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dans_bookscape's reviews
28 reviews
The Confession by Chad Miller
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The Confession starts with a brutal double murder of the Strohmeyer's and a suggestion that the culprit was from within the house. We then flashback to the childhood of Isabella and move forward building tensely towards the killings.
The life of the Isabella is a rough one, with an outwardly uncaring father, a questionable step-mother Rebecca and a barely seen brother to deal with. Her comfort comes from two caring Maggie’s, one that helps navigate her through childhood at least until Rebecca arrives and the other that becomes a friend and more, if the rumours are to be believed.
The story of the lead up to the murders is broken up with the investigation into the deaths, with most of the local police wanting it clear quickly whilst others, including some familiar names want to know what really happened.
The characters in The Confession are brilliantly written, as a reader you can feel the tenseness of the Strohmeyer household. You can feel the frustration and later hopelessness that Isabella feels.
As mentioned the story is about a brutal double murder meaning there are plenty of suspects offered up for various reasons, the two victims have enemies inside and outside the house due to their nature and actions.
Upon finishing the book and reading the last Confession, things that were previously unexplained but not key to the plot and therefore ignored appear completely different. It’s something that bugs you but you don’t know why until you already know the answer...it’s a really good bit of storytelling to offer clues but them not to be fully comprehended until the full story is presented.
Thank you very much to Chad for the advanced copy, it was a great read and I'm looking forward to the follow up.
The life of the Isabella is a rough one, with an outwardly uncaring father, a questionable step-mother Rebecca and a barely seen brother to deal with. Her comfort comes from two caring Maggie’s, one that helps navigate her through childhood at least until Rebecca arrives and the other that becomes a friend and more, if the rumours are to be believed.
The story of the lead up to the murders is broken up with the investigation into the deaths, with most of the local police wanting it clear quickly whilst others, including some familiar names want to know what really happened.
The characters in The Confession are brilliantly written, as a reader you can feel the tenseness of the Strohmeyer household. You can feel the frustration and later hopelessness that Isabella feels.
As mentioned the story is about a brutal double murder meaning there are plenty of suspects offered up for various reasons, the two victims have enemies inside and outside the house due to their nature and actions.
Upon finishing the book and reading the last Confession, things that were previously unexplained but not key to the plot and therefore ignored appear completely different. It’s something that bugs you but you don’t know why until you already know the answer...it’s a really good bit of storytelling to offer clues but them not to be fully comprehended until the full story is presented.
Thank you very much to Chad for the advanced copy, it was a great read and I'm looking forward to the follow up.
Chasing the Dragon by Mark Towse
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
tense
fast-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? Yes
5.0
‘A town on its knees, dread’s bony fingers wrapping around its throat and squeezing, death rattles soon to follow. Drugs, filth, and a lack of human decency are starving it of hope.
Introducing Simon Dooley, our wannabe superhero, the relentless voice of his dead mother pleading with him to “end the chaos.”
The town needed a hero... it got Reformo.’
I don’t know about any of you but I distinctly remember wanting to be Batman when I was younger, obviously as I got older I realised that it wasn’t going to work...I just don’t have the resources of Bruce Wayne.
For Simon Dooley, the hero of our tale, he wasn’t going to let that stop him and in his superhero suit (it’s not lycra) he steps out into the night and begins his mission to save his town.
Chasing the Dragon is an interesting tale of someone just fed up with the crime and chaos surrounding him, he may not get it right every time, more often it goes hilariously wrong, but he slowly makes progress.
There were plenty of moments that had me genuinely laughing out loud but amongst the funny names and mishaps there is a brutal violence that builds as the story moves along and you realise Simon isn’t as out of his depth as it first appears.
There are some side characters, with their own issues, that keep Simon motivated, whilst his dead mothers voice is a constant in his head that leaves you questioning his sanity.
Will Simon survive his ordeals and become Reformo, the saviour the town needs...find out in Chasing the Dragon!
Thank you to Mark for the advanced copy, it was a pleasure to read.
Introducing Simon Dooley, our wannabe superhero, the relentless voice of his dead mother pleading with him to “end the chaos.”
The town needed a hero... it got Reformo.’
I don’t know about any of you but I distinctly remember wanting to be Batman when I was younger, obviously as I got older I realised that it wasn’t going to work...I just don’t have the resources of Bruce Wayne.
For Simon Dooley, the hero of our tale, he wasn’t going to let that stop him and in his superhero suit (it’s not lycra) he steps out into the night and begins his mission to save his town.
