kiinnostaa ja pysyy raikkaana. byngin tyylissa kirjoittaa on jotakin vetavaa, lahes hypnoottista (hah). Hyva kirja.", "date_added": "Wed Jul 18 13:37:40 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Jul 18 13:40:32 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Fri Dec 24 00:00:00 -0800 2004", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "12338032", "review_id": "49a182fbf860d0d2a372afdb1d57fb84", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Nuortenfantasiaa, jota suositeltiin Trendi-lehdessa :D. En pettynyt. Mukaansatempaava kirja siita, mita tapahtuu, jos kirjan hahmot heraavatkin henkiin. joskus sita on itsekin miettinyt, etta jos kaikki kirjoissa tapahtuva tapahtuukin oikeasti ja henkilohahmot ovat todellisia... Tama kirja leikkii juuri kyseisella ajatuksella, vaikka ei aivan kaikkiin kysymyksiin vastaakaan. Juoni on myos hieman ennalta-arvattava, mutta sisaltaa silti yllatyksia. Hyva kirja, jota ei malttanut paastaa kadestaan ennen kuin oli pakko.", "date_added": "Tue Jul 03 13:13:30 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Jul 03 13:16:21 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Tue Nov 16 00:00:00 -0800 2004", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "15698447", "review_id": "f0ca9cb96749ae9f1e94432648df80ee", "rating": 4, "review_text": "** spoiler alert ** \n Hyvaa jalkea. Ei aivan yhta hyva kuin Tehtava pohjoisessa, mutta paljon parempi kuin ensimmainen osa. Jalleen kerran tekniikkaa kaytetaan paljon ja osa siita menee vakisinkin yli hilseen. Artemis on kirjan alussa paljon inhimillisempi, mutta kayttaa jalleen kerran vakea hyvakseen. Juliet ottaa myos suuremman roolin, samoin Holly. Loppu kuitenkin on hieman omituinen ja paljon asioita jaa selvittamatta. Se on tietysti tarkoituskin, mutta on tarinassa selvasti aukkokin. Miten Artemis ei kertonut mesmerin vaikutuksen alaisena ollessaan suunnitelmastaan, vaikka sita suoraan kysyttiin? No, kenties kaikki selviaa seuraavassa kirjassa...", "date_added": "Tue Jul 03 12:46:18 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Jul 03 12:49:58 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Tue Nov 02 00:00:00 -0800 2004", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "15698428", "review_id": "9ed3fd10df33cf030f5d44f5b6a95c46", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Huiman paljon parempi kuin ensimmainen Artemis. Artemis itse ei ole enaa yhta suuressa roolissa ja saa hitusen inhimillisyyttakin. Holly ja Foaly, seka yllattavasti Butler ovat keskeisissa rooleissa kirjassa ja varastavat huomion kokonaan, onnistuen siina. Myos maanalaisista tapahtumista kerrotaan enemman ja keijujen tekniikasta myos. Hyva kirja.", "date_added": "Tue Jul 03 12:43:15 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Jul 03 12:45:19 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Tue Nov 02 00:00:00 -0800 2004", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "807968", "review_id": "da1354806be5e25cf9dd506ca917f9c2", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Kirja, joka naytti hyllyssa mielenkiintoiselta ja olikin sita. Alkujuoni tuntui kovinkin tutulta ja kliseiselta, orpotytto, ei vanhempia, kamalat kasvattajat... juoni kuitenkin parantui, hypnoosin tuominen oli hyva idea ja Mollyn seikkailut New Yorkissa hauskoja. Loppu oli taas hieman kliseisempi ja kietoo hypnoosiin lahes kaikki henkilot. Hyva kirja.", "date_added": "Tue Jul 03 10:47:45 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Jul 03 11:17:02 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sun Oct 10 00:00:00 -0700 2004", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "8957", "review_id": "aca5feeab9b29e3a258a73def420e7ce", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Edelleenkin hyva sarja jatkuu, vaikka kolmas osa onkin ennalta-arvattavampi kuin aiemmat. Kirjoittajalla on hyva tyyli olla kaunistelematta mitaan, edes kammottavaa murhaa ei ole lainkaan siistitty. Se varmasti jakaa nuorempien lukijoiden mielipiteet, mutta hieman vanhempaan lukijaan ne tehoavat.", "date_added": "Tue Jul 03 10:10:38 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Jul 03 10:12:49 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sat Oct 02 00:00:00 -0700 2004", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "8965", "review_id": "7b874293bd6b693a3c35a8a757326c0d", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Jatkoa Friikkisirkus-kirjalle ja ainakin toistaiseksi pelko siita, etta sarjamaisuus huonontaisi kirjaa, on turha. juoni on edelleen omaperainen ja kerronta sulavaa, eika raakojakaan asioita peitella. Erittain hyvia jatko-osa ensimmaiselle, myoskin erittain hyvalle kirjalle.", "date_added": "Tue Jul 03 10:08:10 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Jul 03 10:09:56 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sat Oct 02 00:00:00 -0700 2004", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "8962", "review_id": "0f37bb2f0107740298cbc69ead7dc2c8", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Yllattavan hyva ja kiinnostava kirja, jonka ahmaisin kerralla loppuun. Kerronta etenee sulavasti ja henkilot ovat uskottavia epauskottavuudestaan huolimatta. Vaikka vampyyreja on kasitelty hurjan paljon kirjallisuudessa, jaksaa aihe kiinnostaa ja ainakin tama kirja kasittelee aihetta hieman tuoreemmalla tavalla. Hieman epailyttaa tosin se, jaksavatko kaikki sarjaan suunnitellut 13 osaa olla yhta kiinnostavia lankeamatta kaavamaisuuteen.", "date_added": "Mon Jun 18 12:21:15 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Mon Jun 18 12:23:51 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sun Sep 26 00:00:00 -0700 2004", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "15263634", "review_id": "ede5105639c61ef5143e5401b4327bb4", "rating": 2, "review_text": "Artemis Fowlia on sanottu Harry Potterin vastakohdaksi ja kirjojen olevan Potterien seuraajia. Artemis Fowl onkin taysin erilainen kuin Harry Potter, huonolla tavalla. Kirjan moraali on aika arvelluttava ja Artemiksessa ei ole mitaan samastumispintaa. Lukijan sympatiat ovatkin taysin haltioiden puolella, eika lopussa paljastuva Artemiksen inhimillisyys asiaa juuri pelasta. Kirja oli nopea lukea ja se olikin kirjan ainoita hyvia puolia. Toinen mielenkiintoinen asia kirjassa oli tekniikan kaytto seka Artemiksen etta HAL:in puolella. Kirja oli ihan ok, mutta samanlaisia mahtuu 20 tusinaan.", "date_added": "Thu Jun 14 10:59:28 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Jun 14 11:02:29 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sun Aug 15 00:00:00 -0700 2004", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "10330527", "review_id": "f44f4ca85fabc8d8ab867220e6642412", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Oofirin kultaa on erikoinen kirja, kuten kaikki Leena Krohnin kirjat. Kirja vaatii lukijaltaan paljon, eika lukija siita huolimatta ymmarra kirjaa. Tama ei kuitenkaan lainkaan vahenna kirjan kiinnostavuutta, painvastoin. Krohnin kirjoja lukiessa joutuu pohtimaan syvallisiakin asioita ja juuri se tekee lukemisesta haastavaa. Oofirin kultaa on siina mielessa erilainen kuin Krohnin muut kirjat, koska se on jatkuvajuoninen. Vaikka Oofirin kultaa koostuu erilaisista pienemmista patkista, on taustalla kuitenkin juoni, tarina. ollaan Tabernaakkelissa ja siella asuu mm. kullanhuuhtojia, tuatara, Orpana, Lasitytto, Pontanus ja Aavejaytajaisia. Kirja on kiehtova ja paras luku oli ehdottomasti Yokirjeita. Kirjan juonesta on vaikeampi sanoa yhtaan mitaan, niin paljon viittauksia siina on muuhun kirjallisuuteen, varsinkin Raamattuun.", "date_added": "Thu Jun 14 10:51:21 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Jun 14 10:57:37 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sat Aug 07 00:00:00 -0700 2004", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "6457701", "review_id": "2845e988b19d2a191b5e2f6627a201df", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Aivan ihana seikkailukertomus rohekista kaniineista, kekseliaasti kerrottu ja tarina on juuri sopivasti jannittava ja ihastuttava. Lumoaa niin lapset kuin aikuisetkin, luulisin. hellyttava kirja, jonka loppu saa lahes kyyneleet silmiin.", "date_added": "Thu Jun 14 09:00:21 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Jun 14 09:01:43 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Wed Jul 14 00:00:00 -0700 2004", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "1032913", "review_id": "f0a3bcaf536a17b02ef729d82915a40d", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Ei aivan yhta hyva kuin aiemmat Moersin kirjat, mutta ihan kiva lukemisto kuitenkin. Janna idea, ruveta jo kuolleen taiteilijan toiden kautta kirjoittamaan kirjaa ja ideoida tarina. Vaikutteita Moersin Zamonia-kirjoistakin oli, vaikka muuten kirja kasitteleekin enimmakseen fantasiamaailmaa filosofisella otteella. Ihan ok kirja.", "date_added": "Wed Jun 13 09:30:25 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Jul 02 03:14:32 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Thu Apr 22 00:00:00 -0700 2004", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "62035", "review_id": "d627b5e47a34a9456acdf236b131a3b4", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Erittain hauska kirja, ei tosin aivan veda vertoja Sinikarhulle. Huvittavinta on kirjailijan sekaantuminen kertomukseen. Ja kirjailijan piirrostyyli on kerrassaan hihityttava ja hauska. Hyva tarina, joka yhdistaa toden ja fiktion, sadun ja fantasian.", "date_added": "Wed Jun 13 09:27:44 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Jun 13 09:29:35 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Mon Apr 19 00:00:00 -0700 2004", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "7196472", "review_id": "234c6b753f4a96896625f5ee9dfcc42a", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Liisa Ihmemaassa on tarina, jonka varmasti lahes jokainen on kuullut, nahnyt tai lukenut. Juonihan on taysin jarjeton, mutta silti niin ihana. Tama suomennos oli parempi kuin aiemmin lukemani ja runot, lorut ja laulut kerrassaan hienosti kaannetty. Luulen, etta kirja ei ole ollut maailman helpoin kaannettava.. Mutta, ihana kirja ja suosikkihahmoni ehdottomasti on irvikissa, tassa suomennoksessa Morokolli. Kissa, josta jaa vain irvistys jaljelle.", "date_added": "Wed Jun 13 08:41:01 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Jun 13 08:44:23 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Tue Mar 30 00:00:00 -0800 2004", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "10193046", "review_id": "0ff58b911216a95294a653fb93b4d784", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Ihan ok kirja, hyva lopullinen (?) paatos taruille, mutta jotakin kirjasta kuitenkin puuttuu tai siina on liikaa. Kirja ei anna samanlaista uppoutumisen tunnetta kuin varsinainen Belgarionin tai Mallorean taru. Ehka siksi, etta loppuratkaisun tietaa jo. Ja ne kirjoitusvirheet. Niita oli PALJON ja osa aika pahoja. Laskee arvosanaa moinen huolimattomuus.", "date_added": "Wed Jun 13 08:18:15 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Sep 04 01:28:07 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Fri Mar 26 00:00:00 -0800 2004", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "8499581", "review_id": "e822ac7c908d0f1e45f5d1275a5a26ce", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Ihana kirja :). Kirjaa lukiessa tulee mahdottoman hyva olo, lopussa hymyilee kuin Hangon keksi. Kirjailijan kehittama mielikuvitusmaailma on vertaansa vailla ja omituisille otuksille tai kasitteille ei voi olla nauramatta. Satua, seikkailua, mielikuvituksen ja todellisuuden yhdistamista parhaimmillaan.", "date_added": "Wed Jun 13 08:13:52 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Jul 24 05:25:53 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Mon Mar 22 00:00:00 -0800 2004", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "943382", "review_id": "7edf946ea851d546d338f92a30008a19", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Ei edelleenkaan Azkabanin vangin veroinen, mutta parempi kuin muistin. Englanninkielinen vie kylla voiton, mutta ei suomennoksessakaan ole varsinaisesti vikaa. Muutamia virheita ja omituisia suomennoksia toki, mutta muuten ok. Synkka kirja, joka vihdoin kertoo joitain vastauksia kauan askarruttaneisiin kysymyksiin. Lopullisesti kaikki taitaa tosin selvita vasta viimeisessa osassa. Hyva suoritus Rowlingilta. \n Ensimmaiset Potterit on tullut luettua moneen kertaan ja ne muistan lahes ulkoa, mutta tassa oli todella paljon yksityiskohtia, joita en aiemmin ollut huomannutkaan. En vielakaan pida kirjaa suosikkinani, sen verran paljon arsyttavia piirteita ja henkiloita kirjassa on, mutta viimeisten kirjojen pohjustajana kirjan tarina on paikallaan.", "date_added": "Wed Jun 13 08:02:08 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Aug 16 03:10:36 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sat Mar 13 00:00:00 -0800 2004", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "3310107", "review_id": "c82909d1906b9677ce2f01635e3f7e2d", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Ei ylla Azkabanin vangin tasolle, mutta hyva ja nautinnollinen kirja kuitenkin. Pituuttakin kirjalla on enemman kuin tarpeeksi ja yllattava loppu. Kirja on synkempi kuin edelliset, muttei liikaa. Sopivaan kohtaankin kirja jaa, lukija jaa malttamattomana odottamaan jatkoa. \n Alunperin tama kirja ei kuulunut suosikkeihini Pottereista, mutta kirja paranee jokaisella lukukerralla. Myoskin vihjeita loppuratkaisusta on siroteltu tahan kirjaan enemman kuin muihin tahan mennessa.", "date_added": "Wed Jun 13 07:59:11 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Jul 17 19:22:59 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Fri Mar 12 00:00:00 -0800 2004", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "3310098", "review_id": "f1f8dc314d7842e94a49dcf685424931", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Kirja, joka on luettu aivan liian monta kertaa, jotta siihen voisi suhtautua neutraalisti. Kirja, jonka ensimmaisella lukukerralla ahmi muutamassa tunnissa, mutta joka on muuttunut kirjaksi, josta vahiten pidan sarjassa. Mutta ei sen ylikaan voi hypata, jos lukee kirjat jarjestyksessa. Eika mikaan Rowlingin kirjoittama ole ollut viela huonoa. \n Jalleen kerran tama oli hauska lukea ja etsia vinkkeja tulevaa varten ja niitahan loytyy! Tama ja kaksi viimeista kirjaa ovat todella tiiviissa yhteysessa toisiinsa, tiiviimmassa kuin osasin aavistaakaan. Hyvia kirjoja edelleen, edes ehka seitsemannella lukukerralla kirjaan ei vaan kyllasty.", "date_added": "Wed Jun 13 07:53:53 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Dec 31 09:17:21 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Mon Mar 08 00:00:00 -0800 2004", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "10192990", "review_id": "41927b9e2975e4e3fd7c9d51802ad809", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Kirja ajasta ennen Belgarionin tarua, kirja Belgarath-velhosta. Ihan ok kirja, mielenkiintoista tietaa myos ajasta ennen Garionia, miten kaikki oikeastaan tapahtui. Joihinkin asioihin on tosin mielestani kiinnitetty liikaakin huomiota", "date_added": "Wed Jun 13 07:51:48 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sat Mar 19 00:50:35 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Mon Mar 08 00:00:00 -0800 2004", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "395946", "review_id": "017378206739fa96c4aeed208fb1976e", "rating": 5, "review_text": "** spoiler alert ** \n Loistava paatos loistavalle tuplatrilogialle. Vaikka loppuratkaisu oli odotettavissa, ei se kuitenkaan ollut ilmiselva. Narrin kuolema toi kyyneleet silmiin ja vaikka lopetus olikin saduista tuttu \"ja he elivat onnellisena elamansa loppuun asti\", oli se ainoa oikea. Toinen vaihtoehto olisi ollut Narrin ja Fitzin yhteensaattaminen, mutta ehka Molly oli kuitenkin se ainoa oikea. Todella hyva kirja.", "date_added": "Tue Jun 12 04:16:01 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Aug 16 10:57:50 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Tue Jan 13 00:00:00 -0800 2009", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "68488", "review_id": "dcaec85c8c1bfe781b8786c028230262", "rating": 5, "review_text": "** spoiler alert ** \n Kirja, jonka lukemiseen meni monta kuukautta. Ei siksi, etta kirja olisi ollut huono, painvastoin, vaan siksi, etta englanniksi lukemiseen ei jaksanut aina keskittya. Mutta, ihan alyttoman hyva kirja. Ihan samaa tasoa kuin Nakijan taru, jolle tama on jatkoa. Kun Yonsilma kuoli, itkin silmat paastani ja muutenkin elaydyin tarinaan todella paljon. Siina mielessa englanniksi kirjoitetun kirjan lukeminen on nautinnollista, kun kirjaa ei voi ahmia samalla tavalla kuin suomeksi kirjoitettua. Yhtaan sanaa ei kannata jattaa valiin, koska koko lauseen merkitys saattaa muuttua. On siis luettava hitaasti ja nauttien ja toivottava, etta kirja kestaa mahdollisimman pitkaan.", "date_added": "Tue Jun 12 04:15:59 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Aug 09 01:34:12 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sun Oct 29 00:00:00 -0700 2006", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "418506", "review_id": "4ff5ebf5e52ed4d4cb6dbe689195a204", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Alyttoman hyva kirja, kuten ensimmainen osakin, jonka lukemisesta tosin vierahti hiukan liian pitka aika. Hahmot ovat uskottavia kaikkine vikoineen ja varsinkin Fitz kaikessa itsepaisyydessaan ihana sankari. Narrin ja Fitzin valinen suhde on kasittamattoman vahva ja uskon siihen, etta viimeisessa kirjassa heidan valeistaan puhutaan viela lisaa. Onko Narri lopulta mies vai nainen, se on kiinnostavaa. Loistava trilogia.", "date_added": "Tue Jun 12 04:15:57 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Aug 16 07:45:52 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Thu Oct 16 00:00:00 -0700 2008", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "6082615", "review_id": "a4d51a40fd471093a4bfef9ed9bb6179", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Edelleen hyva sarja, paatososa jonka lukemiseen meni yllattavan kauan opiskelukiireiden sun muiden takia. Erittain hyva lopetus, joka kaansi paalaelleen jalleen lisaa fantasiakirjallisuuden kliseita, mm. etsintaretken joka tapahtuukin vasta lopussa. Vaikka loppu kaantyykin hiukan ennalta-arvattavaksi ja menee hiukan yli (jos fantasiassa nyt niin voi kayda), niin kirja sailyttaa taikansa ja pitaa otteessaan alusta loppuun asti. Kokonaisuutena erittain hyva fantasiatrilogia, yksi parhaista joita tahan mennessa olen lukenut.", "date_added": "Tue Jun 12 04:15:55 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Jul 24 14:04:57 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Fri Dec 23 00:00:00 -0800 2005", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "6041678", "review_id": "60610ac3b175c555ccc0c623c708dfe2", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Vaikka takakansi ei kerrokaan kirjasta kovin totuudenmukaisesti, kirja on erittain hyva. Aloitettuaan ei kirjaa malta laskea kasistaan, jollei ole aivan pakko. Kirja onnistuu myos valttamaan fantasiakirjallisuuden pahimmat kliseet ja olemaan omaperainen. Erittain hyva kirja, joka pakottaa tarttumaan seuraavaankin osaan.", "date_added": "Tue Jun 12 04:15:52 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Jul 24 13:56:11 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sat Dec 03 00:00:00 -0800 2005", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "10653805", "review_id": "0dcdaef3d57d0131c9e30549c4df5884", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Viimeinen Mallorean tarun osa ja tavallaan myos paras, vaikkakin tapahtumat ovat hiukan uskomattomia (daah, fantasiaahan tama onkin)... Onnellinen loppu tottakai kruunaa tapahtumat ja maailmankaikkeus palaa radalleen. Ihan hyva ja viihdyttava kirja.", "date_added": "Mon Jun 11 11:01:54 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Mon Jun 11 11:03:47 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Mon Jan 12 00:00:00 -0800 2004", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "10653872", "review_id": "fb6b7cb458a62884d722fe4429314605", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Paras Mallorean tarun osista tahan mennessa. Paljon asioita selviaa, mutta osa jaa edelleen hamaran peittoon. Parhaiten sailytetty tunnelma ja juoni etenee juuri sopivalla nopeudella.", "date_added": "Mon Jun 11 10:48:13 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Mon Jun 11 10:49:33 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sat Jan 03 00:00:00 -0800 2004", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "10653904", "review_id": "bdecb0adbe28be520de2f4ef7997e4a6", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Ei niin vakuuttava kirja, liian paljon puhetta erittain epaoleellisista asioista ja viela enemman kirjoitusvirheita, olipa yhdessa kohdassa jaanyt englanninkielinen nimikin kaantamatta. Virheet hairitsevat lukukokemusta jokaisen kirjan kohdalla, olipa kirja kuinka hyva tahansa.", "date_added": "Sun Jun 10 09:29:16 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Jun 10 09:30:55 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Thu Dec 18 00:00:00 -0800 2003", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "10532012", "review_id": "f09e9d2ad366e6bd80134c7be50f39cc", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Tassa osassa alkaa tapahtua enemman, eika tekstikaan ole niin tonkkoa kuin edellisessa osassa. Mutta ei siltikaan ylla aivan Belgarionin tarun tasolle.", "date_added": "Sun Jun 10 09:23:48 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Jun 10 09:24:38 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sun Dec 14 00:00:00 -0800 2003", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "10408646", "review_id": "1cb0ba535d896f52691fcb9ae094ea40", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Mallorean tarun ensimmainen osa ei aivan veda vertoja Belgarionin tarulle, mutta on erittain mukaansatempaava ja taitavasti kerrottu siita huolimatta. Ensimmainen osa on tietenkin pohjustusta tulevalle ja jatkoa jaa odottamaan.", "date_added": "Sun Jun 10 09:22:05 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Jun 10 09:23:17 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Tue Dec 09 00:00:00 -0800 2003", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "10031164", "review_id": "1034da6c50e0e02ba13b72c28552f470", "rating": 1, "review_text": "Eddingsien olisi pitanyt pysya fantasiassa, murhamysteeri ei toimi lainkaan. kieli on omituista (voi olla myos suomentajan syyta) ja toksahtelevaa, epaolennaisia asioita kerrotaan ja juoni on todella ennalta-arvattava. Loppua kohden kirja paranee, mutta jaa silti kovin koyhaksi. kirja ei kerro mitaan, mita ei olisi aiemmin kerrottu.", "date_added": "Sun Jun 10 08:40:45 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Jun 10 08:42:38 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sun Nov 09 00:00:00 -0800 2003", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "13612457", "review_id": "73644cdf6e0bb70959efd1211e42b654", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Viimeinen osa Kaarmesodan taruun. Jokaisen kirjan olen lukenut lahes heti kirjan ilmestyttya, joten edellisen kirjan tapahtumat ehtivat unohtua jo ja seuraavan kirjan lukeminen on hankalaa. Kirjassa ei ole myoskaan kaytetty juurikaan omia ideoita, vaan matkittu muita fantasiakirjoja. Lukuisat kirjoitusvirheet tekevat lukemisesta hankalaa, kun sama nimi on kirjoitettu kolmella eri tavalla.", "date_added": "Sun Jun 10 08:12:38 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Jun 10 08:15:13 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Mon Oct 20 00:00:00 -0700 2003", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "10321109", "review_id": "169f4cd28d5536085a41dc71b2bef19d", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Vaikka tassa osassa kaikki lopulta selviaa (tai lahes kaikki), on kolmas osa kuitenkin selkeasti paras. Tassa kirjassa kirjoitusvirheet hairitsivat paljon, mutta se ei tietenkaan ole kirjailijan vika.", "date_added": "Sun Jun 10 07:51:48 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Jun 10 07:52:59 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Fri Oct 10 00:00:00 -0700 2003", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "10275973", "review_id": "b24306d9360d82eff8ad9bef1a83c968", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Rivan kuningatar ei ylla aivan edellisen osan tasolle, mutta tassa osassa Garion saa vihdoin tietaa, mita joutuu tekemaan. Muu teksti on hyvin Eddingsmaista.", "date_added": "Sun Jun 10 07:50:05 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Jun 10 07:51:13 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Thu Oct 09 00:00:00 -0700 2003", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "10052144", "review_id": "61dcfe653dd23d6c98c6e7970175c315", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Paras osa tahan mennessa. Tarina siis vain paranee loppua kohden :). Garionille selviaa vasta nyt, mita velhous lopultakin on ja lakkaa taistelemasta kohtaloaan vastaan. Eddingsin huumori on mahtavaa, monin kohdin hihittelee aivan estottomasti.", "date_added": "Sun Jun 10 07:46:00 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Jun 10 07:49:20 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Mon Oct 06 00:00:00 -0700 2003", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "9967370", "review_id": "71993ac266226834701d83c99b5ab54f", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Ennustusten aika on siis samaa jatkoa kiven vartijalle ja kertoo lisaa varastetun kiven metsastamisesta. Parempi osa kuin edellinen, koska tassa alkaa todella vasta tapahtua ja monet asiat selviavat. Kirja jaa kuitenkin kesken ja onkin lahes pakko tarttua heti seuraavaan osaan...", "date_added": "Sun Jun 10 07:42:26 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Jun 10 07:44:23 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sat Oct 04 00:00:00 -0700 2003", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "9831935", "review_id": "f6d2592ef5837e8f9d3a168e86f7e247", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Paluu Eddingsiin. Aikanaan ensimmainen fantasiakirja jonka luin ja paatin lukea monen vuoden tauon jalkeen uudestaan. Monet ovat eddingsia vastaan ja sanovat hanen \"lainanneen\" kaiken muilta kirjailijoilta, mutta taytyy tunnustaa, etta pidin kirjasta esnimmaisella lukukerralla ja pidan siita edelleen. Huumori on hyvaa ja juoni etenee sopivan salaperaisesti.", "date_added": "Sun Jun 10 06:51:57 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Jun 10 06:53:47 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Thu Sep 18 00:00:00 -0700 2003", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "6224849", "review_id": "8fba68e66479f97c58bb8e0c1948c9f9", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Kirja oli hyva ja tietysti selitti kaiken edellisten kirjojen tapahtumista, mutta ei yltanyt aivan ensimmasien osan tasolle. Joitakin avoimia kysymyksia jai edelleen. Kokonaisuutena kuitenkin hyva sarja.", "date_added": "Sun Jun 10 05:13:50 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Jun 10 05:16:30 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Thu Jul 03 00:00:00 -0700 2003", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "110933", "review_id": "c3db1ceae7369119c14c774162b8e302", "rating": 5, "review_text": "En malttanut odottaa suomennosta ja englanniksi lukeminen kannatti. Loistava kirja, hienoa kielta ja mika mahtava mielikuvitus kirjailijalla. Selitti paljon edellisia kirjoja, mutta jatti paljon odotettavaakin. Ei tosin aivan ylla Azkabanin vangin tasolle...", "date_added": "Sun Jun 10 04:41:33 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Jun 10 05:11:53 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Wed Jun 25 00:00:00 -0700 2003", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "823502", "review_id": "03057b67567319cbf63078440d0c22e7", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Murrosiassa Noitavaellus oli suosikkikirjani ja oli mukava huomata, etta monen vuoden jalkeenkin kirja oli edelleen hyva. Omaperainen juoni ja hyvaa tekstia.", "date_added": "Sun Jun 10 04:39:33 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Sun Jun 10 05:12:33 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Mon Jun 16 00:00:00 -0700 2003", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "6224843", "review_id": "e0e92725fa4c306d8967f564d314c150", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Lastenkirjojen osastolta, mutta silti monitasoinen ja oivaltava kirja. Omaperaisyytta loytyy, fantasian ei aina tarvitse olla samalla kaavalla kirjoitettua.", "date_added": "Sun Jun 10 04:25:31 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu Aug 16 05:52:16 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sun May 11 00:00:00 -0700 2003", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "818056", "review_id": "0cee089c65e770a911c56dad1ac51b54", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Pitihan tamakin hankkia heti ilmestymispaivana ja lukea sunnuntai-maanantai -valisena yona aamuun asti... kirja oli seka hyva etta huono, pettymys ja toisaalta ihan mahtava. Juoni oli loppujen lopuksi aika ennalta-arvattava ja varsinkin alkupuoli kirjasta oli aika tylsa paakolmikon seikkaillessa metsassa... Tylypahkaa olisin kaivannut enemman. Lopputaistelu meni aika lailla niin kuin odotinkin ja kirjan epilogi oli raivostuttavan kliseinen ja sen olisi voinut vallan hyvin jattaa pois. Toisaalta, kirja oli sarjan viimeinen ja yksikaan Potter-kirja ei ole ollut huono tai suuri pettymys. Ehka talle oli liian suuret odotukset. Azkabanin vanki tulee varmasti pysymaan suosikkina Pottereista, mutta kylla koko sarja on aika loistava kokonaisuus.", "date_added": "Sun Jun 10 03:15:44 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Aug 15 02:31:43 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Mon Jul 23 00:00:00 -0700 2007", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "3310088", "review_id": "cb7a6853679f6b7e5e529cb745565ce7", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Paras tahan mennessa, ehdottomasti. Paljon mahtavia, uusia hahmoja (Koukkujalka, Sirius, Lupin) ja loistava juoni. Loppu yllatyksellinen ja eraassa kohdassa tuo kyyneleet silmiin. Mahtavaa. \n Edelleen tama on ehdottomasti lempipotterini, kirja jossa Voldemort on kerrankin taka-alalla. Tama on ehka myos se rajanvetajakirja lastenkirjojen ja synkkenevan tarinan valilla, tama on molempia. Hyva kirja.", "date_added": "Sun Jun 10 03:15:41 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Fri Aug 17 03:32:15 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Wed Mar 10 00:00:00 -0800 2004", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "3310083", "review_id": "f8692be506e0f437ff1f65611839ab08", "rating": 4, "review_text": "** spoiler alert ** \n Ensimmainen ja useimmin luettu Potter, joka jaksaa kiinnostaa kerta kerran jalkeen aina uudestaan. Ja jostain syysta, vaikka kirjan tapahtumat tietaa, ei kirjaa voi jattaa kesken. Ei aivan myohempien kirjojen veroinen, mutta se on ymmarrettavaa, koska kirjojen henkilot ja koko sarjan idea pitaakin selittaa ensimmaisessa osassa. \n Ties monennenko kerran ajattelin lukea Potterit uudestaan, mutta toisaalta gradun kannalta jarkevaakin lukea, jotta huomaa, onko mitaan jaanyt huomaamatta. Jannasti sita joka lukukerralla loytyy jotain uutta, nytkin kirjasta huomasi melko paljon vinkkeja loppuratkaisua ajatellen. Toisaalta kirjan lastenkirjamaisuus paistaa hyvin lapi, viimeisimmat kirjat ovat aivan eri maailmasta. Loppuratkaisua kohti mentaessa arsytti kaikkein eniten viisasten kiven suojaksi rakennettu esterata. Kivi suorastaan huusi paastakseen pois, suojaukset olisivat voineet olla jossain muussa muodossa kuin sarjana erilaisia esteita, jotka on helppo murtaa. Muuten ok.", "date_added": "Sun Jun 10 03:15:11 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Thu May 21 12:23:38 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Sun Jan 25 00:00:00 -0800 2004", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "10591073", "review_id": "6e303a787fc9e06772afad639014561b", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Hyva kirja, jossa on piirteita Liisa Ihmemaassa -kirjoista ja yleisesti rinnakkaismaailmoista kertovista fantasiakirjoista. Mitaan uutta ja mullistavaa kirjassa ei kuitenkaan tapahdu, siis mitaan sellaista mita ei olisi jo aiemmin kerrottu. Lisaksi lieveteksti pilaa natisti loppuratkaisun, mutta tasta huolimatta hyvin kirjoitettu kirja.", "date_added": "Sun Jun 10 03:15:03 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Mon Jun 18 12:20:10 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Sat Sep 25 00:00:00 -0700 2004", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "6050817", "review_id": "67fb721200ba3891e52b56ae49e759f1", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Ihan mahtava kirja! Juoni onnistuu edelleenkin olemaan erikoinen ja silti karttamaan suurimmat kliseet. Paahenkilo ei ole liian taydellinen ja minamuotoinen kerronta sopii kirjaan erinomaisesti. Loppu yllattaa taydellisesti, vaikka vihjeita siihen suuntaan annetaankin aika paljon. Vaikka sain kirjan loppuun keskella yota, oli pakko hakea hyllysta seuraava osa (jonka olin fiksusti lainannut kirjastosta etukateen) ja aloittaa se samantien... Ei tata sarjaa turhaan ole kehuttu!", "date_added": "Sun Jun 10 03:14:40 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Jul 24 14:01:03 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Thu Dec 15 00:00:00 -0800 2005", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "cd6522e9018f2f77332ec74f928f8c45", "book_id": "6588355", "review_id": "d8ccbf23fa67cb55d962ecc0047987e8", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Parhaita fantasiakirjoja, mita olen lukenut! Samaa tarinaa kerrotaan parinkymmenen kertojan nakokulmasta ja sen takia tarinassa ei ole mitaan absoluuttista hyvaa tai pahaa, on vain tyhmia ja fiksuja hahmoja. Kirja tempaa mukaansa uskomattomalla tavalla, eika sita meinaa malttaa jattaa kesken. On myos ihana tietaa, etta tama herkku ei lopu kovinkaan pian, nelja osaa on ilmestynyt, kolme ilmestymatta. Juoni on aika monimutkainen kaikkine vivahteineen ja henkiloita (myos samannimisia) on niin paljon, etta vaatii tarkkaavaisuutta pysya karryilla, mutta se todellakin kannattaa. Uskomattoman hyva kirja.", "date_added": "Sun Jun 10 03:14:33 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Aug 15 11:34:42 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Mon Jan 07 00:00:00 -0800 2008", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7e4945a6266566e39e3f251fff0fdde1", "book_id": "13573396", "review_id": "d6f06afe5539d88a95b7a315a8ebe606", "rating": 5, "review_text": "This was a great collection of stories by Joanne Harris. I enjoy her style of writing and there was plenty of variety in this collection, a couple of stories set in an old folks home, a ghost story some science fiction story and lots more. Well worth a read.", "date_added": "Thu Nov 15 06:08:06 -0800 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Dec 17 08:00:04 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Wed Dec 17 08:00:04 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Tue Nov 18 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "7e4945a6266566e39e3f251fff0fdde1", "book_id": "11250053", "review_id": "d48e86d03389f3f3d046b0423ca527f4", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I really enjoyed this book set in wilds of Alaska in the 1920s. A middle aged couple Jack and Mabel have staked everything on a fresh start in a remote home in the freezing wilderness of Alaska. Mabel is haunted by the death of a baby she lost yrs before. Then a little girl appears mysteripusly on their land ,aech is filled with wonder , but also foerboding who is she, where has she come from, a creepy tale but its also a love story well worth the read found it hard to put down.great for a debut novel.", "date_added": "Wed Jun 06 09:01:06 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Apr 03 09:37:12 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Wed Apr 03 09:37:12 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Tue Mar 26 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "5e09e38e178edf7b524913c729854741", "book_id": "34657564", "review_id": "9779f3c53cb53f88ed328003fd346d48", "rating": 4, "review_text": "A fun little read. Evenly paced. \n Enjoyable story.", "date_added": "Mon Aug 07 07:41:01 -0700 2017", "date_updated": "Mon Aug 07 07:47:38 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Sun Mar 26 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Mon Mar 20 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "5e09e38e178edf7b524913c729854741", "book_id": "12438410", "review_id": "45199d42da60603a61c17bef62cde1d1", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I laughed, I cried, I nearly wet my pants in a few spots. P.J. Jones has a gift for humor, a rare talent! I read bits out loud to my teen daughters and they laughed along with me.", "date_added": "Thu Mar 09 10:18:03 -0800 2017", "date_updated": "Thu Mar 09 10:22:03 -0800 2017", "read_at": "Tue May 06 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Fri Mar 14 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "5e09e38e178edf7b524913c729854741", "book_id": "27073981", "review_id": "2d184c9b65116cf51d0a0cb8904ce2f9", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Jolanthe weaves a magical tale that enchants you from the very beginning. It's as if the Fae magic spilled onto the pages, enchanting you, drawing you deeper into this magical world. Definitely worth the read! Well done!", "date_added": "Thu Dec 10 15:21:48 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Thu Dec 10 15:25:31 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Sun Nov 01 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "5e09e38e178edf7b524913c729854741", "book_id": "15776615", "review_id": "5c932b4ac450bfa81d9ab9b506a5200d", "rating": 4, "review_text": "What a fantastical tale! RAndy has a true storytellers heart, weaving a tapestry of adventure.", "date_added": "Wed Dec 10 11:22:42 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Wed Dec 10 11:23:54 -0800 2014", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "5e09e38e178edf7b524913c729854741", "book_id": "17800143", "review_id": "d1fe1da05cdf3960d25ed8180acad1b3", "rating": 5, "review_text": "From the beginning this was an exciting read. Ms. DeOrto has that ability to keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what's next. A compelling tale, interesting characters, and a fantastic setting. Definitely a page turner.", "date_added": "Tue Jul 08 08:17:05 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Mon Oct 20 10:02:18 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Wed Sep 10 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "5e09e38e178edf7b524913c729854741", "book_id": "12444166", "review_id": "7ead604202fda8b45f9623cd646253ec", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I like the development of Ryodan's character. From reading Ms. Moning's previous books I have a few ideas where things are going. Now comes the hard part, waiting for the next one to see if my theories are accurate.", "date_added": "Thu Mar 21 10:38:24 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Thu Mar 21 10:42:54 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Thu Jan 10 00:00:00 -0800 2013", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "5e09e38e178edf7b524913c729854741", "book_id": "6484914", "review_id": "2378541222e71534603456238f604d2a", "rating": 3, "review_text": "A nice deviation from Katie McAlister's typical fare. I missed her usual randy humor in this one and it seemed a lot more analytical.", "date_added": "Thu Mar 21 09:48:58 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Thu Mar 21 09:50:57 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Mon Feb 18 00:00:00 -0800 2013", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "5e09e38e178edf7b524913c729854741", "book_id": "2712967", "review_id": "7460c3ded6a1df943bf970ed7c5b71e0", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Reyes and Danika - what a ride! Nonstop action, sizzling love scenes, and a fascinating premise. I will be reading more of Ms. Showalter.", "date_added": "Fri Mar 01 09:01:04 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Fri Mar 01 09:03:26 -0800 2013", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "5e09e38e178edf7b524913c729854741", "book_id": "50748", "review_id": "54e3e33e4ad60399f9bc484da14030a4", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Portia's physicist brain is set on sizzle when theo drops into her life. Filled with Katie's typical witty humor and a frenzied action packed frolic - fasten your seat belts. this is at the pace of her dragon series. Wow, waht a ride! This is wickedly hot!", "date_added": "Fri Mar 01 08:46:49 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Fri Mar 01 08:49:42 -0800 2013", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "5e09e38e178edf7b524913c729854741", "book_id": "50756", "review_id": "92a55cb0465bb62dad99e184d25c8117", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Sharp, witty; Paen and Samantha's story is a fabhuously fun romp! Always a pelasure reading Katie's books!", "date_added": "Fri Mar 01 08:41:09 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Fri Mar 01 08:46:23 -0800 2013", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "5e09e38e178edf7b524913c729854741", "book_id": "15845097", "review_id": "f3094dcf85848d302543eeefaea21c16", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Fun interesting, and helpful in the game!", "date_added": "Fri Mar 01 08:08:14 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Mon Oct 20 11:24:58 -0700 2014", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "5e09e38e178edf7b524913c729854741", "book_id": "6275416", "review_id": "64882cd4e1a1aebdd7ecb368263556cd", "rating": 3, "review_text": "At first I thought this was going to be a cheesy, lame story. Boy was I surprised! Ms. Joyce throws the reader into the fray from the beginning and doesn't let up until the very end. No formulaic writing here!", "date_added": "Wed Oct 03 11:30:12 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Feb 05 06:12:35 -0800 2013", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "5e09e38e178edf7b524913c729854741", "book_id": "9657219", "review_id": "382931ab8d8316dea4948652792f475b", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Charming humorous and entertaining! Once I actually got to sit down and read this, it was a delight.", "date_added": "Wed Oct 03 11:27:15 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Jan 22 06:47:08 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Tue Dec 16 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Wed Oct 03 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "5e09e38e178edf7b524913c729854741", "book_id": "6052600", "review_id": "db726179e06b07d6d95fa27796a5e171", "rating": 4, "review_text": "The excitement continues! Love her crazy world!", "date_added": "Wed Oct 03 11:25:25 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Oct 03 11:26:02 -0700 2012", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "5e09e38e178edf7b524913c729854741", "book_id": "3119223", "review_id": "3509402c4a1e6fcfbb074c557d881e48", "rating": 4, "review_text": "What a fun, exhilerating ride! The excitement keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time. I love a book that makes me laugh!", "date_added": "Wed Oct 03 11:24:27 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Feb 05 07:51:58 -0800 2013", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "5e09e38e178edf7b524913c729854741", "book_id": "10630620", "review_id": "32380b0e89574da76b444a46c7ec24ec", "rating": 3, "review_text": "The graphics are excellent, but I felt cheated on this one. Not one of her best, but still worth the read.", "date_added": "Wed Oct 03 11:16:39 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Oct 03 11:17:35 -0700 2012", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "5e09e38e178edf7b524913c729854741", "book_id": "112752", "review_id": "be27df0d2b206f0df2ce4b9b005972b6", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Ms MOning hit it out of the ballpark with this one! Her highland Alphas are unforgettable. PUtting this one on my keeper shelf.", "date_added": "Wed Oct 03 11:15:44 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Dec 10 11:44:42 -0800 2014", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "5e09e38e178edf7b524913c729854741", "book_id": "112755", "review_id": "68922641806f6c14c2dbc6256f9435c4", "rating": 5, "review_text": "The only challenger for best alpha male to compete with Dageus McKeltar would be Jericho Barrons. Wow! What a wild ride this one is! Have a fan close by or at least ice.", "date_added": "Wed Oct 03 11:14:28 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Oct 03 11:15:30 -0700 2012", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "5e09e38e178edf7b524913c729854741", "book_id": "112754", "review_id": "c5389ce5ed316fae1c461bc7ded3add3", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Steamy, Ms. MOning delivers the one-two punch with her alpha males. A great read!", "date_added": "Wed Oct 03 11:13:04 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Oct 03 11:14:02 -0700 2012", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "5e09e38e178edf7b524913c729854741", "book_id": "84150", "review_id": "f583bef470e27e29a7abd2f272fd0edf", "rating": 4, "review_text": "As usal Sherrilyn Kenyon does not disappoint! Love the Dark- Hunter series. My only complaint is that I've already finished it and have to look for more new books.", "date_added": "Wed Aug 15 09:00:49 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Aug 15 09:02:19 -0700 2012", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "5e09e38e178edf7b524913c729854741", "book_id": "100915", "review_id": "56c828a403ee9abde4c8402bd12e4792", "rating": 5, "review_text": "This is probably my third time reading the Chronicles of Narnia series. A charming tale, that keeps me interested even in the reread. I would reccomend reading the entire series.", "date_added": "Tue Jun 05 06:42:51 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Oct 03 10:04:26 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Thu Sep 16 00:00:00 -0700 2010", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "5e09e38e178edf7b524913c729854741", "book_id": "50750", "review_id": "dc7631ed827ce2c3a7f757b36f9c0b26", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Katie never fails to leave me laughing and wanting more!", "date_added": "Tue Jun 05 06:23:29 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Tue Jun 05 06:23:59 -0700 2012", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "5e09e38e178edf7b524913c729854741", "book_id": "187811", "review_id": "e630205c676299a4924d52e3670d7dee", "rating": 3, "review_text": "I like Meg CAbot's style, however it took me a long time to get into this book. The beginning really didn't grab my attention, so I set it down and forgot it. Once I got past the 3rd chapter, it was a good story.", "date_added": "Tue Jun 05 06:22:56 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Mon Oct 20 09:59:41 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Sat Oct 04 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Tue Jun 05 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "5e09e38e178edf7b524913c729854741", "book_id": "42899", "review_id": "853f59e9c741f16b656199bd776296b7", "rating": 4, "review_text": "Enthralling. J.R. Ward kept my interest from page one to the end. There was never a dull time that dragged. Finished this in record time, and wanted more!", "date_added": "Tue Jun 05 06:14:30 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Oct 03 10:10:49 -0700 2012", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "10a430e80022dfe3ff0967870bc0c609", "book_id": "18012462", "review_id": "6475f5dec5857ef2baa589c07a2db7f6", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I have one thing to say about Love Remains by Zrinka Jelic. WOW! What a fantastic read. I'm not even sure how to give a review because I don't want a spoil all the plots and twist that this story contains. What I can share is that this is one of those books I read straight through. \n Zrinka Jelic's wonderful hero and heroine, Olivia and Tom, were a delight to get to know. Olivia isn't a very lovable heroine in the beginning. Please give her a chance. She changes into a remarkable woman and I loved rooting for her very unusual happy-ever-after with Tom. \n From the moment I met Tom, he just sizzled off the page--totally hot, hunky-all male lawyer and dad. I just loved his character. When Olivia first meets Tom, I couldn't help asking how could she forget someone like him? No spoiler alerts from me. Zrinka Jelic does a great job explaining Olivia's behavior and it adds such great conflict to the story. \n I found Love Return's supernatural element very unique and refreshing. My one complaint is I would have loved to have a little more interaction between Olivia and her sister. Their relationship was essential to the story. If the sisters' relationship was strong on the page, then it would have made the supernatural element that much stronger. \n Overall, this is a wonderful story and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I highly recommend Love Returns by Zrinka Jelic.", "date_added": "Sat Jul 20 10:46:35 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Wed Oct 02 12:30:03 -0700 2013", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "10a430e80022dfe3ff0967870bc0c609", "book_id": "17790093", "review_id": "e803c323187ba9f8a4645862c4a05202", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I absolutely adored The Jade Dragon by Rowena May O'Sullivan. In fact, I loved it so much, I downloaded her first book in the series, A Sliver Rose. I think it is pure magic when an author can draw me so deeply into the story and characters, I just can't let go when the story comes to an end. \n This story is unique and it's very well written. I instantly fell in love with the heroine, Alanna. What a mess she had on her hands. But she wasn't alone in her troubles. The relationship between Alanna and her two sisters is a joy to read. Like all families, they were not perfect, but they support each other--love each other. \n What completely sold me on this book was the developing relationship and the chemistry between Alanna and Gregori. From the moment Gregori broke free, it was a real joy watching Alanna and Gregori find their way toward each other. One moment, Ms O'Sullivan had me laughing my head off while the next moment I was sitting on the edge of my seat. \n While The Jade Dragon is the second book in Ms. O'Sullivan's series, I had no trouble understanding the very imaginative world Ms. O'Sullivan created. The Jade Dragon is a stand-alone novel. I gladly recommend this marvelous story to anyone who is looking for an exciting romance filled with an incredible new world where witches and warlocks are real and love really does conquer all. I can't wait to see how this series ends with Beth's story.", "date_added": "Mon Jul 08 08:58:18 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Mon Jul 08 09:00:02 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Tue Jul 02 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "56f9b4008a7cb624440160570b8380d6", "book_id": "301082", "review_id": "d59f897289ab1cd87207c3c163df8e12", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I really enjoyed Dead Until Dark and look forward to reading the sequels.", "date_added": "Wed Nov 20 18:21:20 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Jan 05 16:42:17 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Sun Jan 05 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Wed Nov 20 00:00:00 -0800 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "56f9b4008a7cb624440160570b8380d6", "book_id": "256683", "review_id": "1ca9e5c5b791b17a6d782b0c0bb1fb82", "rating": 4, "review_text": "I very much enjoyed \"City of Bones\" and will without doubt read the sequels. I loved the surprises in the story.", "date_added": "Thu Jun 06 18:56:04 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Wed Jan 15 19:18:53 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Tue Oct 22 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Thu Oct 10 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "56f9b4008a7cb624440160570b8380d6", "book_id": "8667848", "review_id": "ef07aeff928174dc753ced696a305a8b", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I loved this book!!! It had been such a long time since I read a book that I didn't just think was \"ok\" but \"amazing\"; this was it. This book has love, magic, mystery, and even history. It was easy to get attached to the characters and fall in love along with Mathew and Diana. