booknallnight's reviews
1512 reviews
The Measure, by Nikki Erlick
medium-paced
3.0
I was hoping for a lot more from this one, but for the most part I enjoyed it. The narrator is fantastic and I always enjoy audiobooks when read by her.
The story itself is good. I loved the beginning as the strings come into play and chaos and of course fear of the unknown ensues. What irked me was that it went from being dystopian to contemporary and left a lot of loose ends. For this alone I went with a 3 instead of a 4.
I did enjoy the underlying morale of the story, just wasn't expecting it. Not really into politically based, contemporary fiction. Would have loved to have more of the Sci-Fi/Dystopian element instead.
The story itself is good. I loved the beginning as the strings come into play and chaos and of course fear of the unknown ensues. What irked me was that it went from being dystopian to contemporary and left a lot of loose ends. For this alone I went with a 3 instead of a 4.
I did enjoy the underlying morale of the story, just wasn't expecting it. Not really into politically based, contemporary fiction. Would have loved to have more of the Sci-Fi/Dystopian element instead.
Aleric: Monster Hunter, by Fred Wiehe
medium-paced
4.0
I wanted a different type of read and this one definitely delivered. I haven't read much Urban Fantasy so this was a treat for me. It's supernatural, has some dangerous moments with action scenes (this I enjoyed) and is overall a solid read. Recommend this one for those who enjoy Van Helsing and stories like this. Definitely gave me those type of vibes and I loved that.
The Prisoner, by B.A. Paris
fast-paced
3.0
I read a lot of thrillers and lately they seem to be melding together. There isn't much originality anymore and most often they are predicable.
The Prisoner, while overall enjoyable, was predictable and frustrating. The first half of the book is great. You read, you're hooked and locked in...then it falls apart. At least for me. I saw where this was going early on, even down to Amelie's handler (kidnapper).
I want a story where I don't figure out 90% of it in the first part of the book. I want something unpredictable and thrilling. I guess a bookworm can dream.
I did enjoy the short chapters and I absolutely adored Amelie, despite her choices. She is young so the situation and decisions fit the story. For one so young, she dealt with everything pretty well and had strong character and a clear mind. I loved this about her.
If you have this on your radar, I would say grab it and give it a go. I read a lot and need to delve into something different for a while I think. I sincerely appreciate St. Martin's Press for the review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Prisoner, while overall enjoyable, was predictable and frustrating. The first half of the book is great. You read, you're hooked and locked in...then it falls apart. At least for me. I saw where this was going early on, even down to Amelie's handler (kidnapper).
I want a story where I don't figure out 90% of it in the first part of the book. I want something unpredictable and thrilling. I guess a bookworm can dream.
I did enjoy the short chapters and I absolutely adored Amelie, despite her choices. She is young so the situation and decisions fit the story. For one so young, she dealt with everything pretty well and had strong character and a clear mind. I loved this about her.
If you have this on your radar, I would say grab it and give it a go. I read a lot and need to delve into something different for a while I think. I sincerely appreciate St. Martin's Press for the review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Tears of a Woman , by Tansy Boggon
fast-paced
4.0
This is a quick read but man does it the heart, and have you thinking.
Learning to accept who we are, physically and emotionally is difficult. What Jenni goes through is heartbreaking. During the process of trying to become pregnant, she is constantly hit with stereotypes, arrogant "professionals" and know-it-all attitudes. I couldn't believe there was such a lack of compassion and it had me tear up a few times.
Her journey, struggles and fears are something I bet most of us can relate to. Definitely worth the read.
I was told this is a sequel but didn't feel lost at all. However, now I want to go deeper into Jenni's story and grab the first book.
I sincerely appreciate the author and By the Book VBP for the review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Learning to accept who we are, physically and emotionally is difficult. What Jenni goes through is heartbreaking. During the process of trying to become pregnant, she is constantly hit with stereotypes, arrogant "professionals" and know-it-all attitudes. I couldn't believe there was such a lack of compassion and it had me tear up a few times.
Her journey, struggles and fears are something I bet most of us can relate to. Definitely worth the read.
I was told this is a sequel but didn't feel lost at all. However, now I want to go deeper into Jenni's story and grab the first book.
