Great story but we are never allowed to see what exactly Beaumont sees in Sadie to make him fall so instantly in love with her. She isn’t sympathetic Great story but we are never allowed to see what exactly Beaumont sees in Sadie to make him fall so instantly in love with her. She isn’t sympathetic at all, she steals from him, deceives him and gives him (and the reader) little to go on. Still, the story, itself it unique and enjoyably creative and entertaining.
Merged review:
Great story but we are never allowed to see what exactly Beaumont sees in Sadie to make him fall so instantly in love with her. She isn’t sympathetic at all, she steals from him, deceives him and gives him (and the reader) little to go on. Still, the story, itself it unique and enjoyably creative and entertaining....more
4.5/5.0 This installment of my most favorite Sci-fi series EVAH showcases exactly what propelled it to that exalted station. It is AWESOME! The story b4.5/5.0 This installment of my most favorite Sci-fi series EVAH showcases exactly what propelled it to that exalted station. It is AWESOME! The story begins with a bang and edge of your seat action and nail baiting suspense. Then, it settles into the intrigue and machinations behind the scenes. And, of course, Lillian is in the center of it all, along with plots that seriously threaten Lucius and all he has built.
As the Despoilers continue to rise and the fight becomes more intense and critical to the overall system, Lillian and her cohorts discover the roots are much closer to home than ever imagined. Yet, Lillian still must battle the war of extreme hostility towards her among those she fights for. And, this time, the seeds of distrust and betrayal sink right into Lucius’ very family.
Oooohhhh.... it’s getting good, folks!!! The story is smart. It doesn’t allow the the reader to just blandly kick back and peruse. It requires thinking, plotting, deducing and concentrating on all those little subplots right along with the characters. And that is all kinds of page-turning, midnight-burning, heart-thumping fun!
Merged review:
4.5/5.0 This installment of my most favorite Sci-fi series EVAH showcases exactly what propelled it to that exalted station. It is AWESOME! The story begins with a bang and edge of your seat action and nail baiting suspense. Then, it settles into the intrigue and machinations behind the scenes. And, of course, Lillian is in the center of it all, along with plots that seriously threaten Lucius and all he has built.
As the Despoilers continue to rise and the fight becomes more intense and critical to the overall system, Lillian and her cohorts discover the roots are much closer to home than ever imagined. Yet, Lillian still must battle the war of extreme hostility towards her among those she fights for. And, this time, the seeds of distrust and betrayal sink right into Lucius’ very family.
Oooohhhh.... it’s getting good, folks!!! The story is smart. It doesn’t allow the the reader to just blandly kick back and peruse. It requires thinking, plotting, deducing and concentrating on all those little subplots right along with the characters. And that is all kinds of page-turning, midnight-burning, heart-thumping fun!...more
I read this a couple of years ago. Unfortunately, I forgot to write a review at the time and can’t remember all the particulars now. I do remember it I read this a couple of years ago. Unfortunately, I forgot to write a review at the time and can’t remember all the particulars now. I do remember it had an extremely interesting storyline and that I thoroughly enjoyed it, however. ...more
Would have LOVED this story if it weren’t so slooow throughout the first half and if Noah weren’t such a spineless douche through the last half3.5/5.0
Would have LOVED this story if it weren’t so slooow throughout the first half and if Noah weren’t such a spineless douche through the last half. ...more
Historical fiction with a strong thread of romance that touches, horrifies and grips the reader until it finally demands one fall in love with every sHistorical fiction with a strong thread of romance that touches, horrifies and grips the reader until it finally demands one fall in love with every single word on the page. Then, close it reverently knowing one has been educated and enlightened as well as entertained....more
There are some stories that need to be told but the challenge is in how to tell them historically while looking through a contemporary lens. Ms4.5/5.0
There are some stories that need to be told but the challenge is in how to tell them historically while looking through a contemporary lens. Ms. Harmon has done a beautiful job of allowing us to experience the extremely complicated world of early 20th century Ireland while not preaching or even landing on one particular side. It's the people that are focused on while educating us on the causes they so believed in. It's beautifully done. The writing almost has a lyrical feel to it while leading us through some pretty horrible circumstances.
It is very reminiscent of Diana Gabaldon's Outlander books, however, so if those aren't your cup of tea, this may not be. If there is any question, though, I would highly encourage everyone to give this memorable story a try....more
A bittersweet look at young love, mistakes made and the guilt that follows. There were lots of layers that make up the storyline and keep the reader eA bittersweet look at young love, mistakes made and the guilt that follows. There were lots of layers that make up the storyline and keep the reader engaged. I loved Bowie’s character but really, REALLY had a hard time liking Brooklyn. Truly wanted to slap her upside the head and tell her to grow a stinking back-bone. Overall, it really was a lovely story, though....more
I’m honestly not sure what to say or even how to describe this book. It has so many layers that it is hard to quantify. It’s a story of love an4.5/5.0
I’m honestly not sure what to say or even how to describe this book. It has so many layers that it is hard to quantify. It’s a story of love and loss, it deals with the effects of drug addiction on children, there is a bit of a suspense/thriller aspect, even a little paranormal vibe resonating. But above all, there is a romance that is complicated, unpredictable and ultimately beautiful.
