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amandasbookreview's Reviews (966)
"The highlight of this story is the glorious historical detail!"
Check out the full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2019/september/viewer/desktop/#page/66
Check out the full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2019/september/viewer/desktop/#page/66
"This historical fiction is nothing short of powerful and inspiring."
Check out my full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2019/september/viewer/desktop/#page/66
Check out my full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2019/september/viewer/desktop/#page/66
"This historical fiction is a delightful adventure!"
Check out my full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2019/september/viewer/desktop/#page/66
Check out my full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2019/september/viewer/desktop/#page/66
DNF
I see how these horror stories influenced so many amazing authors. I see the brilliance in the horror. I can't get over the racism. The only monster here is the author.
I see how these horror stories influenced so many amazing authors. I see the brilliance in the horror. I can't get over the racism. The only monster here is the author.
“So, beseech such speech
that unfurls no harm
on the other side stands
a heart unharmed…”
SPEAK KIND, IVORY GLEAM
Ivory Gleam by Dr. Priya Dolma Tamang is a lovely collection of poetry and prose. The collection is broken up into three sections: Colloquial Delicacy of Learning, Soliloquy of Longing, and Chivalry of Loving. The poetry spans many different themes from birth to death.
*Trigger Warning*
Some themes that are discussed are depression and suicide.
A few of my favorite poems are: Speak Kind, Free Spirit, Stardust, Broken, Woman, Letting Go, and Three Words.
There are also a few discussions that I adored: On Self-Love, On Ignorance, and On Mindfulness.
“If you do not control your mind, your mind will control you…”
ON MINDFULNESS, IVORY GLEAM
The book is roughly 200 pages, but overall it is a quick read. The poems and prose are engaging and relatable. The author’s words touch the soul. They are passionate and emotional. If you love poetry then this is a collection for you.
I rate this collection 5 out of 5 stars.
that unfurls no harm
on the other side stands
a heart unharmed…”
SPEAK KIND, IVORY GLEAM
Ivory Gleam by Dr. Priya Dolma Tamang is a lovely collection of poetry and prose. The collection is broken up into three sections: Colloquial Delicacy of Learning, Soliloquy of Longing, and Chivalry of Loving. The poetry spans many different themes from birth to death.
*Trigger Warning*
Some themes that are discussed are depression and suicide.
A few of my favorite poems are: Speak Kind, Free Spirit, Stardust, Broken, Woman, Letting Go, and Three Words.
There are also a few discussions that I adored: On Self-Love, On Ignorance, and On Mindfulness.
“If you do not control your mind, your mind will control you…”
ON MINDFULNESS, IVORY GLEAM
The book is roughly 200 pages, but overall it is a quick read. The poems and prose are engaging and relatable. The author’s words touch the soul. They are passionate and emotional. If you love poetry then this is a collection for you.
I rate this collection 5 out of 5 stars.
Our Man On Earth by Scott Telek is the first book in The Swithen Series. This series details the origin of Merlin, the famous wizard from Arthurian Legend. There are many myths and legends about this sorcerer, but the author tells this fictional tale based on some early manuscripts. The story begins with demons wanting one of their own on Earth, just like God has sent Jesus Christ. The demons terrorize a family and one woman named Meylinde gets pregnant by one of the demons. She does her best to be rid of the demons and endures so many hardships but still gives birth to Merlin. Merlin proves to be an advanced child with powers. He knows from birth that he is destined to have his name go down in history.
I love Arthurian Legend. I love all the myths, legends, modern re-imaginations, and even studied it in college. I was so excited to read this book. Unfortunately, this book just didn’t seem to be executed that well. I love that the author used early manuscripts as inspiration for this fictional tale. During the 13th century, there is a rise in the concept of chivalry and devout religious influences. The author claims that this is the “real” origin story. The only problem is the manuscript that this fictional tale is derived from took the inspiration of Merlin from Myrddin Wyllt and Emrys. (I can hear all the BBC Merlin show fans screaming with joy as I write this.) So this isn’t the real Merlin story, because this isn’t even the first account of Merlin.
Ok, now that I got that off my chest—to the positive aspects of the book. The description is great. The author goes into great depth with description of the characters, how they look and where they live. There are a few issues with past and present tense. There are a couple of times where the narration mentions our present time period (2019) but the narration takes place during the 1200s. That really took me out of the story. The dialogue is also very modern. It felt as if the characters were talking as if they lived in modern-day America, not the 13th century. However, the author did a great job of bringing the horror of the demon possession to the story.