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy and a good love story..", "date_added": "Sat May 04 13:46:10 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Thu Apr 24 10:03:35 -0700 2014", "read_at": "", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "56f9b4008a7cb624440160570b8380d6", "book_id": "11559200", "review_id": "88177eb6510c5e811bcfa115f01cf32f", "rating": 3, "review_text": "I loved A Discovery of Witches and was very much looking forward to its sequel. While I still enjoyed the read and miss the characters now that I am finished, I am a bit disappointed. Certain parts of the book are confusing and assumes one is familiar with Elizabethan history. Also, the book reads slow; I found myself constantly picking up momentum just to feel bored and disinterested for several chapters after. Over all, I feel the book leaves a lot to be desired; the first novel was definitely more enjoyable. It is worth reading though, if you love the characters and wish to follow the story of the lost manuscript. I am looking forward to the third installment.", "date_added": "Fri Mar 15 15:21:55 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Jul 21 15:14:36 -0700 2013", "read_at": "Sun Jul 21 15:14:36 -0700 2013", "started_at": "Sat May 04 00:00:00 -0700 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "6e3fbaf57959cb9900714c249bce173f", "book_id": "6339664", "review_id": "2d7923a5bde99572b8f0c1a75b9e061f", "rating": 3, "review_text": "2.5 \n review later \n meh \n meh \n patch is hawt~~ \n since i started this book i have to finish the series \n thanks a lot to the person who forced me to read this \n but i love you still \n anyways", "date_added": "Mon Aug 27 05:36:48 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Mon Sep 10 08:16:01 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Mon Sep 10 08:16:01 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Fri Sep 07 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "617ccec66dac2d1029600ed3d706e8ed", "book_id": "28374007", "review_id": "3e59639a9972d1999274070b87152af8", "rating": 3, "review_text": "DNF I really love to read books, but I really don't like it when an author introduces a lot of people. I really couldn't get into the book, and figure out what people were doing.", "date_added": "Sat Jun 04 13:13:16 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Tue Oct 18 18:42:22 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Tue Oct 18 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Mon Oct 17 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 2, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "617ccec66dac2d1029600ed3d706e8ed", "book_id": "25502639", "review_id": "2d65b7913d763eee88853fa425623d68", "rating": 3, "review_text": "In all honest I only got to 60 pages, and this book really couldn't keep my attention.", "date_added": "Mon Feb 22 11:41:45 -0800 2016", "date_updated": "Sun Mar 19 18:10:31 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Sun Mar 19 18:09:26 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Sat Mar 18 19:09:32 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "617ccec66dac2d1029600ed3d706e8ed", "book_id": "13206900", "review_id": "8ef9b634ca43e455500755cb7cacf96f", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I really enjoyed the Lunar Chronicles, and Winter was a very good ending. Winter was really enjoyable character, as all were the other characters. I really love the way Marissa Meyer writes, and how she molds her chracters and what they are working towards the end of the book.", "date_added": "Wed Nov 11 12:50:03 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Thu Dec 31 19:26:15 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Thu Dec 31 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Thu Dec 24 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "617ccec66dac2d1029600ed3d706e8ed", "book_id": "24885636", "review_id": "c9ed630c38cfa124685faeec5c0db3cd", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I really enjoyed this book, and it's true what it says on the cover of the book every power has a price. Every power that the characters have has a price, because they do want to do good, but at the same time it can backfire. I know this has been oversaid but with great power comes great responsibility.", "date_added": "Mon Jun 15 06:08:50 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Mon Oct 26 18:43:41 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Mon Oct 26 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Tue Oct 20 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "617ccec66dac2d1029600ed3d706e8ed", "book_id": "23677316", "review_id": "ddd0df19fb2f22f5ee8ca83cd555527a", "rating": 2, "review_text": "I wanted to like this, but with 100 pages in I just really couldn't get into it.", "date_added": "Sat May 16 08:19:07 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Mon Sep 12 19:22:44 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Mon Sep 12 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Sun Sep 11 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "617ccec66dac2d1029600ed3d706e8ed", "book_id": "3432478", "review_id": "e6ac7672411e19f1182d5586559c6ccd", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Overall I thought the book was alright a world that went through the zombie apocalypse and a group of people trying to survive it. The main character Mary was intresting, she always questioned weather their lives should be like they are trying to survive the undead everyday. Mary is always curious and is always seeking answers to the things around her, which at times can get her in trouble. While the rest of the characters were great for the book, Mary at first was an intresting character, but I started to get annoyed with her because of her obsession over a boy and him to be with her claming it to be love. Overall I enjoyed the book and the way Carrie Ryan wrote it made it suspensful and page turning.", "date_added": "Thu May 07 11:01:24 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sat May 16 08:06:16 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Sat May 16 08:06:16 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Thu May 07 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "617ccec66dac2d1029600ed3d706e8ed", "book_id": "22529162", "review_id": "7e10a5bc93a01cda22c6caf4ffad7d99", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I really enjoyed this book. Laia and Elias were such great characters, this whole book was really well written. I really like the setting of where the book took place I really like books that take place in some sort of fantasy type of world. I really enjoyed Laia's character development on how she out grew her fear, and how Elias was finally able to leave the empire behind. I really enjoy Sabaa and I can't wait for more of her work.", "date_added": "Sat Feb 14 09:08:54 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Thu May 21 12:21:44 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Thu May 21 12:21:44 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Sat May 16 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "617ccec66dac2d1029600ed3d706e8ed", "book_id": "17331828", "review_id": "6c885c82f9222bba557755c91ed70aee", "rating": 4, "review_text": "** spoiler alert ** \n I really enjoyed the book, and the interaction between Garrett and Ember. Although I enjoyed the book I felt that the love tringel between Riley, Ember, and Garrett seemed forced.", "date_added": "Mon Jan 26 13:06:43 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Tue Feb 17 07:13:55 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Tue Feb 17 07:13:55 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Mon Feb 09 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "040b31603912dc03f19e0b76d58c3660", "book_id": "18138189", "review_id": "6eb5b3d18007ce03de8650310cb1d39c", "rating": 4, "review_text": "", "date_added": "Fri Jul 18 15:42:41 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Tue Aug 12 04:54:57 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Tue Aug 12 04:54:57 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Fri Jul 18 15:42:41 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "040b31603912dc03f19e0b76d58c3660", "book_id": "12216302", "review_id": "f52ff02013ca55dac6213a73b45837b7", "rating": 4, "review_text": "", "date_added": "Mon May 05 10:39:47 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Mon May 26 12:41:46 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Mon May 26 12:41:46 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Mon May 05 10:40:27 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "3a34238731479ea7cb8e0d798b39f665", "book_id": "11827808", "review_id": "56e35dfa7bb4dd1d21b55c12f803b11d", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Excellent read. Absolute page turner. Anyone familiar with mythology would be able to guess many of the twists, yet the manner in which the drama unfolds makes it a pleasure to read. This is one of those works which holds the fort both at the story level and the philosophical level - gluing the reader completely. Though the setting is centuries old, immediate parallels could be easily identified in the current society. And you are left to wonder - what else would it take for this generation's Shiva to emerge :) \n Apparently there are trailers for the series too. Checked it after reading the book. nice :) eagerly awaiting the last part of the trilogy.", "date_added": "Tue Jun 05 10:22:15 -0700 2012", "date_updated": "Wed Jun 20 09:43:44 -0700 2012", "read_at": "Wed Jun 20 09:43:44 -0700 2012", "started_at": "Wed Jun 20 00:00:00 -0700 2012", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 1}
{"user_id": "6a163ff023eae2781bfcbb9f880474e1", "book_id": "28412354", "review_id": "3fe8bcb15b9f9d0d717eeaa50b8e59f0", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I picked this book up as a friend of mine was on the cover (not the one pictured on here), I must admit I scan the synopsis and it looked intriguing so I downloaded a sample chapter. That was all it took to get me to buy the full version. \n The characters were good and likeable. Like Micki I found Zach to be a bit arrogant but you warm to him as she does. \n The supernatural element was really good. I started reading it as a normal crime thriller so wasn't really expecting the supernatural side to it. \n Not heard of Erica Spindler before so will have to look out for her other books. Would definately recommend.", "date_added": "Sun Jan 01 04:22:41 -0800 2017", "date_updated": "Thu Jan 05 05:58:23 -0800 2017", "read_at": "Thu Jan 05 05:58:23 -0800 2017", "started_at": "Tue Jan 03 00:00:00 -0800 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "c774855274baf41d5ddf847e6358d414", "book_id": "18663205", "review_id": "12ee9cf6baafca8d978c7160f87aa14b", "rating": 5, "review_text": "This book started out slowly, but once it found its stride, it was intriguing and fun. Peyton and Ryan are great characters that are easy to root for. I loved the secondary characters Trina and Drake. \n This was a nice start to a new series and I look forward to reading the next when it is released.", "date_added": "Fri May 16 06:15:23 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Fri May 16 06:15:30 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Fri May 16 06:15:30 -0700 2014", "started_at": "", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "30653880", "review_id": "c645163ef36cfd41a2204201342d3c95", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for The Ship Beyond Time at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n I really wish that I had started this book on Tuesday and finished it today, because by starting it on Monday I got to the end by Tuesday and of course, because I'm training someone new I had to put this book down with only twenty pages left to help the newbie close. And gah! What horrible timing! Anyway, The Ship Beyond Time picks up right where The Girl from Everywhere left off, with Nix picking up the pieces of what happened in Hawaii. Slate recovering from his opium addiction and going through horrible withdrawals. Mr. Hart is adjusting to what the Temptation can do. And Kashmir and Nix are still circling around whatever there is between them other than the whole best friends thing.", "date_added": "Wed Sep 13 17:14:35 -0700 2017", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 01 10:09:29 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Tue Sep 26 17:24:10 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Mon Sep 25 19:07:00 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "28512486", "review_id": "5efcdcc4ba577761cc0695f2534a46b2", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Frost Like Night at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Compared to book 2, book 3 was a little lack luster for me, but I still thought it was really good. Frost Like Night didn't drag, I was amazed with how fast I was getting through this book on Monday. If it wasn't for the fact that I got distracted, I probably would have finished this book in one sitting, it was that action-packed. The whole concept of Angra being the evil villain who was able to infect others with his Decay was actually really cool. I just wished that his motives had been explained more than they were.", "date_added": "Sun Sep 03 16:39:25 -0700 2017", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 15 09:26:28 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Tue Oct 10 18:17:44 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Mon Oct 09 06:45:16 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "24605887", "review_id": "07ec494c8fb1433ff8f042bf184b1ed3", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Ice Like Fire at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Um...whoa. Just. WHOA. So let me just start off by saying that I really wasn't sure about this book and series. The first one was okay, but I finished that book just to finish it, you know? I wasn't completely invested in these characters because there was a good chunk of time that I didn't know their history and what was really going on. That being said, I had a better idea of what was going on in Ice Like Fire when it started, but I still had an issue with the characters. Mostly the trio: Meira, Theon, and Mather. But Sir - or William - was driving me nuts too.", "date_added": "Sun Sep 03 16:39:24 -0700 2017", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 01 09:59:49 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Thu Sep 21 17:43:52 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Mon Sep 18 16:26:06 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 2, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "32711417", "review_id": "a4bdf0e55e838f2d027ca9266718d76c", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for Quests for Glory at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n When I found out that there was going to be another book in this series I have to admit that I had mixed feelings about it. On one hand I was kind of disappointed because after the way The Last Ever After ended, things were tied up nicely. Characters that I couldn't stand redeemed themselves in my eyes. But on the other hand I was kind of intrigued. What could Chainani possibly have in store for our cast of characters now? \n As it turns out, a few new tricks.", "date_added": "Fri Aug 18 23:22:56 -0700 2017", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 15 09:17:43 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Wed Oct 04 17:37:51 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Mon Oct 02 16:34:38 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "21979832", "review_id": "66c769b6bf4305423c3f4f953b4e0a16", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for The Girl from Everywhere at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Another book where I find myself staring at a blinking cursor as I try to figure out how to start this review. When The Girl from Everywhere first crossed my path, I gave it a hard pass. Books about time travel? Not really my thing. But then a few months ago it kept showing up, whether it was a friend who recommended it to me or just on the YA books tag on Pinterest, this book was stalking me. So I gave into the pressure and added it my reading list. \n And you know what? I don't regret it one bit.", "date_added": "Fri Aug 18 17:44:28 -0700 2017", "date_updated": "Sun Sep 17 09:02:51 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Wed Sep 13 17:14:20 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Fri Sep 08 11:57:20 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 3, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "18004320", "review_id": "adddd743a322c587a4830a5505c2218b", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for The Last Ever After at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Well, it took until the final book, but I finally found a book in this series I liked. The Last Ever After finally breaks the mold about how fairy tales are supposed to go and realizes that there is a gray area where not everything is just Good and Evil. And to think I wasn't sure I was going to like this book, especially when I saw how thick it was. Could I really deal with whiny Sophie for 655 pages? At first, no, I couldn't. Before I even got halfway through this book I said that the best solution for everyone was if someone ran Sophie through with Excalibur, because Sophie was not only whiny but indecisive. Here she was finally with her happy ending choosing the School Master who became young and immortal for her, and when he tries to give her a ring, she can't decide if she should take it or not. Was she too hasty to write off Tedros and Agatha? And when she finally does decide - thanks to some great string pulling by Rafal - she still isn't happy.", "date_added": "Mon Aug 07 05:02:46 -0700 2017", "date_updated": "Sun Aug 20 10:07:32 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Fri Aug 11 15:25:03 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Mon Aug 07 05:02:46 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "18172465", "review_id": "aa58a39a998fe06edccbdbf9f7883aec", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for A World without Princes at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n The lesson that can be taken away from this book is that even when the story ends, it doesn't mean that everyone got their happily ever after. Believe it or not I actually loved the first part of this book. I loved that Agatha wasn't happy just looking after Sophie - especially because Sophie was such a whiny little witch - and wished that she had another shot at her happy ending. I loved seeing The School for Good and Evil turn to The School for Girls and the School for Boys. And believe it or not I even liked that the girls realized that they didn't need princes to have their happily ever afters. But...here we go again where it's all or nothing in this book. Either you are a girl and you don't need a prince or else you're an outcast. There is no inbetween, no gray area, and that really bugged me. I get why it was like that of course, because it is the land of fairytales and everything is black and white. But it was like these characters didn't learn from the last book that there can be a happy medium.", "date_added": "Tue Jul 18 16:54:55 -0700 2017", "date_updated": "Sat Jul 22 09:37:11 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Thu Jul 20 17:16:33 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Tue Jul 18 16:54:55 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "32075453", "review_id": "e3dfb134e716172d089f4b8ab3516273", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for Our Dark Duet at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n This book scared me, and that was before I read it. After the way This Savage Song surprised me I was a little hesitant to read Our Dark Duet, because book 2's don't usually live up to the predecessor. But surprisingly, Our Dark Duet was just as good, even if there were some parts that were a little bit off. And what I mean by that is, I kind of wish it didn't take as long for Kate and August to wind up back in the same town. While it was fun to see them apart for a little while, the darker Kate got the more I wanted her to get the hell out of Prosperity and back to Verity as fast as her little legs could carry her.", "date_added": "Fri Jun 23 23:25:55 -0700 2017", "date_updated": "Sat Jul 22 09:28:31 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Sat Jul 15 13:13:26 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Tue Jul 11 05:08:06 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "22638168", "review_id": "b3d7f17c685ec53c0a5dcaaa5736abf1", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for A Grimm Warning at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n My biggest complaint with the previous two books in this series was the fact that these books were a little bit too much youth fiction. The writing was very simple and descriptions were a little bit too forced. And while book 3 did have similar problems, the story line was much better than it's predecessors. It wasn't just a rinse and repeat with the whole there's a spell and we have to find all the items adventure. This time the adventure went through our world through Europe and Conner has to follow clues that the Mother Goose left behind to see if the portals really are closed for good. Because if they aren't the Land of Stories is in for a very gruesome situation.", "date_added": "Fri Jun 23 14:06:39 -0700 2017", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 01 09:52:15 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Sat Sep 16 11:58:45 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Wed Sep 13 17:14:07 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "32051723", "review_id": "e421d79d190f8da77f764a12ccba8c2b", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for Dividing Eden at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n So this book was interesting and I really mean that. I didn't really understand what was going on a good 75% of the time, while the other 25% of the time I was watching as a brother and sister became ridiculously divided over the stupidest of things. And part of that 25% of the time I also knew that a lot of deceit and plotting was going on, I just couldn't figure out who was the grand mastermind behind it all. On one hand you had Imogen, who I knew from the start wasn't the little innocent seer who only saw one vision of the future. Thankfully, she did show her true colors, even if it wasn't for very long. Then there is someone on the Council of Elders who I know is in on it, I just don't know who since they were all quite villany if I'm being honest. Also there is Lord Garret and Lord Errik, both nobles who say that they support Carys and are trying to help her, but whose motives I can't help but doubt.", "date_added": "Wed Jun 21 16:34:01 -0700 2017", "date_updated": "Sun Aug 06 09:37:45 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Fri Jul 28 17:00:56 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Wed Jul 26 05:05:59 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "16248113", "review_id": "f96c513ed43fb517738e988ff38c52b0", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for The School for Good and Evil at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Two years ago, I originally had this series on my reading list. The first book became available on the digital library and I downloaded it. I started reading and Sophie and Agatha drove me so bonkers that I gave up and marked it as DNF. The pesky kids at work begged me last summer and the first few weeks this summer to give it another go. So I did, but this time I got the physical copy from the library, and you know what? Sophie is just as petty and vain as I remembered her. BUT Agatha was actually one of my favorite characters. Actually the whole story was wonderful. It was like Harry Potter combined with the old fairy tales.", "date_added": "Sun May 07 14:25:22 -0700 2017", "date_updated": "Sat Jul 08 12:17:48 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Sun Jul 02 12:42:28 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Thu Jun 29 16:40:14 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "30166599", "review_id": "36d69445c85e1bf66c0fd7f7cd2a0ce5", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for Blood of Wonderland at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Considering how much I 'loved' the first book of this series I was a little surprised that I even decided to pick up book 2. The world of Wonderland had fallen flat in the first book and the character of Dinah had driven me mad with her constant whining and weakness. The same looked to be true for Blood of Wonderland, until Dinah runs into the Spade card and he takes her to the Yukerei where her true origins are revealed. Of course I didn't like her true origins. I think that part of the plot was ridiculous - but you can really just add it to the list - and I have a strange feeling that this character is seriously going to betray Dinah in the next book, but jeez. As my status update for this book went on Goodreads, I want to run this book over with a zamboni.", "date_added": "Sun May 07 14:25:03 -0700 2017", "date_updated": "Sat Jul 22 09:24:27 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Tue Jul 11 16:37:23 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Sun Jul 09 11:10:55 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "27883214", "review_id": "7aa8e4d63bf2f8813951dc8c24f59f18", "rating": 3, "review_text": "This is actually a 2.5 star rating. \n Caraval had so much potential, but alas... full review to come. \n Edit: 8/20/17 \n See full review for Caraval at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n I'll admit that I was very wary of reading this book. I hadn't heard the best things about Caraval from my fellow Goodreads friends. As my friend Tanya said in her review 'It's not even a book but a bad fanfiction that got published.' I think that was enough for me to do a serious hard pass. But a few months ago as I was searching the YA book tag on Pinterest and this book kept popping up and I took a closer look at it. From the summary it reminded me of The Night Circus and even though it has been a few years since I've read that book, I still liked it. So I decided to give Caraval a try. \n And while yes, I do agree that Scarlett is whiny - jeez we get it, you're trying to save your sister, you do not need to keep saying it every freaking page - there's actually something quite odd about her. But in a good way.", "date_added": "Sun May 07 14:20:21 -0700 2017", "date_updated": "Sun Aug 20 10:12:23 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Mon Aug 14 16:55:33 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Fri Aug 11 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "25944798", "review_id": "ff2f79b6fc7211a9f4c29af096208357", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review The Beauty of Darkness at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Another book in this series where I am undecided. I liked how this book tied everything together. I liked how Lia redeemed herself not only to her own people, but with the Venda as well. I even liked how the love triangle was resolved. But, there were a few times during The Beauty of Darkness that I felt that Lia, Rafe, Kaden and the others were just...there. Sometimes their chapters felt more like placeholders then plot forwarding.", "date_added": "Sat Mar 11 19:22:01 -0800 2017", "date_updated": "Sat Apr 15 12:25:12 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Fri Apr 07 13:31:44 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Tue Apr 04 17:28:37 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "21569527", "review_id": "af76748d8a771f5487a5f7390d3ba4cd", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for The Heart of Betrayal at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n I'm really undecided about this book. On one hand I really liked it because the plot was nicely paced and everything flowed together quite nicely. I also liked how Pearson fleshed out her characters more while also introducing new characters. On the other hand, I didn't like this book because there were a few things that were driving me absolutely crazy.", "date_added": "Sat Mar 11 19:22:00 -0800 2017", "date_updated": "Sat Apr 01 12:09:52 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Sat Mar 25 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Thu Mar 23 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "30227900", "review_id": "477daaf5d5bc244feefd7d86db5f9b55", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for The Cursed Queen at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n So as much as book 1 impressed me, book 2 fell mostly flat. I should have guessed that when we were introduced to new characters that these characters would involve who the true heir to the throne was going to be. But while Elli's story was intriguing and wonderful, Ansa's was blah.", "date_added": "Sat Mar 04 12:50:15 -0800 2017", "date_updated": "Sat Apr 01 11:56:11 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Fri Mar 17 17:24:44 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Fri Mar 17 06:37:57 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "32075448", "review_id": "7f1e3037adeb52e47c349f8ad880eafb", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for Thief's Cunning at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n So I wasn't going to read this book when I initially found out about it. I don't like 'companion' books. Especially when it's been a few months since I've read the predecessor. And in Thief's Cunning's case, I didn't really enjoy the first one all that much. But I'm a sucker for finishing things I start (most of the time) and I added it anyway. And let me tell you, I'm kind of glad that I did. \n Don't get me wrong Thief's Cunning still had its issues. While in Assassin's Heart Lea's biggest problem was all her guilt, Thief's Cunning had Allegra and she had two problems. The first is that she wants to be free. Apparently in the life that she currently lives she feels trapped. And I really don't blame her for that notion. Lea and her extended family keep her pretty much housebound except for the odd job. Of course, it took me a while to figure out why - it's been over a year since I read Assassin's Heart - and when I did I had a head slapping moment. Duh.", "date_added": "Sat Feb 11 20:53:57 -0800 2017", "date_updated": "Sat Jul 08 11:58:39 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Fri Jun 23 15:06:18 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Tue Jun 20 16:36:01 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "23495112", "review_id": "306ec8d9d4ec7d2ce8d570822e8b1126", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for The Impostor Queen at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n I have to admit that when I started reading this book I honestly thought it was going to be another novel that I was only going to get fifty pages or so in and then discard because it had a really slow start. It also kind of reminded me of Three Dark Crowns with the dark elements. But I persisted and was thoroughly surprised. Once I got passed the current Valtia's death and Elli's blunder with not having the magic and her being banished to the outlands things picked up. I liked Elli's work ethic even though she was down to eight fingers and had seen some horrible things before Oskar found her.", "date_added": "Sat Feb 11 20:44:59 -0800 2017", "date_updated": "Sat Mar 18 13:59:12 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Sat Mar 04 12:50:04 -0800 2017", "started_at": "Fri Mar 03 18:48:45 -0800 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "8572704", "review_id": "826a4af5045867757059f8916240b741", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for Always a Witch at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n If I remember right from my review of the previous book, I liked the character of Tamsin because she was sarcastic and the 'black sheep' of the family. The same thing applies for this one. Despite discovering that she does in fact have a Talent - a really cool one when you think about it - she is still treated as an outcast. Because her power isn't as cool as I think it is. Some of her family thinks that it's unnatural and are avoiding her at all costs. Which is hard to do considering her sister is getting married and the whole family is in town and Rowena is bridezilla. So add in a stranger who time traveled from 1899 looking for information about the Greene family who can jump into other people's bodies and things are about to get interesting.", "date_added": "Sat Dec 31 14:42:32 -0800 2016", "date_updated": "Thu Jan 26 13:43:15 -0800 2017", "read_at": "Sun Jan 01 00:00:00 -0800 2017", "started_at": "Sat Dec 31 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "28114396", "review_id": "2527bc97a6c5afb0243bfba481274318", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for Ever the Hunted at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n To be honest, I was a little bit wary about starting this book. Ever the Hunted is one of those books on Goodreads where the reviews are mixed. Where a lot of people really loved it and then there are those that absolutely hated it. It was rare to impossible to find someone who was in between. But the summary of Ever the Hunted sounded like something up my alley and I gave it a go anyway. And surprisingly, it wasn't as bad as some of the negative reviewers made it out to be.", "date_added": "Thu Nov 03 18:19:08 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Sat Apr 15 12:34:30 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Tue Apr 11 16:40:40 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Mon Apr 10 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "31451174", "review_id": "f2143927bccf70652013da0c402515b4", "rating": 5, "review_text": "I wish there were enough words for me to describe how much I loved and adored this book, but at the moment words are failing me so forgive me if this review isn't up to my usual standards. A Court of Wings and Ruin (ACOWAR) was probably my number one anticipated book of 2017 and after the way ACOMAF ended I wasn't sure how I was going to be able to get through the months of wait. I somehow managed and ridiculously cursed myself when I got a stack of library books to read the week before ACOWAR's release. But when I did finally get through that stack of books and started this, I was a little hesitant at first. What if ACOWAR didn't live up to my high expectations and fell into that 'final books of series doldrums?' \n But I should have know that Maas wouldn't let it. She created a wonderful roller coaster of a novel.To read the rest of this review go here https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... but there are spoilers ahead!", "date_added": "Sat Oct 29 19:38:09 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Sat May 27 13:19:52 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Thu May 25 17:50:41 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Thu May 18 14:46:02 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "13085374", "review_id": "306dd6a4d77286a96f2d9070231f606b", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for Infinite at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n How is it possible that a book that is supposed to be the conclusion to a series still left me with so many questions? I mean, look, I get it Janan is a power hungry guy and the opportunity for him to become immortal should not have been surprising to me. That being said though, the fact that he actually honored his promise to help the original million was quite a shock to my system. Also a shock? How many people died in this book! I mean, honestly, I thought Game of Thrones was bad but this book could easily top them. You would think after all these years of reading I would know better than to get attached to characters, but no...", "date_added": "Thu Oct 27 20:24:20 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Sat Nov 05 13:00:18 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Fri Oct 28 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Thu Oct 27 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "18085422", "review_id": "c4609391078141539bef39a0a128025e", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for Asunder at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n In my review for Incarnate, I was a little skeptical of continuing on with this series. It seemed to be that this book basically incorporated everything - reincarnation, religion, dragons, sylphs, etc. - into a very short page span. But, I figured, there was a mystery to be solved with this series. Why exactly can these souls reincarnate? Why is Ana the only newsoul? And why does Janan think that she was nothing but a mistake? So I plunged into book 2. I wish I could say that it got better, but I only was left with more questions.", "date_added": "Tue Oct 25 06:47:40 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Sat Oct 29 12:25:07 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Thu Oct 27 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Tue Oct 25 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "35712937", "review_id": "0af2ad9d58741b8125664e4fa31bef99", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Midnight Jewel at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n I am very conflicted about this book. On one hand I really loved the story and the characters. Mira really jumped off the page and she was a heroine that was instantly likable even if there were a few times I found her to be a little pigheaded. Grant was also...intriguing. He kind of reminded me of Dimitri from the Vampire Academy series, with his whole dark but focused demeanor until his concentration is shattered when Mira walks into his life. Their romance was fantastic, I almost forgot that this was supposed to be a historical fiction piece. I even liked the character of Tom Shortsleeves, he was a criminal mastermind while also looking out for himself.", "date_added": "Fri Oct 21 19:47:43 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Sun Sep 17 08:47:33 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Thu Sep 07 16:10:44 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Mon Sep 04 08:29:47 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "26074170", "review_id": "ef24dc568968a083c1fa2423afb88af8", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for This Savage Song at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n I'll be completely honest, I did not think I was going to like this book. This Savage Song sounded dark and in these troubling times did I really need more darkness in my life? The answer is yes, apparently I did. I could not put this book down. And as you noticed, I read this thing in one sitting.", "date_added": "Sun Oct 16 12:45:43 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Sat Nov 26 12:33:40 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Fri Nov 18 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Fri Nov 18 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "31450752", "review_id": "b3b49a0a1f806fbb601ee910e5a8579f", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Because You Love to Hate Me at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Anyway, as expected I loved Marissa Meyer's challenge of putting the sea witch into the Little Mermaid's shoes. It was beautifully written. But that wasn't the only story I loved in this book. I also liked Beautiful Venom from Cindy Pon. That twist on Medusa was pretty damn awesome. I even liked the BookTubber's analysis of it afterwards - which I have to admit wasn't always the case. And I also liked April Genevieve Tucholke's take on Gaston from Beauty and the Beast. Talk about a twist that I didn't see coming. Wow.", "date_added": "Sun Oct 16 12:42:49 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 01 10:04:06 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Thu Sep 21 17:44:09 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Tue Sep 19 16:32:16 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "23308087", "review_id": "5f470b44b0222b61ec089f739040ddc5", "rating": 3, "review_text": "This book was...frustrating. Full review to come. \n Update 7/22/17: \n See full review for Flame in the Mist at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Hm...hm...hm...my status update from page 206 of this book still stands even now that I'm finished with it. Flame in the Mist was...odd. At times this book could be completely boring where I just wanted to fast forward to parts unknown. But other times...it confused me. Mariko is not like Sharazi. She's weak where Sharazi was strong. But they are both emotional and Mariko is sly of wit. Okami is not like Khalid and his origins really confuse me the most. Actually if I'm being honest the last thirty pages of this novel completely threw me.", "date_added": "Sun Oct 16 12:42:41 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Sat Jul 22 09:34:24 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Tue Jul 18 16:50:13 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Mon Jul 17 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "28588345", "review_id": "3fa3c7b407c922289c4c175b08c13459", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for The Midnight Star at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n After the darkness of the last book I was kind of hesitant with this one especially with everything that's going on in the world. But I really, really wanted to know how this series ended because of how different it was and the two plot twists that Lu threw in in The Rose Society. Adelina lost her sister to the wind because of her cruelty and unwillingness to give up her powers and she found out that the 'gift' of the malfettos isn't a gift at all, but a curse that is going to doom them all. The last one comes to more light as The Midnight Star opens. Adelina is still dealing with her whispers and nightmares, while also being the new queen. Her people fear her and try to assassinate her at every turn, but still she won't let go of what is hers.", "date_added": "Sat Oct 01 10:08:14 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Sun Dec 18 10:09:42 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Sat Dec 10 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Thu Dec 08 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "28374007", "review_id": "47e3d59c3d5c222b9a714f07dfaa1189", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for Three Dark Crowns at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Do not let the summary fool you, this whole book - all 398 pages of it - does not involve the fight for the crown at all. If anything this is a prequel of things to come in the next book and I wished I would have known that.", "date_added": "Tue Sep 20 19:23:21 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Sun Feb 05 08:52:20 -0800 2017", "read_at": "Fri Jan 27 00:00:00 -0800 2017", "started_at": "Thu Jan 26 00:00:00 -0800 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "32930771", "review_id": "bbd48383f87a621a0601206ff41597e1", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for Buried Heart at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n See now I remember why I always like not starting a series until all the books within it are out and available for me to read. I barely remember anything about the last book. I remembered the characters - Jes, Kal and others who's names are just too long and hard to spell - and I kind of remember the plot. Jes was a Fives contender until she met Lord Gargaron (or as I like to call him Lord G) who basically forces her to run the races for him or else bad things will happen to her mother and the rest of her family. Which they did, but Jes was able to rescue them. And then there was some twisted plot to put someone else on the throne?", "date_added": "Sat Sep 17 10:15:36 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Sun Sep 17 09:00:10 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Wed Sep 13 17:13:13 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Thu Sep 07 16:11:31 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "25558608", "review_id": "e2c8299b93ac22f57f62a32542f2e22b", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for A Torch Against the Night at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Raise your hand if you have been personally victimized by A Torch Against the Night. *raises hand* When I started this book and made my way through the first hundred pages this book was like pretty much any sequel to a beloved first book. Sometimes it lagged and sometimes the twists that were thrown in were predictable. But then...then things got interesting when Keenan entered the scene with Izzi in tow.", "date_added": "Wed Sep 14 11:53:51 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Sat Dec 31 08:40:58 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Fri Dec 16 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Thu Dec 15 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "32190010", "review_id": "6033c73588086b36cdb0cf7eb30efc47", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Legion at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Now I kind of remember why I don't like reading books in a series until the whole series is out. I completely forgot what happened in Soldier, and believe it or not my review was of no help which kind of sucks. Thankfully, though, Kagawa does spend a few seconds rehashing what happened in the last book, so I wasn't completely lost. It also didn't help that this was another novel that I was reading during the busiest time of year at work and then right before I went on vacation. Whoops. \n Anyway, I keep forgetting how masterful of a storyteller Kagawa is. She takes something mythical and turns into, well, actually believable. There were a few times while reading Legion that I had to remind myself that, oh, yeah, this is a book about dragons and not human beings on the run from the CIA or something.", "date_added": "Sat Aug 13 10:26:14 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Fri Jun 23 13:51:33 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Tue Jun 20 16:35:26 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Tue Jun 06 16:04:52 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "32956745", "review_id": "f9053a7a520ccb97ab57d77ad4e4fd63", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for The Savage Dawn at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n I'm sitting and staring at a blinking cursor with no idea how to start this review. I'm really starting to lose my edge when it comes to writing these things. But here it goes. I was hoping that The Savage Dawn was going to be better than The Shadow Hour that it almost rivaled the first book of this series. ...it wasn't. There were times that I found myself absolutely dreading reading this book as I switched back and forth between this one and The Last Ever After. The characters weren't the same. The plot that seemed to have so much life in it, was actually quite boring. Not to mention it was really dark/end of the world like. Granted that was to be expected because you are basically dealing with Light and Darkness in TSH, but still. Yikes. I felt like Tanith's character was something out of Charmed's early days with the Source of all evil.", "date_added": "Sat Aug 13 10:15:04 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Sun Aug 20 10:04:17 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Wed Aug 09 15:47:50 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Wed Aug 02 05:11:49 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 1}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "31706507", "review_id": "a3cb100f2725563133105a22e6a725c0", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for The Crown's Fate at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Strangely enough, The Crown's Fate was another book that was on my most anticipated books this year. I really loved the predecessor The Crown's Game and could not wait to see where Vika and Nikolai's story went next. And while in some respects I did like Fate, this book was a little bit too lengthy and dragged which sometimes took away from the overall story. Vika has changed since the end of Game and for good reason. She won the game because of a nasty trick by Nikolai's mother, and Nikolai sacrificed himself to save her and make sure she won. She has not forgiven Pasha for speeding up the end of the game, which makes it really difficult when she has sworn herself and her powers to his service for the rest of her life. Then there's Nikolai who I didn't really recognize at first.", "date_added": "Sat Jul 30 16:33:17 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Sat Jul 08 12:13:23 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Fri Jun 30 15:27:04 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Fri Jun 23 15:08:51 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "26542535", "review_id": "1c043393bbfb0ce4da849791e6645005", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for The Fate of the Tearling at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n If you've followed my reviews for the previous two novels in this series, you'll know that I was all over the place when it came to this trilogy. I didn't really care for book one because it lagged and the court politics went over my head a lot of the time. Book two was slightly better with more action, but the whole 'vision' thing that Kelsea experienced was sort of trippy. Book 3 is the same. The constant back and forth between the members of Kelsea's court, Kelsea herself, the Red Queen, and Kelsea's visions of Katie from post-crossing gets a little crazy. While the action does pick up and there aren't really any places where The Fate of the Tearling lags, I'm still a little bit mystified.", "date_added": "Sat Jul 30 16:30:52 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Sun Mar 05 07:46:06 -0800 2017", "read_at": "Mon Feb 20 17:09:06 -0800 2017", "started_at": "Fri Feb 17 06:32:52 -0800 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "30037865", "review_id": "a6dbbf95f92bd3b80acbc9916bbbcd62", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for Rise of Fire at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n So after the way Reign of Shadows ended, I was really excited to read the sequel. I wanted to know what happened to Fowler and Luna because the last we left them things weren't looking great. Fowler had sacrificed himself to the dwellers so that way Luna could escape and she went after him anyway even though he had just revealed that he was the son of the man who killed her parents and took the throne from her. She does in fact rescue him and they get out of the dweller's lair, but there lies the problem. Fowler does not leave unscathed. Somehow he got dweller venom in his system and he's going to die and there's nothing Luna can do.", "date_added": "Thu Jul 28 17:36:23 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Sat Apr 01 12:04:14 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Mon Mar 20 17:36:15 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Sat Mar 18 04:41:56 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "30320053", "review_id": "9ea1b07fd2fbb0c77c7b58f3d8968f89", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for Long May She Reign at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n I thought for sure that I was going to like this book, it