Showing posts with label Review. Show all posts

City of the Fallen by Diana Bocco
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Top 3 things I liked about the main character. Of the two main characters, I'll pick Isabelle. It was easy to connect with her. Sometimes, I felt like she was in over her head and she had brought disaster on herself. But then, she was out to save the world (or what is left of it) and I felt her compassion. She knows her stuff. Loved the lab scenes where she shares her insights on blood types. Third thing I liked was how she felt torn about her relationship with Marcus. For me, this is what made her the most human.

Which secondary character resonated most with you and why? Miles. He's the faithful butler of sorts who sees all, hears all and knows all but says nothing unless he is asked for an opinion. His loyalty is to Marcus and Marcus alone.

Cover. Loved it more than I loved the ending. The darkness that surrounded the embracing couple was exactly what happened in the book.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

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Secret Words by Miranda P. Charles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Did anyone in the book do something you did not like? Tim, he couldn't have left sooner and I'm glad that Jasmine was finally rid of him.

Top 3 things I liked about the main character. As with any steamy romance, she was beautiful. Then, there was her off the chart talent to write best-seller. Lastly, I liked that she was a little insecure, it made her human and it was easier to connect with her.

Did the plot pull you in or did you feel you had to force yourself to read the book? From the word, go, all of us at book club were pulled into this book. It was a light read that was filled with humour and romance.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

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The Druid legacy by Mark Miller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Did this book remind you of anything that has happened to you? This is a fantasy book so I don't have any real life experiences which I can connect with this book. That being said, Wess is a good rolemodel for any young adult. He uses his intelligence to get out of sticky situations and when the going gets tough, he deals with it the best ways he can. Even if it means eating fish with a bear.
What would the main character be likely to do if s/he visited out classroom? I would think Wess would talk about his early days before he knew anything about his powers and then how he felt and got used to his powers. Also, I'm quite sure he would give at least one demonstration on what he can transform into.
Did the book description relate to the story. Well, it offered an extremely short intro with no clue on plot, timeline or supporting characters. Would have preferred a bit more information. For instance, if I stumbled across the book and thought of buying it, the book description wouldn't be enough.

Disclosure - As a Quality Reads Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book from the author via Orangeberry Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.

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I'd Kill for You by Alan Plessinger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

List the characters and describe them. This book had an array of characters. Upon dissecting the story, I don't think (and other book club members agree with me) there was one too many characters. Although this added a little spice to the story, it does become confusing to the reader. So, I'll list my favourite set of characters and these were people at the detective agency - Adam, Charlie, Clyde, Gabe and Riley.

What was the mystery? At a glance, the story is about Lisa and her missing mother. But as you pay more attention to the details, the reader realises the story isn't about one mystery. It is about all the mysteries (missing persons) that the detective agency investigates. Hence, a lot of time and effort goes into describing these interactions and exploring their angles on the case their case.

What problems does one of the characters have? Lisa runs away to New York to find her mother. When she arrives, in the hope of seeking clarity, her mother is missing and there are more questions than answers. Lisa is a somewhat multi-dimensional character and the author does a wonderful job in making readers think she is the central part of the story.

Disclosure - I received a complimentary copy from the author which did not affect my honest opinion.

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Interview:

How did you come up with the title? “I’d Kill For You” is a fairly common, everyday phrase, and I like it as the title of a mystery novel because it says romance and murder both at once.  In fact it seems such a natural as the title of a mystery, I’m a little bit amazed no one else has grabbed it, but no one has.
What was the hardest part about writing this book? If you are asking money for your ware, everyone has the right to tell you precisely what they think of it, and to be brutally honest. And you have no right to object. Unless they’re your friends, of course. You can’t depend upon your friends to be honest critics, nor should you.
Did you learn anything from writing this book and what was it? How the process obsesses one. Writing is not an avocation one can leave at home. Ideas for additions or improvements present themselves at the most inconvenient times and places. Suppose that a cobbler couldn’t leave home and go ten feet in any direction without being accosted by shoes possessed of their own will and voice, making importunate demands to be mended or resoled. That’s something of what it’s like to be a writer.
How much of the book is realistic? There are varying levels of verisimilitude in mysteries. Private eye mysteries are realistic in that private eyes do exist, although they don’t usually investigate murders. Many private eye mysteries have some pretty unlikely things happening in them, and mine is no exception, but I like to think that nothing strictly impossible happens in “I’d Kill For You.”
What are your goals as a writer? Entertaining the reader is my main goal, but I always say, if you can’t manage to entertain your reader you should settle for trying to piss him off a little. Either way, he’ll remember you.
What books have most influenced your life? “Bleak House” by Dickens opened my eyes as to what is possible in a work of literature. It is the only book which has both made me laugh out loud and made me cry. Some books have done one or the other.  “Bleak House” is the only book that has done both.