Chasing the Dragon is an interesting tale of someone just fed up with the crime and chaos surrounding him, he may not get it right every time, more often it goes hilariously wrong, but he slowly makes progress.
There were plenty of moments that had me genuinely laughing out loud but amongst the funny names and mishaps there is a brutal violence that builds as the story moves along and you realise Simon isn’t as out of his depth as it first appears.
There are some side characters, with their own issues, that keep Simon motivated, whilst his dead mothers voice is a constant in his head that leaves you questioning his sanity.
Will Simon survive his ordeals and become Reformo, the saviour the town needs...find out in Chasing the Dragon!
Thank you to Mark for the advanced copy, it was a pleasure to read.
Sacrificial Waters by A.D. Jones
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-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? Yes
5.0
This is the second of A.D. Jones’ books I’ve read after his awesome debut, Umbrate. While it is wildly different from his debut it still maintains the quality and shows the versatility of the author to be able to jump to different genres.
Sacrificial Waters comes with a classic horror set up of a group of friends enjoying themselves, in this case exploring abandoned urban sites, but a chance find leads to a new area to explore that has deadly consequences for the group.
The group dynamics are key in Sacrificial Waters, the group are friends but mainly due to a shared passion which means whilst they can joke around and mess with each other which felt very natural, they don’t fully know each other, this in my opinion left the potential all the way through of a shock involvement coming from within.
The characters were well written in such a short period, it was so easy to feel attached to them individually and as a group.
There were two out of nowhere shocks, obviously this is a horror and there is going to be death and terror but I was genuinely surprised by what occurred at times. The book never lets the reader get comfortable and that works really well with horror stories.
Sacrificial Waters is an awesome horror story with the right level of scares, gore and humour. It has some twists that throw you and some genuine shocks.
Big thanks to A.D. Jones for the Advanced Reading Copy.
Sacrificial Waters comes with a classic horror set up of a group of friends enjoying themselves, in this case exploring abandoned urban sites, but a chance find leads to a new area to explore that has deadly consequences for the group.
The group dynamics are key in Sacrificial Waters, the group are friends but mainly due to a shared passion which means whilst they can joke around and mess with each other which felt very natural, they don’t fully know each other, this in my opinion left the potential all the way through of a shock involvement coming from within.
The characters were well written in such a short period, it was so easy to feel attached to them individually and as a group.
There were two out of nowhere shocks, obviously this is a horror and there is going to be death and terror but I was genuinely surprised by what occurred at times. The book never lets the reader get comfortable and that works really well with horror stories.
Sacrificial Waters is an awesome horror story with the right level of scares, gore and humour. It has some twists that throw you and some genuine shocks.
Big thanks to A.D. Jones for the Advanced Reading Copy.
Umbrate by A.D. Jones
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
‘Welcome to Dalton
Home to Humans, Dwarves, Elves and the shadowy Umbral Populace.
Detective Vanic Bradley works hard to keep the peace, coming down hard on the criminal underbelly of the city.
After putting his life on the line multiple times in recent weeks, all he wanted was a day off work to spend time with his son, and re-evaluate his place in the world – but forces beyond his control have other ideas.
For reasons unknown, he will find himself in a race against time as two hundred innocent citizens become collateral damage in a murderous plot centred around him.’
There’s a feeling I get with Fantasy books that it’s going to be ever expanding with countless characters and a vast landscape, thanks LOTR & GOT (I still love you), and this can sometimes be overwhelming to start these stories but with Umbrate we take a look at smaller scale and ultimately personal story in this fantasy world that has the potential to grow as wide reaching as the author chooses to in the future.
Vanic is a strong lead character that appears to be a rising star as a detective whilst balancing this with trying to be a good father, he is shown in a positive light but still has a vulnerability and the self awareness that he is a flawed individual in his views of Umbrals.
One of the best dynamics is Van’s interactions with Melda, he’s starts out untrusting of her and she seems indifferent to him but slowly a bond grows built on their teamwork and respect, leading Van to confront his beliefs.
The were some twists that kept things interesting to the very end and this was such a fast paced book that you can easily fly through.
An excellent debut novel from A.D. Jones looking forward toward to see what you have brewing up for the future!
Home to Humans, Dwarves, Elves and the shadowy Umbral Populace.
Detective Vanic Bradley works hard to keep the peace, coming down hard on the criminal underbelly of the city.