was The Queen of the Tearling meets The Girl of Fire and Thorns, both books that I liked. But...but...while good in concept - twenty-third in line to throne who finds herself made Queen because of a horrible dinner party? - and I even liked some of the characters, there was just something about this book that seemed to drag. I mean, I liked Freya, she had a brain and she wasn't afraid to use it. She didn't trust her gut when it came to acting in court, and while at first I found that charming, it did get annoying as she tried to not get killed by those who thought that she was the enemy. Even Freya's best friend Naomi got on my nerves, and that was only because it felt like she wasn't really there, that she was just a shadow. Same thing for Madeline, which I find somewhat disappointing considering how her character developed.", "date_added": "Thu Jul 28 17:30:34 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Sun Sep 03 21:16:42 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Fri Aug 25 14:19:29 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Thu Aug 17 15:43:52 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "27412183", "review_id": "7b9d047d387f4ed8054a5066f3274c2d", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Proposal at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Susannah Simon is in the cemetery on Valentine's Day. This should be an odd place for her to be if it wasn't for two things. One, that her and her uber hot, doctor boyfriend don't really celebrate the holiday because it is just overdone. Two, she's a mediator and she's doing what she does best. Mediate. There is a new spirit that has been making some waves lately in the cemetery, flowers that have been placed on his dead girlfriend's grace have been winding up being kicked and scattered throughout the grounds. Normally, this wouldn't be cause for alarm, but the parents put up a camera and the antics - fuzzy as they may be - have gone viral. So Suze is spending Valentine's Day in the cemetery to put this ghost to rest and make him realize that he shouldn't be mad just because he ended up killing his girlfriend in a fit of jealous rage when she said no to his proposal. Except...that's not what happened at all and now she has to figure out the truth before the ghost winds up murdering someone else. \n I was so excited to read this novella because as I've been mentioning in my previous reviews for this series, I know the other books backwards and forwards and I really wanted to know what happened to Suze next. Especially five years after the events of Twilight. She's an adult, in college, and her boyfriend is actually alive. Things should have been great, right? Well...not really.", "date_added": "Mon Jul 11 17:08:04 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Fri Jul 15 13:20:41 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Mon Jul 11 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Mon Jul 11 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "26061581", "review_id": "a2b6376e1350a1edd3768abe0a04dbb4", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for The Dark Days Pact at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n So, in my review for book one of this series, I said that I wasn't sure if I was going to read book 2 because I wasn't all that intrigued as I thought I was going to be. When I realized The Dark Days Pact was coming out, I decided to add it to my reading list anyway because I had already read the first book, maybe book 2 would take me by surprise. And the crazy thing is, it did. Now that Lady Helen was free from her overbearing uncle's house and she was officially sworn into the Dark Days Club, things are less aggravating. Carlston is slightly more open with her about matters pretaining to the Club and other than Lady Margaret - Mr. Hammond's sister - no one is really telling Helen what she cannot do.", "date_added": "Sun Jul 10 16:10:25 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Sun Mar 05 07:49:00 -0800 2017", "read_at": "Mon Feb 20 17:09:23 -0800 2017", "started_at": "Thu Feb 16 16:52:44 -0800 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "30227022", "review_id": "808187f36e93087268fbfaec023a9fec", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for King's Cage at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Here is another book where I am undecided about my rating. On one hand compared to Glass Sword, King's Cage is infinitely better in a lot of ways. Mare is dealing with her demons and trying not to be the monster that she was becoming in the last book. That being said, there is a lot of time in this book - the first 300 pages or so where Mare is Maven's captive and the whole dynamic between the two of them is very...blurred at best. Mare is supposed to be Maven's prisoner, his puppet, but other than a speech to the newbloods and being by his side when he goes on his coronation tour and the Silent Stone manacles she is pretty much left to her own devices.", "date_added": "Sun Jul 10 16:09:41 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Sat May 13 12:11:24 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Sun May 07 13:09:45 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Sun Apr 30 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "30655760", "review_id": "ad0f6498a2676e5ae3a717ab70af8bd7", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for The End of Oz at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n After the way the third book in this series ended, I have to admit I was a little miffed. Here was a series that I thought was only supposed to be three books that got split into four and it showed. Personally, I think that book 2, 3 and 4 probably could have been combined to make one novel and this series could have ended up as a duology. But alas... Anyway, The End of Oz was okay. It wasn't as crazy as book 3 and Amy is a little bit more herself than in previous books. I'm still not a big fan of the whole Amy/Nox relationship, however it felt more natural than it had in the previous books.", "date_added": "Sun Jul 10 16:08:49 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Sat Apr 15 12:32:31 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Tue Apr 11 16:40:26 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Fri Apr 07 13:33:13 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "28585207", "review_id": "39d92eccc622914404fadcd28434d1c5", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Personally my thoughts are in turmoil so a full review will be coming soon. But otherwise.... \n Holy shit. Maas. How dare you keep doing this to me. Is no one safe from your wrath? \n Update 1/21/17 \n See full review for Empire of Storms at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n I'm kind of glad that I didn't get around to this book last year. After the way A Court of Mist and Fury left me struggling to pick up the pieces of my broken heart, this book would have just killed me. Don't get me wrong, this book was good. A little too good, to be honest. Not only did you have major character development for the least expected characters - yes, I'm looking at your Lorcan and Manon - but the alliances that showed up near the end were just flabbergasting to see. I am one hundred percent with Rowan when he told Aelin that sometimes he wished that he could be in that mind of hers to see all the different ways she comes up with her plots. I would not want to play this girl in chess.", "date_added": "Sun Jul 10 16:07:51 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Sat Jan 21 12:34:51 -0800 2017", "read_at": "Wed Jan 18 00:00:00 -0800 2017", "started_at": "Mon Jan 09 00:00:00 -0800 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "28512427", "review_id": "a2767f0fca20578a78ff38882dc92db0", "rating": 2, "review_text": "See full review for The Black Key at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Why is it authors feel like they need to kill of characters in the final books of series? I mean, honestly, it's not hard to not have a body count in books. Really it isn't. Especially in The Black Key, when it seriously felt like Ewing was killing off characters just for the hell of it.", "date_added": "Sun Jul 10 16:07:31 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Sat Jan 21 12:26:12 -0800 2017", "read_at": "Mon Jan 16 00:00:00 -0800 2017", "started_at": "Sun Jan 15 00:00:00 -0800 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "30199421", "review_id": "2479ee97f647e225e8aa9ffcef665541", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for These Ruthless Deeds at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n It has been so long since I read the first book that when I picked up These Ruthless Deeds I had to go back to my own review - why am I always so vague? - to figure out what the first book had been about. Luckily for me, even though I wrote a really vague review, the plot and characters came back to me as I read each new page of Deeds. And while I felt that the first book was a little bit too much like The Dark Days Club, I have to admit that this book really grew on me.", "date_added": "Sun Jul 10 16:06:41 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Sun Aug 20 10:17:05 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Thu Aug 17 15:43:15 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Wed Aug 16 05:13:08 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "24585267", "review_id": "5eae0dc292156885c38f227eef4c4c74", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for The White Rose at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n As usual, second books in a series make me nervous, especially books like The Jewel where I found that the story was just okay. Then I went onto to Goodreads - which wasn't really smart if I think about it - and the reviews for this book weren't all that great. But when have I ever let negative reviews get me down? So I plunged ahead and you know what this book wasn't all that bad. \n Don't get me wrong, this book still had the same problems book 1 did where the dramatic moments weren't all that dramatic - except that scene where Ash went to go visit his sister Cinder one last time and it almost looked like they were going to get arrested whoa! However, I wasn't too disappointed.", "date_added": "Mon Jun 27 05:34:42 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Fri Jul 01 21:23:05 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Tue Jun 28 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Mon Jun 27 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "12593099", "review_id": "4857dbece455ed674fb27d158cc189b5", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for Incarnate at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n This book is odd and I'm not really sure how else to explain it. It could be because I went into Incarnate without reading the summary right away. It could be because you're dropped right into this world where souls are reincarnated and you don't really get too much of a heads up as to why that is. It also could be because this book has mythical creatures - sylphs and dragons - without too much of an explanation why. Or, finally, because the narrator herself isn't sure what's going on.", "date_added": "Thu Jun 02 20:23:10 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Sat Oct 29 12:07:38 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Fri Oct 21 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Tue Oct 18 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "26156203", "review_id": "d2cf9701efe2a604ff83e2611446871e", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for The Crown's Game at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n After the misfortune that was The Square Root of Summer, I went into The Crown's Game skeptical. I remembered adding this book to my TBR pile months ago and I was excited for it back then. When I picked it up a few days ago, I was trying to remember what exactly had me so excited. Then I read the summary and remembered. Oh, right, Russia. Magic. Tsars. Love triangles. So I dived in with a gusto. I was not disappointed.", "date_added": "Thu May 12 22:45:27 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Sat Jul 30 12:10:02 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Tue Jul 26 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Mon Jul 25 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "26004636", "review_id": "a67f05146a96b395d90751fbc326b4c5", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for The Color of Feat at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Confession time: I don't like zombies. In fact, it is probably one of the only fads that I haven't really gotten into over the last decade. Vampires? No problem. Werewolves? Fantastic. Fairy-tale retellings? Give me all of them. But zombies I try to steer clear of. However, in one of those monthly subscription book boxes I receive, this book was in it and I decided I might as well give it a try before I get rid of it. So I did. And let me tell you that is probably five hours of my life I'm not going to get back.", "date_added": "Sat Apr 30 14:35:15 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Sat Feb 18 15:34:56 -0800 2017", "read_at": "Wed Feb 08 00:00:00 -0800 2017", "started_at": "Wed Feb 08 00:00:00 -0800 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "6393119", "review_id": "b222bf2017fa0bece9c9feffce993ce6", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Once a Witch at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n So, if you haven't been able to tell, I have a niche when it comes to paranormal books. Female heroines who are outcasts and sublimate that with their sarcasm. But then something huge happens that makes them somewhat normal and the whole world rests on their shoulders. And of course, there's always the hot guy who tags along as their sidekick/love interest. Just like that you've pretty much got Once a Witch. Don't get me wrong, I loved the character of Tamsin and her need to be normal, she kind of reminded me of Stacey in the Blue is for Nightmares series. The addition of Gabriel was just maddening, but in a good way.", "date_added": "Sat Apr 02 23:01:02 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Fri Jul 01 21:27:43 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Wed Jun 29 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Tue Jun 28 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "26074194", "review_id": "46650b2b8246e218862ac0c93eef8e0f", "rating": 2, "review_text": "See full review for Queen of Hearts at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n You have got to be kidding me. No. Really. You have to be. After reading Heartless last year, a fellow Wonderland friend told me that Queen of Hearts was worse than Heartless and she was curious to see what I thought of it. I see what she meant. Heartless was one hundred times better than this 306 paged sob fest. I mean, seriously. At least, Catherine had a backbone and parents who meant well. Dinah is a sniveling weakling, who I really can't believe was going to be the Queen of Hearts, with a father who makes the King of Hearts that I'm writing look like a hero instead of the villain he really is.", "date_added": "Wed Mar 30 17:20:04 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Sun Jan 15 08:31:05 -0800 2017", "read_at": "Mon Jan 09 00:00:00 -0800 2017", "started_at": "Sun Jan 08 00:00:00 -0800 2017", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 1}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "27272506", "review_id": "60d063a1bb5f4bbd58e9b5a0c645112b", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for The Glittering Court at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n When I saw Mead promoting this book on her Twitter I was a little curious. I love reading books that have to deal with regency and ladies of high birth masquerading and figuring out that their something more than their title, and I also love Mead's writing. I added it to my reading list and my friend - who's also a huge Mead fan - got to it before I did. She ended up not liking it all too much, and I was a little nervous. I gave it a go anyway and I can see what's going on.", "date_added": "Fri Mar 25 16:57:38 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Sat Oct 29 11:58:22 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Fri Oct 21 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Tue Oct 18 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 1}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "16150831", "review_id": "09ff7cd81c400bf0dc8babdb7df836ca", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for In the Afterlight at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Ruby's world has been turned upside multiple times in her seventeen years. From the time she was ten and survived IANN only to discover her strange ability to see inside a person's mind to when the President bombed Los Angeles to get rid of the Children's League. Now, she has to overcome the LA bombing to get what she really wants - the cure for her abilities. But before she can do that, her and the surviving members of the League have to get the hell out of LA before they starve to death. Not an easy task when the city is crawling with Psi Special Forces just waiting for them to screw up and the agents within their own group who are planning to betray everyone for money and supplies to get out and bomb Washington again. \n Thanks to some subterfuge of their own, Ruby and Cole send those agents packing and make their way to the Ranch - the original HQ of the League - but along the way, Ruby and company pick up a person from their group that they didn't think they'd ever see again, and learn the truth about the cure that is supposed to save them all... \n Here we go again with another sequel that I was wary of, because what are the chances that I would actually like all three books of a trilogy? It's rare, and that meant that something was going to go wrong in this book that would send me through three or four star rating hell. But, I shouldn't have worried, because Bracken is good. She knows how to pick up the story right where we left off with Ruby in LA dealing with the fallout of the bombing and the bombshell that she rescued the notes that Clancy tried to burn to a crisp in the last book. Add in the potential betrayal of their fellow agents and Zu finally making a reappearance and things were set up for a great conclusion. And it was really great.", "date_added": "Sun Mar 13 20:27:39 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Sat Apr 30 21:03:21 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Sat Apr 23 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Fri Apr 15 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "16150830", "review_id": "ace08bdc9044105fc0b4250c28ea13cd", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for Never Fade at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Ruby has made the hardest decision in the direst of circumstances. When her friend Chubs was shot, she called in the people that she'd been running from since she broke out of her 'rehabilitation' camp - the Children's League. They agreed to help her, but with a price. She had to come and work for them and she made one more condition. They had to let Liam - her boyfriend - go. And she did one other hard thing. She wiped Liam's memory of anything that had to deal with her and sent him on his way. Now, six months later, she is deep into the Children's League, but even they are not safe. Psi Kids are getting killed in action and its being written off as an accident. Ruby and her team - including Cate - are trying to figure out what is going on when Cole Stewart - Liam's brother - comes to Ruby with a new mission for her. \n The reason he got picked up was because Liam made contact with him to try and find their parents. It got called in and Cole got picked up instead of his brother. But Liam when he ran took vital intel that could help the League go back to its old ways. Now, Ruby has to find the one person she thought that she was never going to see again. But she quickly learns that even though she has control over other people's minds, sometimes things never fade... \n I'm always worried about sequels to books that I really liked, because a good chunk of the time, the next one doesn't live up to its predecessor. As I started Never Fade, it looked like that was going to be the case.", "date_added": "Sun Mar 13 20:27:32 -0700 2016", "date_updated": "Sat Apr 23 20:41:37 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Fri Apr 15 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Thu Apr 07 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "16068780", "review_id": "56c919c45120c4badd2261478eb5d831", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for The Jewel at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n On an island called The Lone City that is threatened on all sides by rising water, the royal families cannot bare children because of deformities in their bloodlines. However, since the royal lines need to continue the lower class girls are tested when they start having their monthly courses to see if they have special genes that will allow them to carry the royal's babies. Those girls who test positive are taken from their families and put into holding facilities where they learn everything that they need to in order to become a surrogate for the royals. Violet Lasting is one of those girls and has been since she was twelve. Now, today is her last day of freedom before she is sent to the Auction where she will be purchased by one of the royal families. After today she will not have contact with her friends or family ever again. \n Violet has heard a lot of things about the Auction and the life of a surrogate. But she wasn't expecting being slapped on the first day by the Duchess of the Lake. Nor was she expecting being told that she had to deliver a girl child in three months, or else things would end badly for her. She also wasn't expecting to be towed around on a leash like she was a common animal. But the last thing she was expecting was to fall in love with a companion, a traitorous crime that is punishable by death. \n Compared to the last book I read, The Jewel was a breath of fresh air. The characters jumped off the page. The world was an intriguing one to read about. It sort of reminded me of The Handmaid's Tale only with a little bit more regency intrigue.", "date_added": "Thu Mar 03 09:04:35 -0800 2016", "date_updated": "Sat May 07 20:18:02 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Thu May 05 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Mon May 02 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "21421609", "review_id": "281e573accf2a7d3827c3a3d571b3741", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for Assassin's Heart at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n In the kingdom of Lovero, nine rival Families of assassins lawfully kill people for a price. As a highly skilled member of one of these powerful clans, seventeen-year-old Lea Saldana has always trusted in the strength of her Family. Until she awakens to find them murdered and her home in flames. The Da Vias, the Saldanas' biggest enemy, must be responsible--and Lea should have seen it coming. But her secret relationship with the Da Vias' son, Val, has clouded her otherwise killer instinct--and given the Da Vias more reason than ever to take her Family down. \n Racked with guilt and shattered over Val's probable betrayal, Lea sets out to even the score, with her heart set on retaliation and only one thought clear in her mind: make the Da Vias pay. \n Okay, so I was really excited to read Assassin's Heart because of the tones of Romeo and Juliet with a twist of the His Fair Assassin series thrown in. I'm a sucker when it comes to forbidden romances. Add in a strong female heroine and I thought for sure this was going to be one of the better books that I've read in a while. Alas, it wasn't to be.", "date_added": "Mon Feb 29 21:14:14 -0800 2016", "date_updated": "Sat Apr 09 22:14:33 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Thu Apr 07 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Tue Apr 05 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "23253083", "review_id": "9716a27f3193bdff144b7e5cde9ba2c0", "rating": 0, "review_text": "I'm not sure if it's been too long since I've read the Seven Kingdoms series that is this book is spun off of, but I just COULD NOT get into this book.", "date_added": "Mon Feb 29 21:12:12 -0800 2016", "date_updated": "Sat Apr 30 10:46:19 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Sat Apr 30 10:46:19 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Wed Apr 20 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "22698568", "review_id": "f8c427c1ffa57ff15537245fba592f22", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for The Invasion of the Tearling at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n The Invasion of the Tearling is a countless bunch of tales told in 511 pages. But there are only three tales that you really need to pay attention to. First, there's Queen Kelsea of the Tearling. Despite everything that she has accomplished since book 1 her throne is still threatened. Not only by the Red Queen, but by people who desperately want her off the throne for the good of the kingdom including the wonderful Holy Father of the Arvath. While dealing with coups she also has to deal with the Mortemsene army that is amassing on her border and looks to invade all because she refuses to send the shipment of slaves that was promised in the treaty her mother signed. The Tearling has no chance of winning and Kelsea knows that but that still doesn't stop her from hoping. Especially when a dark stranger shows up at her fireplace one night and tells her that he can help her. But like with everything, his help comes with a price and she isn't sure she wants to pay it. \n So, in my review for book 1 I said that the reason I didn't like the book was because it was really slow and I wasn't sure if I was going to continue on. I bit the bullet and continued on and my complaint for book 1 still stands with book 2, BUT this book was more enjoyable than the first.", "date_added": "Tue Feb 23 14:22:57 -0800 2016", "date_updated": "Sat Mar 12 14:42:15 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Sun Mar 06 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Tue Feb 23 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "10576365", "review_id": "77064fc2b57ec10eefc59c4048e1833f", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for The Darkest Minds at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Ruby has survived the odds. She lives in a time when the children of the United States contract a horrible disease that most likely kills them. Most of her class died because of this disease, but she's been lucky and hasn't caught it. Or at least that's what she thinks. On the day of her tenth birthday, she goes into the kitchen for her family's famous chocolate birthday pancakes, only her mother hasn't cooked them and doesn't even know who Ruby is. She takes her into the garage and sends in Ruby's father to get to the bottom of this, but he doesn't know who she is either and calls the police. The police don't come. Instead Psi agents do and take her away to a camp. \n As it turns out, if the children don't get IANN, or they survive it, it means that they are 'special.' Ruby has a special ability to make people forget things and when she is sent for classification she makes her tester forget what type she has and is labeled a Green - they use a rainbow scale to determine how dangerous a kid's ability is Red being the most dangerous, Blue being the least. Six years later, thanks to a White Noise test - a high pitched frequency that only the psi kids can hear and causes them to go immobile - Ruby is sent to the medical wing where she learns the shocking truth. The Psi guards have been testing out a new frequency to pick up any Red, Orange or Yellows that they might have missed. But lucky for Ruby, her nurse doesn't work for the Psi Guard she works for the Children's League and has every intention of getting her out before the guard kills her. But Rub knows that help always comes with a price. \n I came across the book multiple times whenever I went into the book tag on Pinterest. I read the summary once and wasn't sure this would be my kind of book, but a lot of my bookish friends told me that I should give it a go. I'm glad I took them up on their advice. The Darkest Minds is a really good dysotopian tale.", "date_added": "Fri Feb 19 08:24:09 -0800 2016", "date_updated": "Sat Mar 19 13:50:21 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Sun Mar 13 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Tue Mar 08 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "25890355", "review_id": "49653f8d96b05fce13f42e55a747b324", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Paper and Fire at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n So after reading the first book in this series and then reading the first ten pages of this book, I thought for sure I was in for one long and mindnumbingly boring ride. But, surprisingly, this book was the exact opposite. After being reintroduced to characters and getting caught up on what happened to each since the end of Ink and Bone, the pace picked up and the action - excuse the pun - heated up.", "date_added": "Thu Feb 18 15:19:58 -0800 2016", "date_updated": "Sun Feb 05 08:56:06 -0800 2017", "read_at": "Mon Jan 30 00:00:00 -0800 2017", "started_at": "Fri Jan 27 00:00:00 -0800 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "21518344", "review_id": "7f3cce7f08a4501fffbf050fa42f3cfb", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Unhooked at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Gwen Allister is sick of moving. For the umpteenth time her mother and her move again, this time to a new flat in London and she isn't happy about it at all because she started putting down roots the last time they moved. In fact, her best friend Olivia, comes with them to help them out for the next two weeks and that is pretty much the only thing that Gwen is happy for. But eventually she knows that Liv is going back home and she'll be stuck here with her mother who believes that the fairy mural painted in the second bedroom in their new flat is real and that they are watching her. \n On the first night, Gwen is awoken by something moving in the shadows and making noises, she thinks it's just a draft of some sort, until a hand clutches over her mouth and lifts her up and out of her room. After a freaky light show, some flying, and possibly a cannon fight, Gwen finds herself falling into water and losing consciousness. When she wakes up she is on board a ship and its Captain welcomes her to the last place she ever thought possible. Neverland. Only this isn't the land from the stories and Captain isn't the villain he is made out to be. Pan, on the other hand, just might be the villain and he wants Gwen no matter the cost. \n So Maxwell had a lot to live up to with her rendition of Hook, and she did come close to beating Killian, but she fell just a little bit short. The first few chapters were a little slow and didn't give too much information, but once Gwen drops into Neverland the pace picks up and the witty conversation flies.", "date_added": "Wed Feb 17 17:26:56 -0800 2016", "date_updated": "Sat Mar 26 21:45:58 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Thu Mar 24 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Tue Mar 22 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "23688792", "review_id": "02ac14263197eee234b4f9275cb87874", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for These Vicious Masks at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n I won't lie, These Vicious Masks is somewhat similar to The Dark Days Club; takes place in England during a time where women socialize and look for husbands and it isn't proper for them to be running around without some sort of chaperone, people with special powers that no one really understands, and some sort of special organization that everyone with these powers fears. Although, the latter doesn't really get explained in great detail, which is where I have a feeling the sequel is going to focus on. But I digress.", "date_added": "Wed Feb 17 17:26:34 -0800 2016", "date_updated": "Fri Jul 15 13:08:29 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Sun Jul 10 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Fri Jul 08 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "25489567", "review_id": "1120a3858455e082df400cfa06eade4d", "rating": 2, "review_text": "See full review for The Love that Split the World at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Natalie Cleary has always been a little strange. She's been able to see and talk to a woman she calls 'Grandmother' since she was small. Her parents took her to therapists to resolve the problem and after some therapy Grandmother disappeared and she became normal. Somewhat. Three years later, she wakes up in the middle of the night to find Grandmother by her bed again and with her usual story, but this time she also has a cryptic warning. She has three months to save him and Alice Chan will help her. Then Grandmother disappears and weird things start happening to Natalie. Her town starts disappearing for seconds then minutes then hours at a time. \n She doesn't know when it will happen and she is officially scared. Who did Grandmother possibly mean to save in three months? And what can Alice Chan do that no other therapist has been able to? She goes to search for answers knowing that no only does she have three months, but that she has even less considering she has to go up to Rhode Island soon to start her new school. Along the way she encounters Beau Wilkes who goes to her school but who she has never seen before. He may just have the answers she needs, but at what cost? \n So, when I first read the summary of this book I'll admit I was a little hesitant to read it. I don't usually read books that are surrounded in Native American culture, sometimes they are not my cup of tea. But everywhere I was looking I kept hearing good things about The Love that Split the World and decided to give it a go. I think I should have listened to my instincts.", "date_added": "Sat Feb 06 17:52:24 -0800 2016", "date_updated": "Sat Jul 09 14:48:59 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Mon Jul 04 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Fri Jul 01 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "18490681", "review_id": "0274e80e51d814e775245e2eef117e7e", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for The Kiss of Deception at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n So, like The Impostor Queen I found that the beginning of this book was dragging. The author hits you with a lot of information all at once with little to no backstory. Told from Princess Lia's perspective, you're dropped in just as she's getting a 'tattoo' of her marriage vow to the Prince of the neighboring nation (don't ask me to spell it). But Lia has plans of her own. She's never liked that she was a First Daughter of the House of Morrighan, especially since she has yet to receive her powers that comes with that title. She wants to make her own destiny and she does. With the help of her handmaiden Paulette she runs and ensconces herself in the neighboring town as a barmaid. The Kiss of Deception picks up when the Prince that she ditched goes after her and an assassin is sent after her too. When both show up on the scene, title chapters are switched to their names Kaden and Rafe, but you don't know who is who. I had a fun time trying to put together what clues I could to figure it out. But it always switched, just when I thought I was onto something.", "date_added": "Fri Feb 05 21:36:11 -0800 2016", "date_updated": "Sat Mar 18 14:06:09 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Tue Mar 07 17:47:00 -0800 2017", "started_at": "Mon Mar 06 17:29:21 -0800 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "28260524", "review_id": "ae3cf669753e08a6a7cc667204eaad90", "rating": 2, "review_text": "See full review for Stealing Snow at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n When I first read the summary to this book I was really excited to read it. A fairy tale twist on the story of the Snow Queen. It sounded right up my alley. And as I started reading Stealing Snow, I got this sense of deja vu. I couldn't figure out why until Snow ran into the River Witch and her friends Kai and Gerde. They reminded me a lot of the Order of the Wicked from Paige's other book series Dorothy Must Die. And as the story continued to unfold there were a lot of similarities. Then there was also the fact that this story was very disjointed. After years in a psych ward, Snow is very distrusting and seems to be focused on one thing - finding Bale, the boy she's fallen in love with despite the fact that her kiss caused him to go insane and hurt her.", "date_added": "Mon Feb 01 22:21:27 -0800 2016", "date_updated": "Sun Dec 18 10:22:36 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Wed Dec 14 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Mon Dec 12 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "23398607", "review_id": "6191289f68f516876c2c21f344f2ebb9", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for Ink and Bone at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n I don't even know where to begin with this book because it was very strange and not what I normally read. It is very literary with the mentions of books and the Great Library of Alexandria - which to be honest, I never really knew about before I read this book - and the storyline is quite complex. There were a few times where I seriously considered giving up on this book, but I pushed through somehow. Jess is a strange narrator because he's not necessarily good, but he's not necessarily bad either. Because of his upbringing in the world of book smuggling he's used to doing backhanded things to help his family, but that doesn't mean that he enjoys them. In fact, when his father puts him forward to be a spy in the Library, Jess is very reluctant to do so. He wants to be a Librarian. But he doesn't want to be a spy for his family. It's admirable really.", "date_added": "Mon Feb 01 22:10:37 -0800 2016", "date_updated": "Sat Feb 20 11:23:31 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Thu Feb 18 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Sat Feb 13 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "13612965", "review_id": "9b6d471d726c37355568271cb494b4b2", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for The Bronze Key at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n My problem with this series is the same throughout all three books so far. Each book is too short and the events within it are rushed. The Bronze Key is annoyingly brief.", "date_added": "Mon Feb 01 21:58:57 -0800 2016", "date_updated": "Sun Dec 11 09:23:19 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Mon Dec 05 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Sun Dec 04 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "15723498", "review_id": "b53ddf7906db19d4a699ad031c44a064", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for Tiger's Destiny at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Everything that Kelsey Hayes has done for her tigers has led to this. After being kidnapped by Lokesh in the last book, she must find a way to get out before he can do what he wants with her. But because he has so many pieces of the amulet already, his powers far exceed her own. Her only hope is that her two tigers are on their way to find her. Because once they rescue her they still have one last sacrifice to find to break the curse, but this one might take the most from all of them. \n Look, I don't want to waste too much time on a summary of what happened in this book. All you need to know is that there was a lot of drama, adventure, romance, and loss. I loved that Tiger's Destiny diverted a little bit from it's usual pattern of figuring out the clues to find the final sacrifice and instead went straight to Kelsey's time with her kidnapper. If I thought Lokesh was a disillusioned villain before, I thought he was downright crazy in this book. There were a few moments in the first few chapters that I had to go and do something else because Lokesh was being just a little bit too creepy and the way that Kelsey was trying to play him was a little bit disturbing.", "date_added": "Mon Feb 01 16:54:44 -0800 2016", "date_updated": "Sat Feb 06 14:38:34 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Wed Feb 03 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Mon Feb 01 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "23308084", "review_id": "21cd08a77f80c64ab3f7ec103f93ead2", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for The Rose & the Dagger at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n After reading The Wrath & the Dawn earlier this year and the cliffhanger that was left here is another book that I was really excited for its release. But this one for some reason wasn't as awesome as the other books that I was excited for. Don't get me wrong, the story was still good, the characters were amazing - especially the character development of Khalid and Tariq - but there was just something about the plot and the way that everything tied together that kind of left me wanting.", "date_added": "Thu Jan 28 20:51:31 -0800 2016", "date_updated": "Sat Oct 08 12:45:47 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Sun Oct 02 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Thu Sep 29 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "12171378", "review_id": "e836e073e8c0d59ab2872822df85e567", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for Tiger's Voyage at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n After rescuing the love of her life from the clutches of her worst enemy, Kelsey's world has been turned upside down again when she realizes that Ren doesn't remember who she is and doesn't feel anything towards her except annoyance. After having a small pity party for herself, though, she comes back stronger than ever and determined to only be friends with Ren since that was how they started the last time. He agrees to her plan and things become easier between them as they, Mr. Kadam and Kishan go on the lookout for the third sacrifice to Durga. \n But this one is different than the others. This one has many more challenges that center around the most mythical creature of all. Dragons. Apparently, there are five of them and to get the third sacrifice - Durga's Necklace - they're going to not only learn how to dive but implore the help of these legendary beasts. Along the way, wills will be tested, love will flourish and hearts will break (multiple times), and their lives will be put on the line. \n There's good news and there is bad news with this book. The good news is I had a lot of emotions while reading this book. The bad news is because I was reading this book at work and there were a lot of times where I gasped, teared, laughed, etc. out loud a lot of people at work now think that I am crazy. Whoops. Oh, well.", "date_added": "Mon Jan 25 19:14:27 -0800 2016", "date_updated": "Sat Feb 06 14:34:42 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Mon Feb 01 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Mon Jan 25 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "10382285", "review_id": "2d8cfee4a55464f47e8cd4e246e49cc7", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for Tiger's Quest at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Kelsey has been through it all over the last four months. She found out that not everything is what it seems. She has gone through a lot of dangerous things all to break a curse on two Indian princes. She also fell in love with one, but she pushed him away because there was no way that he could love her especially when he had been stuck as a tiger for so long. However, it's hard to leave him and when she gets back home to Oregon she comes to realize that it's even harder to forget him and move on. \n I was so desperate to read this book, that before I even finished book 1 I checked it out from the digital library - which is usually something I don't do. After the way Tiger's Curse ended, I needed to know what happened next as soon as possible. There was no way that Kelsey was going to be Ren free for long and I turned and devoured pages until he showed back up on the scene. Talk about the best Christmas present ever. Like the first book, this book has a lot of adventure and again I'm going to make a reference to the Indiana Jones movies. Only instead of boulders going after our heroes it's mythical creatures.", "date_added": "Mon Jan 18 16:38:48 -0800 2016", "date_updated": "Sat Jan 30 11:43:22 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Mon Jan 25 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Mon Jan 18 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "29091900", "review_id": "d6c2628c1fc04569804dfbb8804f3574", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for The Dark Days Club at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n I wanted to like this book because it sounded like something up my alley. London in the eighteen hundreds, a supernatural twist, and a female heroine who has to defy the restraints of her sex in the time period. I was intrigued. But it didn't last. The Dark Days Club takes a while to set up its world, and normally I wouldn't mind a long set up, but this one was quite boring. Lady Helen is about to make her debut in front of the queen and her aunt and uncle - who have taken custody of her since her parents death - are very focused on this debut, because it is her season and they have their eyes on the Duke of Selton. There are a few interesting tidbits thrown in that kept me flipping pages - like the mystery of why her mother is considered a traitor to the crown, her brother, and the disappearance of a maid - but if Lord Carlston hadn't showed up when he did, I probably wouldn't have finished this book.", "date_added": "Sat Jan 16 10:03:12 -0800 2016", "date_updated": "Sat Feb 27 13:21:30 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Wed Feb 24 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Wed Feb 17 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "28449207", "review_id": "a5d1891a70ede3e44cba7096ba86444c", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for Strange the Dreamer at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Four years ago, I fell in love with Laini Taylor and her Daughter of Smoke and Bone series (even if I haven't yet finished that yet, but that's another story). So when I heard that she was writing a new duology, I was so excited. And I was even more excited when I found the new book at my library on the new release shelf. I took it home and started reading it last week and even though it was slow going (because I was reading two books at the same time) I loved every minute of it.", "date_added": "Thu Dec 24 19:45:46 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Jul 22 09:31:01 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Sat Jul 15 16:30:19 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Tue Jul 11 16:21:00 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 2, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "25524583", "review_id": "a6f3bc847d0748cea1b08c9cb08fa6a2", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for The Wrath and the Dawn at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n In a land ruled by a boy-king, every dawn brings about heartache for a new family. The boy-king is kind and strong in his ruling, but in one thing do his people find fault. For the last few months, everyday Khalid, the Caliph of Khorasan choses a new bride to be his. But she never makes it to the next day. By dawn, her body is found with a silk chord wrapped around her neck. The people are in uproar and fear who comes next. When Shahrzad (Shazi for short) best friend Shiva becomes the king's latest victim she swear revenge and volunteers to become Khalid's next victim. \n But things don't go according to plan. For the first time, Khalid actually visits a wife and has dinner with her. Right before he leaves, she begins to tell him a story, one that he raptly listens to, even when it lasts past the dawn. He makes a decision to let her live one more night, but soon one more night turns into weeks and then months. And Shazi is slowly starting to forget why she came to the palace to begin with... \n It's been over twelve hours since I've finished this book and I honestly can't even put into words what I'm feeling right now.", "date_added": "Tue Dec 08 20:45:44 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Jan 07 12:11:14 -0800 2017", "read_at": "Thu Jan 28 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Tue Jan 26 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "n_votes": 3, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "25946985", "review_id": "19cc1dcd055c2fc294d0159f79b51b58", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for Oblivion at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n The ruling theme in 2015? Taking the first book of a popular series that was told in a the female protagonist POV and switching it to the male love interest. A good chunk of the time I don't waste my time with books like this because I don't want to re-read a book just to get the guy's point of view but lately the authors who have good male characters have been releasing these books. \n Oblivion is the re-telling of Obsidian from Daemon's point of view and because I purchased it through the iBookstore I also got Onyx and Opal told from Daemon's POV. And I have to say it was worth the $6.99 I spent.", "date_added": "Tue Nov 24 10:17:02 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Thu Sep 07 08:48:51 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Mon Dec 14 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Wed Dec 02 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "18602406", "review_id": "4b5447dd7afcb64934798884718e57db", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Yellow Brick War at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n After everything that Amy Gumm has been through over the last few months she didn't really expect this. She's back in Kansas even though there is still a war raging in Oz and she needs to stop it. Luckily she isn't alone. The Order of the Wicked - Mombi, Gert, and Glamora - are with her and so is Dorothy. Sensing their chance the Order forms the Quadrant - aligning all cardinal directions of Oz - by adding Nox to their number and they try to take out Dorothy. But she still has the ruby slippers and escapes back to Oz. Now, Amy learns the startling truth that the three items she was commanded to find had nothing to do with killing Dorothy but had to do with unlocking the Wizard's dastardly plan to merge Kansas with Oz and that Nox can never truly be hers. She also learns that the key to defeating Dorothy lies in her original slippers that she wore on her first journey to Oz and that are still in Kansas - somewhere on the grounds of her old high school actually. And it's only been a month since the tornado that destroyed her trailer and took her to Oz. \n Now, Amy has to go live with her - newly sober - mother and try to get back into the high school where she was previously suspended. But despite all that, things are about to get weirder when not only does Madison - her nemesis and resident mean girl - treat her like a friend, but a mysterious being called the Nome King shows up too and might have plans for Amy. \n Okay, look, if I thought book 2 was bad with all the dark, magic, and dead bodies, that had nothing on this book. Yellow Brick War straddles the line between plot device and just down right evil.", "date_added": "Sat Nov 14 13:11:29 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Apr 09 22:09:53 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Tue Apr 05 