The Secret of the Sacred Scarab by Fiona Ingram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What were the main relationships explored in this book? Family. Aunt Isabel is a famous journalist and is strict with the boys. Their gran provides the reader with a lot of entertainment and reminded me of Betty White. The boys who are cousins, although very close, each want to be better than the other. Character development is one of the best I have seen in a long time.

What I liked about the book … Given that Egypt is not at all what it used to be, this book offered a walk down memory lane. The charming, historical feel of Egypt is revisited and I felt almost sad for the state it is in. Author's research on the location was done well.

Favourite character(s) … Gran. She's a hoot and a half, almost as childlike as the boys. She's more easy going than Aunt Isabel and does her best to see things from the boys' perspective. She created an ideal balance of the characters. The eldest but the most approachable.

Disclosure - As a Quality Reads Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book from the author via Orangeberry Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.

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Semmant by Vadim Babenko
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What motivates a given character’s actions? Do you think those actions are justified or ethical?

Bogdan was motivated by lack of fulfilment. He was bored. Always wanting more, wanting to walk on the dark side. Always looking for something even though to an outsider he seemed to have it all.

Which characters do you particularly admire or dislike?

I admire Bogdan and his creation but, not his twisted personality.

Do you find the characters convincing? Are they believable? Compelling

Bogdan is compelling in most ways. It is understandable why he feels as he does.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

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The Final Straw by Ted Tayler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What were the main relationships explored in this book? Family. Colin's family is dysfunctional and just when he thinks he finally has created a safe zone for himself and his family, everything comes crashing down.
3 things I liked about the book … I loved the writing and the fact that it was a quick read. Lastly, I liked the use of Colin's relationships and interactions with other people to show how dysfunctional things are.
Favourite character(s) … Karen. She appears to be the most human of all and her emotions are the most realistic.

Disclosure - As a Quality Reads Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book from the author via Orangeberry Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.

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Colorado Mandala by Brian Heffron
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Top 3 things I liked about the main character - Paul was like a rock. he was solid and stable. Despite being shoved from Michael’s life physically and emotionally, he never gave up on his friend. From start to finish, he only wanted to do the right thing for everyone.

What I liked about the setting in this book - It was beautiful and from the writer’s poetic style, the view was breathtaking. It also made for a lovely setting for a romance although this story was filled with adventure.

Cover - The cover was beautiful but only after the reading the story and understanding each of their primary conflicts. Had I seen this in a store, I wouldn’t have picked it up or assumed that the book was a non-fiction book.

Disclosure - As a Quality Reads Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book from the author via Orangeberry Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.

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Dissolution of Peace by Richard Flores IV
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Consider the ending. Did you expect it or were you surprised? I expected most of it although I wasn't expecting the final explosion.

What have you read that is similar to this book? It has been a few years but some Star Trek books. Do not remember the title.

Where did the story take place? In space, on the ocean. Wasn't expecting this at all and I loved the way the author described this.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

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Evergreen by David Jester
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Favorite location or setting? Favorite setting was the basement.

Which character do you dislike? Didn't like Aiden at all. He was a vicious being I have no interest in meeting.

Problem in book, solved? The problem was who was committing the murders. It was solved, the murderer was someone related to Patrick.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

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Tainted Waters by Maggie Thom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What is one word you would use to describe the main character? I think she was driven. She searched through tons of old documents. She even searched houses. She teamed up with Keegan and listened to tapes. She asked a lot of questions which didn't make things so safe for her.

Compare 2 characters in the book. Mr. Ozz was a killer and drug dealer. He became rich by selling organs on the black market. Keegan, on the other hand, was an honest, grandson of one of the original owners of the lake property. True owner of the news paper.