After putting his life on the line multiple times in recent weeks, all he wanted was a day off work to spend time with his son, and re-evaluate his place in the world – but forces beyond his control have other ideas.
For reasons unknown, he will find himself in a race against time as two hundred innocent citizens become collateral damage in a murderous plot centred around him.’
There’s a feeling I get with Fantasy books that it’s going to be ever expanding with countless characters and a vast landscape, thanks LOTR & GOT (I still love you), and this can sometimes be overwhelming to start these stories but with Umbrate we take a look at smaller scale and ultimately personal story in this fantasy world that has the potential to grow as wide reaching as the author chooses to in the future.
Vanic is a strong lead character that appears to be a rising star as a detective whilst balancing this with trying to be a good father, he is shown in a positive light but still has a vulnerability and the self awareness that he is a flawed individual in his views of Umbrals.
One of the best dynamics is Van’s interactions with Melda, he’s starts out untrusting of her and she seems indifferent to him but slowly a bond grows built on their teamwork and respect, leading Van to confront his beliefs.
The were some twists that kept things interesting to the very end and this was such a fast paced book that you can easily fly through.
An excellent debut novel from A.D. Jones looking forward toward to see what you have brewing up for the future!
Beyond the Wand by Tom Felton
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Sometimes with autobiographies it’s seems that the darker the story the better, but they don’t all have to be like that and with Tom Felton’s Beyond the Wand, we get a really well written, funny and mostly positive look his life before, during and after the Harry Potter series.
I’m just gonna get this out of the way straightway... Slytherin is the best Hogwarts House!
Now back to the book....
Beyond the Wand covers the early years of Tom Felton growing up as the youngest (maggot) of four brothers. The love he feels for his family is clear and each one of his parents, brothers etc has had some impact on his career and life.
We then look at the beginning of his acting career, and onto the role that would change his life...Draco Malfoy.
There is a hilarious story of his initial audition and to be honest the funny stories keep coming.
The book is a great look behind the scenes of such a massive cultural phenomenon, but it’s all viewed with a deep humour, a grounded mentally and a real love for those that helped create the series and helped him along the way.
Once we get past the end of the Harry Potter, Beyond the Wand takes a more serious turn as it details the impact of fame, the continued chase of staying in the spotlight and the negative ways of dealing with it all.
Tom is very open about this stage of his life, detailing issues with alcohol and depression and general struggle with the celeb lifestyle.
This was an awesome autobiography to read, Tom Felton’s humour and lack of taking himself to seriously creates an easy to read look at the man behind Draco Malfoy.
I’m just gonna get this out of the way straightway... Slytherin is the best Hogwarts House!
Now back to the book....
Beyond the Wand covers the early years of Tom Felton growing up as the youngest (maggot) of four brothers. The love he feels for his family is clear and each one of his parents, brothers etc has had some impact on his career and life.
We then look at the beginning of his acting career, and onto the role that would change his life...Draco Malfoy.
There is a hilarious story of his initial audition and to be honest the funny stories keep coming.
The book is a great look behind the scenes of such a massive cultural phenomenon, but it’s all viewed with a deep humour, a grounded mentally and a real love for those that helped create the series and helped him along the way.
Once we get past the end of the Harry Potter, Beyond the Wand takes a more serious turn as it details the impact of fame, the continued chase of staying in the spotlight and the negative ways of dealing with it all.
Tom is very open about this stage of his life, detailing issues with alcohol and depression and general struggle with the celeb lifestyle.
This was an awesome autobiography to read, Tom Felton’s humour and lack of taking himself to seriously creates an easy to read look at the man behind Draco Malfoy.
Later by Stephen King
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Later follows the childhood of Jamie Conklin, who has a secret he keeps from almost everyone...he can see and communicate with dead people. The story starts with the day his mother starts to acknowledge his gift and follows along as he grows up with his gift and the dangers it presents.
Soon Jamie is haunted by a ‘ghost’ that won’t move on and by his mother’s former partner who now sees Jamie as her ticket out of a shitty situation she’s finds herself in.
I really enjoyed Later, it was such a fast paced story that kept me hooked throughout. I wouldn’t say a lot actually happens in it but what does was intriguing enough to keep me turning the page, this includes elements from some of King’s most famous stories including ‘Deadlights’ and ‘Ritual of Chüd’.
It is easy to feel sympathy for Jamie, he’s dealing with his abilities from an early age and it is first ignored or he’s told to keep it to himself but then he is used for others gain even if it puts him in danger.