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Sun Apr 03 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "15745371", "review_id": "ac287cf3a788c13a4b733b5249477315", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Chosen at Nightfall at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n In the stunning conclusion to the Shadow Falls series - yes, I did actually type that phrase to describe this book - Kylie is living with her real grandfather and aunt on the chameleon preservation. Despite wanting to be there because she wants to learn how to control her powers, she feels isolated. Her grandfather is so paranoid about the FRU finding them that he limits her contact with Holiday and anyone she knew back in Shadow Falls. But her loneliness doesn't last when Burnett, Derek and Lucas show up to tell her about an even that happened back at the camp. Something that has to deal with her. \n Her friend Helen was attacked, and everyone believes it was Mario - the rogue chameleon who's been after her since book 1 - who did it to drag Kylie out of hiding so that way he can attack. Knowing that it is because of her and knowing that she isn't safe among her own kind, she decides to go back to Shadow Falls, but even that is complicated. Between the chameleon elders wanting to kidnap her and make her stay, Lucas still hanging around despite everything he's done, and the whole Mario situation the last thing Kylie needs is another ghost. But that's just what she gets. \n Okay, so I ate this book up. I seriously read over half of it in one day and the only reason I put it down was because I had to go to sleep for work the next morning.", "date_added": "Thu Nov 12 17:17:25 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Dec 26 20:42:06 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Sat Dec 19 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Thu Dec 17 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "13416236", "review_id": "f7dc2af1df520a17390f0c28d67bb449", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for Whispers at Moonrise at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Kylie has finally got an answer in the elusive question of what she is. According to her father, she is a chameleon, but with the answer comes a lot more questions. What exactly is a chameleon? Why is it that there are no other records of chameleons? And how can she control all her different powers without having a mental breakdown? But there are other questions too that don't have to deal with what she is, and the top most one is why is she seeing Holiday's ghost when the camp leader isn't dead? \n Okay, this book was a real emotional roller coaster. Between everyone thinking that Kylie was a lizard - seriously? - and Kylie reconnecting with her real family, not to mention the whole Lucas/Derek love triangle I kind of need a drink. The two things that I've liked about this book series was the relationship between Kylie, Miranda, and Della and the focus on Holiday and Burnett and the whole will they won't they situation they had going on. In Whispers at Moonrise, I get a lot of that, plus some unexpected things.", "date_added": "Thu Nov 12 17:17:19 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Dec 19 11:50:22 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Thu Dec 17 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Thu Dec 10 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "12866426", "review_id": "17de8c975d4f8588ff213543c6c9296c", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for Taken at Dusk at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Kylie Galen doesn't know what she is and she's been spending the last four months trying to figure that out. She's hoping that she will get a major clue when her father's adoptive parents show up at camp to meet her for the first time. But just as she thinks she's getting answers, it is revealed that the couple that came to see her wasn't who they said they were. Burnett - the vampire who works with Holiday as camp advisor - promises that they will investigate the matter, because they need to know whom the couple works for. Like maybe the old vampire and his grandson who kidnapped her in the last book? \n With that in her head, Kylie has a lot of other stuff going on. She's still trying to figure out who she is and it doesn't get any clearer even when her brain pattern is finally revealed to the others - they just see a human, but everyone knows that that can't be right. She also has to deal with an evil deer and eagle, a persistent blue jay, another ghost who may or may not be a baby murderer, and Derek comes back to the camp making the whole Lucas-Derek-Kylie love triangle go up a few notches. For someone who may not be normal she sure does have a lot of normal teenaged problems. \n For the record, this book made me feel really stupid, and it's only because the whole time I was trying to figure out what Kylie was I kept missing important details that Hunter was dropping.", "date_added": "Thu Nov 12 17:17:14 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Dec 19 11:42:26 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Thu Dec 10 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Tue Dec 08 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "10800916", "review_id": "39deab3e882be6671b6d214e96fffd9f", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for Awake at Dawn at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Kylie Galen's life has literally been turned upside down this summer and it's all thanks to being sent to Shadow Falls camp. But unlike what the website states, this camp isn't for teenage delinquents, it's for teenagers with unique abilities. Like being a vampire, witch, werewolf, fairy, or shape shifter. But even amongst the supernatural, Kylie is still labeled weird. She can see ghosts and her brain - which should show her unique signature - is shut off to the other supernaturals around her. But as Awake at Dawn begins, things are getting really strange when at a vampire ceremony, Kylie takes a sip of blood and likes it. \n The weirdness doesn't stop there when she's also being followed around by a wolf, her strength and hearing are heightened, her mood swings go over the top, and she has a huge growth spurt. The questions about what Kylie really is continue to grow in number and even she is confused and doesn't know where to find the answers. She decides to start with Daniel - her real dad - adoptive parents, hoping that maybe they can fill in the blanks. But even as she struggles with who she is, she also has to decide which boy she likes. Derek - the always there for her - fairy who can manipulate her emotions? Or Lucas - the mysterious guy from her past - wolf who left camp with his ex-hookup? Let the drama commence. \n Do you ever read bad fanfiction? But for some reason, despite how bad it is you can't stop reading it because you want to know how things end? That was me with Awake at Dawn and right now with the Shadow Falls series.", "date_added": "Thu Nov 12 17:17:07 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Dec 12 09:46:50 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Tue Dec 08 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Thu Dec 03 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "27245910", "review_id": "6fb103e9e1a24375001998ba9a61b372", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for The Shadow Hour at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n So, I don't really remember the events of the first book and when I went to go read my review I cursed my past self for being so horribly vague about what happened. I remembered the whole two warring species of legend aspect and that Echo who was of neither was in the middle even though she housed with the Avicen and was kind of in love with one of their members - Rowan - and had a best friend - Ivy. And that the 'prince' of the Drakharin - Caius - was following her hoping to find the firebird but really he fell for her instead. But that was all I remembered from book 1. I didn't really remember the characters of Jasper and Dorian. And I barely remembered Echo becoming the firebird to save her friends' lives. However, Grey does a really good job of summarizing the events that happened at the end of book 1. \n Once you get past that though, there is A LOT of sitting around and tending to wounds in this book, which is sad considering something more could have been done in 421 pages. I understand why there was a lot of sitting around though, because of the fact that with Echo being the firebird she wasn't really sure who she could trust. But it isn't until they realize that the firebird wasn't the only thing that was released that night, do things get rather interesting.", "date_added": "Thu Nov 12 17:16:14 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Aug 13 10:01:20 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Wed Aug 10 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Fri Aug 05 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "27161833", "review_id": "151d109bdd6ef64e3ba0c1ff4cb8e8f1", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for The King Slayer at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n After having my emotions wrecked by the last two books I read, I was in desperate need of a book that was funny and who's characters I wasn't all that emotionally invested in. Enter The King Slayer. It's been over a year since I read the previous novel, so I figured for sure that I wasn't going to be too broken up about characters and their fates. I was right. While this book still has the action-packed pace, I think it kind of stepped away from the characters that were in the previous book.", "date_added": "Thu Nov 12 17:15:53 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Sep 10 14:58:09 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Fri Sep 09 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Thu Sep 08 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "31226229", "review_id": "c6091113027ede70c45d7263b2529f23", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for Poisoned Blade at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n So, while Court of Fives was all about Jes and how she maneuvered through her new life as a competitor in the Fives with a Patron backing her, this book is a little bit more complex. Apparently there is a plot afoot a complex political plot that drove me absolutely insane.", "date_added": "Thu Nov 12 17:14:34 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Sep 24 12:11:42 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Sat Sep 17 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Thu Sep 15 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "26860475", "review_id": "b1a489dc7db9a57e15ae8f428a516a32", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Huh. This book wasn't quite what I was expecting. Full review to come. \n Update 1/28/17: \n See full review for Life and Death at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n I'll admit when I first heard about this I was annoyed. For the tenth anniversary she released a gender bend version of Twilight instead of Midnight Sun which is what I really wanted to see? How lame. And as the reviews poured in for it, I was just skeptical to even try reading it. When I finally got around to it a few days ago, I was biting my lip through the first five chapters, because I was going out of my mind with boredom. It was almost like the same story, just with Beau instead of Bella, Edythe instead of Edward, McKayla instead of Mike - although I have to admit with this character the female version was more annoying than the male - and so on. I was half tempted to stop reading it and leave it abandoned.", "date_added": "Tue Nov 10 14:09:32 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Apr 01 11:54:19 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Tue Jan 24 00:00:00 -0800 2017", "started_at": "Mon Jan 23 00:00:00 -0800 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "25776030", "review_id": "e7b2da88e600db81912dda3d8656ec66", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for Unforgiven at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Luce and Daniel have gone off into the sunset, living their happily ever after. But one of their friends isn't so happy. Cam's whole existence was changed because of the Luce/Daniel love story. In one of the many times that the couple fell in love, Cam met a girl named Lilith who changed his whole world. He was going to marry her. Until she wanted to get married in a temple - and he couldn't do it without burning the building down. Not wanting to tell her the reason why he can't get married in a temple, he broke things off with her; breaking his heart and hers in the process. He never knew what happened to her after he denied her, but he's about to find out. \n It starts with a song - Lilith's song - and a little help from Arrianne who tells him that Lilith ended up in hell. Cam goes out in search of Lucifer, but he doesn't have to look far. Lucifer knows what he wants, so he shows Cam what he wants to see. But Cam isn't satisfied with just a glimpse of her, especially because she is in Hell. So he makes a deal with the devil. If Lilith can fall in love with him again in fifteen days, then she goes free. If he can't, he has to stay by Lucifer's side for all eternity. Let the games begin... \n You know I hate the timing of the release of this book. If this book had come out after Fallen had, I probably would have been really excited to read it because CAM. Out of all the fallen angels, he was my favorite. But, since this book came out after the events of Rapture, I wasn't all that excited to read it. I would rather have known what happened with Luce and Daniel and their attempt to fall in love for the umpteenth time, only this time with no memories of past lives. But alas... \n Anyway, this story is okay. It's very bleak - obviously because of Hell - and the odds seemed to be stacked up against Cam.", "date_added": "Tue Nov 10 14:05:19 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Sat May 14 21:23:30 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Wed May 11 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Thu May 05 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "27840861", "review_id": "379fc3a4ffe64d79beace84f1bcf2893", "rating": 5, "review_text": "Full review to come. Until then...AMAZING. \n Update 12/31/16: \n See full review for Crooked Kingdom at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Considering my record in the last few months with anticipated releases, I thought for sure Crooked Kingdom was going to be one of those books that was going to wind up letting me down. Especially because it had been so long since I last read Six of Crows. But I should have known better. It didn't take me long to get reacquainted with the world of the Grisha and the Crows that I came to know and love during the previous book. The group hasn't really changed since the last book, they just have a new mission with a little bit more higher stakes. A member of their gang has been kidnapped and the only way they can get her back is if they trade her for the precious prize they picked up while in the Ice Kingdom. But Kaz isn't about to go down without a fight and the plans his mind comes up with are just a genius to behold. This book is one twisty ride of fun. Just when you think the Crows have met their match, Kaz shows that he really has thought of it all and will stop at nothing to get his revenge.", "date_added": "Mon Nov 09 23:23:19 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Dec 31 08:51:16 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Fri Dec 23 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Thu Dec 22 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "26073150", "review_id": "5d5207706afcc6ee23432c4763ffafa7", "rating": 5, "review_text": "My emotions are still in turmoil. To see all of my thoughts on A Court of Mist and Fury go to: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n So before I even started A Court of Mist and Fury (ACOMAF), I went back and reread A Court of Thorns and Roses to rehash my memories about what happened in that book. I'm kind of glad that I did. Because I was able to see just how broken Feyre had become on that last task, so when the second book began I understood what she was going through. She was not the same Feyre that she was before she wend Under the Mountain. However, that didn't mean I wasn't going to be pissed about it. And yes, I was pissed.", "date_added": "Sat Nov 07 15:08:43 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Sep 10 14:52:25 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Wed Sep 07 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Mon Sep 05 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "29099150", "review_id": "0a24e157ea703bf97941b3024d84f9ed", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review Into the Fire at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n To be honest, because this book got pushed back so many times I didn't really remember anything that had happened in books 1-3. Sure, I remembered Leila and Vlad and all the crazy shenanigans that they had been going through and something major had happened at the end of the last book. But that was about it. Thankfully, Frost catches you up quick and not with a boring recap, but with an intense, action packed first chapter that sweeps you right back into the world of the Night Prince.", "date_added": "Sat Nov 07 15:06:28 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Jul 08 12:10:00 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Thu Jun 29 16:39:52 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Mon Jun 26 05:10:53 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "23830990", "review_id": "6163aef9f58f9eb6399373d2b7e27270", "rating": 2, "review_text": "See full review for The Rest of Us Just Live Here at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Imagine this. You live in a small town, you're friends with a few people (your older sister, the jock who's actually gay, and your sister's best friend who you've been madly in love with for forever) and you're about to graduate from high school. But then weird things start happening in town, something of the supernatural variety, not that you know that, you're painfully ignorant. You notice the weird but you're not a hundred percent sure what it's all about. Because you and your friends aren't the 'Chosen One.' You're just the secondary characters who have their own problems other than the weird blue light and spooky looking deer. \n *sigh* Where to even begin with this book? Hm...okay, look I loved the concept of this book. What if there's something big and supernatural going on in a town, but the narrator and his friends aren't the ones who are supposed to save it? Great. The diversity of characters - a jock who's guy and a quarter God (which I will get into later) and a POC as the narrator's love interest - fantastic! But, unfortunately, that's where the greatness ends.", "date_added": "Sun Oct 04 15:38:37 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Feb 13 13:30:53 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Thu Feb 11 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Sun Feb 07 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "12254451", "review_id": "7a9aadcf9bb7138eb00dff3ffe4329b4", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for Tiger's Curse at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Kelsey has just graduated from high school and is on the prowl to find a summer job, something that will give her experience so that when the new school year rolls around she can find an even better one to help pay for her tuition. The only place hiring though is a traveling circus and they need her help for various tasks. One of which involves a tiger. Instead of being afraid of the beast though, she finds herself drawn to it and connects with it in a way she hasn't connected with anyone since her parents died. \n But it's not to be. Her time at the circus is coming to a close and the tiger is sold to a wealthy man in India. However, something strange happens. The man who came to pick up the tiger from the circus offers Kelsey a job to help escort the tiger to the new owner. Figuring it would look good on her resume and because she doesn't want to be separated from the tiger - named Ren - just yet she agrees and starts a most interesting journey of her life. \n I'll admit that when I started this book I was a little wary. I don't like taking chances on books all that often and this one didn't seem to be one that was up my alley. But after reading the summary and a glowing recommendation from one of the coaches at work I put it on my reading list. And I am really, really glad that I did. What starts out as a sort of cutesy human/tiger bonding sessions turns to fantasy as Ren turns from a tiger into a man and back again.", "date_added": "Sun Oct 04 15:37:54 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Mon Jan 25 19:15:15 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Mon Jan 18 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Fri Jan 15 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "17342750", "review_id": "b7c36f81ccb24991d2a5dbce2956a51a", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Solider at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n So, let's be real, I love Julie Kagawa's books. She creates these worlds that are just so awesome and magical that I just wished that I lived there instead of in this one. But, since these worlds are all fiction, that is not to be. However, every time a new book in the Talon Saga comes out I'm transported to a really cool world of dragons and conspiracy. And unfortunately, love triangles, but I'll get into that little misfit later. Usually when it comes to books in multiple POVs I'm not the biggest fan. I like books to stick to two characters points of view max, when more than that get added to the mix I get supremely confused. However, in this book I liked seeing what was happening from all sides. You got to see Ember's inner thoughts and emotions. You got to see Riley and Dante's side. And then, my favorite, Garret and his younger years Sebastian. I felt like I knew what was happening at all times and it made for some delicious reading.", "date_added": "Sat Oct 03 11:40:15 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Aug 13 10:08:59 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Thu Aug 11 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Wed Aug 10 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "22909838", "review_id": "10543d0b12272bdfc75bd04cbf7f4b12", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for The Mirror King at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n To be honest, I didn't really remember the events in The Orphan Queen and when I went to read my review for that book, I was kind of disappointed with how vague about events I was. That really didn't help me in trying to remember the first book. Luckily, The Mirror King filled in the holes quite nicely. My problem with the first book was that the execution of the plot was shaky. The first book had a lot of parts that I skimmed through because they were dry. The Mirror King didn't have the same problem. In fact, the execution of the plot wasn't shaky at all.", "date_added": "Thu Sep 17 18:56:54 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Jul 09 15:02:58 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Fri Jul 08 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Tue Jul 05 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "24701624", "review_id": "982d474a06be78ae587bdaf49b158bac", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for Queen of Shadows at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Aelin is back in Rifthold after awakening the part of her that she kept buried for years in Wendlyn. No longer the King's Assassin, she is the Queen of Terrasen and she has revenge to wreak on the King of Adarlan and his Valg army. But before she can avenge her parents' deaths, she must first get back her cousin Aedion from the King's clutches. To do that she needs to seek help from the last two people who would be willing to help her. Chaol - the King's former Captain of the Guard - and Arowyn - the King of Assassins who betrayed Aelin years ago and threw her into Endovier. She hasn't spoken to Chaol since he got her out of Rifthold and saw who she truly was and he has a lot to tell her. Starting with why he isn't the captain of the king's guard anymore and what exactly has happened to their mutual friend Prince Dorian. \n Arowyn, on the other hand, Aelin has plans for. She hasn't exactly forgiven him for all those years she was trapped in Endovier because of his betrayal and she hasn't forgiven him for what he did to Sam. Add in the fact that he has one of the Wyrdkeys that rightfully belongs to Aelin and things don't look all that good for the King of Assassins. On the other side of things, the King has something interesting up his sleeve that has to deal with the Valg princes - especially the one that now inhabits his son. Manon Blackbeak's story becomes even more intertwined with the rest of the Throne of Glass cast as she realizes just what kind of people her grandmother has allied themselves to. \n Okay, so I'll admit that after Heir of Fire I was desperate to get my hands on Queen of Shadows. Aelin was coming back to Rifthold to help her friends and not a moment too soon! This book - even though it was longer than book 3 - flew much faster with all the action and just PLOT between the pages.", "date_added": "Thu Sep 17 18:49:58 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Jun 18 11:39:54 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Fri Jun 10 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Thu Jun 02 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "24366952", "review_id": "0e6ed6ea604dbdd9738c415a5619f987", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for The Rose Society at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Adelina is out for revenge. After being cast out of the Daggers - the only group that really accepted her for what she was - and losing the love of her life, she doesn't know what to do now. She takes her sister with her as they try to find a legendary Elite - Magiano. No one knows what his powers are, but Adelina knows that if they can get him on their side they can do anything. It isn't until they do find them, that everyone realizes there really isn't a next step. Not until Adelina offers him the best prize of all - The Crown's Treasury. But to do that they have to get past the Queen's Inquistor - Teren - and kill the Queen herself. \n As more people join her party, Adelina realizes that she can create her own group like the Daggers and be their leader. Even though her illusions are starting to get away from her again. And then she runs into the Daggers and realizes that they're up to the same plan. In a way. Only instead of killing the Queen and taking the throne for themselves they want to put Enzo on the throne. The prince who died in the last book. It turns out that Maeve - the Queen of Bedlain - has the power to retrieve him from the Underworld, but he needs to be anchored to someone - someone that can control him because when he comes back he will be ten times as powerful as he was before he died. Adelina and the others know that they can't let the Daggers win this one, but can they really risk anchoring Enzo to Adelina when she isn't really in control of herself? \n I was so excited to read this book, that when it finally became available on the digital library I wanted to start it immediately. But as soon as I did, I started getting kind of freaked out. This book was dark, and I mean darker than even the last book.", "date_added": "Thu Sep 17 18:49:11 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Aug 27 13:07:12 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Thu Aug 18 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Mon Aug 15 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "23381014", "review_id": "1cf606f812cdc13feefede4f71054cb5", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for Angels Twice Descending at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Simon's time at the academy is coming to an end. He will soon Descend to become a Shadowhunter and he's feeling a little bit nervous. Not about the ceremony and potentially dying if he isn't worthy (although when he starts thinking about it that definitely doesn't help). But he's worried about getting back his memories. Will he actually get them back? Or will lose them all? One of their class has actually already left - to afraid to even try to Descend. While George - Simon's roommate and unofficial brother - is just feeling sentimental. \n Clary comes by to help Simon with the stress and to take him by his mom's place one last time. Because as of tomorrow, Simon can no longer see his human family. Because the Law is hard, but it is the Law. \n So, the last novella was an assault on my feelings, this one was a drop kick. Multiple drop kicks.", "date_added": "Thu Sep 17 18:29:30 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sun Jan 10 10:00:06 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Thu Dec 31 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Wed Dec 30 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "23381012", "review_id": "ee68a325bb7cf78d6fc43179dbdc5e25", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for Born to Endless Night at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n In the last novella it was mentioned that Magnus Bane was going to be coming to the Academy to do a series of guest lectures. What wasn't mentioned was that Alec was going to tag along with him. Simon is nervous about this because he hasn't seen Alec since his memories have been slowly coming back. And according to Jace, something nasty happened between the two of them. \n But things don't go according to plan. A baby is left on the doorstep of the Academy that is blue, but not from cold. It's a warlock. So Simon goes up to Magnus' room to ask what to do and accidentally walks in on Alec and Magnus in the act. Whoops. \n So, apparently, Clare was saving the assault on my feels for this one, because she hit them. And she hit them hard.", "date_added": "Thu Sep 17 18:29:28 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sun Jan 10 09:54:34 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Wed Dec 30 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Wed Dec 30 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "26817444", "review_id": "e80af86a1c7648d52196d810b76d8fd7", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for The Fiery Trial at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Simon gets called into a meeting with the dean of the academy. But what he doesn't expect to find is Jem, Catrina, Magnus and Clary waiting for him in the sitting room. Jem has come with news that Emma and Julian have decided to become parabati and that they want Clary and Simon to be their witnesses to such an event. Simon and Clary agree but they don't understand why all these people had to come to tell them that. Until they have the tea. \n Something weird happens after they drink it. They are transported to New York - or what appears to be the city - and meet these different people from their past, plus Jace is there and asking Simon if he remembers when they first met. Simon and Clary don't know what it means, and when they wake up Jem explains that they had water from the Lake, which caused the hallucinations. Apparently, despite the fact that Simon is 19, according to Shadowhunters he is still 18 and can legally become Clary's parabati especially because they passed the water trial. \n This another novella in the series that I'm not quite sure what to make of. While on one hand it's cool to know that Clary and Simon can be parabati if they want to and to Emma and Julian's ceremony, on the other, I'm mad again that Jace was there but barely really said anything.", "date_added": "Thu Sep 17 18:29:26 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sun Jan 10 09:50:56 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Wed Dec 30 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Wed Dec 30 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "26124613", "review_id": "30aca054aaa3fafe69ffcde6ae509e13", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for Bitter of Tongue at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Simon and a bunch of student from the academy are going on a mission to trap a lone faery who has been spotted out on the moors. George - Simon's friend - is elected group leader much to the rest of the group's disdain. And the reason is obvious when during the mission, members of the group spring a faery trap and are injured. Feeling bad, George tries to capture the faery even if it means going into Faerieland to do so. Simon knows what will happen to his friend if he goes into that land and rides out to stop him. Only he forgets that his horse is in mid gallop and is frightened because of the creatures and falls through the portal himself. \n To be honest, I'm not quite sure how I feel about this novella. While I like that it was a continuation of the last one, I kind of felt underwhelmed.", "date_added": "Thu Sep 17 18:29:22 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sun Jan 10 09:47:45 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Wed Dec 30 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Wed Dec 30 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "23381006", "review_id": "319fab05ccf691779276933d91a67238", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Pale Kings and Princes at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n In this tale from the shadowhunter academy, Simon is in his second year at the academy and is dealing with what he did this summer. Which is that he went on three dates with Izzy and they all ended in disaster. \n As much as I loved reading Helen's tale about her dad and his tryst with the Seelie Queen, I was more interested in Simon's relationship than anything else and Clare really had me going when she wrote that the relationship was over. But I should have known better. Characters in these books don't stay broken up for long (except Simon and Clary, which I think should have never happened to begin with).", "date_added": "Thu Sep 17 18:28:58 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Jan 02 14:25:20 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Tue Dec 29 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Mon Dec 28 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "25741605", "review_id": "0c5c89032ba80254bc794445e1efd5ec", "rating": 3, "review_text": "Mare Barrow is on the run. She used to be a Red - born with red blood with nothing special about her - until one day she accidentally revealed that she had Silver - born with silver blood and special abilities - abilities to the royal families. They took her in and tried to make her one of them, but she never wanted to be one of them. She planned a coup along with a few other Silvers - including her betrothed and the younger prince Maven - and the Scarlet Guard - an organization made up of Reds who go against the crown. She thought it was going to work out until she learned some horrifying truths. The Queen killed Cal - the older prince -mother and that her special gifts aren't as rare as she thought. There are hundreds of people like her - newbloods - and thankfully she has a list. But she forgot one very important lesson. In this time, anyone can betray anyone. \n Maven betrayed her. The Queen forced Cal to execute his own father and Maven arrested him for being a traitor along with Mare. They were to fight to the death in the arena, until they somehow escaped. Now they are on the run, but Mare has a plan. A poorly hatched plan, but a plan nonetheless. She has the list of the newbloods and she is going to save them, because Maven has that list too and he's coming for them. Only instead of killing them, she wants to protect them and maybe use them to form an army that will help take down the Silvers once and for all. \n All aboard! The train for the second book doldrums is here. Please watch your step. There are major spoilers ahead when you click on this link: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves....", "date_added": "Thu Sep 17 18:27:48 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sun Dec 04 10:44:48 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Mon Mar 07 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Fri Feb 26 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "25710289", "review_id": "497e3d39b5a084f154c4f1385f54eae2", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for Every Last Breath at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n The last we left Layla, she had just been attacked and imprisoned by the Wardens. Roth and Cayman got her out and were able to heal her lethal wounds at a cost. While recovering she discovered that a Lilin had been made and had taken over her best friend Sam's body. When book 3 begins, Layla is confronting Sam/Lilin and he explains how he came to take over the body. She is pissed and changes into her Warden form, but something is different about her because the Lilin turns tail and runs. When she looks at her friends, they tell her that she should look in the mirror, because something about her transformation has changed. She now has feathers on her wings, and something else has changed about her because now even Upper Level demons are running from her in fear. \n That's not the worst of her problems either. Because of the Lilin's appearance, the Alphas have appeared and after calling her an abomination and trying to off her, they tell the Wardens that if something isn't done about the Lilin by them then THEY will have to take care of it, which will cause a huge war. Like apocalypse level. No pressure. So, now Layla has to destroy the Lilin before its too late and somewhere along the line she has to save Sam's soul too so that way he doesn't end in Hell for an eternity. \n Oh, jeez, I don't even know where to begin with this book. Like the last one it sent me on an emotional roller coaster that I'm still recovering from.", "date_added": "Thu Sep 17 18:27:24 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Dec 19 17:42:36 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Thu Nov 12 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Sun Nov 08 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "25741628", "review_id": "0301d45d644a7b6555cf3c007aa888fd", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Reign of Shadows at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n In a land that has been in darkness for the last seventeen years, lives a girl in a tower. Only she isn't just any girl. She is Luna, the lost princess of the land of Relhok. She was born the night that the eclipse started, demonic creatures called the dwellers rose from the ground and the high chancellor to the King and Queen killed them both. Thankfully, two servants - Servo and Perla - were able to take Luna and escape into the Black Forest. She has lived there for the last seventeen years not able to leave the tower for fear of being killed despite her wishes of seeing the outside world. That doesn't stop her though from trying and on one night when she does sneak out of the tower she comes across three people who fall into one of Servo's traps and immediately bring down the dwellers.Despite Perla's voice in her head telling her not to, she helps them and takes them back to the tower where everything she has ever known changes. \n I'm sorry Ms. Jordan, but you can't do that to my feelings! I should have known though since we were getting to the end that some sort of 'OMG' moment was coming. Anyway, before I get too far into things because this is a relatively new release I'm going to put up this disclaimer: PLEASE DO NOT CLICK ON THE LINK ABOVE IF YOU'RE NOT READY FOR SPOILERS.", "date_added": "Thu Sep 17 17:14:56 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Feb 20 11:20:10 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Wed Feb 17 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Mon Feb 15 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "20821111", "review_id": "01160d9cc0f9277ceb5feaef28e8e26b", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for The Young Elites at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n So after reading the Legend series (even as I make my way through Champion right now) I was kind of iffy about reading another Marie Lu series. Legend wasn't really my cup of tea and this series had been so hyped that I tried not to get my hopes up too far. But it was kind of hard not to when I started reading this book and it took me away from the very first chapter.", "date_added": "Thu Sep 17 16:59:18 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Jul 30 11:58:29 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Fri Jul 22 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Fri Jul 22 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "23299513", "review_id": "7c2f0b206d1c05fa6e1132692fb2444f", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for The Shadow Queen at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Well, that was pretty much one of the best retellings of Snow White that I've ever read or seen (and mind you, I still need to read Winter - shush, no judgement I'm getting to it). Once I got over the fact that this version of Snow White's name was Lorelai - and her last name was not Gilmore - and that she had magic, this story was very easy to fall into.", "date_added": "Thu Sep 17 16:56:59 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 15 09:28:51 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Thu Oct 12 16:29:27 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Tue Oct 10 18:18:40 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "23866511", "review_id": "171cee3369c73ab00a9a5da7b6fff360", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for Sweet Temptation at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Last year I read this amazing book series about a girl who was part guardian angel and demon. She fell in love with another one of her kind - only he was just a child of a demon - and as most YA goes it was a forbidden romance. They try to fight their attraction to each other but fail spectacularly. While this is going on, the girl finds out that she is part of a prophecy that will bring about the salvation of her kind while also dispersing the world of the demons. I loved this series so much. So, when I was browsing the digital library for new releases to add to my wish list, I was shocked to find this book on the list. I hadn't heard about a book four, and was insanely curious as to what it was about. To be fair, it isn't really a book four, but more of a supplement to the series. It was Kai - the guy the girl falls in love with - point of view during those three books. \n I'll admit it. I jumped and squealed a lot internally and put a hold out on it automatically. And it was just as awesome, delicious, and dirty as I hoped it would be.", "date_added": "Thu Sep 10 11:11:29 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Thu Feb 11 06:30:58 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Sat Oct 17 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Sun Oct 11 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "18068907", "review_id": "a2480a6f7cd2c7cc13033bd188f22370", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review of Court of Fives at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n The greatest danger is that she might win. Jessamy is used to living a balancing act. She's the daughter of a Commoner and a Patron who is the country's greatest war hero. She is a mule. People look down at her because of what she is. But on the court of Fives, she is equal to everyone else as long as she has the skill. She does and on the eve of the biggest challenge of her life, her father comes home from battle ruining her plans. The next day she was supposed to run at the trials, but she can't with her father in attendance. However, she still wants to and comes up with a plan to do the unthinkable. \n She runs and almost wins, except at the last possible second she falters. The winner has to unmask and her father will know it was her. So she lets the person ahead of her win. It was a dumb move because that person was Kalliarkos, a noble Patron, and he does not like to win by cheating. He promises to keep her secret, only it doesn't matter. For his uncle, Lord Gargaron, already knows and uses his knowledge in an alarming way. He funds Jes's father, which will give him a higher position, but there are conditions. First, he has to leave Jes's mother and sisters and marry Gargaron's niece. Second, Jes has to go to Gargaron Stable - a training facility for the Fives - and do well or else. Much to Jes's shock, her father agrees to his terms and she is sent on an interesting ride where she gets her heart desire, but at a price. \n So Court of Fives is really confusing. There is a good story there, buried beneath bazillion names that are hard to keep track of (and hard to spell) and a million details that don't seem advantageous to the plot.", "date_added": "Mon Aug 17 18:35:09 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Oct 03 11:33:50 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Fri Oct 02 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Wed Sep 30 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "25739892", "review_id": "32cc57c462e059613774c26f7ef91045", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for The Evil We Love at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Simon wrote a letter to Isabella and she returned it unopened. A few months later, as the students are getting ready for summer vacation (they even have summer vacation at the Academy? Really?) Isabella shows up with her father for a lecture to the students. The subject? Robert Lightwood's time in the Circle with Valentine and all the others. While Izzy is just their to cause havoc and torture Simon by flirting with his friends. But nothing compares to when she suggests that they summon a demon to bring to the end of the year party. Simon may not remember much, but he's pretty sure that she isn't like that.", "date_added": "Sun Aug 02 10:42:06 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Mon Dec 28 23:30:07 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Sun Aug 02 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Sun Aug 02 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "23437156", "review_id": "70c27ae8c0dee511f177369db34847df", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for Six of Crows at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n In Ketterdam things are never easy, you're either trying to hard to stay alive or you're in a gang and are still trying to stay alive. When Six of Crows begins you're automatically dropped into a meeting between Kaz - a member of the Dregs - and a member of the Black Tips. Things aren't going well with this meeting and there are people who end up dead and traitors are named. But somehow, despite the odds, Kaz and his crew walk out of the scuffle mostly unscathed. That's when things get interesting one of the merchants approaches Kaz to do a job for him. A new drug that can heighten the abilities of the Grisha has hit the market and the Fjerds have captured its maker and are keeping him prisoner. The merchant - Van Eck - wants Kaz and a crew to go into the Ice Court and rescue him. Or else the economies as they know it will go sideways. \n It's an impossible task and Kaz sees no profit in it for him. Why would he care if the economy goes sideways? So Van Eck sweetens the pot. He offers thirty million krug if Kaz and his crew succeed in delivering this drug's creator to him. Not one to pass on such an exuberant amount of money he accepts. But before he can get in to an impenetrable fortress he's going to need a crew. He already has his Wraith - Inej - who is like a shadow and gets him out of sticky situations. He has his guns - Jesper - who is sharp at shooting but not so sharp at the gambling tables. And he even has a mechanic of sorts - Van Eck's son Wylan - who will do anything to prove himself worthy. Now all he needs a Grisha and someone who knows the Ice Court well. And he has just the two people in mind. Too bad neither of them can stand each other... \n So I have to admit that I absolutely adored this book. Leigh Bardugo is really awesome at what she does and the world in which she has created - which is really an extension of the Grisha universe - is just so detailed. It's amazing.", "date_added": "Mon Jul 20 18:59:59 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sun Dec 06 09:53:11 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Sat Nov 28 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Wed Nov 25 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "18669174", "review_id": "2d8e958f874a1d327f16826b537a0ddc", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review The Queen of the Tearling at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n I usually don't use the jacket copy when writing the summaries for my blog, but with this book I don't think I really had a choice. A lot of stuff is going on in this book and that summary was very helpful when I was trying to keep everything straight. Again, this was another book, that I had a feeling that I was going to give up on. In fact, there were a few times where I hovered over the return button, but something happened as I was chugging along that would make me give the book another chapter. \n So if you haven't figured it out yet, this book is slow. Like slower than most books. You're given a lot of information and introduced to a lot of characters before you even hit chapter three. However, if you can stick it out through the lagging and information overload, this book is actually quite interesting.", "date_added": "Tue Jul 07 18:47:06 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Feb 20 11:12:31 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Sat Feb 13 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Fri Feb 05 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "25566011", "review_id": "9971accedfb6115357810e02fffd669f", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for Nothing but Shadows at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n This tale continues on with Simon's time at the Shadowhunter Academy. The elite Shadowhunters are still having issues with the mundanes and Simon is getting rather sick of it. One of the mundanes challenges the elite to a challenge - but not in anything the elite are used to - of baseball. They accept despite not knowing what baseball is. Simon is about to go help out the mundanes, when warlock pulls him aside and tells him that this isn't the first time the Shadowhunter academy has been almost pulled apart due to an elite and mundane rivalry. She then tells Simon the tale of James Herondale.", "date_added": "Sun Jul 05 13:09:05 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Mon Dec 28 23:29:41 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Sun Jul 05 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Sun Jul 05 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "22929540", "review_id": "964c181fdc6256290aee22d71fb6eb56", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Silver in the Blood at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Dacia and Lou are cousins who are close as sisters and are journeying to Romania to visit long lost family that they never know existed. On their way, each girl experiences some very weird things that make them even more anxious to get there. When they do the mysteries continue, to the point where they don't understand what is going on. But on the night of the full moon they learn the truth, not only about their family, but themselves. \n It turns out that Dacia and Lou's family protect the legendary Dracul family. The prince that Dacia met earlier in the book is part of that family and is trying to usurp the throne from King Carol of Romania because he believes he is the rightful ruler. And he wants the help of Dacia and Lou, because he believes that they are the Claw and the Wing. The Claw is the line of Dacia and Lou's family that turn into wolves, and Dacia is one of them and becomes their queen on her first night of transformation. And Lou is believed to be the Wing, the part of the family that turns into bats. But on the night of the transformation, Lou turns into the Smoke - part of the family that hasn't been seen in generations. But even after all this, Dacia and Lou don't want any part of their families legacy.", "date_added": "Tue Jun 30 19:32:46 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sun Aug 30 09:50:50 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Sat Aug 22 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Fri Aug 21 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "20821525", "review_id": "42444571177943a9c533c33941d089f0", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for Stone Cold Touch at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n So what do you do when the guy you're lusting after has been sent back to Hell, the guy you've liked since you were kids won't stop looking after you, and your adoptive family keep thinking the worst of you now that the truth about your parentage has been revealed? You continue on living a normal life, or as normal a life as being half-Warden half-demon can be. Layla has spent the last few weeks trying to get over the fact that not only is she the daughter of Lilith, but that the demon who was sent to watch over her - Roth - was sent back down to Hell to protect her and Zayne. The loss of Roth has hurt her deep especially with what he said before the portal opened I lost myself the moment I found you. But she's trying to move on from that. \n Besides weirder things are happening. A normal quiet kid in her biology class went off on a few kids almost killing them. Thanks to a weird headache she can no longer see people's souls. Zayne is acting really strange towards her. Ditto for her adoptive father Abbott and even Danika wants to be friends. But none of that really matters when demons show up at the Warden compound one night - including Roth - to team up with the Wardens because their worst fear has been realized. A Lilin has been created.", "date_added": "Tue Jun 23 16:39:58 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Wed Jan 13 16:42:07 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Wed Jun 24 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Tue Jun 23 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "10874177", "review_id": "6e4a810a056470fd3d85e8850bed754b", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for Etiquette & Espionage at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Sophronia is a wreck of trouble for her mother, even at the tender age of fourteen. She reads. She climbs. She even takes things apart to figure out how they work. Not something girls at that age in 1851 England should behave. That is why her mother has decided to take extreme measures and has elected a finishing school to take care of her. But something is amiss. While on the way to said finishing school - Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality - the carriage is waylaid by flyway man (think highwayman who can fly) and they seem to be looking for something. \n Sophronia with the help of the others in the carriage, take off and make it the school, but even the school is odd. It's location is top secret because it floats. And as Sophronia quickly finds out, they're not just teaching etiquette at this school, but something more. Like espionage.", "date_added": "Sat Jun 20 15:11:46 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Sep 05 10:44:16 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Fri Sep 04 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Thu Sep 03 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "18006096", "review_id": "bab219c995b11ab5246561d5f8c7a309", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for White Hot Kiss at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Layla appears to be a normal seventeen-year-old, but as most books go, she really isn't. She's half-demon and half-Warden (a gargoyle that protects the world from demons). She goes to high school like a normal teenage girl does, but what she does afterwards is a little bit more than homework and studying. She tags demons for her Warden family to hunt at night. While on a tagging mission, the demon she is following turns out to be a completely different demon and is about to get the drop on her when an Upper Level demon steps in to save her. Not sure what to think, she bolts and doesn't think about it again until the next day when the demon shows up in her biology class. \n His name is Roth and he doesn't want to kill her despite her belief that he does. He actually needs her help with retrieving a book that unlocks all the origins of the demons. At first Layla isn't interested until he tells her that not only are the demons origins in this book, but the reason why the demons are suddenly after her is in it too. Despite her best intentions, curiosity gets the better of her and she goes down a road where she learns her true parentage and what the demons are after...", "date_added": "Sat Jun 20 15:10:14 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Wed Jan 13 16:41:52 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Tue Jun 23 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Mon Jun 22 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "23380999", "review_id": "f2ffad31320a84b226fe472f2ddf4bef", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for The Whitechapel Fiend at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n I'm going to make this short and sweet folks. Ready? Simon is still at the Academy learning all his Shadowhunter things. He's still kind of reeling from his visits with Isabelle and Clary and isn't sure what to do. What he doesn't expect is to have Jace show up to teach the students the art of falling. 