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amandasbookreview's Reviews (966)
Well, when I saw this book on Chirp, I just had to have it! Just look at the cover. I didn’t even read the synopsis when I purchased The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco, read by Emily Woo Zeller and Will Damron. The run time is 12 hours and 9 minutes. The book follows two points of view. First, we are introduced to Tea, a young girl who accidentally raises her brother from the dead. She soon discovers that she is a Bone Witch. She joins another Bone Witch who takes her to train to become an Asha. An Asha learns everything from society, dance, beauty, history, fighting, and magic. The second point of view is from a bard, whose point of view takes place in the future. Not everyone appreciates Bone Witches and she must deal with being ostracized. Not only that but she discovers that raising the dead comes with a price.
I really, really, really wanted to love this dark fantasy, young adult book. I see where the author wanted this story to go but it was not executed well. First of all, Tea is very frustrating. One minute she is meek and gets walked all over, the next she is overreacting. She seems so lifeless. In fact, there isn’t a single character that has depth. I do love the concept of the hearts glass and the necromancy. I feel like if utilized properly in the story, it would have added so much depth. The pace of the story crawls. Absolutely crawls. There is so much information but nothing really happens. She raises her brother and that’s it…
The Asha training is so very detailed. It reminded me of Geisha. There are similar traditions and strict training–But the Asha are magic, warrior Geisha? There is SO much description that it becomes repetitive. It just wasn’t engaging. The concept, the cover, and detail is fantastic. There are more books in the series, but I am not interested enough to continue the series. So I rate this book 2 out of 5 stars.
I really, really, really wanted to love this dark fantasy, young adult book. I see where the author wanted this story to go but it was not executed well. First of all, Tea is very frustrating. One minute she is meek and gets walked all over, the next she is overreacting. She seems so lifeless. In fact, there isn’t a single character that has depth. I do love the concept of the hearts glass and the necromancy. I feel like if utilized properly in the story, it would have added so much depth. The pace of the story crawls. Absolutely crawls. There is so much information but nothing really happens. She raises her brother and that’s it…
The Asha training is so very detailed. It reminded me of Geisha. There are similar traditions and strict training–But the Asha are magic, warrior Geisha? There is SO much description that it becomes repetitive. It just wasn’t engaging. The concept, the cover, and detail is fantastic. There are more books in the series, but I am not interested enough to continue the series. So I rate this book 2 out of 5 stars.
I know I have mentioned this before but I LOVE Chirp. It is so nice to be able to listen to an audiobook when you don’t have the time to reread any more books. I just listened to Emma by Jane Austen, read by Jenny Agutter. This is not my favorite Jane Austen novel, but I still adore it.
Emma Woodhouse thinks herself as a successful matchmaker and also thinks very highly of herself. After one success at matchmaking her governess and a dear friend, she continues to insert herself in the lives of her friends…but as it turns out, she is quite oblivious as those around her.
This Jane Austen classic touches on subjects that were in the wealthier society of England. The societal rules and formalities can make one’s head spin. There is also the concept of the wealthier being involved with those in lower classes and soon the lines begin to blur. But the star is Emma. She is the center of everything. She represents a woman who is self-assured and educated who is not afraid to be herself in a time when women were considered to be beneath men. Romance is somehow not a huge theme even though the story involves couples coming together. I love that deep down it is about women friendships, confidence, and finding oneself in a man’s world.
I love, love, love the narrator, Jenny Agutter! She really captured the voices and tone of the novel. Overall, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars! If you love Jane Austen or classics, then this one is a treasure!
Emma Woodhouse thinks herself as a successful matchmaker and also thinks very highly of herself. After one success at matchmaking her governess and a dear friend, she continues to insert herself in the lives of her friends…but as it turns out, she is quite oblivious as those around her.
