b00kw0rms0fthew0rldunite's reviews
689 reviews

There Must Be an Angel by Sharon Booth

adventurous emotional funny inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

The Whitechapel Widow by Emily Organ

adventurous emotional lighthearted mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This was my first Emily Organ read and it definitely won't be my last! I can't quite put my finger on what it is that sets it apart from a lot of the Victorian mysteries out there but I'll try.

It was well written and the mysteries kept coming in twists turns and curves. The Victorian era was very well written and the research thoroughly done there. The history and facts that were woven into the story were spot on and cleverly inserted.

The characters were quite true to the era too which is, I think, what was different. Emma Langley, a lady of her time, had fainting spells, was scared and unsure of herself and didn't leap from one genius thought to the other. She wasn't a Victorian lady equivalent of Bruce Willis or the type of heroine who had thoughts beyond her time, even when most writers portray their characters with modern traits and thinking. The other characters who were genuine still had the 'A woman's place is in the home' attitude which was classic to the time. There wasn't a huge disaster when it came to apprehending the villains with scores of fighting and huge take-downs but it was genuinely what it might have been at the time. 

It was a genuinely enjoyable book with some great characters and I'm delighted to think it may have been the first of a series.

Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for an ARC. All opinions are my own.

Kindred Spirits at Harling Hall by Sharon Booth

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

 I absolutely LOVE this premise! A ghost friendly village with a contractual obligation for someone to take care of their wants and needs. A whole community themed in different eras and protected from the wider world. So many possibilities!

I like the realness that Callie portrays, a real woman with a sense of humour, her own demons and self doubt and a real hankering after Maltesers. Sharon Booth has clearly based Callie on me!
When faced with something too good to be true, she does the only thing a good mother would do and looks out for her child's needs first.

The other characters are great too, Broody Brodie, Loyal Lawrie and Miraculous Mia all contributing to a cast of living characters with charm. Florrie, Agnes and Audrey being only a few of the dead characters with a real presence!

Throughout the story, there are a number of plot lines and all written about with care and love. You have the normal community shenanigans with the added drama of disputes through the ages. 
Beautifully written and full of heart... whether still beating or not... a perfect cosy read that has be waiting impatiently for number 2 in the series!

Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC, it was hard to put down! All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

The House of Lost Whispers: An utterly unforgettable reading group historical novel from Jenni Keer by Jenni Keer

adventurous challenging emotional funny informative inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

I have firmly come to the conclusion that Jenni Keer can do no wrong in the literary world. She has fast become one of my favourite authors within the space of the first book of hers that I read (Burlington Square) to now. She is one of the authors that both myself and my mum love and can chat about her books for hours afterwards.

This latest book had all the elements that I love, The Titanic, paranormal, romance spanning time and space and WW1&2 stories. I had so many 'Aha!' moments when I figured out parts of the story line, only to get thrown a curve, a plot twist and a brand new character/plot line to leave me guessing. Sometimes I was correct the first time when it all came back around and sometimes I was gloriously wrong. 

I enjoy Jenni's story telling and her descriptions of characters. I admire the zest and enthusiam but also the rawness and humanness of Olivia and the truth in which tiny pebbles can also create enormous unfathomable ripples.

What we think is something meant to be, may not just turn out the way we think it should. The enormity of the question 'What if', has made this book a smasher!

Thank you so much to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for allowing me an advanced copy to read. Mothers Day is now sorted! And, Jenni? DEAL!! 

Gallant by V.E. Schwab

adventurous challenging dark inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

The Socialite's Guide to Sleuthing and Secrets by S.K. Golden

emotional lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

The title and blurb hooked me in and I was excited to get my hands on this ARC audiobook from S.K. Golden courtesy of Dreamscape Media. It was the 3rd of an already started series so I can't compare it with any others as it was the first I have read. I know a lot about the generic 50's and even 60's but to be set in 1958 threw me a little as I wasn't quite sure who to base my idea of Evelyn on. I like the relationships that she has with Poppy, her private detective and her actor friend, Henry and think those relationships will continue to grow over the series. I tried really hard but I found that I didn't like Evelyn very much. Spoiled rich girl with no particular genius brain cells and often quite whiny. I found myself cringing with the word she uses to describe her friends (Ginchy?) and just couldn't relate. The story was very slow and Evelyn took ages to come to the conclusions that most readers would have immediately found suspicious. Except in the end when she uncovers the thief and apparently know for some time that it was them. I'm sorry but I won't be reading further.

Thanks to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to read.

Song of a Blackbird by Maria van Lieshout

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I believe this story is a must read. Based on historically accurate information and real people, It is a beautifully haunting piece of fiction.
The narrative gracefully shifts between two timelines—one in the past, one in the more immediate past (2011).  The author wields this dual timeline with such skill that both eras feel intertwined, their stories complementing one another in ways that feel both natural and profound.  

The central theme 'Fight Hate. Make Art' is wound throughout the story line and is present in all aspects, from the illustrations to the character representation. I love that the narrator, the blackbird, and its song, is an all knowing and timeless symbol of art itself.

The integration of illustrations and photographs elevates the story to something extraordinary. The photographs anchor readers in the harsh reality of history, while the illustrations provide a softer, more accessible lens through which to process the weight of the past—an approach that feels particularly vital in our current climate. Though the book is aimed at teens and young adults, its universal themes and evocative presentation ensure that it speaks to readers of all ages. The visual artistry alone makes it a work worth adding to any collection. 

Though the narrative itself is fictional, it is deeply rooted in real events, drawing from the lives of those who lived through a turbulent time in history. The author’s reflection at the end, which includes details about the real people who inspired the characters and her own family's generations-long connection to Amsterdam, serves as a powerful reminder that behind every story is a truth that endures beyond the pages. 

Sunrise On The Reaping by Suzanne Collins

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

A Merciful Fate by Kendra Elliot

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Ruby's Growing Pains: A puberty storybook about periods and growing up as a girl (Must have books for your teen girl 1) by Deborah O.E.

emotional funny hopeful informative fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This is a good book for the younger teen/tween that is actually half story and half information text. It does surround the female journey through puberty with love and support and doesn't sugar coat what it is like to be a girl in those circumstances. I found the parental relationship with their daughter to be lovely and I am sad to say that her circumstances through the school system to be horrifying yet sadly accurate. A great introduction to puberty that would benefit both males and females to read.