'The trick to falling isn't to fall at all.' Right. Anyway. Another guest speaker shows up this time it's Tessa Gray and she tells them the true origins of the serial killer, Jack the Ripper. He was a demon. Who knew? The tale ends with Jace reconnecting with Tessa - who is the only living person who knew the Herondales - and him owing Simon a favor. Simon writes a letter for him to give to Isabelle explaining what he meant by what he said in their last conversation. The end.", "date_added": "Mon May 25 13:25:43 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sat May 30 10:32:06 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Tue May 26 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Mon May 25 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "25105196", "review_id": "cf0577e7c9e3fb50f09c67d320834f83", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for Untamed at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n In this companion novel to the Splintered trilogy there are three short stories. The Boy in the Web is told from Alyssa's mothers perspective in the aftermath of Ensnared and how her and Thomas got ingrained into Wonderland and met Morpheus and Sister Two. The Moth in the Mirror follows Morpheus as he tries to figure out a way into Alyssa's heart by going through her human beloved's memories. In Six Impossible Things we are treated to an interesting sight, as Alyssa finally sheds her human life and becomes Wonderland's Queen with Morpheus at her side. \n I won't lie, the only reason I wanted to read this companion novel was for the short story Six Impossible Things, because I was really curious to see what happened to Alyssa after the epilogue in Ensnared. I wasn't too disappointed, but I'm jumping ahead of myself...", "date_added": "Thu May 21 23:12:00 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Apr 02 13:07:52 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Thu Mar 31 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Mon Mar 21 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "20702029", "review_id": "c35d5cdcbc8b25ebb170303f141db7aa", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for Ensnared at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Alyssa has lost everything that is important to her and has ended up in the last place that she ever wanted to be. She is stuck in the asylum that her mother was in, because her father has worried that it's her turn for the madness. Her mother is missing as is her boyfriend Jeb and that's not all. Morpheus - her childhood friend - is gone and the rabbit hole to Wonderland has imploded. She is locked out of the one place that she could really call home all because of Red's attack on prom that changed everything. But she won't stay down long, she will find a way into Wonderland and the AnyElsewhere and get back everything that she has lost. This time around though her human half won't hamper her, because she has finally caved to the madness and she is unstoppable.", "date_added": "Tue May 19 17:23:16 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Thu Mar 31 13:49:23 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Wed May 20 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Tue May 19 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "23734628", "review_id": "fe1266884f7aff6ae00b3f68127a0ca2", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for Carry On at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n When I was originally reading Fangirl and read about Cath's obsession with the Simon Snow series, I wanted to read the books too. It almost sounded like Harry Potter with maybe a few differences. And I even tweeted Rainbow about it too, so when I heard about this book I was really excited. I think my excitement might have overwhelmed me, because when I actually read this book I was completely frustrated. Don't get me wrong, Carry On is good in its own special way, but there's a lot of mystification going on.", "date_added": "Mon May 18 19:58:23 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Feb 18 15:45:27 -0800 2017", "read_at": "Mon Feb 13 00:00:00 -0800 2017", "started_at": "Thu Feb 09 00:00:00 -0800 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "17449197", "review_id": "ebe0e48a41f113006f24e6f1fb8adc81", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for Unhinged at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Alyssa Gardner has had quite the year. She went to the world of Wonderland, became it's queen and fought off Queen Red. She almost lost her best friend/boyfriend Jeb, but used her wish to save him and make him not remember his time in Wonderland. She decided not to rule though and to go back to her normal life. Now, everything seems to have gone back to normal. Her mother is home from the asylum, Jeb and her are dating, and she's about to graduate from high school. But there are still problems that remain... \n It starts with Allie's mosaics, before she went to Wonderland she used to create these masterpieces by using insects. Now, she has switched over to stones that she fills with her blood, and the images she creates are slightly disturbing and getting worse with each new creation. Then there are her nightmares about Wonderland, but it isn't the world she remembers. It looks like a war zone, and in these dreams Morpheus is there, trying to convince her to come back and claim her throne. She ignores it all until it almost becomes too late...", "date_added": "Fri May 15 17:15:11 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Thu Mar 31 13:48:58 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Tue May 19 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Fri May 15 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "20775055", "review_id": "4b5865b6ee44a8a0d10cd4ed2eee0ff3", "rating": 1, "review_text": "I'm not going to even bother writing a blog post review for this one. Undead and Unwary is proof positive of why I get very wary of series that go over 10 books. The usual witty and funny Betsy got on my nerves and her ignorance and selfish nature is downright annoying. It got to the point where I generally just wanted her dead. I usually don't give up on series once I get started, but for the Undead series I think I have to make an exception.", "date_added": "Sun Apr 19 14:19:15 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sun May 10 09:55:41 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Mon May 04 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Mon May 04 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "20345202", "review_id": "1685abed06e97f8a6f435b33d37d08f4", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for The Girl at Midnight at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n This is the story of two warring factions and how one person and a crew of misfits try to bring them to peace. On one side you have the Avicien, an ancient race of people with feathers for their hair and magic running through their veins. On the other side are the Drakharin, human like dragons. These two factions have been at war for centuries with massive body counts to show for it. In the middle we have a human girl named Echo (although that isn't her real name). She was brought into the Avicien's by the Ala when she was a small girl and has been pickpocketing for them ever since, even though some believe that she doesn't truly belong. \n Everything Echo knows though is about to be supremely tested when a simple birthday gift for the Ala turns into a scavenger hunt for the legendary firebird, whose power is rumored to be able to stop the war. But she isn't the only one searching for it, Caius - the Drakharin Prince - is also on the trail, and he has his own purposes for the firebird.", "date_added": "Thu Apr 16 09:05:41 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Fri Jul 10 14:23:08 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Thu Jul 09 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Wed Jul 08 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "20560137", "review_id": "7302bc406b93c93ad8d7bfb8be27c19b", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for An Ember in the Ashes at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n in a lot of ways I liked this book. The characters were wonderfully created and jumped off the page. Laia, Elias, Izzie, Helene, and the Commandent especially. The plot of the book was intriguing and slightly confusing, but in a good way that sets up for clarification in future books.", "date_added": "Thu Apr 16 09:04:44 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Sep 17 12:37:35 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Wed Sep 14 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Tue Sep 13 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "23380998", "review_id": "20a91bfbfc1500c41aaf028a19415353", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for The Lost Herondale at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n I think my reaction to finding out that there was a lost Herondale was pretty much the same one the rest of the fandom had, which was the following: EXCUSE ME? So of course I was really excited to read about the lost Herondale. But I was supremely disappointed. Simon Lewis is still at Shadowhunter Academy and trying to become the badass that he was when he was a Daylighter. One day a guest lecturer - who isn't Isabelle - shows up to tell them the worst thing a Shadowhunter can do. For those of you who don't know it's to betray his fellow Shadowhunters in battle. To put this point home, the lecturer tells them the story of Tobias Herondale who went out on a mission - one that he didn't want to go on to begin with since he had a pregnant wife at home - and when the going got tough he fled. He was never heard from again, but the punishment for abandoning his fellow Shadowhunters was taken out on his wife and unborn child. \n What's the point of all of this? Well, the instructors believe that it's time the Shadowhunters in training had some real life experience. There's a rogue vampire out there and their mission is to take her out. What could possibly go wrong?", "date_added": "Wed Mar 25 08:50:46 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Apr 04 09:27:06 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Fri Mar 27 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Wed Mar 25 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "13612962", "review_id": "e611111358746082c72833e2abb5af00", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for The Copper Gauntlet at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n So, while the first book in this series had a lot of comparisons to Harry Potter, this one started to deviate. Especially with the ultimate question. How do you cope with knowing that you have the soul of the evilest mage living inside you? Well, if you're Call, you kind of don't. He makes lists of things he does throughout the summer/school year that either put him in the good guy category or Enemy of Death category. On the day he goes into his dad's basement and sees what he has planned, it's definitely an Enemy of Death kind of day. Not wanting to stick around - because he's not evil, he's not - Call takes off and visits with Tamara before the new school year begins. \n A few weeks into the new term, and the worst news is given. The Alkahest has been stolen and Call's dad is the number one suspect. And once the Assembly gets their hands on him, they're going to kill him. Not wanting his dad to die, Call decides to take off and find him before it's too late, but not alone. His friends Tamara and Aaron come with him, and on this journey, Call fights desperately to keep his darkest secret unknown...", "date_added": "Thu Mar 12 10:49:06 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sun Sep 27 09:40:37 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Wed Sep 23 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Tue Sep 22 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "22428828", "review_id": "e9eba69ee3025eb1688322033a5c3d1b", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for Welcome to Shadowhunter Academy at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n This is a small story of what happened after the events of City of Heavenly Fire. Simon doesn't have all his memories back, but he has glimpses. He knows that if he wants to be the badass vampire from before - just less undead - then he's going to have to train. Jace - who now is really close to the guy, who knew? - offered to train him along with Clary, but Simon refused. If he's going to do this, he needs to do this away from the people that he formerly knew. So he goes to the newly reopened Shadowhunter Academy which is on the outskirts of Idris. And by newly reopened I mean, the building is still kind of rundown - the indoor plumbing doesn't even work and we won't get into the food that the dean decides to serve. \n But even here, the in-training Shadowhunters know who Simon Lewis is. He's a legend. He's the badass who helped the Shadowhunters win the last war. So that automatically makes him a member of the elite Shadowhunters, even though he's just a mundane.", "date_added": "Wed Mar 11 19:41:41 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sun Mar 15 15:58:59 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Fri Mar 13 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Wed Mar 11 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "22552552", "review_id": "d9134634f73290f839fbeb21b419b26e", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for The Orphan Queen at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n The Orphan Queen is the first for me. I've read plenty of fantasy books and I've read plenty of rebellion books and I've read plenty of both books combined. But this fantasy and rebellion book was different. You have your usual magic users, kings and queens, and successions and those trying to take back a kingdom. But the reason for the torn apart kingdoms was because of something called the wraith, which was born out of using magic. Huh. Interesting. \n Wilhelmina is the lost princess of the land of Aecor. Ten years ago, she was involved in the One Night War where the Indigo Kingdom attacked hers because her parents kidnapped the crown prince Tobiah. He saved her that night, while her parents were killed. Those other children who survived have gone on to form a group called the Ospreys that are trying to get Wil back to her throne. To do so they have a long plan that involves Wil and her friend Melanie infiltrating the Indigo Palace as refugees from a land that has already fallen to the wraith. But while there she can't complete her mission, not while she learns the truth about what really happened that night and what is out there that could save them all from the incoming wraith.", "date_added": "Mon Mar 09 19:46:31 -0700 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Dec 19 17:27:28 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Sat May 02 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Sun Apr 26 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "23168406", "review_id": "de36e430a3712b380adda76d1e12e1d8", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Rogue at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Ember Hill is on the run from her dragon association Talon, who had big plans for her and didn't want to let her go. She's also on the run from St. George, a dragon hunting organization, that wants her dead. The only reason she was able to escape with her life was because the guy she had been seeing while in Crescent Beach - Garrett - was part of St. George and helped her to escape. Finding out his true identity was a blow to her, but that doesn't stop her from going back to try and rescue him from certain death. \n Riley - the dragon she escaped with - thinks this plan is outrageous. Why would she willingly go into the enemy's nest especially when it could get her killed? But he knows better than to stop her, and agrees to come along to help out. However, once they're all free they need to keep running from Talon because they're quickly gaining on their heals. But Garrett isn't the only person she left behind when she ran. Her brother Dante is still with Talon and is working for them to get Ember back. No matter what. \n This book was action packed and never really seemed to stop. Just when you thought Ember and the gang could relax a little bit something else came along that would get them moving again.", "date_added": "Sun Feb 08 11:54:36 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Oct 10 12:04:57 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Tue Oct 06 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Fri Oct 02 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "18190208", "review_id": "c1c267254139f66d2b7d26d27a423c1d", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for The Witch Hunter at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Elizabeth Grey lives in England back in the 1500s. Only this isn't the England that we know from books, this version has a different king (Malcolm), an Inquisitor and thirteen rules that govern the land. The recent rule bans all forms of witchcraft, and Elizabeth is a member of the Inquisitor's witch hunters. She hunts for those who are convicted of witchcraft alongside her best friend since childhood, Caleb. But things take a bad turn when she is found with witch's herbs and is arrested for witchcraft. She is sentenced to burn, until a mysterious stranger gets her out of prison, his only request is that she help him. This mysterious stranger turns out to be the most wanted wizard in the country and Elizabeth has agreed to helping him break the curse that is slowly killing him. Along the way she starts to wonder if what she's been taught since birth that witchcraft is evil, isn't one hundred percent true.", "date_added": "Thu Jan 15 09:52:14 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Jul 18 09:16:21 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Fri Jul 10 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Fri Jul 10 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "22308716", "review_id": "0c71f23060e6513f28cad1496b6a7e61", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for Red Queen at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Red Queen takes place in a futuristic world where the states are no longer in existence. In this new world, there are two different types of people: the Reds and the Silvers. The Silvers are those in power because they have powers - some can control fire, read minds, control water, etc. - and the Reds are the lowest of the low. They are the scum in this world and are used as slaves to the Silvers. The other difference between the two is the color of their blood. Reds have red and Silvers have silver. \n Mare Barrow is a Red, a thief and almost out of school. She is concerned because if she doesn't have a job lined up right after she's done with school she gets conscripted to the army. Her three older brothers have already left for the army and she doesn't want to go. But she knows that there isn't anything she can do. No one will hire her, not after knowing about her thieving reputation. Her best friend Kilhorn turns everything around though when his boss dies leaving him unemployed and about to be conscripted. The only way out for the both of them is to run. She asks her black market buyer for help and he teams her up with the The Scarlet Guard. A group that can get her and her friend out, but everything comes at a price and this one is too high. \n It doesn't stop Mare from trying though which only ends up with her sister - who works at the Silver palace - having a broken hand for trying to help. Mare, feeling guilty, goes out into the night and starts pickpocketing. Except she pickpockets the wrong person. She pickpockets the prince - not that she knows that at the time, he just introduces himself as Cal - but instead of turning her in he does something else for her. He gets her a job at the palace and it changes her life forever. Because in this world anyone can betray anyone.", "date_added": "Thu Jan 15 09:51:38 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Dec 19 17:20:26 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Tue Mar 03 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Thu Feb 26 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "18967205", "review_id": "911a06b2f968713818e78544434a330e", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Hellhole at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Hellhole follows the tale of Max, a seventeen-year-old dinosaur geek, who works at the local gas station, is best friends with the chief of police's daughter, and takes care of his mom who has a fucked up heart. He's looking for a miracle, but what he gets instead isn't exactly what he has in mind. He goes digging one night after stealing a porcelain cat from his job (you'll see how they're connected in a second) and digs a very big hole. Endless really. What comes out of it, is no angel. In fact, it's Satan - or one of six hundred and sixty-six Satans - this one goes by the name of Burg and as Satan goes, he's pretty laid back. \n All he wants is to stay on earth for a little while, to do that, he asks Max to find him a house - preferably with a hot tub - and if he does this he'll heal his mom. Max is pretty sure that he's going insane, but the other option is letting Burg kill his mom. Enlisting the help of a classmate - Lore - he sets out to find Burg a house. But can he really trust a devil?", "date_added": "Thu Jan 15 09:50:59 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Feb 28 15:58:19 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Fri Feb 27 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Fri Feb 27 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "20958632", "review_id": "f33ea3632b8777470d307e61871ab483", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for The Darkest Part of the Forest: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n The main reason I got into Holly Black was because of her tales of the faeries. Tithe, Ironside, and Valiant were my favorite books when I was in high school. In 2013, she dabbled into the world of vampires and it was an okay book but had nothing on the faerie tales she wrote. So when I heard about this new novel I was really excited and she did not disappoint.", "date_added": "Thu Jan 15 09:50:19 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Thu Feb 19 10:40:23 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Fri Feb 13 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Fri Feb 13 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "12558285", "review_id": "cc7f2540382bb74aa4cb5fdad4bffb16", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Splintered at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n We all know the tale of Alice in Wonderland with white rabbits, mad hatters, tea parties and a head-seeking queen. But in Splintered everything we know about Wonderland is proven false. Alice still went this mysterious land, but when she came back she told her tale to Lewis Carroll and everyone in her bloodline has been considered crazy ever since. Alyssa is part of her bloodline and her mother has already succumbed to the illness and is locked up inside the local asylum. She talks to bugs and tried to cut up her own daughter a few years ago. Alyssa barely remembers her childhood, but she knows that her family's curse seems to be coming for her next. She can already hear the bugs talk to her - hence why she uses their dead forms in her artwork - and now she is seeing people in mirrors and voices in her head. \n Thank goodness for her friend Jeb who is the only person to keep her grounded. He's always there for her and looks after her, and that's what he thinks he's doing when he tells her father that she shouldn't be allowed to go to London next year. It isn't safe for her there. Alyssa is still mad at him and she believes their friendship has become frayed because of it (and the fact that he's dating a girl who she can't stand). Hence her bad mood when she goes to visit her mother the night of the prom. Her mother is still acting crazy like usual, however today is different when she starts talking about a key, a pair of gloves, a fan, and a mysterious him. Trying to get the answers out of her mother, she watches in horror as her mother's braid almost chokes the life out of her. Her father and some nurses stop the event from happening and her father makes the decision that something more extreme needs to be done to stop these delusions. But Alyssa doesn't think they are and tries to figure out what her mother meant. Thinking she needs to go to London to find the answers, she makes plans. But her friend calls in Jeb who tries to stop her, instead he follows her into the rabbit hole. \n They end up in Wonderland, but not the one they know from the stories. This is Wonderland post Alice, and Alyssa is apparently the descendant who will fix all the wrongs and right the balance. But Jeb feels that something else is going on and Alyssa isn't sure she can do what she needs to do to break the curse on her family.", "date_added": "Tue Jan 06 16:11:20 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Thu Mar 31 13:49:09 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Sat Apr 18 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Wed Apr 15 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "19367070", "review_id": "2c61708f89b60dda7b9239304b20d425", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Illusions of Fate at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n I think the best way for me to describe Illusions of Fate is this way: take the play Romeo and Juliet, add in some magic, and have the women have a more important role and you've pretty much got this book. \n Jessa is a student on the mainland of Alben. She loves to learn and despite her mother's protests went to school instead of trying to find a husband. The only way she got into the school however was by threatening her father - a professor at the school who had an affair with her mother a long time ago - and she feels the hate from her fellow students. Jessa isn't from the mainland. She's from an island that everyone doesn't like and that animosity shows when her fellow students call her island rat and tell her to go back home that she doesn't belong with them. But she doesn't care because she's doing what she loves, she's learning and not back on the island getting married and taken care of for the rest of her life like her mother. \n That is until she runs into Lord Finn Akerley who takes an immediate interest in her, and whom she can't help but feel somewhat interested back. But Finn isn't who he appears to be. He brings with him a cloak of mystery and an enemy who Jessa doesn't want to cross. Not that she knows that until it's too late. Lord Downpike takes her hostage thinking that she is the key to getting what he wants from Finn, and he tortures her until she makes her escape. But it isn't the last she sees of the minister of defense as she enters a world much bigger and dangerous than her studies.", "date_added": "Mon Jan 05 08:58:17 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Sat Jan 10 18:07:59 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Mon Jan 05 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Mon Jan 05 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "23242388", "review_id": "72099762b9c23dca56007c8f62f5d674", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for A Court of Thorns and Roses at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n The best way I think for me to describe this book without gushing for thousands of words is the following: It's Beauty & the Beast with a fairy twist. Feyre and her family are down on their luck they've been banished to a small cottage out in the woods. It's winter and they're starving. The only way for them to eat is for Feyre to go out into the woods and hunt. She's had an abysmal hunt and is determined to find something when she spots a deer. The animal would not only feed her family for days but the pelt alone could get them coin that would help them out. But she isn't the only one hunting it. A wolf comes out of the wood and without even thinking, she shoots him dead. With a wolf pelt and the carcass of the deer her family is set for now. \n The next day after selling the pelts in town, her family is about to dine when a beast breaks down their front door. It's a fairy and he isn't happy that Feyre shot the wolf - who turned out to also be a fairy - to atone for her crimes according to the treaty she must die. But there is a loophole. If Feyre wants to live than she has to go with the fairy and stay with him in the land of fairies - called Prythiam - forever. She agrees. The fairy's name is Tamlin and he is one of the fairy High Lords, the wolf she killed was one of his men. She is half-expecting him to kill her, but he doesn't and lets her do as she wishes. As she learns more about the fairies and a curious illness that seems to ail them, she finds out that they aren't as dastardly as they appear to be. But it might already be too late.", "date_added": "Sat Jan 03 20:55:34 -0800 2015", "date_updated": "Thu Feb 02 19:46:26 -0800 2017", "read_at": "Mon Jun 08 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Sun May 31 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "22798836", "review_id": "a79e69904106c489b6433135694959b5", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Dangerous Deception at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n It ended in fire. It starts in fire. At the end of Dangerous Creatures, Ridley, Link and the gang were running from Nox's club Sirene that had gone up in flames. Nox had sacrificed himself so that they could get away from Silas Ravenwood. The sequel, starts right where the last left off, only this time, Ridley isn't so lucky. The book begins with Link and Ridley getting into a car crash and the elusive Dark Caster going missing. Nox and Link know what that means. She's been taken by Silas and he will stop at nothing from doing the worst to her. That is unless Nox and Link can stop him. But how can they, when they're both in love with the same girl?", "date_added": "Mon Dec 29 18:54:05 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Sat Jul 18 09:18:44 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Mon Jul 13 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Mon Jul 13 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "24421479", "review_id": "f39033eaa6ae24651f51697f881efb59", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for Triple Moon at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n It's been ten years since the events of Winds of Salem, and time has passed well. Ingrid and Freya are making the most of their lives and everything seems to be going well for them. Until Ingrid gets a call from her old friend Troy - or as he was known to her in Asgard, Thor - it seems that his two twin daughters - Mardi and Molly - have caused a mess that threatens all the witches if the White Council has their way. Their magic is getting out of control and can he send them to her for the summer so that they can work on their magic and find out what exactly happened at this party a few weeks ago? A party where two of their classmates ended up dead. \n Okay, now it might just be me, but for some reason I just can't get into the Witches of East End series. I really wanted to because it's Melissa de la Cruz and I love her writing. But there is just something about these characters that I just can't get into.", "date_added": "Sun Dec 21 18:25:33 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Sat Dec 19 17:43:24 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Mon Nov 23 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Fri Nov 13 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "21800302", "review_id": "6869a50ac9675f868604fbaece3c7bc4", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for Princess of Thorns at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Here we go again with the Sleeping Beauty retellings, I'll admit something though. Compared to While Beauty Slept that I reviewed last year, this book was a whole lot more entertaining and engaging. It reminded me a lot of Alanna: The First Adventure, but I'm jumping ahead of myself. There are two prophecies that you need to pay attention to. One deals with our heroine Aurora and the other deals with Niklaas. The first prophecy predicts a time when the ogres are going to try to take over and bring about a time of complete darkness. To do so, the blood of a child of briar is needed. The second prophecy deals with a king who cursed all his sons to turn into swans at the age of eighteen when they can inherit the throne so that way the king can rule forever. \n Aurora and her brother Jor go to live with the fairies after her mother kills herself to pass on her fairy blessings to Aurora. They escape the Ogre Queen's castle and separate so that way it is harder for the Queen to find them. But Jor gets captured on his way for his annual visit with Aurora. Now, she has to save him before the fall or else he will die. She is on her way to securing an army when she gets captured and is about to escape when she runs into Niklaas who was looking for her. But due to the way she is dressed he automatically assumes that she is her brother Jor. They both have motives. Aurora - or Ror for short - agrees to put in a good word for him with his sister (hilarity ensues) if he takes her to the Fleeting Hills so she can procure this army. He agrees despite his better judgment and a partnership is formed. But as they make the journey they become friends and slowly - at least for Ror - something else happens too. But with Ror not telling Niklaas about her true identity and with her fairy powers she isn't sure that she can love.", "date_added": "Sat Dec 13 22:02:25 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Sat Dec 19 17:27:00 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Sun Apr 26 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Thu Apr 23 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "18079804", "review_id": "7124c1e2211829a6ebbef41753e61414", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for Half Bad at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n This book follows the tale of Nathan Bryn, a half White Witch (WW) and a half Black Witch (BW). His father - where he gets the half BW from - is actually the most notorious Black Witch in the world. He's a murderer and the Council of witches is punishing Nathan for his parental heritage. His half-sister Jessica hates him. His mother kills herself because of him. He can't have contact with white witches without prior approval from the Council and later on he can't go anywhere without prior approval from the Council either. But Nathan doesn't like to follow the rules, he doesn't like how much the Council is controlling his life so he goes where he wants to and hangs out with whom he wants to. The person he likes to hang out most with is a girl named Annalise O'Brien who turns out to be the niece of a member on the Council and who has three older brothers who don't like Nathan at all. \n Eventually his rebellious nature lands him deep in trouble and he is captured and imprisoned by the Council for almost two years. While there he learns pieces of the truth for why the Council has been so interested in him. There was a prophecy that foretold that Marcus - Nathan's father - could be defeated with help from a dagger named Fairborn and Nathan himself. Nathan doesn't want to help the Council, but they are the only people who can give him the three Gifts on his seventeenth birthday that will help him come into his own powers. What can he do?", "date_added": "Sat Dec 06 15:52:27 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Sat Jan 31 13:48:01 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Wed Jan 28 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Wed Jan 28 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "18602341", "review_id": "08b16583ec389cf61e7b1f083cc9ecac", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for The Wicked will Rise at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Amy Gumm is from Kansas and like a certain other Kansan before her - Dorothy Gale - she found her way to Oz in a tornado. What she never expected to find though when she got there was Dorothy and the twisted world she had created. Glinda the Good Witch isn't good anymore. The Scarecrow is downright terrifying. The Cowardly Lion has found his courage and has become Dorothy's assassin. And the Tin Man was lethal with his axe, until Amy took out his heart. The Wicked Witches aren't evil, and have in fact formed a group called The Order to save Oz from Dorothy's rule. They take in and train Amy to defeat the girl with the ruby red shoes, but it didn't go according to plan. Now all of the Emerald City is burning and the Order is thrown in every which direction in Oz. And Amy has a mission to achieve, she can't kill Dorothy unless she takes the Tin Man's heart, the Lion's courage, and the Scarecrow's brain. \n She already has the Tin Man's heart and as she escapes the Emerald City she runs into the Lion and takes his courage. The only problem is that in the process of doing so, she tapped into some rather dark magic and became a little bit different herself. She's not sure if she should continue on, not if she can't control this dark side of herself, but how else is she supposed to get home? But as she should know by now in Oz, not everything is what the story book made it out to be... \n So the violence really escalated in this book and I'm not really sure if I liked that or not. On one hand I like having a proactive main character who struggles with the darkness within herself, but on the other hand the story line got a little bit too confusing.", "date_added": "Sat Nov 15 15:40:01 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Sat Apr 09 22:04:49 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Sun Apr 03 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Fri Apr 01 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "19401029", "review_id": "7a431f2bfa31661d59e50cc35f51438f", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for Waterfall at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n In Teardrop Eureka broke the only rule her mother ever gave her; never ever cry. And she soon found out the reason why her mother said that. It turns out that Eureka is part of a mysterious line whose tears can cause a biblical flood and the rising of the legendary city of Atlantis. Eureka has finally cried and has started that biblical flood taking many innocent lives and the future of the world is up in the air. But apparently not everything is as straightforward as it seems. To make Atlantis rise, three tears needed to be shed. She's only shed two. The ruler of the city - Atlas - took over her best friend Brooks and will do anything to get Eureka to cry that final tear. \n Ander - the Seedbearer who fell in love with Eureka instead of killing her - has a vague idea of what to do next. It involves the lost Seedbearer - Solmon - because there has to be a way to undo what Eureka has done. When they do find him, they find out that the only way things can be undone is if Eureka goes up against Atlas at a specific location. If she doesn't, the souls that were lost will forever be stuck on earth, or, if Atlantis rises, will be used to rebuild everything like mindless slaves. As Eureka prepares to face off against Atlas she starts to learn things about herself, and one startling realization. What if she's not the hero? What if she's the bad guy?", "date_added": "Sat Nov 15 15:34:53 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Wed Dec 31 10:28:50 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Tue Dec 30 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Mon Dec 29 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "22500564", "review_id": "0f8998fa5defb00a8b409d1dbc276c48", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Bound by Flames at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n It's been a while since I've read the others book in the series and I had to read my own reviews to rehash my memory of what happened. So in the last book, Vlad got married to Leila after realizing that he couldn't live without her. Maximus became an asshat. Marty keeps on being undead despite all the attempts on his life. And Leila and Vlad found out that their worst enemy - whose name I still can't spell to save my life and who will be known in this review as Big Bad - is still alive. Now, they're on the move to take him out before he can take them out. \n Vlad is still being his archaic self, and is over protecting Leila to the point where she's about to lose her shit. They've discovered that if he coats her in his aura, she can't use her electric or telekinetic linking abilities. This doesn't go over well when Leila realizes that he's doing this on purpose. It doesn't help either that he keeps going off on his own, leaving her at the mansion armed with a lot of guards. However, that plan doesn't seem to work when Big Bad attacks the mansion, causing it to explode and attacks the survivors with flame. He was hoping to kill Leila, but instead - at Maximus's insistence - takes her prisoner... \n At this point in Frost's Night Prince/Huntress world, I think I've seen it all, because I was kind of numb to a lot of what happened in this book.", "date_added": "Sat Nov 15 15:29:17 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Sat Dec 19 17:37:45 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Sun Sep 13 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Tue Sep 08 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "22678141", "review_id": "70f24e498d4d90a11e9be74cbf827e8c", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Daughter of Dusk at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Not much has really changed in the three months since the ending of Midnight Thief. Kyra works for the Palace now as an informant on the Assassin's Guild. Tristam and her are walking around each other on eggshells not sure what their kiss in the forest meant. She's still trying to figure out her bloodlines and what it means to be a Demon Rider, and everything changes for him when he gets a letter from home. But that's not the worst part. The worst part is that the Demon Rider attacks have increased, so much so that the council of Forget is about to take military action against the demon cats. \n Military action that could get innocent soldiers killed, but despite protests from the defense minister, the council approves the notion to increase troops and to enlist from the city. Kyra doesn't want that to happen and tries to put a stop to it, but in this city there's always some kind of crooked politics afoot. \n I really liked Midnight Thief, and when I found out there was a sequel I was really excited, even more so when I found out it was coming out on my birthday this year. I was excited because I loved the story line of Kyra and Tristam and I really wanted to see where their story went next. The answer was pretty much what I expected, there weren't any real good twists like there were in MT.", "date_added": "Sat Nov 15 15:23:55 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Sat Oct 03 11:14:25 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Fri Sep 25 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Wed Sep 23 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "20602999", "review_id": "d38e37c59e8cd0a3a4ca98c7a8e6636f", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review Snow Like Ashes at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n You know what I love about fantasy books? When you are dropped into a new world with no idea what is going on, but as the story progresses all these details come at you, like all the different Kingdoms and their relations. And how magic works and who the enemy is. And then there are some things that are a little hazy, but that you mostly get the gist of. I love that in fantasy books, and I really loved that in Snow Like Ashes. This kind of reminded me a lot of the Seven Kingdoms book series by Cinda Williams Chima that I really loved.", "date_added": "Sat Oct 18 19:58:57 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Sun Sep 17 08:44:51 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Sun Sep 03 16:38:57 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Fri Sep 01 05:42:33 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "17331828", "review_id": "80f205451c64590aac5a791bf589c768", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for Talon at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n This book follows the tales of Ember Hill - a dragon hatchling who is trying to assimilate into the human world over the summer - Garret Sebastian - a member of the dragon hunting society St. George - and Riley - a rogue dragon on the run. Ember has always craved freedom and this summer is her chance, but the problem is that even this 'freedom' has strings attached. Her guardians for the summer won't allow her to fly (to big of a risk), want her home by midnight, and are always watching her and her brother, reporting their movements back to Talon (the organization of dragons). One false move and they could be taken back for retraining. Something that neither of them wants. But Ember isn't happy with these constraints, so instead of flying she picks the next best thing - surfing. Assimilating with the humans is easy, until she runs into Riley the rogue who takes an interest in her and Garret who isn't quite what he seems either. \n Garret is undercover this summer, St. George has heard about a sleeper dragon and they know that while in their human form they are at their weakest. Garret's mission is to find the sleeper and take her/him out. He starts following