This Jane Austen classic touches on subjects that were in the wealthier society of England. The societal rules and formalities can make one’s head spin. There is also the concept of the wealthier being involved with those in lower classes and soon the lines begin to blur. But the star is Emma. She is the center of everything. She represents a woman who is self-assured and educated who is not afraid to be herself in a time when women were considered to be beneath men. Romance is somehow not a huge theme even though the story involves couples coming together. I love that deep down it is about women friendships, confidence, and finding oneself in a man’s world.
I love, love, love the narrator, Jenny Agutter! She really captured the voices and tone of the novel. Overall, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars! If you love Jane Austen or classics, then this one is a treasure!
Finally!!! I have been dying to read this book for years now. I just haven’t had the chance until now. It has been killer trying to stay away from any details regarding the book or the show. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty is a delicious blend of thrill and drama. It all starts with a schoolyard scandal that leaves the moms divided. Jane is the mother to Ziggy. She is young and unsure of her life so far. Madeline is the mother to Chloe, Fred, and Abigail. She is very sure of herself and will always make everything a big deal. Celeste is the mother to twin boys, Max and Josh. She is beautiful and wealthy, but no one knows what goes on behind closed doors.
I completely devoured this book. I sacrificed so much sleep just so I could finish it in one night. The writing is just absolutely addictive. There is no putting it down once you start. What starts out as a school issue, snowballs over the course of the year leading up to the school trivia night. What I loved the most is despite all the drama and hate in the book, there is a moment where they are all the same. There is a moment when that all doesn’t matter. They are all women and they are all in this life together.
It is definitely hard to pick a favorite because all the characters add so much in different ways, However, I absolutely adored Madeline. Yes, she was dramatic, but she was completely and utterly loyal. Also, if I ever had a daughter I would want her to be just like Chloe. Does this book have entertaining, petty drama? Yes. Does it also bring up important issues such as abuse and bullying? Also, yes.
Obviously, I am over the moon about this book. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would. However, 5 out of 5 stars will have to suffice. Now, I can’t wait to dive into the show!
I completely devoured this book. I sacrificed so much sleep just so I could finish it in one night. The writing is just absolutely addictive. There is no putting it down once you start. What starts out as a school issue, snowballs over the course of the year leading up to the school trivia night. What I loved the most is despite all the drama and hate in the book, there is a moment where they are all the same. There is a moment when that all doesn’t matter. They are all women and they are all in this life together.
It is definitely hard to pick a favorite because all the characters add so much in different ways, However, I absolutely adored Madeline. Yes, she was dramatic, but she was completely and utterly loyal. Also, if I ever had a daughter I would want her to be just like Chloe. Does this book have entertaining, petty drama? Yes. Does it also bring up important issues such as abuse and bullying? Also, yes.
Obviously, I am over the moon about this book. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would. However, 5 out of 5 stars will have to suffice. Now, I can’t wait to dive into the show!
"This paranormal romance has it all!"
Check out my full review at:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2019/december-january/viewer/desktop/#page/88
Check out my full review at:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2019/december-january/viewer/desktop/#page/88
I received this copy from the author in exchange for a review. The Unlikely Adventures of Joe and Nick by Lee Arrowood is a collection of stories about two friends named Joe and Nick. They pull pranks, cause mischief, but mostly show the true qualities of friendship. They also go through difficulties with abusive step-parents. The story progresses through adulthood.
These stories almost feel like a memoir of sorts. Almost like they are inspired by true events. The point-of-view changes with each chapter. It is almost like the friends are talking to each other through the pages, sometimes even arguing. I did love the humor that is woven into the story. However, the description compares this story to Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer…I did not feel that this story is on par with that comparison. I did enjoy the coming of age aspects, but the stories skipped, hopped, and jumped around like crazy. The stories to not flow smoothly which makes the pace agonizingly slow. There are a few of the stories that I enjoyed, however, most of them were a little dull. I just didn’t care about what was happening. The characters and plot are flat. I needed more depth in order to care for the characters.