Jamie repeats throughout that this is a horror story, and while to the reader it may not seem like the horror we are used to reading, this story is told through the eyes of a child that is having to deal with some gruesome deaths and then talking to those that have suffered from it.
This is a good hybrid of crime and supernatural from Stephen King, I really like his books that have this kind of split to them.
Soon Jamie is haunted by a ‘ghost’ that won’t move on and by his mother’s former partner who now sees Jamie as her ticket out of a shitty situation she’s finds herself in.
I really enjoyed Later, it was such a fast paced story that kept me hooked throughout. I wouldn’t say a lot actually happens in it but what does was intriguing enough to keep me turning the page, this includes elements from some of King’s most famous stories including ‘Deadlights’ and ‘Ritual of Chüd’.
It is easy to feel sympathy for Jamie, he’s dealing with his abilities from an early age and it is first ignored or he’s told to keep it to himself but then he is used for others gain even if it puts him in danger.
Jamie repeats throughout that this is a horror story, and while to the reader it may not seem like the horror we are used to reading, this story is told through the eyes of a child that is having to deal with some gruesome deaths and then talking to those that have suffered from it.
This is a good hybrid of crime and supernatural from Stephen King, I really like his books that have this kind of split to them.
Horrorstör by Grady Hendrix
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Horrorstör is a classic haunted house story with a twist of being set in a furniture store that is definitely not IKEA.
The story follows a group of Orsk employees as they attempt to find out what is happening overnight at their store. I’m not gonna go too much into the plot, but safe to say it all just gets a bit weird!
There is a good mix of characters in this that each provide something different, with our main character Amy starting off as a bit of a shit employee, that has potential, being the hero that tries to ensure no one is left behind in this wild, scary and ridiculous ride in not IKEA.
I did enjoy this but to be honest started reading something else in the middle of this one which completely took my focus away from it. I will probably give it another read in the future as it was good and I should probably give it the attention it deserves haha.
I absolutely love the design of the book, it always grabbed my attention straight away in Waterstones, the detail in it to make it appear as a catalogue is brilliant, it really add something to it.
I’m really enjoying the Grady Hendrix books I’ve read so far, they really are a good mix of horror and humour. One page I’m wincing as what’s happening is creepy and normally gross and the next I’m laughing at the ridiculousness of it all.
The story follows a group of Orsk employees as they attempt to find out what is happening overnight at their store. I’m not gonna go too much into the plot, but safe to say it all just gets a bit weird!
There is a good mix of characters in this that each provide something different, with our main character Amy starting off as a bit of a shit employee, that has potential, being the hero that tries to ensure no one is left behind in this wild, scary and ridiculous ride in not IKEA.
I did enjoy this but to be honest started reading something else in the middle of this one which completely took my focus away from it. I will probably give it another read in the future as it was good and I should probably give it the attention it deserves haha.
I absolutely love the design of the book, it always grabbed my attention straight away in Waterstones, the detail in it to make it appear as a catalogue is brilliant, it really add something to it.
I’m really enjoying the Grady Hendrix books I’ve read so far, they really are a good mix of horror and humour. One page I’m wincing as what’s happening is creepy and normally gross and the next I’m laughing at the ridiculousness of it all.
Misery by Stephen King
dark
funny
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Paul Sheldon has awoken to a nightmare, his legs are smashed and he is in terrible pain....but he isn’t in hospital, he’s in bed in the house of Annie Wilkes, his number one fan.
Paul has put a definitive end to his most famous book series but this does not go down well with his current host when she reads it. With Annie holding Paul’s future in her hands she makes it clear she wants her favourite character brought back to life...Misery must return or else.
This was a tense one, while the story itself can be relatively predictable one thing that is not is Annie!
Paul and the reader have no idea what she is capable of and no idea when she was turned from smiling and caring number one fan to a brutal and sadistic individual that holds all the power over Paul.
Annie is truly a scary and unnerving villain, her unpredictably leaves you on the edge of your seat throughout, her backstory is equally horrifying. There is a childlike element to Annie that makes her feel even scarier at times, she won’t swear but murder and mutilation are perfectly fine but this all falls under her own moral code that seems impossible to follow.
This is a really good book, the violence in Misery is intense, for all the fuss Annie makes of Paul as a fan she sure does like to take him apart piece by piece when he’s misbehaving!
One thing with this book that I just couldn’t get away with was the section of Misery Returns that took me right out of the story, I just felt it was unnecessary and used to pad the book out.....no wonder Paul had killed Misery off prior to his accident!