Ember, but there's something unusual about her that even if she was a dragon he can't explain. He feels slightly attracted towards her, but he knows that nothing can really come of it if she really is the sleeper. That doesn't stop either of them from trying though. Riley, on the other hand, gives Ember something that she craves desperately. He gives her the chance to fly and the answers to questions she can't get anywhere else. He shows her that there is a dangerous side to Talon that they aren't telling her everything and that she needs to get out before it's too late.", "date_added": "Wed Oct 01 08:46:37 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Sat Apr 18 15:54:30 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Sat Apr 11 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Fri Apr 10 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "20578940", "review_id": "40c6857609d9e1c2c369d42658c55b63", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for The Iron Trial at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n On top of the whole magic thing, Call is different in one other way. His left leg has been through hell and back and still doesn't work the way it's supposed to. All his life that has been another factor to Call being weird. And even though he doesn't fail like he's supposed to at The Iron Trial, he still feels like the odd person out because of how spectacularly he did fail. \n Eventually though that's all put to rest. His fellow classmates become his friends, but he still wants to know one thing. If the Magisterium was a place for Call to belong, then why was his father so against him joining the magical school? He may not like the answer he receives.", "date_added": "Sun Sep 28 13:17:07 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Sat Jan 24 09:50:59 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Mon Jan 19 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Fri Jan 16 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "1743390", "review_id": "a7ebc5aa0a571117c93832050063cadb", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for A Curse Dark as Gold at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n This book was actually recommended to me by a friend who knows how much I like fairy tales and retellings of classic old stories, and I'm really glad I took her up on her suggestion. A Curse Dark as Gold follows young Charlotte and Rosie Miller as they take over for their deceased father running the local mill. But this isn't your ordinary mill if you look close enough. The Stirwaters mill has a curse on it. A curse that goes back for generations. There have been so many incidents that the people of the town of Shearing have just learned to go with the flow. And it looks like even with Charlotte heading the helm, the curse still exists. \n It begins with the appearance of Charlotte and Rosie's uncle. Things seem to go wrong and he keeps trying to convince them to cut their losses and sell. But they refuse, even when Randall Woodstone from the bank shows up with grave news that their father took out a mortgage on the mill. With his passing the payments fall to them, but because of their gender the bank isn't comfortable with the 10 year plan and want their money NOW. Pinning all their hopes on selling their goods at market, their hopes are dashed when it is revealed they have been banned from selling due to poor paperwork. Charlotte is desperate and Rosie seeing no other way summon a spirit to help them out. But it leads to more than they bargained for and they have to find a way out before it is too late.", "date_added": "Mon Sep 15 19:29:52 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Sat Jan 31 13:45:29 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Mon Jan 26 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Mon Jan 19 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "22853150", "review_id": "62229153a7be335c712ee3428c4a789d", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Heir of Fire at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Celaena Sardothien has survived deadly contests and shattering heartbreak--but at an unspeakable cost. Now she must travel to a new land to confront her darkest truth...a truth about her heritage that could change her life--and her future--forever. Meanwhile, brutal and monstrous forces are gathering on the horizon, intent on enslaving her world. To defeat them, Celaena must find the strength to not only fight her inner demons but to battle the evil that is about to be unleashed. \n It's amazing how a 468 paged book can be summed up into one paragraph, isn't it? Unfortunately, that paragraph does NOT do this book justice. Heir of Fire is by far one of my favorites of the series. At first, I didn't really like it, because Celaena is completely broken when the book begins. I don't blame her considering everything she has been through in the last book, but it is still hard to see the once ferocious Assassin become so broken.", "date_added": "Sat Sep 06 18:36:01 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Wed Feb 01 21:57:30 -0800 2017", "read_at": "Mon Apr 11 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Sun Mar 27 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "23310718", "review_id": "319a4f719485f3e77188d373f17338f8", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Firewalker at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Lily Proctor has done the impossible, especially for her. The girl who was allergic to the world has worldwalked into a parallel universe that's similar to her own, but not. This world has magic and in this world she is Lillian the witch of Salem. And what a witch she is. Lily doesn't want to be anything like her counterpart and with an army she went to war against her. Somehow, though, during that war she worldwalked again, this time with Rowan - her head mechanic - at her side and back to her world. When she arrives though everything isn't as she left it. \n She's been missing for three months. The FBI have mounted an investigation into her disappearance where Tristan is their lead suspect. When she returns, she is badly burned to the point of death and her mother, her sister Juliet and Rowan must do everything in their power to save her. While they do, she is in contact with Lillian who shows her how exactly her world (and herself) got so messed up. Through memories, Lily sees the trouble of world jumping, but she also sees how Lillian became the villain and doesn't want anything more to do with her counter part. But Lillian won't take no for an answer. She wants Lily back in her world, and she'll stop at nothing - even murder - to make sure she comes back. \n The problem with reading these books nine months apart, was the fact that the events of Trial by Fire were really hazy to me. I couldn't really remember what had happened, but thankfully Firewalker took care of that by sort of going through a 'previously on' portion. Anyway, this book was basically just as good as the first one, if not better. The characters got fleshed out some more, and there were a few twists in the book that I didn't really see coming.", "date_added": "Mon Sep 01 10:10:57 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Sat Oct 10 12:16:02 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Thu Oct 08 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Wed Oct 07 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "20613491", "review_id": "71ea8f933e910ccd576f99356443db69", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Trial by Fire at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n I love starting new series by authors who I've read their previous works. I love seeing where these minds go and what new characters they create. I loved the world that Angelini created in her Starcrossed trilogy and within ten pages of her new novel Trial by Fire, I was hooked on this world - or as it happens worlds - too. \n Lily Proctor is dying. Well, not really, but that's what it feels like everyday when she goes out into the world to do normal things like going to school. For some unexplainable reason she is literally allergic to everything and whether it's fever, rash, stuffy nose, anaphylaxis shock, or something else she knows that she is falling apart. Soon the world is going to become so toxic to her, it will be death for her to leave the house. But she plans to take advantage of her freedom while it lasts. That includes endangering her life to go to a party with her best friend/kind-of sort of boyfriend Tristan. \n But this party doesn't go as she planned. Even though, her fellow students know of her allergies, somehow - after Tristan leaves her alone to deal with an ex-girlfriend problem - she is slipped some alcohol which causes a severe allergic reaction in her. She has a seizure and Tristan is beside himself - especially when Lily catches him half-naked with the same ex - and rushes her home. When she wakes up she accuses Tristan of not caring about her feelings and he gives her the lame 'I never said we were exclusive' excuse. A fight ensues that ends their friendship. Not knowing what to do, Lily walks out of her house and goes for a walk, but someone speaks to her mind and she gives in to the need to be away from this place. \n She wakes up in a different world, where everything is the same, except for the fact that there are witches and this world's version of her - Lillian - is the supreme witch. More mysteries come to light as Lily tries to figure out her new role in this world while trying not to get herself killed.", "date_added": "Mon Sep 01 10:10:39 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Sat Jan 24 09:48:27 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Fri Jan 16 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Tue Jan 13 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "17566814", "review_id": "fa3cc0965a596b285abda01317a99a58", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Midnight Thief at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n Kyra knows how to get by and to make a coin last a long time. She grew up on the streets of Forge not knowing who her parents are and protected by her friend Flick who taught her the ways of a thief. But she's different than he is, she's limber, quick, and when she moves she doesn't make that much noise. She's the perfect canidate for a job that involves the Palace. But she can't find the item she is searching for and returns empty handed. The man who hired her - James - isn't disappointed that she couldn't find the item, if anything he is impressed that she was able to stay in the Palace so long without being caught. \n A few days later, he has a proposition for her. How would she like to make enough money where she wouldn't have to worry about keeping roof over her head, food in her stomach and enough left over for other things? She accepts the job working for the Assassin's Guild, but only as a thief and nothing more. But her job doesn't go as she plans... \n Tristam and his friend Jack are almost knights of the Palace's army. One day they're out on patrol when they go after a large cat that is attacking a farm's livestock. Tristam believes the attempt is stupid and watches in horror as his best friend is killed right before his eyes by a cat that isn't quite a normal cat. He vows to find these demon cats - or Demon Hunters that have been plaguing the countryside - and enlists into the Minster of Defense's service. But he is baffled by a string of thefts and the fact that the Demon Hunters have moved from the outskirts of the countryside into the city.", "date_added": "Thu Jul 10 21:50:19 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Wed Nov 05 11:08:01 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Mon Nov 03 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Fri Oct 31 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "18584855", "review_id": "92d1b26363ab324495aa48488bb28c80", "rating": 3, "review_text": "A more detailed review to come, but oy. This was not what I was expecting. And not in a good way. \n Update 12/3/16: \n See full review for Heartless at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n I won't lie, this book was one of my top five most anticipated reads for this year. Marissa Meyer and Wonderland? I was sold even before I knew what it really was going to be about. As the details of it came out, I was really excited for it. I always wondered how the Queen of Hearts became the Queen of Hearts. But I might have gotten too excited for it. The first sign should have been when I saw the reviews on Goodreads, there were a lot of negative reviews. But when have I ever listened to these people? I plowed ahead. \n And wished that I had stayed away from this particular rabbit hole.", "date_added": "Mon Jun 16 09:58:52 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Sat Dec 03 13:31:44 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Fri Nov 25 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Mon Nov 21 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 6}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "8705784", "review_id": "bddce39cdd1cf27caef39d03a844a4c5", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review of Born at Midnight at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Kylie Galen is having a tough summer and it hasn't even started yet. Her Nana recently just passed away, her parents are getting a divorce, her night terrors have returned and she keeps seeing this Soldier Dude everywhere she goes, but she is the only one that sees him. Her mother has turned into the Ice Queen since the split and Kylie can't talk to her anymore. While at an end of the year party, Kylie gets caught up in a drug bust and taken off to the police station. Apparently that is the last straw for her mother and she ships her off to a two month summer camp for delinquents and troublemakers. \n To be honest, when I was halfway through this novel I was half tempted to either not finish it or finish it and not read the rest of the novels in this series. Kylie was downright annoying and very whiny. But what saved this book was how quickly she made friends with her two roommates and Lucas's constant attention towards her.", "date_added": "Wed Jun 04 22:25:57 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Sat Nov 14 12:38:00 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Thu Nov 12 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Mon Nov 09 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "17234664", "review_id": "0ffa9cbe722cb8c7f6badfdb0e4c37f4", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Sorceress at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n The last we left the residents of Captive's Sound, they had just survived a strange illness that had many of their residents in the hospital on the brink of death. Nadia, a newcomer to Captive's Sound and a witch, had made a deal with the evil witch Elizabeth to cure those affected. By swearing herself to The One Beneath - aka this series version of Voldemort - Nadia figures that she'll be able to find a way to stop Elizabeth's plan without any further harm coming to the town. Mateo - her Steadfast (a person who strengthens her magic) - and her friend Verlaine aren't so sure and don't agree with Nadia's plan. And as usual they're right. Because Elizabeth knows all and knows that the only reason Nadia agreed to swear herself was because she wanted to save her friends. She's not 100% committed, but she plans to change all of that by isolating her from those she loves most. \n With Nadia's help, Elizabeth casts a spell over the town that causes torrential rain fall. Captive's Sound is already on the breaking point and add in this rain that causes massive flooding and damage, and the town breaks. Suspecting witchcraft, but they don't suspect Elizabeth. They suspect Verlaine. Verlaine already has her own issues as she realizes that she has fallen in love with the demon bounded to Elizabeth, Asa, and she doesn't understand why he keeps telling her that she needs to know how to kill him just in case. Mateo also has problems as he realizes that because of this dark magic, Nadia is changing and it isn't for the better. Her use of the dark arts pushes them apart, so far apart that he does something really stupid to make sure that when this is all over she'll be safe. But what he doesn't realize is that Nadia is trying to make sure that he remains safe too and they both play in Elizabeth's hands.", "date_added": "Sat May 24 20:58:11 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Sat Apr 04 09:33:18 -0700 2015", "read_at": "Mon Mar 30 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Fri Mar 27 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "17869212", "review_id": "1673a55a068930cf5cb8d21838f4ce6d", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Promise of Shadows at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Zephyr Mourning is in hell. No, literally she is in the Pits of Tartarus and has been working down there ever since the Aetheral Council sentenced her to an eternity in Tartarus. You see before she was sent there, she was a Harpy (or would have been if she hadn't failed her trials because she is a complete and utter failure) with a sister named Whisper who one day she came home to with her body on the floor and one of Hera's generals of her Acolytes on the scene. Zephyr lost her temper and killed him with a dark form of magic that her kind don't usually possess. Hera, of course, wanted her head but the council was lenient and sent her to hell instead. \n However, in the year that she has been down there she has only made one friend Cass and after a meeting with Hades that doesn't go over well, both of them make a run for it and run into more of their kind - a kid named Blue and an old friend from Zephyr's past, Tallon - they get them out of there and that's when she learns the truth. A prophecy was made a long time ago that a Nyx would emerge and save the vaenter (think demi-god) race from the Etherals and the Exalted (think the big 12 of the Greek gods). Because of what Zephyr did to Hera's general they believe that she is the Nyx. Too bad that Zephyr knows better because all her life she has been a failure at everything... \n This book started off weird. You begin this book in the pits of Tartarus with no idea what is going on and Zephyr throws all these different terms at you and you try to keep up with not only those terms but the chain of events that led Zep into the pits. I will admit, that after she gets out of the Underworld and the prophecy about the Nyx is given things got really interesting and fast.", "date_added": "Fri May 09 11:50:35 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Sat Nov 21 09:59:19 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Tue Nov 17 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Sun Nov 15 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "18478946", "review_id": "0418a3b3cd2ce2076876ba8be8c6ff6d", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for Dangerous Creatures at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n Dangerous Creatures is the spinoff series of the Beautiful Creatures quartet. And if you have been living under a rock the last few years the Beautiful Creatures quartet was mostly about Casters - witches - and the tale of Lena and Ethan trying to overcome the obstacles of the Caster and mortal worlds. But instead of following the tales of Lena and Ethan, this series is following - my favorite character from the original - Ridley and her sometimes boyfriend/half Incubus Link. The gang has graduated from high school and is about to go their separate ways, and Ridley seems to be hiding something. Something that involves her current ex-boyfriend Link. \n Her plan isn't revealed until she joins - and gets back together - with him as he journeys off to New York to finally try and make it big as a drummer. The summer before - after Link confessed to being in love with her - Ridley went off to Europe but eventually found her way to a Caster club where she got involved in a high stakes came of Liar's Chance. She lost and not only does she owe a marker - a drummer - but she also owes a marker to the house, one that makes the holder able to call upon her power, talent, etc. to accomplish one task whenever they want. As she tries to pay up her old debt, she comes face to face with the problem she was running from in the first place and not to mention a familiar face from her past.", "date_added": "Sat May 03 10:28:29 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Wed Dec 31 10:26:12 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Mon Dec 29 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Sun Dec 28 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "25573701", "review_id": "c0c2f4e8620396bf6f0de9ab1dd0a386", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for Remembrance at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n It should be a good year for Susannah Simon who has finally graduated from college and is working at her old high school in the administrative office - unpaid - and is still hopelessly in love with Dr. Hector de Silva, her fiancee. Things are going great, except that Jesse is too old fashioned and won't get into her pants until they are wed. And they won't wed until he has means to support her financially. But that she can live with, sort of. She's hoping to break him down any day now. What she can't live with is the fact that a homicidal seven-year old who's a ghost is haunting one of her students and she can't really help because the ghost is overly protective. It doesn't help either that the child she's trying to help is Kelly Prescott's stepdaughter. There's a blast from the past, and another one on the horizon. \n Paul Slater contacts her out of the blue to let her know that he has become a rather flush businessman and one of the acts that he has undertaken as a businessman is to build a strip mall where Suze's old house stands. At first, she doesn't understand why he is contacting her about this. So what, if he bought her old house? She's not that sentimental. But then he giddily tells her something that he found in The Book of the Dead that they studied when they were in high school. If a ghost's haunting grounds are destroyed, an inner demon will be unleashed. And who says that just because the spirit is no longer the same won't happen to the living? Now, Suze is concerned because she doesn't want to find out if Jesse has a dark side and good old Paul has a solution. He won't tear down the house if she gives him another chance. It's a devil's bargain, but is she really willing to risk not taking it? \n Okay, okay, so I'll be honest I really loved this book. The problems I had with the novella weren't really present in this book. The 'new/older' Suze who looked down upon herself was gone. The old Suze - her sarcastic, charming and foul-mouthed self - was back.", "date_added": "Wed Apr 30 22:30:19 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Fri Jul 15 13:25:43 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Wed Jul 13 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Tue Jul 12 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "16060716", "review_id": "fe989252e43e37f7aee9e429a6f450f3", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Lair of Dreams at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n It's been six months since the events of The Diviners and everyone seems to have moved on. Although there is still a curiosity among the people of New York when it comes to the Pentacle Killer and what happened on the night that he was 'arrested.' Evie O'Neill is trying to move on from that horrific episode. Since the day she made the announcement that she is a Diviner and can read objects, she has been hosting her own radio show. Jericho, Sam and her Uncle Will haven't seen much of her because she refuses to step foot in the museum anymore. And Sam and Jericho are trying their best to save the museum from closing due to not paying the taxes owed on the property. With Uncle Will going out of town, both feel that it is the prime opportunity to throw a Diviners exhibition, with a little help from Evie of course. \n Elsewhere in town, thanks to Evie's proclamation, there are more Diviners coming out of the woodwork. Henry, Theta's best friend, and a teenage girl named Ling are both dreamwalkers. They meet in the dream world and help each other with not only the growth of their powers but finding someone that Henry cares about deeply. But there is a problem with the dreamwalking. Throughout New York people are falling victim to the sleeping sickness, where people go to sleep and never wake up. A lot of people out of fear are blaming the Chinese immigrants and things get really bad for Ling. If she doesn't find an explanation for the sickness, she might lose the one she loves. But as always in the Diviner world nothing is what it seems. \n So, I honestly picked the wrong time to read this book. I should have read it during Halloween it was pretty creepy. Another intriguing ghost story from Libba Bray. I love her writing style and her characters are still spot on.", "date_added": "Mon Mar 31 17:47:13 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Sat Nov 07 10:26:57 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Thu Nov 05 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Sun Nov 01 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "18296016", "review_id": "979c4b3c4fbb61e57404b0629bd2403a", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for The Ring and the Crown at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n I just finished this book and I honestly don't know what to say about it. There were some parts of this book that were disgusting, but in a good way. There were some parts of this book that probably were not age appropriate for a YA label, but damn. Basically, if you like the court politics and history of Philippa Gregory's novels, and the magic of The Seven Realms series this is definitely the book for you. \n The Ring and the Crown is set in the early twentieth century in a reimagined Europe and Americas. Queen Eleanor of England and France has a daughter named Marie-Victoria who has been crippled by illness, but has been promised to Prince Leopold of Prussia in exchange for the war between the two countries to stop. The problem is Marie doesn't love Leopold and after you get introduced to the character you kind of understand why. Leopold is kind of...nah, scratch that...is definitely an ass hat. His mistreatment of women is disgusting, even though Isabelle - a descendent of the French royal line before Eleanor took over - kind of deserves it (until near the end when you realize why she acts like she does). Marie loves Gill, a member of the Queen's Guard who is assigned to protect her, and plans to run away with him with a little help from her friend Aelwyn - a member of the magic race, who's father is the queen's Merlin. \n And just when you think you've got the cast of characters figured out, there are few more added into the mix. Leopold's brother - Wolf, who is just amazing - and then a young woman from New York, Ronan who comes to England for the season looking for a husband to save her family from poverty.", "date_added": "Mon Mar 31 16:36:32 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Mon Sep 15 19:03:12 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Mon Jun 23 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Fri Jun 20 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "18079665", "review_id": "6987db41470f1031531befac6d8ef222", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for While Beauty Slept at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n We all know the tale of Sleeping Beauty, the princess who was cursed to prick her finger on a spinning wheel and die unless awoken by love's true kiss. In 2014, the tale we have come to know has been challenged. In Maleficent we are faced with a question what about Maleficent's side of things? What if she was truly the wronged party? And now in While Beauty Slept we are challenged once again. \n The book begins with an elderly woman listening to her granddaughter tell the tale of Sleeping Beauty and how she is sick and tired of hearing the 'all lived happily ever after' version of things. The true story wasn't so romantic and the woman would know since she took care of the real Sleeping Beauty. Her granddaughter asks her to tell her the real story and she relents. \n The elderly woman turns out to be Elise, she grew up on a farm with her family. Her father always seemed to hate her and her mother finally tells her why when she is fourteen years old. Her father isn't her father. Her mother had already had her when they met, she had gotten pregnant while she was a chambermaid in the castle. A few years later, Elise and her family are befallen by the pox. Her mother and two of her brothers don't survive, but she does. Once recovered she goes to the palace and claims a place working in the household and eventually she becomes the queen's personal maid. \n Queen Lenore is troubled, her and her husband have been trying to have a baby but to no avail. Due to the bareness of the queen, the line of succession is in doubt and the king has to name his brother Prince Bowen his heir. Just before he is named, the queen announces that she is pregnant. She gives birth to a daughter - Rose - and the kingdom seems to be happy. That is until the king's aunt - Millicent - tries to take a more hands on approach with the baby. The king and queen won't stand for it and kick her out of the palace. She comes back and places a 'curse' on the castle, threatening Rose's life. A hunt for the woman comes up with nothing and the royal family is left in peace, until Prince Bowen declares war on his brother.", "date_added": "Mon Mar 31 13:27:15 -0700 2014", "date_updated": "Mon Sep 15 19:34:10 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Fri Sep 12 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Mon Sep 08 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "22574591", "review_id": "04cd3cc4aaee582e191a0f17998afcb8", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Mortal Heart at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Like with Dark Triumph, Mortal Heart really isn't a sequel. It takes place in the same world with the same characters but the narrator again is different. This time around we follow the story from Annith's point of view. She's friends with Ismae and Syabella, but unlike the two she hasn't been sent out on a mission yet even though she's been at the convent the longest. She fears that the abbess will keep her there to become the convent's new Seer and she doesn't want that. She wants to be like her friends and fellow sisters and go out on a mission. When it becomes abundantly clear that that won't happen (confirmation from the abbess and a young member of the convent being sent out onto a mission), Annith decides to take matters into her own hands. \n She rides out to confront the abbess who has gone to court, but gets a little sidelined. On her first night on her own, she runs across the hellequins - the demon riders from the Underworld who escort the souls marked - and fears that they are hunting her because she ran from the convent. But they aren't. If anything the lead - Balthazar - takes her into the group to make sure that she is well protected. But not everything is as it seems. Even as she starts to slowly fall for the man, she discovers that he may actually be hunting her and takes off during the day. She arrives at court - with some help from the followers of a different God, the name escapes me at the moment - and faces the abbess with her accusations and the real reason for why she has been held back from missions eventually comes out.", "date_added": "Tue Mar 04 00:00:25 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Sat Dec 19 17:19:49 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Sun Feb 22 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Thu Feb 19 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "9943270", "review_id": "f62956ba1299ffb08cd65788356d3d85", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Dark Triumph at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n Most sequels that I've read over the years usually are a continuation of the first book with the same narrator/main character. Dark Triumph is a little different from Grave Mercy, in that instead of being narrated by Ismae, we're given a new narrator of Ismae's Sister Handmaiden Sybella. Sybella has a dark past, a little bit darker than her fellow sister's. Her task by the abbess of Mortain was to be placed back in d'Albret's household and see which traitors she can strike down to help the duchess. The only problem with that plan is that being back in d'Albret's household nearly made her go mad the first time, because she has been claimed as his daughter. \n It gets even more complicated when the abbess sends her word that the Beast, which d'Albret has captured at the last battle, must be freed and returned to Rennes. It is a difficult task because she is always being watched by those around her. Her brother Julian holds an unnatural love for her and claims her as his own. One of Sybella's ladies is in love with Julian and always reports Sybella's movements to him. But she must rescue him, even if that means her life. What she doesn't expect, when she does get around to getting him out of the cell - on the brink of death - is for him to kidnap her and take her with him back to Rennes. \n All sorts of trouble lies ahead now that Sybella's cover has been blown. Dark secrets from her past are revealed and she must finally face up to things that she didn't think that she could ever do.", "date_added": "Tue Mar 04 00:00:15 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Sat Dec 06 19:12:46 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Tue Nov 25 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Sat Nov 15 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "18054085", "review_id": "e8411f104985376c59a1594867193563", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for The Iron Warrior at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n The last we left the awesome world of faery, Keirran and Ethan were facing off against the Forgotten Queen after having just gone through hell and back to save Annywl - Keirran's love - from Fading forever. What they came up wasn't the best idea. It was dark magic that is linked to an amulet that Annywl wears around her neck. This amulet connects her to Keirran and draws from his glamour. However, because he is also half-human it was also drawing on his soul. So when the Forgotten Queen told him that the only real way to save Annywl was to drop the Veil, he would have stopped at nothing. \n Even killing his own uncle, because as it turns out to drop the Veil a sacrifice of blood with ties to all three courts of Faery had to be made. And Ethan was that sacrifice. Now, four months later, Ethan rises from the dead - thanks to a protection charm from his kali instructor - and finds that Faery is on the brink of war. The Forgotten didn't completely succeed in dropping the Veil and will do whatever it takes to drop it again. This time permanently. Which means that Ethan has to come up against his nephew again, only this time he may not be so lucky... \n I really need to rethink my theory that I hate all last books in series, because again, a final book had me on the edge of my seat.", "date_added": "Mon Mar 03 23:59:36 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Sat Jan 02 14:17:15 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Mon Dec 28 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Sat Dec 26 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "17679544", "review_id": "ea5c7cc42578c72db4be24db5b6ada18", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for The Iron Traitor at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Ethan and Kenzie are back from the Nevernever and things are about to go down. Kenzie's father, who didn't pay much attention to her before, is paying attention now especially when because of her antics - their excuse of running away to New York - she ends up back in the hospital. Kenzie's father forbids Ethan from seeing his daughter ever again and threatens to make his life hell if he even attempts to do so. Kenzie and Ethan don't listen, of course, but another kink is thrown into their plans when Meghan shows up at Ethan's house and asks if he has seen Keirran. Apparently he is missing and no one can find him. \n Ethan doesn't think much of it until Annwyl - the banished Summer Court faery - shows up and admits that the reason Keirran is missing is because he is out looking for a cure for her because she has started to Fade. She needs to find him before it is too late and Ethan grudgingly agrees to help her. But there is a mysterious fey - other than the Forgotten - lurking around who wants to set the balance right. Not to mention a prophecy that just might be the key as to why Meghan has stayed away for so long. \n So when I reviewed The Lost Prince over twelve months ago, in my final rating I wished that the next book would be better because Ethan drove me nuts with his constant complaining. I got my wish. Ethan keeps his complaining to a minimum. The book was so action packed that I couldn't put it down - seriously I stayed up until almost two in the morning on another work day because I needed to finish it.", "date_added": "Mon Mar 03 23:59:21 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Sun Sep 24 10:13:30 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Sun Dec 20 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Sat Dec 19 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "16099437", "review_id": "c4ea635b2e77337597c78e24c2e7841d", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for The Lost Prince at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Thirteen years since the events of The Iron Knight and things are still not well in the Nevernever. But this time instead of following Meghan and Ash, The Lost Prince follows the journey of Ethan Chase - Meghan's brother - and he isn't the cute little kid we last saw in The Iron Queen. Because of his dealings with faery in the past, they won't leave him alone no matter how hard he tries to live a normal life. Due to this, he has taken on a 'bad boy/rebel without a cause' personality and it's really kind of freaky. Is this really the same kid who caused Meghan to go into the world of Faery in the first place? \n When The Lost Prince begins, Ethan is starting at another new school and is trying to go unnoticed. But on the first day that really gets screwed up. First, a girl named Kenzie talks to him and he actually talks back to her even though he thinks she's part of the popular crowd. Then, he breaks up a fight between the jocks and a nobody named Todd who turns out to be a half-breed. Due to Ethan's Sight he can see what Todd really is and Todd instantly takes notice. So much for laying low. \n It turns out that Todd is into something really nasty concerning some sort of new breed of fey. Eventually - despite Ethan's best efforts - Todd goes missing and Ethan gets tugged into the whole mess. Whatever came after Todd is now coming after him too, and they do so at one of Ethan's competitions with Kenzie in the same room. Not knowing what to do, he pulls Kenzie with him into the Nevernever and he begins a journey that he never thought that he would go on.", "date_added": "Mon Mar 03 23:59:03 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Fri Sep 22 13:30:33 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Tue Jan 20 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Tue Jan 13 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "9659607", "review_id": "36112276ce7c8f620a7a6a2589a9d9d3", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for The Iron Knight at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n Meghan Chase has become the Iron Queen - the ruler of the Iron Fey and Kingdom - and seems to be at relative peace with the Winter and Summer courts. Everything is as it should be, or so it seems. In her final act before she became queen, Meghan released Prince Ash of the Winter court from his promise of knighthood and banished him from the Iron Realm. She knew that if she died, he would follow her soon after and she didn't want that on her conscious. But she didn't die and now Ash has to try and make his way back to her side. \n The problem though is that he's been banished from the Iron Realm and he is still a Winter court faery. The touch of iron could kill him, so he is on a mission. First to find the cat Grimalkin and then to somehow find a soul so that way he can become a mortal and be by Meghan's side. But the task is not easy. For one thing, the jester Puck has decided to join him on his journey and they still have a centuries old feud to put to bed. For another, the journey is perilous and brings out the darker side of Ash, a side he thought he had locked away, and he eventually does turn on his once friend. But when it comes time to deal the killing blow - one that Puck willingly gives him - he can't do it. But that doesn't matter, because what happens next challenges his vow to come back to Meghan's side.", "date_added": "Mon Mar 03 23:58:46 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Sun Dec 28 09:58:23 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Sat Dec 20 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Fri Dec 19 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "8685612", "review_id": "454db33814072a2ae48e2ce399796ba7", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for The Iron Queen at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n Meghan and Ash have been exiled from the land of Faery for the simple crime of being in love with each other. Banned from the magical paths and not sure what really to do next she decides to go see her family knowing that her mother and her brother are probably concerned about her and where she's been. Feeling nervous she approaches her house and is immediately ensnared into a wire net. The false king sent assassins after her and she comes to the shocking conclusion that as long as the false king is after her she can never truly come home. \n But with the paths to Faery closed to them both, Meghan and Ash need to come up with a plan to get back to the world of Faery. Their first plan of attack is to go visit the Oracle so Meghan can get the memory she took back and then to see the Exiled Queen. With the Exiled Queen's permission, they take her father to a cabin in the woods, where they plan their next move. They don't have to wait all that long as members of both the Seelie and Unseelie courts come to deliver a message from the king and queen. They are losing the battle against the Iron Fey and believe that she is the only one who can destroy them. So Oberon offers her and Ash a deal, if she agrees to help them he and Mab will lift their exiles. Feeling reluctant but knowing there is no other way, Meghan agrees and she walks into another war.", "date_added": "Mon Mar 03 23:58:34 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Sat Dec 20 13:01:12 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Wed Dec 17 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Mon Mar 03 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "7747064", "review_id": "0550812899ee891141fa8f5634de6390", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for The Iron Daughter at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n Meghan Chase has upheld her end of the bargain that she made with the Unseelie Court Prince, Ash, and has come with him to the Winter Court. But that was weeks ago, and Meghan hasn't seen him since. She's been trapped in Court waiting for Queen Mab to summon her, but while she's waiting she's been having strange dreams about her battle with King Machina. Finally Mab does summon her to ask her what exactly happened and even when she tells the tale, the Queen doesn't believe her until Ash shows up to back up her story. \n After what happened on their way back to the Winter Court, you would think that Meghan would realize that Ash's indifference to her is to protect her, but she automatically jumps to conclusions and forgets her place. Embarrassed and heartbroken she tries to steal herself away from Ash's harsh words and continue her life at the Court. But that's hard to do when she's in love with Ash, Rowan - Ash's brother - is hanging around, and the whole Winter Court wants her dead. But it isn't until she goes for a walk with Sage - Ash's elder brother - after the Scepter of the Seasons is transferred to the Winter Court's power, that things get a little dicey. Members of the Iron Fey show up in the throne room and attack. Prince Sage tries to fight but is killed and the fey take the Scepter.", "date_added": "Mon Mar 03 23:58:22 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Thu Oct 02 10:42:52 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Wed Oct 01 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Mon Sep 29 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "18053143", "review_id": "72bdde9ef70be3cb5e9a2a3ed2d3f4a0", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Steadfast at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n So the last book ended with Nadia and Mateo destroying Elizabeth and thinking that everything was okay. Except the reader knew differently. Elizabeth still lived and her plan had succeeded. Instead of ripping away the spells keeping Captive's Sound standing, she was trying to take down one of the seals on The One Beneath's tomb. This book picks up right after the last one, and Mateo and Nadia's happiness is short lived when they realize that Elizabeth is still alive. \n Add in Verlaine's spell that keeps everyone from noticing that she's there, Mateo's visions getting worse, Nadia's father being seduced by Elizabeth, and a mysterious illness that causes people to go into comas and you've got one crazy and twisted book on your hands", "date_added": "Sat Mar 01 17:33:12 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Mon Sep 15 19:17:02 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Tue May 27 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Sat May 24 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "12700790", "review_id": "bcf550359dae7685e5aa4a84b52a5e84", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Spellcaster at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n The book begins with a teenaged girl named Nadia who is with her family and they are on their way to a new town. Their mom left them a few months earlier, and they are trying to have a new start. But Nadia isn't who she seems to be. She's actually a witch, as was her mother, and her mother was in the middle of teaching her when she took off leaving Nadia's training incomplete. On their way into Capture's Sound, Nadia feels a magical barrier surrounding the town and when her father hits the barrier it causes the car to go out of control. The car crashes and a stranger, named Mateo comes to Nadia's aid. The reason Mateo was able to come to her aid? He's been dreaming about her for months. Apparently, his family was cursed and the first born of each generation takes on the curse that makes them see visions of the future until eventually they go insane.", "date_added": "Sat Mar 01 17:32:59 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Mon Sep 15 19:24:47 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Sat May 10 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Wed May 07 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "20911660", "review_id": "11e352bcb30a2286aa8d764a33a2656c", "rating": 1, "review_text": "See full review for The Shadow Prince at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Greek mythology has hit the mainstream. Between series by Rick Riordan (awesome!), Meg Cabot (awesome!), Josephine Angelini (meh), and Brodi Ashton (meh) a lot of authors are throwing their versions of the myths out there. Bree Despain is throwing her tale into the ring. We know the tale of Persephone and Hades, but what happened afterwards? That is the question that Despain tries to answer. \n Lord Haden is member of the Underrealm, the second son of the king, he has been disgraced for years. In a strange turn of events, the Oracle has chosen him for this year's journey to the world above to take a Boon. But this Boon isn't like other Boons, this girl is the Cypher, the key to finding the Key of Hades, which can turn the war that the Underrealm is having with the Sky Lords. \n Daphne is a small town girl living in an even smaller world. She hasn't left her small town since she was younger and promised her mother that she never would. But she dreams of leaving the small town and going to live in a place like LA. She has the singing voice to do it, all she needs is a chance to prove herself. That chance appears in the form of her father - the rock star Joe Vince - who comes to take her away to Olympus Heights so she can start her schooling at a prestigious music program. She doesn't really want to go, she has some daddy issues, but she knows that she can't pass up an opportunity like this. But things get weird on her first day there when she runs into a strange boy in a grove and later finds one of her classmates nearly drowned in the same grove.", "date_added": "Sat Mar 01 17:30:46 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Mon Apr 18 02:04:52 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Sat Nov 01 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Tue Oct 21 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "13568619", "review_id": "89c5f1145f18dba202539523e93d8de2", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for The Shadowhunter's Codex at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n As much as I love The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices, I didn't really like The Shadowhunters Codex. I mean, don't get me wrong, I knew what I was getting into when I first picked it up - the mysterious Codex that is discussed in both series - but still... \n The book was interesting and the art was fantastic, but I don't know...", "date_added": "Mon Feb 03 09:33:51 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Sun Sep 28 12:03:53 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Sat Feb 08 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Sat Feb 08 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "15839984", "review_id": "6757b1c441f0e97e559e2d8d52fc2169", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Cruel Beauty at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n Once upon a time, a line of kings that did not allow the barbarians to invade ruled the land of Arcadia. One day, it all changed. Demons took over the land and held it in its grasp. The lord of these demons - The Gentle Lord - made deals with the people of the land. One deal in particular involved a young couple that desperately wanted to get pregnant, but couldn't. The young man struck a deal with the demon lord. His wife would become pregnant with twins, but one of the twins must be given in exchange to the Gentle Lord as his bride when she reached the age of seventeen. The man agreed and his wife became pregnant and gave birth to twins. The first came out easy, but the second twin took the life of her mother. So it was determined that the first twin would be given to the demon lord... \n Nyx has known her duty to the land of Arcadia her entire life. She is to marry the Gentle Lord and find a way to destroy him and his fellow demons hold on their land. She is to avenge her mother's death. She's known and trained for this duty her entire life. But there is hate in her heart. Hate for her father for liking her sister over her, hate for her sister for killing her mother, and hate for her aunt for sleeping with her father. \n The Gentle Lord is different than what she has come to know. He is still a demon and a lord of bargains, but he also has some dark secrets of his own. On their wedding night, he gives two rules to his new bride; one, the key