natbookreviews's reviews
249 reviews

Lost on Purpose: Adventures of a 21st Century Mountain Man by Patrick Taylor

Go to review page

5.0

 

Review of “Lost on Purpose”


By: Patrick Taylor


How I read: 


⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐- (Rating System Below)


“Lost on Purpose” is a solid pick for fans of non-fiction outdoor adventure stories. Patrick Taylor shares his journey of leaving corporate life behind to cross the Rocky Mountains alone, blending raw honesty with humor as he reflects on the sacrifices and rewards of living like a modern mountain man. The audiobook is an easy listen, with Taylor’s storytelling focusing more on the experience itself and the people he encounters than on technical survival details or deep introspection.


While the book doesn’t dive too deeply into the nitty-gritty of his wilderness skills, it captures the heart of the adventure. Taylor’s descriptions of the landscape and the challenges he faces are vivid enough to transport you to the mountains alongside him. There’s something inspiring about his willingness to walk away from the comfort of modern life and embrace the unknown, even when it means living off oatmeal and facing brutal winter conditions.


Overall, this is a great listen if you’re craving a straightforward, no-frills adventure story. Taylor’s voice is relatable, and his passion for the wild is contagious. It may not be the most detailed survival book out there, but it’s a refreshing reminder that sometimes, getting a little lost on purpose can be the most meaningful way to find yourself.

Get it at…


📗 - Hard Copy -📗


Indigo - (Not Available at Time of Review


📱 - Digital - 📱


Kobo  - (Not Available at Time of Review)


🎧 - Audio - 🎧


___________________



*Star Rating Guide*


⭐ - The writing style didn’t appeal to me. The characters didn’t resonate with me. I pushed myself to the limit to avoid DNF’ing. I wouldn’t suggest this book to anyone I’m acquainted with.


⭐⭐ - The book was passable, but it won’t stick in my mind. Although I didn’t abandon the book, my mind wasn’t fully immersed in the story. I discovered that it was easy for me to stop reading it and not feel compelled to continue promptly. When everything was said and done, I was unsure of my immediate opinion on this book.


⭐⭐⭐ - If someone is actively seeking a book in this general premise, I would suggest this. While it was good, I don’t think I’ll ever pick up this book for a second read. If it were part of a series, I’d probably venture into the next book. Reading it was time well-spent.


⭐⭐⭐⭐ - This book was brilliant. I had the urge to keep reading and turn to the next page. The book stayed on my mind for days after I finished it. I highly recommend this book to everyone.


⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - I was actively engaged in wanting to finish reading this book. My thoughts are consumed by this book after completing it. I want to have a physical copy as a trophy that I can display on my shelf. I felt a strong connection and investment while reading this book, would definitely recommend.


 
Denali by Austin Bunn

Go to review page

3.0

Review of “Denali”

By: Austin Bunn, Jack Falahee (Narrator), Jake Lacy (Narrator), Amrit Kaur (Narrator)


How I read: 🎧


⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Rating System Below)


I listened to “Denali” on audio, and while it was an engaging ride in the moment, it didn’t leave a lasting impression. The story follows three friends attempting to summit North America’s tallest peak, blending survival, betrayal, and fragmented memories of the climb. The full cast and immersive sound design really pulled me into the mountain’s brutal atmosphere, which made for a gripping experience — at least while it lasted.


The pacing was fast, and the constant shift between timelines added some intrigue, especially as secrets unraveled. But despite the intense premise, the characters didn’t stick with me, and the emotional weight of their struggles faded almost immediately after I finished. The most memorable part wasn’t the drama or the friendships but a random fact about bodies left behind on mountains, which says a lot about where the story's impact landed.


Overall, “Denali” is a decent listen if you want something tense and atmospheric to fill a few hours, but it might not linger in your mind afterward. It’s got the bones of a solid survival thriller, and the audiobook production adds a nice layer of realism, but the story itself didn’t climb as high as I hoped it would.

Get it at…


📗 - Hard Copy -📗


Indigo - (Not Available at Time of Review)


Amazon Canada - (Not Available at Time of Review)


📱 - Digital - 📱


Kobo - (Not Available at Time of Review)


Kindle - (Not Available at Time of Review)


🎧 - Audio - 🎧


Libro.FM - (Not Available at Time of Review)


___________________


*Star Rating Guide*


⭐ - The writing style didn’t appeal to me. The characters didn’t resonate with me. I pushed myself to the limit to avoid DNF’ing. I wouldn’t suggest this book to anyone I’m acquainted with.


⭐⭐ - The book was passable, but it won’t stick in my mind. Although I didn’t abandon the book, my mind wasn’t fully immersed in the story. I discovered that it was easy for me to stop reading it and not feel compelled to continue promptly. When everything was said and done, I was unsure of my immediate opinion on this book.


⭐⭐⭐ - If someone is actively seeking a book in this general premise, I would suggest this. While it was good, I don’t think I’ll ever pick up this book for a second read. If it were part of a series, I’d probably venture into the next book. Reading it was time well-spent.


⭐⭐⭐⭐ - This book was brilliant. I had the urge to keep reading and turn to the next page. The book stayed on my mind for days after I finished it. I highly recommend this book to everyone.


⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - I was actively engaged in wanting to finish reading this book. My thoughts are consumed by this book after completing it. I want to have a physical copy as a trophy that I can display on my shelf. I felt a strong connection and investment while reading this book, would definitely recommend.