There are some who may appreciate the random flow of the stories, but it did not work for me. I want to connect to the story, but this one made me feel very disconnected. So I rate this book 2 out of 5 stars.
These stories almost feel like a memoir of sorts. Almost like they are inspired by true events. The point-of-view changes with each chapter. It is almost like the friends are talking to each other through the pages, sometimes even arguing. I did love the humor that is woven into the story. However, the description compares this story to Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer…I did not feel that this story is on par with that comparison. I did enjoy the coming of age aspects, but the stories skipped, hopped, and jumped around like crazy. The stories to not flow smoothly which makes the pace agonizingly slow. There are a few of the stories that I enjoyed, however, most of them were a little dull. I just didn’t care about what was happening. The characters and plot are flat. I needed more depth in order to care for the characters.
There are some who may appreciate the random flow of the stories, but it did not work for me. I want to connect to the story, but this one made me feel very disconnected. So I rate this book 2 out of 5 stars.
I bought this book after I met Rachel Howzell Hall at the Festival of Books in LA last year. I absolutely loved listening to her talk about her writing process with the other authors at the panel. They All Fall Down has been sitting on my shelf since then and I was finally able to pick it up. Miriam Macy is trying to turn her life around. Her family is her life, yet they are at odds with each other. Things start looking up when she is invited to a tropical paradise game-show. She is there with six other strangers. When they get to the island, they discover that their invitation is not what it seems. All the guests have terrible secrets. These secrets destroy and not many will make it out alive.
I got a definite Agatha Christie vibe from this book. Sadly, it wasn’t executed that well. I love the secrets, the suspense, and how the secrets unfold. Unfortunately, the plot just doesn’t flow smoothly. The information tends to jump around. Not only that but the dialogue is very awkward. Subjects change randomly. This really slows down the pace. I also was not a huge fan of the characters, even though their secrets were fascinating. The characters are just flat. I wanted more. Even though, Miriam did add a little humor to the mix. I just wish it flowed smoothly.
The ending is pretty predictable from the beginning. I really wanted to love this book. Even though this book had its shortcomings, I will definitely try another one of her books. In fact, I hear her Detective series is fantastic. So I will add those to my TBR. I rate this book 2 out of 5 stars.
I got a definite Agatha Christie vibe from this book. Sadly, it wasn’t executed that well. I love the secrets, the suspense, and how the secrets unfold. Unfortunately, the plot just doesn’t flow smoothly. The information tends to jump around. Not only that but the dialogue is very awkward. Subjects change randomly. This really slows down the pace. I also was not a huge fan of the characters, even though their secrets were fascinating. The characters are just flat. I wanted more. Even though, Miriam did add a little humor to the mix. I just wish it flowed smoothly.
The ending is pretty predictable from the beginning. I really wanted to love this book. Even though this book had its shortcomings, I will definitely try another one of her books. In fact, I hear her Detective series is fantastic. So I will add those to my TBR. I rate this book 2 out of 5 stars.
Stars are Brightly Shining: A Magical Holiday Collection
Meara Platt, Sydney Jane Baily, Mary Lancaster, Aubrey Wynne, Collette Cameron, Paula Quinn, Lynne Connolly, Avril Borthiry, Elizabeth Ellen Carter, Alexa Aston
"Readers should definitely add this to their list for next Christmas to read by the fire while listening to Christmas music, as it is overflowing with the Christmas spirit."
Check out my full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2020/april/viewer/desktop/#page/52
Check out my full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2020/april/viewer/desktop/#page/52
"This novel is steampunk genre meets "The Mummy."
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2020/april/viewer/desktop/#page/54
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2020/april/viewer/desktop/#page/54
"What an incredible historical saga filled with political intrigue!"
Check out my full review at InD'Tale Magazine
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2020/april/viewer/desktop/#page/54
Check out my full review at InD'Tale Magazine
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2020/april/viewer/desktop/#page/54