he gives her opens certain rooms in his palace. Those are the only rooms she is allowed to enter, but he cannot protect her from what's inside. Two, every night she will be given the chance to guess his real name. If she fails to guess correctly, she will die. If she guesses right, she will free him from his masters.", "date_added": "Tue Jan 21 10:24:16 -0800 2014", "date_updated": "Sun Sep 14 16:46:01 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Wed Aug 06 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Sun Aug 03 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "23218", "review_id": "41946743bc1d7b577cc6fedbc4268d66", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for Missing You at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n I know I said in the last review of this series that Sanctuary was my favorite, but I think I changed my mind. I've only read Missing You once and even then it was in bits and pieces every time I went to the bookstore - back then my local library sucked with getting the new releases. So after eight years, I finally had the chance to read it again and OMG. This one was definitely my favorite. \n It's been two years since the events of Sanctuary and Jess is different. She finally caved into Dr. Krantz's pleading and went to work for the government. The only problem is that she was actually in the war zones and saw things that a 17/18 year old shouldn't see. She comes back with nightmares, her powers gone, and according to Rob - broken. Speaking of one of my favorite male characters, Rob and Jess have broken up thanks to a misunderstanding that she saw when she came back from the war. She hasn't seen him since...until he shows up at her apartment door in New York.", "date_added": "Wed Dec 11 21:51:26 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Tue Sep 16 15:58:15 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Mon Apr 28 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Sat Apr 26 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "199781", "review_id": "8780948ed68867cd35018a5a48aa0c1a", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Sanctuary at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n So out of all the 1-800-WHERE-R-YOU books, I always liked this one the best. Not only because the drama intensifies - a hate group who kills and kidnaps kids - but because instead of waiting 100 some pages to show up, Rob is present from the second chapter on. \n Oh, and did I happen to mention he's gotten over the fact that Jess and him shouldn't be together because of his probation? ...Well, okay, not really but he's dealing with it better than he has in the past three books - he even calls Jess his girlfriend at one point and gets annoyed that she hasn't introduced him yet to her parents.", "date_added": "Wed Dec 11 21:51:05 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Tue Sep 16 16:11:23 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Fri Apr 11 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Wed Apr 09 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "187809", "review_id": "9947571215c2f198f55ad337d632bb2e", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Safe House at: http://writingundertheinfluenceofsuga... \n The last time we saw Jess Mastrani she had just saved a kid from a cave and had discovered that her ESP powers - the ones she received when she got struck by lightning and make her find lost people if she sees their picture before she goes to sleep - have advanced. When she gets back to start her junior year of high school, she goes back with a new attitude and a new wardrobe. \n But her new attitude barely lasts a day. The girl who sat in front of her - Amber - was found dead the day before and the Popular Crowd are blaming her for the girl's death. How could something like that possibly be her fault? Well, because thanks to good old Karen Sue, everyone still thinks that Jess has her ESP powers and she should have been able to use them to find Amber. \n The crazy thing is another girl - Heather - goes missing and this time Jess does everything she can to find her. She does, with help from Rob, but now she's next.", "date_added": "Wed Dec 11 21:50:54 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Fri Mar 14 13:07:21 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Thu Mar 13 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Thu Mar 13 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "199783", "review_id": "39e50da4bf7139184a853e0c27ea11a5", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Code Name Cassandra at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n Jessica Mastrani has lost his psychic powers to find kids. Or so she told the US Government at the end of the last book and that's how she wants to keep it. The problem is, she still has the powers and she is still finding kids. These kids though, she's made sure that they actually want to be found. \n In the second book, Jess is dealing with the psychic powers thing while being a counselor at a gifted kids music camp - hey, it was better than working the steam table at her dad's restaurant. Although, she is thinking of giving up the psychic power thing when she is put in charge of a cabin full of boys who turn out to be total nightmares.", "date_added": "Wed Dec 11 21:50:28 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Sep 28 11:50:19 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Thu Feb 27 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Wed Feb 26 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "439292", "review_id": "fb69d7efca96350e1f5cf35cc4be452a", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for When Lightning Strikes at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n As with all of Meg Cabot's books, I've read this series before, but it's been a few years since I have. Right, so... When Lightning Strikes is the first book in a series about a girl named Jessica Mastrani who on her way home from school one day gets struck by lightning. She doesn't think too much of it, until the next morning when she knows the location of two missing kids. \n Yes, that's right. A girl gets struck by lightning and after seeing pictures of people - such as the missing kids on the back of a milk carton - and some sleep she knows where those people are. Now, she doesn't freak out about this...too much. Jess instead does the right thing, and calls the 1-800-WHERE-R-YOU hotline and reports the locations of these kids. Obviously, because she keeps doing this, people start to get interested on how exactly she knows this and the FBI gets involved.", "date_added": "Wed Dec 11 21:50:14 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Sep 28 12:15:51 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Tue Jan 28 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Tue Jan 28 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "8866080", "review_id": "c156fbb16d40113f16b24769451ad77f", "rating": 2, "review_text": "See full review for Need at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Usually when I start a new book, I take a quick glance at the reviews on Goodreads. Sometimes by reading those reviews I get a small idea of what to expect from this book and the probability of whether or not I'm going to like what I read. I also take those reviews with a grain of salt because not everybody likes the same kind of style, genres, etc. that I do. But when it came to Need, I think I should have listened to the reviews. \n Zara has just moved to Maine to live with her grandmother after the death of her step-father/father (already losing points). She's been a mess since his death and she also has this weird ability to remember phobias. She knows that she is strange it doesn't help either that she keeps seeing this guy following her around. But she feels slightly better when her grandmother sees him too. She doesn't really want to go to school the next day. But her grandmother makes her. \n At school, Zara meets some friendly people already. Ian, Nick - who she thinks is really cute - Issie, and her kind of sort of boyfriend Devyn. But there are also the mean girls too, like Meghan who for no apparent reason hates Zara on sight. But something strange is going on in this small town, and it all has to deal with the guy who has been following Zara around. Does she have it in her to unravel the mystery and face whatever it entails?", "date_added": "Thu Nov 14 22:31:10 -0800 2013", "date_updated": "Sat Dec 19 17:14:47 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Tue Jan 13 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Thu Jan 08 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "7273516", "review_id": "172fc1ff729884f2de092c368c265ef2", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for Page at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n I'm officially in tears and I have no idea why. Oh, actually, yes I do. This damn book. I mean, I knew what I was in for - I've read it twice before - but I keep forgetting the comradery between Kel and her fellow pages and then the way that she keeps rising in Lord Wyldon's graces. I mean, that whole bit at the end about how he's not going to doubt her again, considering he's been proven wrong at every turn! That's really what did all of this.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 16:24:39 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 29 10:18:17 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Tue Oct 17 17:03:01 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Mon Oct 16 06:43:20 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "9003699", "review_id": "32a18b9071c12ca05ff3fcb2a337b2f6", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for Squire at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n You know as I was reading this book, I tried to remember who Alanna did her squire years with and I seriously can't remember. I think that shows you how quickly Pierce glossed over some of Alanna's time as a knight in training. I remember her page years, but the squire years are a blur. Either that or they weren't all that interesting compared to Keladry's. I have to admit I was really happy that Kel agreed so quickly to being Raoul's squire. He had already taken an interest in her because of her work with a lance and he really admired how quick she was when they hunted those spidrens during her first year as a page. To me it seemed like the perfect fit.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 16:23:49 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 29 10:30:55 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Wed Oct 25 17:23:22 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Mon Oct 23 16:10:03 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "8940114", "review_id": "2a71a02f39e22ffb68b98d62e20c413e", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Wolf-Speaker at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n As much as I love Tamora Pierce there are times where she gets really long winded, even in a book that isn't all that long. The ending of Wolf-Speaker took forever for me to get through (mostly because of work) and it was because there were a lot of details thrown in that probably could have been left out. Other than that, I always forget how much I love book 2 in this series more than book 1. I think it's because I'm used to the characters now and the strangeness of the Wild Magic.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 16:23:00 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sat Jul 22 09:40:46 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Thu Jul 20 17:16:58 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Thu Jul 20 05:11:57 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "7016723", "review_id": "11a16642a3330d8f14bc24c4e5f7634a", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for First Test at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Another series by Tamora Pierce another one that I absolutely love. When I first read these books years ago, Protector of the Small was actually my second favorite series by Pierce after the Song of the Lioness Quartet. And mostly because they follow the same lines with a few minor differences. Like for instance, Kel starts her training to be a knight with no secrets about her sex. And that's actually what was so interesting about this series. You get to see Kel's struggles as she tries to compete with the boys who don't want her there. Now, I kind of understand why Alanna kept her gender a secret during her training. And to think this is with Alanna as an accomplished knight in the world!", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 16:22:50 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Oct 15 09:14:17 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Mon Oct 02 16:33:50 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Thu Sep 28 17:28:29 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "24885731", "review_id": "567ad65c62aebd3bd57be6d19d6188ec", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for The Realms of the Gods at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n As usual Tamora Pierce does not disappoint. Even in her final book of this series, she ties up all the loose ends quite nicely, while also being quite dramatic and humorous at the same time. I always forget whenever I read these books how much Daine grows on me as I read them.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 16:22:23 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Sep 17 09:05:09 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Thu Sep 14 16:29:03 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Wed Sep 13 17:16:02 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "24885699", "review_id": "ebacaa79c08d43eacd2ffdffce9f0fea", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for Emperor Mage at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n So out of the novels I have read by Tamora Pierce I remember all of them (hazily) from when I originally read them years ago. The only one I didn't remember was Emperor Mage and I have no idea why. After reading this book - probably for the third time - this book was definitely one of my favorites. I loved the character development in Daine and Numair. And I also love all the little hints that Pierce dropped about their true feelings for each other. It's subtle, but at the same time mind boggling too.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 16:22:11 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Aug 20 10:14:41 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Tue Aug 15 17:30:45 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Tue Aug 15 05:08:03 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "27661901", "review_id": "b383541df70aeb372b2fc6af8154ad05", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for The Woman Who Rides Like a Man at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n So like I said in my review for book 2 of this series, when I was younger I had a thing for Prince Jonathan and I was very happy when Alanna and him got together and disappointed when she went riding off into the sunset to go on her adventures as a newly knighted knight of the kingdom. As you can imagine, book 3 of this series left me absolutely heartbroken as a kid, because not only does Jonathan come and find her, but he also proposes and she says no. I remember being completely devastated by her refusal and their ultimate fight that left her hurting in the desert and him looking for someone to replace her with.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 16:21:45 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sat Apr 01 12:12:59 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Sun Mar 26 13:19:00 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Sun Mar 26 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "13836", "review_id": "3ac1d1f70e340f1bd9473a4c659ff332", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Wild Magic at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n When I was a kid, after the awesomeness of the Song of the Lioness Quartet, I was a little bit disappointed with the first book in the Immortals Quartet. Daine is very shy - with good reason as it turns out - and she isn't too trusting of others. It takes her awhile to come out of her shell. But when she does she develops fast friendships, even if she can be a little thickheaded like a certain Lioness. Her power with animals too is quite striking. I never noticed in my several previous readthroughs how attached she is to those she takes in. It's actually really adorable.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 16:21:31 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sat May 27 13:16:56 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Thu May 18 14:45:10 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Wed May 17 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "27475122", "review_id": "6a068f1181ade7cebb63c42d68fa8a32", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for Lioness Rampant at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n On some levels Lioness Rampant always made me sad whenever I read it. Not only because it was the final book in this wonderful series, but because Alanna doesn't end up with Jonathan like I had been hoping for when I was younger. Now that I'm older, I really like Alanna's character development in this book. She does accept her magic as a part of her. She does realize that there are things that she cannot control. She accepts that Jonathan and her will never be anything more than friends - and her his Champion. And that even though she likes adventuring, at some point in her life she wants to settle down. She just has to figure out with who.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 16:21:15 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sat Apr 15 12:29:09 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Sun Apr 09 17:30:46 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Sat Apr 08 06:34:47 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "7338506", "review_id": "5515e11dd0d247d179165f1639fb44b9", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for Alanna: The First Adventure at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n When I was 10, my cousin who got me into Sailor Moon, Magic Knight Rayearth, and various other things, handed me this book and said 'I think you'll like this. Read it.' And so began my love affair of Tamora Pierce's works. If I'm being completely honest Alanna was the book that really got me interested in fantasy - I mean, sure there was a Harry Potter a few years before, but that was just a taste - and I was a little reluctant to read her works now 15 years later. Books that I loved in my childhood that I've revisited as an adult haven't held the same power for me, and I was afraid the same would be true here. But I'm thankful that that didn't happen. \n Alanna is still the wonderful story I remembered as a kid.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 16:20:45 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Feb 05 09:03:41 -0800 2017", "read_at": "Mon Jan 30 00:00:00 -0800 2017", "started_at": "Mon Jan 30 00:00:00 -0800 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "13486590", "review_id": "a4c6c7184624b0452b428472cc1f101c", "rating": 2, "review_text": "See full review for Fracture at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Delaney Maxwell is your typical teenager. She has a group of friends who's she's known all of her life. Her best friend is the guy next door and maybe there might be something more there that she's just too afraid to explore. She gets straight A's and might be valedictorian. She's normal, until she walks across the ice with her best friend Decker to play a game with their friends. The ice cracks and she falls in. By the time her friends get her out, she's been dead for eleven minutes. \n She wakes up in the hospital six days later with tubes in her mouth and shocked doctors looking at her. They thought she was brain dead. She's been in a coma for six days. But everything seems to be fine. That is until she sees someone later on that night come into her room and cuts her deep, and then the shakes start in her hands and her brain feels like it's itching. Shockingly, it has something to do with the fact that she was dead for eleven minutes, now she can sense when other people are about to die. She doesn't know what to do with that fact and tries to tell other people, but they think she's insane. Then she meets Troy, who has the same gift she does, only he's a little bit more bitter about it. He tries to help the people die quicker to ease their suffering. But Delaney isn't completely on board with that. \n I won't say that I hated Fracture, because there were some moments that were okay and the story line was kind of interesting. However, the relationships in this book - whether it was Delaney/Troy or Delaney/Decker - were just not healthy.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 16:17:14 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sat Mar 12 15:03:42 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Wed Mar 09 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Wed Mar 02 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "345627", "review_id": "992a914a1a2518d1b0c301e9900f6729", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Vampire Academy at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n So during the whole 'Twilight' phase of my life, anything and everything to do with vampires I had a knack of picking up. Especially when it came to YA novels. The Vampire Academy series will always be one of those books in my heart that I will never forget because it was one of the last book series I read before I went on a reading hiatus - no recreational reading - for almost two years. It was right before my sophomore year of college started when I picked these books up. I had heard great stories about them from other friends and my library finally had book one in and well...I fell in love and now 6 years later these books are still great.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 16:13:30 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sat Oct 22 13:26:56 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Tue Oct 18 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Fri Oct 14 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 1}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "18486264", "review_id": "67afc8b338129449032c139fe8b82379", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for Crown of Midnight at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Adarlan's Assassin is back and this time she's the King's Champion. Not a lot of time has passed between this book and its predecessor Throne of Glass. Celaena is getting through her new tasks, while keeping Chaol - the Captain of the King's Guard - close as her friend. But both of them know that something else is there. Dorian and her, on the other hand, are trying to adjust to this new awkwardness in their lives that comes from being not quite lovers, but something that was close to it, before just being friends again. Things are about to change though with the King's latest assignment for Celaena that has to deal with an old childhood friend and a supposed mutiny uprising. It doesn't help either that Queen Elena - the first queen of Adarlan - has reappeared with another cryptic warning that Celaena wants no part of. But things are changing and there are going to be consequences for everyone involved...", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 16:07:36 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sat Dec 19 17:29:35 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Sun May 24 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Fri May 15 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "13519398", "review_id": "d81f26c95b6fa6edbc003ec095a8e3c0", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for Throne of Glass at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n This review is going to be hard because a lot of stuff happened in this book. Welcome to the land of Adarlan where the world has been stripped of all its magic and the word magic has been banned by the king. Over there is the city of Endovier that also contains a labor camp where all the prisoners who haven't been killed are sent to work the salt mines. In this camp is a girl of eighteen who is notorious. Her name is Celaena, but others just call her Adarlan's Assassin. It's for this girl that the Crown Prince of Adarlan - Dorian - and the Captain of his guard - Chaol - come to Endovier for. Dorian's father is hosting a competition for someone to become the King's Champion and Dorian wants to sponsor her. He believes that she can win if what he's heard about her is true. Happy for the chance at freedom she accepts. \n Dorian takes her to the glass palace where she meets the other competitors, most of whom are fellow criminals, but instead of going by her name Dorian and Chaol introduce her as Lady Lillian a jewel thief from the neighboring country. They don't want to draw too much attention to her. However, it doesn't quite matter because even though there are Tests prepared to eliminate those who aren't worthy, there are mysterious murders too. The day of a new Test, a body of competitor is found and Chaol is having a hard time trying to figure out what is going on. Celaena starts to pick up on some of the mystery and does her own investigation but what she discovers she can't believe. How is it possible for this sort of magic to still exist? \n She doesn't know and wants to find out but there are people out there - spies, her fellow competitors, those close to the king - who are bent on making sure that she doesn't find out until it's too late.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 16:07:23 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sat Dec 19 17:19:05 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Thu Feb 19 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Mon Feb 09 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "6294", "review_id": "cece5f053bf0239b51e6d007ff0a7abd", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for Howl's Moving Castle at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Let's get this out of the way before I continue this review: I have seen this movie multiple times and I love it, so when I heard that it was based off a book I decided that I should better get this book and see what was changed from page to screen. \n I really wished I hadn't. \n Don't get me wrong, the book was good and I'm the kind of person who can distinguish between a film and book, but...I don't know. This book lacked some things.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 15:47:58 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sat Nov 28 08:36:50 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Fri Nov 20 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Tue Nov 17 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "16054217", "review_id": "21a1ba753bd4d2c0be6fc01dc5a6261f", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for The Book of Life at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Diana and Matthew are back from their time walk, but not everything is as they left it and they aren't the same either. Emily - Diana's aunt - was killed while she was away by Peter Knox. Diana is also pregnant with Matthew's twins. But that isn't all that's causing a controversy. Marcus has taken on a human mate - the beautiful Phoebe who we met in Shadow of Night. Baldwin can sense Phillipe's blood oath on Diana and is not too keen on accepting the witch into his family. Not for the reasons one might think though. And it turns out that Peter Knox and the Congregation might not be their only enemies. With all this going on maybe Diana and Matthew should have stayed in the sixteenth century.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 15:33:39 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sat Jan 17 12:55:37 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Mon Jan 12 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Tue Jan 06 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "15819219", "review_id": "ef769ff28fb586f89bbae0395cf51811", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Twice Tempted at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n The last we left Leila, she had just discovered that due to Vlad trying to protect her with his essence, she was now fireproof and her psychic abilities were gone. A few weeks later, she is testing to see if she still has his essence by putting her hand into a lit fireplace. She doesn't feel a thing, meaning that she's still got part of Vlad's essence around her, which is a good thing considering the vampire himself has been pretty MIA lately. In fact, things between the two of them haven't been all that great. Leila knows that she loves him, but he's already told her that she shouldn't and he can't offer her much more than being his lover. \n But it looks like things are all about to change when Vlad holds a dinner, inviting most of his vampire line, and Leila's father and sister. After the dinner, he presents her with a ring box. She thinks it's an engagement ring. It's not. Instead it's Vlad's family crest, he's offering her a position in his line. Humiliated Leila leaves the room, but that doesn't stop Vlad from following her. What follows is an intense conversation where she finally realizes that he was right, he's never going to offer her anything more than being his lover, and she decides that it's time for her to leave. The following week she's back at the circus and is trying to earn her spot back when the trailer where she usually stays with Marty explodes. Someone is trying to kill her and it may just be the vampire she just left behind...", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 15:17:20 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sat Dec 19 17:28:02 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Sat May 09 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Sat May 02 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "13622767", "review_id": "24877cb3f676f121b4ed15b0746e548a", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Once Burned at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n So the one burning question I've had since Vlad got introduced during The Night Huntress series was what is the connection between Cat and him? They're not really romantically interested in each other, but their friendship goes beyond a normal friendship. And I have a theory after reading Once Burned. What if, somehow, Cat and Vlad are long lost relatives or something? Stick with me here. It is possible considering Vlad had children before he was turned and what other explanation is there for their similar humor and sarcasm? Most of which is apparent - for Vlad - in this book? Ponder that for a while. \n Anyway, Once Burned follows the tale of the Leila or as she goes by Frankie (a twist on the nickname Frankenstein she got while in junior high). When she was a teenager, she was in an accident that involved power lines. She was in a coma and when she woke up she had a horrible scar on the right side of her temple down to her right arm. But that wasn't the only thing she had. She woke up with the abilities to see people's past, present, and future, and the ability to hold an electrical charge in her right hand. She was labeled a freak and she disappeared. She joined the circus where her abilities weren't frowned upon and there she met the vampire Marty. While practicing her routine one day, Leila gets kidnapped by a group of vampires who have heard of her abilities and want her to touch an object to find someone that they're hunting. \n She does and the person their searching for turns out to be Vlad. As a mind reader he's able to tell that Leila has linked to him and he wants to know how she got into his mind. Deciding to use this against the group of vampires who kidnapped her she tells him the truth and he comes to her rescue. Sort of. As we all know Vlad is very stubborn and takes Leila and her friend Marty (who also came to her rescue) hostage to learn more about her powers and to find out who is after him. Leila isn't too keen on this and tries to fight, but when she touches him she takes a glimpse of their future and it involves a bed. Oh, what fun.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 15:17:06 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sat Dec 19 17:22:59 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Thu Apr 02 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "started_at": "Sat Mar 28 00:00:00 -0700 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "8563127", "review_id": "508de80d9e059b6f75ab37b689fda472", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Eternal Kiss of Darkness at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n If you've read the other Night Huntress novels you already know whom Mencheres - Bones' grandsire and co-ruler of their vampire line - is. Sometime after he killed his wife Petra, the old vampire was hanging out in Chicago but he wasn't doing anything good. After he killed his wife the visions that he has relied on have stopped, except for one. In this vision all he sees is darkness and he assumes that this darkness is his pending demise. Not wanting to delay the inevitable he searches out some ghouls and foolishly engages them in battle. But he doesn't fight back and thinks that this is the end... \n But it isn't. A suspicious passer by comes into the warehouse where the ghouls are keeping him and tries to interfere. Of course, a regular human with a gun against the ghouls is never going to end well. Mencheres not wanting to be responsible for an innocent human's death - especially one who came to his rescue - attacks the ghouls. But the human - Kira - sees what he is and passes out from not only the shock but her injury too. \n When she wakes up, she's in Mencheres's house completely healed. He tries to wipe her mind of the events, but it doesn't work. He thinks it's because of his blood in her system and decides to keep her prisoner for a few days before he tries again. But when he does, it still doesn't work. Somewhere along the way he has started to get to know Kira and has some intense feelings for her, feelings he hasn't felt since his wife. Beauty and the Beast anyone? Despite his better judgment he lets Kira go with her word that she won't breathe a word of what he is and the existence of the vampires to anyone. But he isn't the only one who has had some intense feelings, and as Kira looks for Mencheres again, she stumbles into something that she may never come back from.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 15:16:55 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sat Dec 19 17:17:07 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Mon Feb 02 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Sun Jan 25 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "7648737", "review_id": "531d6a5845fe75a28022d203e51e78f8", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review of First Drop of Crimson at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n Between Book 4 and 5 of The Night Huntress series, Cat's friend Denise was pretty busy. After losing her husband to the ghoul/zombie/vampire war, she promised herself that she would never get involved with the paranormal world ever again. How quickly promises change. After the surprising death of her cousin, she goes out with another cousin after the funeral for a drink. He confesses that he doesn't believe that their cousin died from a heart attack - who dies from one at 23? - and that he feels like he's being watched recently. Denise waves it off, until they leave the bar and a man attacks her cousin. She can't believe what she's seeing, her cousin is dying from a heart attack and did his attack really just turn into a dog?", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 15:16:38 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sat Dec 19 17:14:09 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Thu Jan 08 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "10357792", "review_id": "0a2db3218cab78cd95d2d046fdc4b3b2", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for Up from the Grave at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n It's actually been quiet over the last few months for Cat and Bones. But all of that is about to change when Cat's uncle Don shows up and tells them that he's worried about Cat's old team. They haven't been to their homes in three weeks. Concerned, Cat goes back to the place she thought she'd never go again, to her old team's compound to talk to Madigan. He tells them cheerfully that every member from her old team is dead and that if he sees either of them again, he'll have them killed on the spot. \n Not convinced of her friend's deaths, Cat and Bones talk to Don, but he is STILL hiding how Madigan and him know each other and every time they summon him to ask, he leaves. With help from the Ghoul Queen of Louisiana Marie, they get him to stay and spill his secrets. Before Don got to know Cat, they only hired her because of her weird geneology. They were taking her blood and other fluids and not only testing it but implementing it into test subjects as well. The results were miraculous, and Madigan wanted to breed Cat, but Don wouldn't allow it and had him fired. But that didn't stop Madigan from continuing on with his experiments. So Cat does the unexpected and tries to draw Madigan out by proposing a meeting between the two of them. It doesn't go how she plans.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 15:16:22 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sat Dec 13 21:56:12 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Wed Dec 10 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Mon Dec 08 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "7954556", "review_id": "f77f6e2a2f3608e14d0064a2ac00337f", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for One Grave at a Time at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n Cat and Bones just can't catch a break. They've faced a lot of trouble over the last few years between a crazy vampire, a rebel raising ghoul, and the tumults of their relationship, they get to face one more curve ball this time. Their ghost friend Fabian introduces them to another ghost named Elisabeth who has a request for the couple. She's been hunting a guy by the name of the Inquisitor for centuries. He was the reason behind her death and even with his own death he hasn't stopped. Every Halloween he gets a human to kidnap three women who he believes to be witches, and he burns them at the stake. \n Cat and Bones don't like the sound of this guy and promise to help. They start by employing a medium by the name of Taylor - a very fresh character for this series - and open the gates to allow the Inquisitor through. He doesn't like being summoned, especially by a woman and because it's Cat, she doesn't keep her mouth shut either by telling him that she has witch power in her veins. Stupid move, Cat, real stupid. Because of this, he makes it his mission to hunt her down and attack her with every opportunity he gets. The first time they face off he is taken back by her power to raise the Remnants, but like with Cat's other borrowed powers, it does eventually fade. \n So now they need to come up with a new plan to take down this evil spirited ghost and... well, who you gonna call? The Ghostbusters, of course! Well, not really, but close enough. Add in the new head of Cat's old team who seems to have a vendetta not only against vampire but against Cat as well, and things get a little bit more intense than anyone bargained for.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 15:16:09 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sat Dec 13 21:54:14 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Fri Dec 05 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Wed Dec 03 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "6871617", "review_id": "23a1f3c34708586720a92bacdbd5c5dc", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for This Side of the Grave at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n I'm happy to report that after four books in which Frost forced Bones and Cat apart at every opportunity, in This Side of the Grave, she finally leaves her two characters alone. But that just leaves everyone else to play with as a new situation takes up their attention. And play with everyone she does. \n Although Cat has now become a full-fledged vampire she is still not as normal as she would want to be. The taste of human blood disgusts her and to feed she must do so on vampire blood. However, there is a catch, because of her new food source, she also acquires the abilities of the vamp that she's fed from. So when she feeds on Bones, she picks up his mind reading ability - which drives her absolutely crazy - and his strength, when she feeds from Vlad she picks up on his fire throwing capabilities, etc. This causes a slight uproar in the vampire/ghoul/ghost world. A ghoul by the name of Apollyon, who has tried this power coup before, has started a war with the vampires if they don't bring him Cat's head. \n In a battle of the wits, Cat has to find out who is on her side and how to control her power siphoning before it's too late and she ends up dead. But that isn't the only thing she has to worry about as a family emergency causes her thoughts to be elsewhere for some time, and the discovery that it isn't just vampire blood she can drink and absorb power from...", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 15:15:57 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Nov 23 11:22:33 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Sat Nov 15 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Mon Nov 10 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "5604848", "review_id": "b414435ea1547b4d221ce6ceb10d8a01", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Destined for an Early Grave at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n Cat finally got her happy ending. She quit her special FBI team to live her life with her husband Bones. They've been traveling the world, enjoying their honeymoon. But she forgets that whenever she's happy something is just around the corner to screw it up. And this thing comes in the form of dreams. She's been having nightmares lately where she's running from Death and almost into the arms of a vampire who isn't Bones. She thinks they're just dreams, but Bones and Menchares know better. \n The dreams she's having are being sent to her by a vampire named Gregor, a Dreamsnatcher - if Cat touches him in her dreams she will be snatched away in the real world to wherever he is. So why has he taken an interest in her? Well, apparently when she was sixteen Gregor came for her, having visions of the awesomeness that she would be capable of, and whisked her away to France for two months. The problem is, Cat doesn't remember this time with him, and that's because Menchares wiped her memories of that time, which he shouldn't have done. Gregor is making a claim on her now, saying that he is her true husband and not Bones. To say that it causes problems between Bones and Cat is a massive understatement.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 15:15:26 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Nov 09 10:05:54 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Sat Nov 08 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Mon Nov 03 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "3570231", "review_id": "a8a5ff47e8718e25b0a174d9aaf4adf4", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for At Grave's End at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n The last time we left Cat Crawfield she had just seen her father for the first time ever, and passed up the opportunity to kill him for good in order to maintain peace between two clans of vampires. She also 'married' Bones. When At Grave's End begins, she's on another mission to destroy rogue vampires and that's just the beginning of things. Buckle up, folks, you're in for one hell of a ride...", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 15:15:14 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Thu Oct 02 10:38:37 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Wed Oct 01 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Sat Sep 27 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "2168860", "review_id": "09d59a1011b64ae0e62843a839341f61", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for One Foot in the Grave at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n When we last left Cat Crawfield, she was running away from her vampire lover Bones so that she could work for a secret organization that takes out vampires within the FBI. When One Foot in the Grave starts, it's been four years since that day and Cat has become the top agent within this organization. The case she is working on that night has some old ties to her former life. Ian, the vampire she's sent to destroy, turns out to be Bones maker. She lets him go as an old debt to him and goes on her merry way. \n The problem is she intrigues Ian and he doesn't like things he can't have so he is starting to hunt her down so that way he can add her to his collection. Not to mention the other vampires who have contracted hits on her life for her former profession as the Red Reaper and she's gotten herself into a sticky situation. That's why when Bones shows up at her friend Denise's wedding, she has a full on panic attack. He's been hunting her down for years. He's angry with her for leaving him, but he still wants her. What's a girl to do?", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 15:15:04 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Sep 14 16:32:50 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Fri Sep 05 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Tue Sep 02 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "1421990", "review_id": "a64e6916e8cbd1ac1c3153f5e988081e", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Halfway to the Grave at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n Popular books, of late, have lead me astray - I tried reading the Outlander series but barely made it 50 pages into the first book before calling it quits and barely made it four chapters into Seraphina before giving up - so when it came to Halfway to the Grave I didn't mark it as 'currently reading' until I was almost halfway through. \n Catherine - Cat - Crawfield is a twenty-two year-old college student who appears to be a normal girl sitting in a bar when the book begins, but as the first chapter unfolds you find out that Cat isn't who she appears to be. No, instead she's a half-breed - half-human and half-vampire - and she is hunting vampires in revenge for her mother who was raped by one twenty-two years ago. This night seems to be going differently than her previous ones. Instead of having a vamp come hit on her, she goes up to him and asks very bluntly - because he doesn't seem to be falling for her usual sexiness - if he wants to fuck? He turns her away, much to Cat's chagrin, and she finds another victim for the night. Feeling bold she goes back the next night, only to run into the vamp from the night before who turned her away. This time thought he's ready for her, and they leave together. \n The only problem is, this vamp knows what Cat is capable of - he followed her the night before - and he pulls a fast one on her. She wakes up in a cave shackled to a rock and in her underwear. The vamp - Bones - demands to know whom she is working for, and that's when it is revealed that she's a half-vampire. He doesn't believe her at first, until he sees her eyes glow. He proposes a deal, if she helps him take out vampires, he'll help her find her father. Cat agrees and the fun begins.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 15:14:53 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Mon Sep 15 19:18:49 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Thu May 22 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Tue May 20 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "8428195", "review_id": "16c8653a4f5f665d6a1bc06e598626f3", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for Entwined at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n So in this book you have eleven princesses, all sisters and named after flowers alphabetically. The twelfth princess is born within the first chapter, but takes their mother - the queen - away. They immediately enter a period of mourning that is supposed to last a year. But the princesses have a love for dancing and they can't seem to quit. So when they find a magical passageway in their room that leads to a ballroom where they can dance with no judgment from their father, it seems to be fate. \n But it's not. It turns out that the guardian of this magical dance floor - Mr. Keeper - has a task for the girls to complete in exchange for using his ballroom. He is in the ballroom because of a spell, and he needs them to find the magical object that is binding him there.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 15:09:16 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Tue Sep 16 16:03:32 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Tue Apr 22 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Sun Apr 13 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "17410362", "review_id": "1fd54fe355438379297a2bb8cab5cba7", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for Golden at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n The problem with reading this book when I did isn't the fact that it was the day after Christmas, but the fact that it's been over a year since I read the previous book in this series. I had a dim recollection of what happened in the last book, or at least, the ending, but everything else was a big blur. And unfortunately, Golden doesn't spend that much time catching you up. You're pretty much dropped into where Stolen left off; Wes has just collapsed, bleeding onto the deck of the boat and Nat lost her drakon to Wes's sister Eliza who is hell bent on revenge. Oh, and the world as they know it is falling apart, especially the mystical world of the Blue. Of course, Nat does the impossible and brings Wes back to life again, but seriously how many more times can this guy die before he's just dead for good?", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 15:00:10 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sat Dec 31 08:55:05 -0800 2016", "read_at": "Mon Dec 26 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "started_at": "Mon Dec 26 00:00:00 -0800 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "20821091", "review_id": "1532926fe5eaac8237009141cfddbae4", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Stolen at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n It's been a few months since Nat and Wes parted ways at the Blue. Wes went to look for his sister Eliza, but that hasn't turned out the way he hoped. Wes and Shakes are the only remaining members of the team. Brendan, Rourke, and Liannan have gone missing and both Wes and Shakes aren't too optimistic that they are still alive. Nat has been keeping the gateways to the Blue clear from the RSA, but in a recent battle, her drakon is injured by an iron bomb and must go to ground to heal. Feeling like she's lost a part of herself, she still continues her training with Faiz but something strange is happening. \n The ether - the magic that is in the Blue - is failing. There is a spell that has been cast to move the Blue back into the real world, but something in our world is blocking the spell. The only hope that the Blue has to complete the transition is a book locked in a tower, but the key has been lost. Nat and Faiz are about to depart to look for the key when Liannan tries to make contact with Nat to help her. While on the rescue attempt Wes and Nat cross paths again and they realize that their missions just might lead them to the same location. But there are things in their way, mysteries still to be unlocked and the answers aren't what either of them expects and could change their lives forever.