My last comment about the book is that it is just a retelling. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE retellings and reimaginings. However, there is nothing new that was added, nor does the author make the story his own. It is just the same exact version of the manuscript just told in a more simplified way. I felt it was a missed opportunity to tell one of the original Merlin stories but also to make it one’s own unique version story. Overall, I rate this book 2 out of 5 stars.
Thank you to the author for a copy of this book.
I love Arthurian Legend. I love all the myths, legends, modern re-imaginations, and even studied it in college. I was so excited to read this book. Unfortunately, this book just didn’t seem to be executed that well. I love that the author used early manuscripts as inspiration for this fictional tale. During the 13th century, there is a rise in the concept of chivalry and devout religious influences. The author claims that this is the “real” origin story. The only problem is the manuscript that this fictional tale is derived from took the inspiration of Merlin from Myrddin Wyllt and Emrys. (I can hear all the BBC Merlin show fans screaming with joy as I write this.) So this isn’t the real Merlin story, because this isn’t even the first account of Merlin.
Ok, now that I got that off my chest—to the positive aspects of the book. The description is great. The author goes into great depth with description of the characters, how they look and where they live. There are a few issues with past and present tense. There are a couple of times where the narration mentions our present time period (2019) but the narration takes place during the 1200s. That really took me out of the story. The dialogue is also very modern. It felt as if the characters were talking as if they lived in modern-day America, not the 13th century. However, the author did a great job of bringing the horror of the demon possession to the story.
My last comment about the book is that it is just a retelling. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE retellings and reimaginings. However, there is nothing new that was added, nor does the author make the story his own. It is just the same exact version of the manuscript just told in a more simplified way. I felt it was a missed opportunity to tell one of the original Merlin stories but also to make it one’s own unique version story. Overall, I rate this book 2 out of 5 stars.
Thank you to the author for a copy of this book.
"This book is filled with courageous women, willing to risk their lives for their country."
Check out the rest of this review at:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2018/december-january/viewer/desktop/#page/70
Check out the rest of this review at:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2018/december-january/viewer/desktop/#page/70
"What an amazing story about overcoming prejudices and judgments!"
Check out the rest of this review at:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2018/december-january/viewer/desktop/#page/68
Check out the rest of this review at:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2018/december-january/viewer/desktop/#page/68
"This book is delightful from beginning to end!"
Check out my full review in InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2018/october/viewer/desktop/#page/58
Check out my full review in InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2018/october/viewer/desktop/#page/58
Solving Cadence Moore by Gregory Sterner is a mystery novel. The readers are introduced to Charlie Marx. He is the host of a podcast that focuses on conspiracy theories. He decides to his own investigation into the disappearance of Cadence Moore. She was a lively, popular, college student and vanished without a trace. Charlie Marx says he has solved the mystery, but is he just deceiving everyone to save his job and make his podcast more popular?
*Sigh* I love mysteries. I am always looking for a good investigation show to watch or true crime novel to read about. This fictional mystery fell short for me. First of all, it started off slow. The writing is extremely repetitive. I just wanted the story to get to the point. In fact, the pace never picks up. I just didn’t connect with the story at all. Don’t get me wrong. I love the idea of it! A host of a podcast trying to solve a disappearance? This should have engaged me from the very beginning.
Then there is the issue with the characters…I did not like Charlie Marx. Usually I could get past that, not this time. He is selfish, rude, arrogant, etc… It wasn’t just him. I couldn’t connect with any of the characters. I wanted to know more about Cadence Moore. There is a definite lack of emotion in this book. For this, I have to rate this book 2 out of 5 stars.
Thanks to Kelsey Butts and the author for a copy of the book.
*Sigh* I love mysteries. I am always looking for a good investigation show to watch or true crime novel to read about. This fictional mystery fell short for me. First of all, it started off slow. The writing is extremely repetitive. I just wanted the story to get to the point. In fact, the pace never picks up. I just didn’t connect with the story at all. Don’t get me wrong. I love the idea of it! A host of a podcast trying to solve a disappearance? This should have engaged me from the very beginning.
Then there is the issue with the characters…I did not like Charlie Marx. Usually I could get past that, not this time. He is selfish, rude, arrogant, etc… It wasn’t just him. I couldn’t connect with any of the characters. I wanted to know more about Cadence Moore. There is a definite lack of emotion in this book. For this, I have to rate this book 2 out of 5 stars.
Thanks to Kelsey Butts and the author for a copy of the book.