Paul has put a definitive end to his most famous book series but this does not go down well with his current host when she reads it. With Annie holding Paul’s future in her hands she makes it clear she wants her favourite character brought back to life...Misery must return or else.
This was a tense one, while the story itself can be relatively predictable one thing that is not is Annie!
Paul and the reader have no idea what she is capable of and no idea when she was turned from smiling and caring number one fan to a brutal and sadistic individual that holds all the power over Paul.
Annie is truly a scary and unnerving villain, her unpredictably leaves you on the edge of your seat throughout, her backstory is equally horrifying. There is a childlike element to Annie that makes her feel even scarier at times, she won’t swear but murder and mutilation are perfectly fine but this all falls under her own moral code that seems impossible to follow.
This is a really good book, the violence in Misery is intense, for all the fuss Annie makes of Paul as a fan she sure does like to take him apart piece by piece when he’s misbehaving!
One thing with this book that I just couldn’t get away with was the section of Misery Returns that took me right out of the story, I just felt it was unnecessary and used to pad the book out.....no wonder Paul had killed Misery off prior to his accident!
Leviathan Wakes by James S.A. Corey
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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
5.0
I've never been massively into reading Sci Fi stuff, don’t mind watching it but I’ve always stayed away from reading it for the most part. A few years ago I started watching a TV series called The Expanse and I absolutely loved it, I soon found out it was based on a book series with Leviathan Wakes being the first.
Leviathan Wakes takes place in the near future with humanity scattered and split into three civilisations, Earth, Mars and The Belt. Tensions between the different strands of humanity are always near breaking point and just waiting for something to kick start a war that could have far reaching consequences.
When the mining ship the Canterbury is destroyed by unknown enemies, Jim Holden and his crewmates find themselves in the middle of a developing war, with evidence of who is trying to destabilise the galaxy.
Meanwhile, Belter Detective Miller is looking for a missing girl, the trail leads him to Holden and the two sides combined to try to calm the governments of Earth, Mars and the Belt before all out war begins.
Like I mentioned I loved the TV Series for this and unsurprisingly I loved this book, while it can feel quite complex it is very well written and the characters are likeable, the world building is brilliant and I’m looking forward to diving into the entire series!
Leviathan Wakes takes place in the near future with humanity scattered and split into three civilisations, Earth, Mars and The Belt. Tensions between the different strands of humanity are always near breaking point and just waiting for something to kick start a war that could have far reaching consequences.
When the mining ship the Canterbury is destroyed by unknown enemies, Jim Holden and his crewmates find themselves in the middle of a developing war, with evidence of who is trying to destabilise the galaxy.
Meanwhile, Belter Detective Miller is looking for a missing girl, the trail leads him to Holden and the two sides combined to try to calm the governments of Earth, Mars and the Belt before all out war begins.
Like I mentioned I loved the TV Series for this and unsurprisingly I loved this book, while it can feel quite complex it is very well written and the characters are likeable, the world building is brilliant and I’m looking forward to diving into the entire series!
No Middle Name: The Complete Collected Short Stories by Lee Child
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
No Middle Name is a collection of short stories from Lee Child featuring Jack Reacher. It consists of 12 stories of various length and time periods. Some are set in between other Reacher books, when he’s left the Army life behind and is travelling the US, whilst others are set in his teen year or whilst serving in the Army.
This was a bit of a mixed bag, with some very enjoyable and some just okay. I think the ones set earlier than other Reacher novels are actually the better as it’s something new for longtime Lee Child readers, we get to see Jack Reacher in new environments and at different stages of his life, even if the structure of the stories doesn’t itself change.
All that said, I’ve never read a Reacher novel I didn’t enjoy in some way and this is no exception, it was an enjoyable quick read and a must for any Lee Child readers.
Note on the book itself, I love finding the little things when opening it up or seeing what's behind the cover...I'm a big fan of hardback and these little details add so much to them!
This was a bit of a mixed bag, with some very enjoyable and some just okay. I think the ones set earlier than other Reacher novels are actually the better as it’s something new for longtime Lee Child readers, we get to see Jack Reacher in new environments and at different stages of his life, even if the structure of the stories doesn’t itself change.
All that said, I’ve never read a Reacher novel I didn’t enjoy in some way and this is no exception, it was an enjoyable quick read and a must for any Lee Child readers.
Note on the book itself, I love finding the little things when opening it up or seeing what's behind the cover...I'm a big fan of hardback and these little details add so much to them!