I sincerely appreciate the author and By the Book VBP for the review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
House of Sky and Breath, by Sarah J. Maas
medium-paced
5.0
Whelp that was nothing like I expected. So, so freaking good. Had me on the edge of my seat almost the entire time. I can't believe the ending and now I have to twiddle my thumbs waiting for the next installment. Whew !
The Plea, by Steve Cavanagh
fast-paced
5.0
Holy wow...finally a series that promises thrills and twists and actually delivers!!! This was absolutely amazeballs and I cannot wait to read the next book. Eddie is my favorite character right now.
Our Missing Hearts, by Celeste Ng
slow-paced
3.0
I was so excited when I saw a new book from this author. I absolutely LOVED the other two I've read by her. Our Missing Hearts, sadly, was a disappointment.
This one still has the author's beautiful writing and easy style BUT this is marketed completely wrong. This is not Sci-Fi and is only mildly dystopian. It's more so a political fiction drama that is slow and lacks depth.
I tried hard to love this one but it just didn't work for me. I loved the concept but felt so much was lacking with the story and the characters overall.
This one still has the author's beautiful writing and easy style BUT this is marketed completely wrong. This is not Sci-Fi and is only mildly dystopian. It's more so a political fiction drama that is slow and lacks depth.
I tried hard to love this one but it just didn't work for me. I loved the concept but felt so much was lacking with the story and the characters overall.
Murder in Haxford: A Pignon Scorbion Mystery, by Rick Bleiweiss
medium-paced
4.0
Murder in Haxford is a delightful cozy mystery. It's a little slower in pace than I'm used to for a cozy, but that didn't take away from my enjoyment.
I didn't realize this was book 2 (it's scary how often I tend to start a series out of order lately 🤣) BUT within the first few chapters I had a pretty good grasp of the characters in play and it didn't feel like I missed much by not reading the first. I do love when a book can be read as a standalone.
I really enjoyed the period this was set in, as well as the dialogue used. It was definitely a different time for genteel conversations and manners.
The mystery was interesting as well and I enjoyed the working mind of Pignin Scorbion. I need to go back and read the first book now. I read some reviews that said the first was even better with the humor and dialogue so I'm curious now.
I am glad I had the chance to read this one and I sincerely appreciate the publisher and Kaye Publicity for the review copy. All opinions expressed herein are my own.
I didn't realize this was book 2 (it's scary how often I tend to start a series out of order lately 🤣) BUT within the first few chapters I had a pretty good grasp of the characters in play and it didn't feel like I missed much by not reading the first. I do love when a book can be read as a standalone.
I really enjoyed the period this was set in, as well as the dialogue used. It was definitely a different time for genteel conversations and manners.
The mystery was interesting as well and I enjoyed the working mind of Pignin Scorbion. I need to go back and read the first book now. I read some reviews that said the first was even better with the humor and dialogue so I'm curious now.
I am glad I had the chance to read this one and I sincerely appreciate the publisher and Kaye Publicity for the review copy. All opinions expressed herein are my own.
The Defence, by Steve Cavanagh
fast-paced
5.0
OK so is this a tad unbelievable? Yes. Does that make me love it any less? Nah 🤣
I flew through this one and actually finished in one day. I did not want to work today because I was rooted in this story. I absolutely love Eddie. He is a well written morally grey character and I'm here for it.
I have been wanting a high octane legal thriller as well and The Defense certainly delivered...at least for me it did. I could easily picture this as a movie while I was reading and that just added more to enjoyment. Whew! I cannot wait to read about Eddie's next chaotic adventure.
I flew through this one and actually finished in one day. I did not want to work today because I was rooted in this story. I absolutely love Eddie. He is a well written morally grey character and I'm here for it.
I have been wanting a high octane legal thriller as well and The Defense certainly delivered...at least for me it did. I could easily picture this as a movie while I was reading and that just added more to enjoyment. Whew! I cannot wait to read about Eddie's next chaotic adventure.
The Cross, by Steve Cavanagh
fast-paced
4.0
I was finally able to get my hands on this novella and man am I glad. It may be short, but it definitely wasn't lacking.