Amazingly all of that is handled with such a fine touch that all of the colors blend perfectly into a beautiful tapestry of a story. I stand in awe as I turn the last page....more
Nope, nope, nope. Didn’t work for me at all. If it weren’t for the obvious talent and creativity in writing, this one would have barely made a 2.5/5.0
Nope, nope, nope. Didn’t work for me at all. If it weren’t for the obvious talent and creativity in writing, this one would have barely made a star for me.
First, this story is the closest I have EVER come to DNFing a book - it was SOOOOOOOO slow! Good grief, it was just sheer dogged determination that got me through. Part of me is proud I actually finished it, the other part is annoyed I wasted so much time when I could have been reading something else.
Upside - it did finally pick up - at the very last. But then the ending pounded the nail in the coffin of this series. Remember above when I mentioned the talent and creativity? The final scene sunk even that ship. What a cheap, easy twist. Now, rather than a new, exciting take-off series, we are just given “Shadow and Bone revisited.”...more
Absolutely lovely and intensely imaginative - a pure joy to read for anyone who loves fantasy that borders on fairytales. I did guess one of th4.5/5.0
Absolutely lovely and intensely imaginative - a pure joy to read for anyone who loves fantasy that borders on fairytales. I did guess one of the villains immediately and the other was a bit of a stretch for me but other than that it was a pure 5 star read! ...more
This could just as easily been a 4 star. It has all the stuff one loves about a Shen book and it is terribly difficult to put down once picked 3.5/5.0
This could just as easily been a 4 star. It has all the stuff one loves about a Shen book and it is terribly difficult to put down once picked up. That alone usually kicks the rating up for me. But this time, the sudden resolution was just too much to allow me to do so.
Cillian was so dispicable throughout the entire book (seriously worse even than Shen’s other characters such as Viscious.). It felt as if the author was working to push every boundary of low - and we accept some of that when we pick up a book of hers. The problem in this instance is we see no evidence of his heart changing at all throughout the book. Even at the 84% mark he told Persy he wished Andrew had killed her so he would be free to marry someone else. AND, the book ends at the 94% mark (digitally). That leaves a whopping 10% to completely change his character, make it right and include a happy ending. WAY to abrupt to believe in any way. After reading such deplorable treatment of Persy I needed to see some emotional redemption. We never see his heart actually softening enough to buy into his love.
SO... an addicting but hard read that culminates in an abrupt resolution that left me unsatisfied....more
I actually really liked the premise and core story of the book. The problem is, it barely brushes the surface of each plot-line. There is no real undeI actually really liked the premise and core story of the book. The problem is, it barely brushes the surface of each plot-line. There is no real understanding behind the actions, entire subjects and conversations are left hanging mid-air and the secondary characters are just blips that re-occur on the page. So, although I thoroughly enjoyed the basics, it seriously needed some depth....more
As stated in the previous review, I missed Vhalla’s windwalker abilities. They are a large part of what made this series so interesting for me.3.5/5.0
As stated in the previous review, I missed Vhalla’s windwalker abilities. They are a large part of what made this series so interesting for me. I also missed the bond between Alrick and Vhalla. And that weird, kinda thing between Victor and Vhalla (trying not to spoil here) eehh... Still, I love the characters enough that I was continually drawn back and ate up every page until the final turn and close. ...more
This installment of the Air Awakens series seemed to stall a bit for me. The heart and soul of the books is the unshakable love and loyalty bet3.5/5.0
This installment of the Air Awakens series seemed to stall a bit for me. The heart and soul of the books is the unshakable love and loyalty between Aldirck and Vhalla and Vhalla’s windwalker abilities. The first is completely absent in this book and the second is also. That left not an awful lot of real interest. It was still enjoyable, just not riveting....more
Very promising start to what might just be a great series. The story is engaging and kept me wanting to read more. Vhalla, the main character, 3.5/5.0
Very promising start to what might just be a great series. The story is engaging and kept me wanting to read more. Vhalla, the main character, just drove me a bit nuts. She had so little back-bone and throughout the book allowed the whims of others to direct her life rather than taking control of herself and making something of it. It was infuriating!
The upside, at the very end the author gives us hope that things are about to change. Oh please let’s hope so! Because I would REALLY enjoy this story if Vhalla grabbed her gifts and ran with them!...more
Enjoyed the finale. And, let’s face it, any author who can make tears stream down my face while reading deserves those stars! Also, I love the extendeEnjoyed the finale. And, let’s face it, any author who can make tears stream down my face while reading deserves those stars! Also, I love the extended epligues that Ms. Ashley gifts us with. The reader is always able to close the book with all ends tied up and a contented smile on their face....more
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