Would you change anything about the story? Sam keeping DD with her. I felt that this was the the only part in the book that didn't make sense. People were trying to kill her, why put herself in more danger?

Disclosure - As a Quality Reads Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book from the author via Orangeberry Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.

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An Unquiet American by A.F.N. Clarke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Were there any other especially interesting characters? Other than Rufus, it was the three supporting characters that propelled the story.

From whose point of view is the story told? Rufus, he is kidnapped and accused of terrorism. As he tries to clear his name, his captors find out that he is no normal captive and this if of course, where the story becomes really interesting.

Were the characters and their problems believable? It most definitely was and like David Icke the author raises some interesting questions about world history and past events.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

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Orange Karen: Tribute to a Warrior by Christina Esdon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What were the main relationships explored in this book? There were many different stories and genres in this book but I won't focus on that relationship. What drew me to this book was the relationship between the writers and their cause of helping another author.

3 things I liked about the book … There's something for everyone. It's a perfect gift for any book lover and lastly, it's been well-edited and compiled professionally.

Favourite character(s) … Katya in Walkin' Blues. Her role as the 'wounded' healer seemed to fit in with what this book was all about. Not too sure if this was done intentionally.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

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The Book of Paul by Richard Long
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Describe 2 different settings or locations. The Clubhouse - Boards painted black with a red door. Huge rusty gate at the entrance.

Rose's apartment - Exotic drapes, hairy white yak rugs in Persian carpets. Silk pillows and candles surrounding an alter.

What major emotion did the story evoke in you as a reader? This book provided nail-biting moments while reading.

What do you think will be your lasting impression of this book? That evil is all around us whether we would like to acknowledge or not.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

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Amidst Traffic by Michel Sauret
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you were to talk with the author, what would you want to know? I honestly do not think I would ask him anything. Just shake his hand, thank him and let him know that I respect him for his career choice. When people decide to serve in the armed forces so many people forget that they are not just helping to keep peace. These people are offering up there life for the peace and safety of others. It takes a great selfless human to make this choice.

Is the story plot or character driven? Some of the stories are character driven and some are plot driven. The plot driven stories started later with some of the same characters and were character driven. Interesting for the readers.

List the places mentioned in the book. A few of the places mentioned in the stories: Iraq, New York, a plane, Oklahoma, Texas, a bank, Circle K, Chicago, Pittsburgh.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

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Redwood Violet by Robin Mahle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Which did you find more appealing, the introduction or the conclusion? The introduction, really hated the ending. This would have been a 5-star book except for the ending. Reading this for the book club, we all thought this was a stand-alone book. The author did not state this was a series.

Is the story plot or character driven? The story is plot driven, but the characters are strong.

Where did the story take place? The story takes place in San Diego.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

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Spare Change by Bette Lee Crosby
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

At the end of the book, do you feel hope for the characters? I feel hope for everyone.

Would you recommend it? I recommend to anyone looking for a nice book to curl up with on a rainy day. It is a book that touches the heart.

Was location important to the story? No, location was not really important to this story. I feel it could of taken place anywhere.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

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The Mountain City Bronzes by Madeleine McLaughlin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Share a quote from the book. “There isn't much evil in a bottle of wine or a fifty-dollar debt.” Kevin's father was telling him to not judge Chest & Lorne to harshly and this quote spoke volumes for that particular scene.

Share a favorite scene from the book. Kevin talking about playing in the jail. He vividly described evil was around every corner and he was always the hero. Reminds me of my kids playing through the yard/house. They were always the hero and always won against evil.

What did you like most about the book? The story was easy to read. It is very hard for authors to write a short story that will keep readers interested, have a full plot and characters that are fully developed. This short story has it all.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

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Straight Dope A 360 degree look into American drug culture by LeRon Barton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Compare two of the characters in this book. Cannot compare two addicts, one is just as bad as the other. The only thing that might be different is the type of drugs or the duration they were using it for.

At the end of the book, do you feel hope for the characters? All of these people are in prison. The only hope I have is that they do not get out and try to sell drugs again.

How do you define the central theme. I would think that the central theme was for people to understand that they needed to stay away from using and selling drugs.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

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