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 15:00:01 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sat Dec 19 17:19:27 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Fri Feb 20 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "started_at": "Fri Feb 20 00:00:00 -0800 2015", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "19661080", "review_id": "f2e749b1dfd80d7c27d5cdad22a7ff58", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for The Vampires of Manhattan at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n \"Come to think of it, what was a happy ending after all? It wasn't as if once the credits rolled and the lights came on or an author wrote, 'The end,' you stopped living, because there was so much more of life to live, wasn't there?\" pg. 110 \n So Melissa de la Cruz might have ended her Blue Bloods series back in 2013, but as the quote above states, life goes on for the characters she wrote about. In Vampires of Manhattan she picks up ten years later with Oliver about to take over as Regis for the new Blue Bloods coven, Mimi and Kingsley married but having a trial separation or the 'Persephone clause,' and a Venator by the name of Ara investigating the death of a mortal girl and the appearance of pentagrams.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 14:59:42 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Tue Sep 16 15:48:14 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Sun Sep 14 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Sat Sep 13 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 3, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "17693680", "review_id": "5251e80e21d8fe5e41663842ba510085", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for Winds of Salem at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n So when we last left the witches of East End, Freya was being dragged back to the 1600s, Ingrid was finally coming to terms with her relationship with Matt, Joanna was finally accepting Norman back into her life, Freddie was getting married, and Killian was being dragged off to Limbo for destroying the bridge. \n Winds of Salem picks up a month after Serpent's Kiss left off. Freya is stuck in Salem during the Salem witch trials with no memory of who she really is. Ingrid, Joanna and Norman are trying to find a way back to her, but the time passages are closed and the family is losing their powers because Loki poisoned the Tree of Life. Freddie is married now to Gert and is taking care of the pixies while they try and look for the missing trident.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 14:58:58 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Mon Sep 15 18:48:52 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Wed Jul 23 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Mon Jul 21 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "15850937", "review_id": "2cca9ddb741e7f3565ff405a6ce44358", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Frozen at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Back in 2013, before Disney made the name Frozen so freaking popular, there was a book by two authors. But this story wasn't about an ice queen, her sister and an adorable snowman; this tale was about a girl who was different from most of the population and her struggle to get back to where she was originally from. \n In the future, the world is covered in ice. The ozone is gone and most of the countries aren't what we know anymore. The United States of America is now the Remaining States of America. Las Vegas is now New Vegas - because if there is a city to survive the end of the world why not let it be the city of sin? And Natasha is a blackjack dealer at the casino, but she's more than just that. There is a voice in her head, a mark of flame on her breast, and her green eyes are now no longer the norm but something to be feared. She is different and she needs to get out of New Vegas before it's too late. But she doesn't know how. It's too expensive to go through normal means and the last time she tried to hop the fence, she was caught and put into a government facility. She barely escaped with her life. \n But a new opportunity presents herself when a runner named Wes shows up at her table and tries to run a con on her with his team. Instead of getting the platinum credits like he wanted, the credits disappear and he's thrown out of the casino. However, Wes and Nat aren't done yet, not when she hires him to get her out of New Vegas and to the coast of New Crete where the legendary land of the Blue is. There are dangers out there though and this sort of journey is not for the faint of heart.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 14:58:45 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Thu Feb 19 10:44:29 -0800 2015", "read_at": "Mon Dec 02 00:00:00 -0800 2013", "started_at": "Sat Nov 30 00:00:00 -0800 2013", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "22287912", "review_id": "a45b412370b54ca83769765b0be19ef9", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for Serpent's Kiss at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n So, as much as I loved the first novel in this series, Serpent's Kiss was a little bit of a let down. The characters were still their usual witty selves, but the story line was kind of lacking for me. \n At the end of Witches of East End, Fryr - Freya and Ingrid's brother - comes back from Limbo and accuses Killian of being the true person who destroyed the Bifrost, the link between Asgard and Midgard. Freya is sworn to secrecy and is put in charge of trying to find her brother's - who goes by Freddie now - trident. This causes a slight rift to grow between her and Killian and he can't figure out what's going on. Ingrid and her boyfriend Matt are getting along just swimmingly, until he confesses that he doesn't believe in any of that witch stuff. For a good portion of the book, Ingrid overlooks that, she's more concerned with finally losing her virginity - even though she does back out at the end - and it isn't until the aftermath of Thanksgiving dinner that she realizes that maybe Matt and her can't work. Joanna is dealing with not only her husband, Norman, being back but the romantic interest of a guy named Harold as well. But even she gets sucked into something witchy that ends being involved with Freya and Killian.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 14:58:17 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Mon Sep 15 18:55:16 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Fri Jul 11 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Wed Jul 02 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "8113940", "review_id": "a7387e277b3c9a33a3ddc4c2b2ad017d", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Witches of East End at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n So in the town of East End there lives this family of witches; there's Joanna, the mother, who's power deals with life, Ingrid, one of Joanna's daughters, who's power deals with healing, and Freya, who's power deals with love. When the book begins, it's Freya's engagement party. She's marrying this guy named Bran Gardiner who met her at a party where she accidentally showed him her boobs. Freya is frantic because she's met Bran's brother, Killian, and there's an attraction there that she can't find in herself to deny. In fact at her engagement party she and Killian do the deed in the bathroom and that's just the start of their affair.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 14:58:02 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Tue Sep 16 16:12:38 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Thu Apr 10 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Sun Apr 06 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "33744", "review_id": "6a9dda9f8f92563e2cb851195527086d", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for The Unfortunate Miss Fortunes at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n If you liked Maybe This Time and Wild Ride by Jennifer Crusie, then you're going to love this book. I liked it, even though there were a few parts where I was just like, are you kidding me? \n So, this book centers on the three Fortune sisters - Dee, Lizzie, and Mare - who are witches. But that's not all they are. It turns out that their parents were also magically gifted and cashed in on their gifts by hosting a television show. When their parents died, Dee took her sisters and went into hiding. She has the assumption that her aunt Xan killed her parents for their powers and is coming after Dee and her sisters for theirs. She's right, and Xan will stop at nothing to get them. The problem is, she already knows where the sisters are, and she has been watching them for a while. She knows that they are close to giving up their powers anyway, they just need a push in the right direction. Hence, she casts a True Love spell that brings the sisters' true loves to town. The catch is that these True Loves can't stand magic and the only way the sisters can be with them is if they give up their powers. Easy, right? \n Wrong.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 14:54:19 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Mon Sep 15 19:04:12 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Fri Jun 20 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Wed Jun 18 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "9551616", "review_id": "07ef33864a9b69ed4758f74b26af8626", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Wild Ride at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n So the past two Crusie and Mayer books have been about hit man and movies that were actually the cover of something to do with the mob. This time around, Crusie and Mayer team up and give you an amusement park....that is the prison of demons. \n Yeah, that's right, demons. These demons apparently have been in captivity since the 1920s, when the amusement park was created, and have been contained in their chalices ever since. Well, except for that one time forty years ago when they all got out and almost caused mass mayhem, but that doesn't play in until near the end.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 14:53:40 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Mon Sep 15 19:17:55 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Sat May 24 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Wed May 21 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "30312891", "review_id": "0fd590f40e0659d420acbeb2c5ae029a", "rating": 5, "review_text": "...I'm not even sure what just happened, but my eyes are slightly blurry and seem to be leaking. Full review to come. \n Edit 6/23/2017 \n See full review for Lord of Shadows at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n I chose the worst time to start reading this book, let me tell you. Usually a book like this will take me at most four days to read at work, especially if it is slow. But I started this book during the busiest time of year and there were days where I didn't read anything. Because of that I'm hoping that's why Lord of Shadows felt rather clunky. Otherwise, I loved this book to pieces. The drama was top notch. All the relationships that were formed (and broken) were beautifully well done and the story really progressed from book one.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 14:47:59 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Fri Jun 23 13:44:23 -0700 2017", "read_at": "Fri Jun 09 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "started_at": "Fri May 26 00:00:00 -0700 2017", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "25494343", "review_id": "b6ac7dd55d373ac7b68c6d611ed4d976", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for Lady Midnight at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n So, like many people in the supernatural/YA world this book was pretty much one of the biggest releases for me in 2016. I've been reading about this new series from Cassandra Clare since City of Heavenly Fire was released. I was excited. I liked the fact that we were jumping from New York to LA and that we were going to focus on Emma and Julian. When we met them in CoHF I was kind of intrigued by them and I couldn't wait to read more of their story. Five years after the events of CoHF, Emma is still looking into the deaths of her parents who she is convinced were not killed by Sebastian Morganstern and Julian is busy raising his fellow siblings while also petitioning the Clave to send Mark and Helen back home. But something weird is going on between Julian and Emma, and with the appearance of a contingent from Faerie things get even weirder. \n This novel pretty much has it all. Murder and intrigue. Forbidden love. Drama. Angst. And yes, even the occasional argument over who is the hottest Avenger (Thor, obviously).", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 14:47:41 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sat Sep 03 15:09:38 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Fri Sep 02 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Sun Aug 14 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "16303287", "review_id": "9e9b70fb50d6202f1530a141aadbba07", "rating": 4, "review_text": "If you're a reader of The Infernal Devices Trilogy or The Mortal Instruments series than you know very well who Magnus Bane is. He's a most intriguing warlock who wins over the heart of Alec Lightwood, but what else do we really know about him? That is the question that Cassandra Clare with the help of Sarah Rees Brennan and Maureen Johnson hope to answer in The Bane Chronicles - 11 short stories following the character from all matter of things. These short stories have actually been released individually over the last year, but I wanted to wait until they came out in a complete book. Like with City of Heavenly Fire I'm going to split my review based on the short stories so bear with me here. If you want to read the full review - which includes spoilers - click the link below: \n http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w...", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 14:47:12 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sat Dec 06 19:20:14 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Tue Dec 02 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Mon Nov 24 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "9307674", "review_id": "956cdc893bea8473634830eaf56a68e2", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for The Last Guardian at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n A lot of people weren't happy with the way that JK Rowling ended her Harry Potter series. In some ways, I was one of them. I don't like endings to epic series, they don't always live up to my expectations. The same could be said for the last book of the Artemis Fowl series. Everything in this book wrapped up loose ends, except for a few, but there were just some things that drove me absolutely crazy... \n But I'm getting ahead of myself. In the last book, Artemis went into treatment for his Atlantis Complex. When this book starts, Artemis is dealing with his last therapy session when all hell breaks loose, again. This time around, Opal is at it again, or so it seems. Two masked dwarfs take Opal from the past - the one who came through in book 6 - hostage and threaten to kill her if the LEP don't release the current Opal from Atlantis. The only problem is that there isn't enough time to get Opal out, and do you really want Opal on the loose? No. No you don't.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 14:43:47 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Mon Sep 15 19:26:25 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Mon May 05 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Sat May 03 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "7005865", "review_id": "fe97502ae63cdf05d90577b7f006542c", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for The Atlantis Complex at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n So just in case time travel, demons, Opal clones, and Mrs. Fowl finding out everything her dear son has been up to for the last six years wasn't enough, Eoin Colfer throws a new curve ball for the readers. Artemis Fowl, the criminal mastermind at fifteen years old, has finally gone mad. He has OCD, multiple personality disorder, and numerous other psychoses that all add up to the rare fairy disease - The Atlantis Complex. \n This shouldn't be too much of a problem, because as he's presenting his new idea to save the world to his friends - Foaly and Holly - they realize what's going on with him and are going to try to fix him. The only problem? There's another plan going on that Artemis and the gang get caught up in, and his Atlantis Complex has to take a back seat as they try a figure out who is behind this plot and what the endgame ultimately is.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 14:43:30 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Tue Sep 16 16:02:23 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Fri Apr 25 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Sun Apr 20 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "2179276", "review_id": "32613bf1a86c49d5ce5356e943c5fc5c", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for The Time Paradox at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n In book 6 of the Artemis Fowl series, Artemis is dealing with the fall out from his three-year absence. He's playing with his younger brothers when his father comes in and tells his son that his mother is barely hanging on to life. Her organs are shutting down. It turns out that Angeline Fowl has a disease call Spelltropy that plagued the People for many years before a cure had been found. The only cure for this disease comes from a species of lemur that is extinct, thanks in part to Artemis Fowl.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 14:43:21 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Sep 28 11:46:59 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Thu Mar 06 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Mon Mar 03 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "37586", "review_id": "30b60f1cfbd988733f894eddff077a31", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for The Lost Colony at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n With Artemis's memories restored, Holly Short no longer a member of the LEP, and Mulch Diggums partnering with Holly to start a private investigation service, how can the Artemis Fowl series get any better? Well, by throwing in the mysterious race of the People - demons - of course! \n I'll admit that the Artemis Fowl series hasn't really made me laugh before; shake my head in disappointment and shame, sure. Smirk at the sarcasm, definitely. Groan in protest, obviously. But never laughter...until this book. There's something about a boy genius experiencing puberty (\"I will find a way to beat it!\" Artemis said. ) that's just gut-wrenching hilarious. Especially when you throw in the fact that his 'adversary' for this book is a twelve-year-old French girl named Minerva. Who he instantly grows an attraction to, because of course, she's a genius too!", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 14:43:12 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Sep 28 11:47:54 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Tue Mar 04 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Sun Mar 02 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "227865", "review_id": "d48ba4569cddf4e22afdcb4c9668b58b", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for The Eternity Code at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n Artemis Fowl is a young mastermind with a high IQ. He does the impossible and not only finds out about the People - faeries, leprechauns, dwarfs, etc. - but he captures one of them as well. Holly Short is a faerie who works for L.E.P. and who has the unfortunate circumstance of being captured by Fowl. Gold is exchanged and a tense friendship is formed between the two. In the second book, Holly even helps Artemis rescue his father from the Russian Mafia - in exchange for helping her with a goblin uprising. \n In book 3, Artemis is up to his old tricks, one last time. His dad - now fully recovered from his two year capture - has decided that Fowl family who has been making millions due to a life of crime will now go straight. Artemis has one last job to do and that's to put his new invention - the C Cube - on the market. But first he has to convince his biggest competitor to step down.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 14:42:48 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Sep 28 12:02:58 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Tue Feb 11 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Sat Feb 08 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "16115626", "review_id": "5ced24d0c5cb21f9da78eba1ff05c915", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for Daylighters at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n I've said it before on this blog and I'll say it again. I don't like final books in series. The whole wrap everything up, weepy characters, and sometimes - if the author is evil - death of beloved characters usually happens in final books and it drives me crazy because most of the time I have high expectations for how things should end. But for the last couple of final books I've started to change my mind, and Daylighters was no exception. \n This book begins where Fall of Night left off, Michael and the other vamps are being hauled away, Eve, Claire and Shane are being hauled away too, but they're giving more of a fight. Things have changed in Morganville and not for the better...sort of. All the vampires have been corralled together at the old mall - Morganville had a mall? Who knew? - and they have shock collars around their necks to keep them in line. The head of the Daylighter Foundation - Fallon - has plans for the vampires, not that he reveals what they are for a few hundred pages.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 14:38:02 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Mon Sep 15 19:02:03 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Wed Jun 25 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Mon Jun 23 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "15739817", "review_id": "1a677307a6c63bcb9a23a842443620d1", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Fall of Night at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n At the end of the last book, Claire told Amelie that she was finally taking her up on her offer to leave for MIT and that she wanted her to allow Shane to leave too if he wanted. When this book starts, Claire is actually doing it. She's leaving Morganville in the pre-dawn to go and achieve her dream. \n But Shane isn't going with her. Claire hasn't 100% forgiven him yet for believing that she would cheat on him with Michael, and she really wants to try and do this on her own. She wants to make sure that their relationship can survive them being apart. \n The best laid plans...", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 14:36:03 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Tue Sep 16 16:08:22 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Sun Apr 20 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Sat Apr 19 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "13414055", "review_id": "2f4ad01f18c6b6c3e2c9d808910a97de", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for Bitter Blood at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n The draug are gone and Morganville is on it's way back to becoming what it once was. But not in a good way. Now that Amelie has no enemies left, she believes she is top of the food chain and she reintegrates the old rule of Morganville. \n Vampires get free reign and one free hunt every year. \n Things have changed and Claire and the Glass House gang are trying to keep the humans from declaring all out war. But it's getting hard especially when the humans start coming after them.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 14:35:31 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Tue Sep 16 16:09:38 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Sat Apr 19 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Mon Apr 14 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "9526658", "review_id": "0afdf485d013bab59818e4a6d19ff271", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Black Dawn at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n At the end of the last book, Claire and her friends were dealing with the affects of what the master draug - a water based vampire race that the other vamps are afraid of - had done their fellow vampire friends including the Founder Amelie. She was bitten by Magnus and is slowly becoming a draug. The race is on to kill Magnus before it is too late. \n Just in case that wasn't enough, Black Dawn also deals with Eve and Michael's toxic relationship and how they're dealing with the fallout from his attack on her at the end of the last book. They both know that he didn't mean it, because he had been fed on by draug for days, but they both realize what he's capable of now. You. Have. Got. To. Be. Kidding. Me.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 14:35:20 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Tue Sep 16 16:10:29 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Mon Apr 14 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Fri Apr 11 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "10549501", "review_id": "3583ab6a89295a879a2109d5b3c8e606", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for Last Breath at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n Right. So. Last Breath. I'll admit that this book started out really slow and I was sitting and going C'mon pick up the pace... when the mysterious runner from the other town with vampires shows up things got real interesting. And they got interesting fast. Something that this runner had causes the Founder Amelie to turn on Claire and Shane and she orders Myrinn to kill Shane. Oliver comes in later to talk her out of it, so he is sent to stop the crazy vamp and man does the action only escalate from there. \n Because of Myrinn's attempt to kill Shane, Claire is no longer speaking to him, which made me a little bit sad for our bunny slipper-wearing vamp. Don't get me wrong, what he did was bad - but he was under orders and Claire should know that Amelie's will is hard to fight. Michael and Eve are preparing for their engagement party and their wedding. But even this causes problems with the citizens of Morganville. The humans, because they don't want to stand with the vampires who have been oppressing them for years. The vampires, because they don't think they should 'marry the cattle.' Bloody freaking hell.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 14:34:44 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Sep 28 11:42:18 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Sun Mar 16 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Thu Mar 13 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "9376345", "review_id": "c75a069312910d6b763e7af0a1e809c2", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Bite Club at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n The first rule about Fight Club: You don't talk about Fight Club. \n The same should go for the vampire version - Bite Club. You know, I wasn't sure that Rachel Caine's Morganville Vampires series could get any better than it did in the last book Ghost Town. But I was shockingly surprised. \n In book 10 of the series, Shane is having his usual anger management issues, but they seem to be worse than normal. He's attacking Michael for no reason. He thinks Claire is cheating on him with Myrinn, and he accuses Eve of being a fang banger. Jeez, Shane take a chill pill would you?", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 14:34:34 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Sep 28 11:51:29 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Thu Feb 27 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Tue Feb 25 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "7600922", "review_id": "bb6d90f67a4702ae5ddaec79775bd24c", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for Ghost Town at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n Well, I predicted back in book 7's review that eventually Rachel Caine would have to write the perfect book in this series, and she finally did. After what happened in Kiss of Death, I was a little reluctant to read this book, but my motto is, once I start a series I have to finish it. \n So, Ghost Town... Claire and company are back in Morganville and things are...well, they're not really normal. Ever since Amelie's new rules that allow humans to protect themselves from vampire attack, the vampires are getting a little testy and the humans are...they're finally acting out. They like the power that has been given to them, but they want more.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 14:34:20 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Sep 28 12:13:33 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Wed Jan 29 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Tue Jan 28 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "6289938", "review_id": "d6ad3512d8261b9d9529c29e00aa2770", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Fade out at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n So remember in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, when Ron says to Harry, \"Follow the spiders? Why did it have to follow the spiders? Why couldn't it be follow the butterflies?\" I felt for Ron then, and I really related to that quote while reading Fade Out. \n Spiders, Rachel Caine? Because the town of vampires wasn't scary enough, you had to throw in spiders the size of Chihuahuas? I personally believe that this book should have come with a disclaimer in the introduction: Arachnophobes beware. Gah. \n Anyway, book 7 - seriously SEVEN - takes place a few months after book 6. The town is recovering nicely from Bishop's take over. Vampires are protecting those that have signed up for Protection, Amelie has allowed humans to be armed and attack vampires in self-defense, and Claire is living at her parents' house until she turns eighteen - sort of.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 14:34:06 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Sep 28 12:22:38 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Sat Jan 18 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Wed Jan 15 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "7091713", "review_id": "dd974ac761332a67fa5c309e1a842a5e", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for Kiss of Death at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n Okay, so with Ada gone, Bishop dead, and Morganville at peace - for the moment - what could possibly go wrong in book 8? \n Well, as it turns out not much. Oh, sure, there was the deal that Claire made with Marley and his band of rogue vampires - where she had to get them out within a month or else Eve, Shane, and her would become their personal blood bank - but even that was dealt with within the first twenty or so pages. Michael and the gang are given permission to leave Morganville so that way Michael can go to Dallas for his studio time. If they're not in Morganville, Marley can't attack them. \n But, holy crap! They get to leave Morganville!", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 14:33:55 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Sep 28 12:20:28 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Sat Jan 25 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Wed Jan 22 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "3558003", "review_id": "f7ee1c0d42e04064c805d68671e8095d", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n You would think, after reading four volumes in this series, I would know to expect the unexpected when it comes to plot points in these books and to expect a cliffhanger at the end of the novel. You would think that, but for some stupid reason, as I read and finished Lord of Misrule I literally had my jaw drop open a few times, and threw my hands in the air when it finished with a cliffhanger.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 14:33:44 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Sep 28 12:28:31 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Thu Jan 09 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Thu Jan 02 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "5212771", "review_id": "849ec6254bb823d877158a51960a755f", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Carpe Corpus at http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n One word about this book: FINALLY! \n I'm not sure how much I can say without giving too much away - not that's really stopped me before - but I have to say that this book was probably my favorite so far of the series. The twists, which one would think would have gotten old by book six of a series, twisted into areas that I still didn't expect them to. The action was non-stop, and even when you did get a reprieve I took a deep breath with my characters and enjoyed it because I knew that it wasn't going to last. \n I've read some of the reviews for this series before I started it, and a lot people complained that there wasn't a lot of character development and that was a big reason they didn't like it. I have to disagree. The character development in these books is just fantastic. I sort of envy Caine's ability to develop these characters over an arc of books like she does. I can barely do it over fifteen chaptered stories.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 14:33:29 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Sep 28 12:25:09 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Wed Jan 15 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Thu Jan 09 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "2295829", "review_id": "50c9b7024516d3cbfa8d9680430f4d96", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review at http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n Feast of Fools takes place right where Midnight Alley left off. Claire's parents bringing in three vampires - one who claims to be Amelie's father - and demands to see his daughter. Without ruining too much, I was really glad that this character of Bishop was brought in, especially one of his comrades Ysandre. She brings in drama to Claire and Shane's relationship that was sorely lacking in the other two books. Also, things were sorely lacking, like Shane and Claire's cuteness comes back in this book too! Their video-game sessions and even their hanging out in Shane's room, make up for the lack of fluff in the previous novels.", "date_added": "Thu Oct 03 14:33:02 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Sep 28 12:56:33 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Thu Jan 02 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "12578305", "review_id": "99d3eed2acc8ec6e9f4b60c49da5979d", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for The Chaos of Stars at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n Question: What happens when you're the human daughter of two gods? And you just realized that you will never be immortal? Answer: The biggest form of teenage rebellion that has ever transpired. \n Isadora is the daughter of two powerful gods and she has just found out the shocking truth that the only reason that they had her was so that way there would still be someone that believed in them. She will never be immortal and in her eyes she's temporary. She hates her parents for doing this to her and refuses to do anything that they say - and you thought you had issues with your parents when you were a teenager. Sheesh. Her mother announces that she is pregnant with another child and that Isadora will help her with the birth...until Isadora's half-brother Anubis shows up uninvited to the house and Isis realizes that her dreams of danger might be coming true. \n So Isadora is sent to live with her brother Sirius in San Diego until her mother gives birth. This is exactly the freedom that Isadora has always craved, but she doesn't really realize what she is getting into - she hasn't been around a lot of humans ever.", "date_added": "Wed Aug 14 19:52:47 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Mon Sep 15 19:25:36 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Wed May 07 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Mon May 05 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "16070143", "review_id": "a6176ef9476b3b01ff3c025ad62ac553", "rating": 3, "review_text": "See full review for Teardrop at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n Okay, let's see if I can understand what exactly happened in this book. Eureka is a teenaged girl (16? 17?) who's never cried. Her mom and dad are divorced, and her mother Diana died a few months ago in a horrible mysterious wave. Eureka was with her, but somehow miraculously survived. She loved her mother very much and couldn't imagine a world without her and tried to take her own life by swallowing pills. Now, she is sentenced to therapy, even though she hates therapists - and I really can't blame her this one was intense - and she may or may not have feelings for her best friend Brooks who has started to act weird. \n Throw in a mysterious guy named Ander who doesn't really seem to exist and keeps stalking her, and a mysterious book that her mother left her in her will and things get very interesting for Eureka.", "date_added": "Sun Aug 04 11:51:55 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Tue Sep 16 16:21:51 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Wed Mar 26 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Sat Mar 22 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "10468701", "review_id": "142406d6fb07fbe076a7eb45182b7984", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for Dead Silence at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n A common theme in all four books of this series is the secrets that Violet keeps. But it isn't really until this book that she realizes that she is keeping too many of them, and that her best friend in the whole world - Chelsea - is starting to get annoyed with them. Violet realizes it and doesn't know what to do about it on top of everything else. \n It's been a few months since Violet's kidnapping and she's trying to deal with living with her own imprint. Her friends are worried about her, but she doesn't know how to be around them with this imprint. She's taking more of the sleeping pills to dull the echo. But it isn't until her mother cleans out the attic and finds a box of her grandmother's old stuff that Violet finds a way to deal with the imprint and that there is something going on with her team.", "date_added": "Sun Aug 04 11:49:01 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sun Sep 14 16:47:06 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Mon Aug 04 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Fri Jul 25 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "11838803", "review_id": "21af48de81fd38a8c75bd10f8ab0a2ba", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for The Last Echo at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n A question for all the authors out there: when you're writing a book with a female narrator or main character, and you introduce several guy characters into her story, do you automatically think, hm, there should be a love triangle? Or does that plot point come up as you go along? I feel like I need to ask this question, because in about every other supernatural/paranormal book I read, there always seems to be a love triangle between the main character and the guys she knows. The Last Echo was no exception to that rule, which I was really disappointed. Not only did this series go from having the best guy friend being the main character's boyfriend, but now we have a love triangle too. \n Violet is readjusting to her life again. This time she has to get used to being on a team of people who know that she's different. A whole bunch of new characters get introduced - Gemma, Krystal, Sam, etc. - while Sara and Rafe are kept around. The team that Violet is on is investigating a new case. College girls are turning up dead. A new serial killer - called the collector - is on the loose. And unfortunately for Violet, he seems to have taken a new interest in her, even though she isn't the type of girl he goes for. What happens changes the course of Violet's life forever.", "date_added": "Sun Aug 04 11:48:59 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Mon Sep 15 18:47:56 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Fri Jul 25 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Tue Jul 15 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "7827221", "review_id": "3de59e70ff96b3a35488c2d88b86adaf", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for Desires of the Dead at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n So, I'll admit (I really should rename this blog to confessions of a bookaholic) second books in a series where I loved the first book scare me. Why? Because I always feel like there are high expectations for that book and they can never live up to their predecessor. Desires of the Dead was no exception. I'll admit something else: my fear was rational. \n Don't get me wrong, Desires of the Dead was amazing. This time around there isn't a serial killer for Violet to find. Instead a mysterious person is terrorizing her from her school and the FBI. You see she found a missing boy's body while she was in the city with her friend Chelsea and she called in an anonymous tip that turned out to be not so anonymous. But this member of the FBI, Sara Priest, is different. She has a team of special people who have abilities like Violet...or so you think. Nothing is really said about this other members of Priest's team, and the only member you really meet is Rafe, but his 'power' isn't revealed at all. Although I do have my suspicions. Add that to the new kids Mike and his sister Megan monopolizing Jay's time and Violet is one stressed out teenager.", "date_added": "Sun Aug 04 11:48:59 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Mon Sep 15 19:00:10 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Wed Jul 02 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Mon Jun 23 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "6261522", "review_id": "a90fda5583531c2d0f4255dde02d96c1", "rating": 5, "review_text": "See full review for The Body Finder at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n To mix things up a little from my usual vampires, paranormal, romance, etc. I decided to read a psychotic thriller. And after reading this book the only thing I have to ask is other than the main setting of a high school and the characters being high school students, how exactly is this book considered YA? \n But before we get into that in depth, The Body Finder is about this junior in high school named Violet Ambrose, since she was a little girl she has this unique ability to sense 'echoes.' These echoes surround every dead thing - whether it is animal or human - and depending on the situation also surround the killer. Except for one instance when she was eight, Violet mostly finds bodies of animals and buries them in her backyard so that they can be at peace. However, a string of young girls disappearing causes her to use her power to find the bodies of these girls, especially after she finds one accidentally in the lake on the night of a party. \n While she's dealing with this killer, she also has to deal with the normal high school life and the complicated relationship that is her best friend Jay who has turned ridiculously hot over the summer and who she seems to be feeling an attraction to. But because of a dumb fourth grade kiss that went terribly, they have sworn never to try dating each other again. So what's a girl to do?", "date_added": "Sun Aug 04 11:48:58 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Mon Sep 15 19:16:12 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Wed May 28 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Thu May 22 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "16007855", "review_id": "b977bee0f84ba7c161235d23b8fa23cd", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Sweet Reckoning at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n The time for war has come. With the death of their ally Flynn, Anna and the other Nephilim on her side can no longer pretend to work for their demon fathers. Not when they know that no matter what they do they can't be trusted. Anna and Kaidan can't fight their feelings for each other - not since they've declared them - and it's getting hard to hide them when she is being followed by whisperers every day. But why are whisperers following her when the demon lords seemed to trust her six months after that summit meeting? \n They don't trust her anymore. They know of the prophecy and they think that she is the one who will bring it. So Phazeruph - Kaidan's dad - is sending Nephilim and humans after her so that way he can smell her to see if she is still 'pure' and if she really is the one who will bring the prophecy. He even gets so desperate that he sends Kai to her and it's only by a small miracle that they avoid doing the deed. But not for long. Phazeruph is determined to smell her and she can only run for so long. Luckily, her father comes up with a plan that would give everyone what they want, and keep the final battle from coming for a small while. But even the best-laid plans don't always work out.", "date_added": "Sun Aug 04 11:38:14 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sat Dec 20 12:58:38 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Tue Dec 16 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Mon Dec 15 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "15768191", "review_id": "b2e55c1a7f66c880cc388121e3fb4a0f", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Sweet Peril at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n When we last left Anna, she was recovering from the latest Duke meeting where she almost died and Kaidan has finally left her to try and live his life out in Los Angeles. In Sweet Peril, Anna is working during her senior year as her father tried to come up with a plan to get her out of this. That opportunity comes when the spirit of the nun she was supposed to meet in California visits her and tells her about a prophecy that predicted that someone would come along that could bring the Dukes their final retribution. \n The rest of the book deals with Anna, her father, and Kope searching for allies for their cause among the other Nephilim while trying to avoid the Dukes attention. Sweet Peril also deals with the whole Anna/Kai/Kope triangle and let's just say that drove me absolutely crazy.", "date_added": "Sun Aug 04 11:38:11 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Wed Nov 12 09:40:01 -0800 2014", "read_at": "Tue Nov 11 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "started_at": "Fri Nov 07 00:00:00 -0800 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "11808950", "review_id": "7adbae083ee7dcda87a8af5caaa0e587", "rating": 4, "review_text": "See full review for Sweet Evil at: http://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.w... \n Anna is a goody two shoes, and she knows it. She doesn't party. She doesn't do drugs or alcohol, and she always respects her adoptive mother's rules. But even she gets tempted every now and again. The thing that differentiates her from other people is that her senses are extraordinary. She's got super hearing, seeing, touch, etc. She doesn't understand why, and especially why it all started happening when she was sixteen. That is until she meets the mysterious Kaidan Rowe who intrigues her more than any other because he is just like her. \n Patti, her adoptive mother, is alarmed when Anna tells her that she met someone like her, and eventually tells her the truth. Anna is the child of angels. Her mother was a guardian angel and her father was one of the Fallen and a Duke of one of the seven deadly sins. Due to the way she was brought up, she's not as evil as she should be, but that's okay because her father believes the guardian angels have plans for her. Something that will change everything.", "date_added": "Sun Aug 04 11:38:07 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Tue Sep 30 13:45:37 -0700 2014", "read_at": "Sat Sep 27 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "started_at": "Wed Sep 17 00:00:00 -0700 2014", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "13455572", "review_id": "0edb87c119f78034fca32ec3dacabf44", "rating": 0, "review_text": "\"Mom, I'm a vampire, I'm supposed to be Goth now!\" DNF at 45 pages in. That quote and the rest of the dialogue pretty much put the nail in the coffin of this one.", "date_added": "Sun Aug 04 11:05:13 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sat Mar 26 13:07:49 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Sat Mar 26 13:07:49 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Thu Mar 24 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 1, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "12180248", "review_id": "aa8515e786e2067e52426254d9284fa6", "rating": 2, "review_text": "See full review for Enchanted at: https://toomanybooksnotenoughshelves.... \n Sunday Woodcutter is the seventh daughter of a seventh daughter. Because she is such a thing, she has magical properties. Her gift bestowed upon her by her Fairy Godmother Joy is that whatever she writes comes true. It has had harsh implications in the past, so Sunday just writes about her family history. She had six older sisters and three older brothers. Jack Junior died tragically thanks in large part to the royal family of Arilland. Monday was married off to a prince and they never see her anymore. Tuesday died. Wednesday is a little bit strange. Thursday married a pirate king and sends them gifts whenever she can. Friday has a pure heart and a talent with needle and thread and uses it to make clothes for the poor children. Saturday is tomboyish and spends her days with her father and brother in the wood with her axe. Sunday is very lonely, until she meets an enchanted frog who she fasts befriends. \n But the irony - of course - is that the frog (Grumble) is actually the crown prince Rumbold. Thanks to one of her Sunday's kisses, he becomes his human self without any remembrance of his year prior to becoming a frog. All he knows is he is desperately in love with Sunday and needs her to be his at any cost. So, like in most fairy tales, a few balls are held with all the maidens in the kingdom invited. But maybe they aren't meant to live happily ever after... \n As I've said in my previous posts, I really like fairy-tale retellings and this book seemed to be right up my alley. But...it wasn't to be.", "date_added": "Wed Jul 24 14:34:59 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Sat Apr 02 13:02:01 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Tue Mar 29 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Sat Mar 26 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 2, "n_comments": 0}
{"user_id": "4a44f603cc3df339acc48590044a2db0", "book_id": "12432220", "review_id": "38021b335bcc2f54b260dce40ec7d64a", "rating": 0, "review_text": "Did not finish at 55 pages in. Sage was kind of annoying. His fellow contestants also annoying. And this 'secret mission' with fatal results if you fail was actually boring me to tears.", "date_added": "Tue Jul 16 12:08:12 -0700 2013", "date_updated": "Thu Jun 30 13:14:30 -0700 2016", "read_at": "Thu Jun 30 13:14:30 -0700 2016", "started_at": "Thu Jun 30 00:00:00 -0700 2016", "n_votes": 0, "n_comments": 0}