 
Jackalope Hunting by David Hancock

Go to review page

3.0

Review of “Jackalope Hunting”

⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Rating System Below)

"Jackalope Hunting" is a concise tale that takes us on Merak Snyder's journey from Chicago through the American Southwest. The vivid descriptions of the landscapes and the people he encounters really paint a picture, making it easy to visualize his adventure. One moment that stood out was when Merak gets picked up to get gas, and the author writes, "blink, blink"—it perfectly captured the bewilderment of that situation.

However, around the halfway point, I found my interest waning. The narrative seemed to lose momentum, and I couldn't quite pinpoint if it was due to the pacing or the flashback sequences, or maybe a combination of both. It felt like the story was drifting, making it harder to stay engaged.

Overall, while "Jackalope Hunting" offers some beautiful visuals and moments of introspection, it didn't fully hold my attention throughout. It's a decent read for those interested in self-discovery journeys, but it might not captivate everyone from start to finish.

Get it at…


📗 - Hard Copy -📗
Your Local Canadian Book Seller
Indigo - (Not Available at Time of Review)
Amazon Canada - (Not Available at Time of Review)

📱 - Digital - 📱
Kobo - (Not Available at Time of Review)
Kindle - (Not Available at Time of Review)

🎧 - Audio - 🎧
Audible - (Not Available at Time of Review)
Libro.FM - (Not Available at Time of Review)
YouTube

___________________

*Star Rating Guide*

⭐ - The writing style didn’t appeal to me. The characters didn’t resonate with me. I pushed myself to the limit to avoid DNF’ing. I wouldn’t suggest this book to anyone I’m acquainted with.
⭐⭐ - The book was passable, but it won’t stick in my mind. Although I didn’t abandon the book, my mind wasn’t fully immersed in the story. I discovered that it was easy for me to stop reading it and not feel compelled to continue promptly. When everything was said and done, I was unsure of my immediate opinion on this book.
⭐⭐⭐ - If someone is actively seeking a book in this general premise, I would suggest this. While it was good, I don’t think I’ll ever pick up this book for a second read. If it were part of a series, I’d probably venture into the next book. Reading it was time well-spent.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - This book was brilliant. I had the urge to keep reading and turn to the next page. The book stayed on my mind for days after I finished it. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - I was actively engaged in wanting to finish reading this book. My thoughts are consumed by this book after completing it. I want to have a physical copy as a trophy that I can display on my shelf. I felt a strong connection and investment while reading this book, would definitely recommend.
Glint by Raven Kennedy

Go to review page

3.0

How I read: 🎧

⭐⭐⭐☆☆ - 🌶🌶 (Rating System Below)

“Glint” was a definite step up from Gild, and I actually felt like there was a story I could sink my teeth into this time. Auren’s journey outside of Midas’s cage made things a lot more interesting, and getting to see more of the world beyond the palace kept me engaged. Commander Rip was a solid addition—his presence added tension and mystery, and I liked the slow build of their dynamic. The writing had some beautiful moments, and the pacing, while still slow at times, felt more purposeful than in the first book.

That being said, there were still some things that pulled me out of the story. The unnecessary bodily function details? Yeah, I could have done without that, I understand we all pee. And the sudden POV switch at the end felt jarring and out of place—it’s frustrating when a book does that with no real setup. I also have a sneaking suspicion that Midas isn’t exactly what he claims to be.

Overall, Glint was a decent read with some strong improvements, but it still had its flaws. The worldbuilding expanded in a way that made me more invested, and Auren finally started to feel like a character I could root for rather than just a passive observer. While I wouldn’t call this an amazing book, it was enjoyable enough, and I’m curious to see where the series goes from here.

Get it at…

📗 - Hard Copy -📗
📱 - Digital - 📱
Kobo - (Not Available at Time of Review)
🎧 - Audio - 🎧
___________________

*Star Rating Guide*
⭐ - The writing style didn’t appeal to me. The characters didn’t resonate with me. I pushed myself to the limit to avoid DNF’ing. I wouldn’t suggest this book to anyone I’m acquainted with.
⭐⭐ - The book was passable, but it won’t stick in my mind. Although I didn’t abandon the book, my mind wasn’t fully immersed in the story. I discovered that it was easy for me to stop reading it and not feel compelled to continue promptly. When everything was said and done, I was unsure of my immediate opinion on this book.
⭐⭐⭐ - If someone is actively seeking a book in this general premise, I would suggest this. While it was good, I don’t think I’ll ever pick up this book for a second read. If it were part of a series, I’d probably venture into the next book. Reading it was time well-spent.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - This book was brilliant. I had the urge to keep reading and turn to the next page. The book stayed on my mind for days after I finished it. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - I was actively engaged in wanting to finish reading this book. My thoughts are consumed by this book after completing it. I want to have a physical copy as a trophy that I can display on my shelf. I felt a strong connection and investment while reading this book, would definitely recommend.
🌶 - kissing, but anything else is behind closed doors
🌶🌶 - sexual tension, talks of spice but nothing in great description
🌶🌶🌶 - sexual scenes with detail but they are not the main story focus, mild language 
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - explicit sex scenes, naughty language, definitely full adult
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - smut 
Gild by Raven Kennedy

Go to review page

2.0

 Review of “Gild”
How I read: 🎧
⭐⭐☆☆☆ - 🌶🌶🌶🌶 (Rating System Below)

”Gild” started off as a real struggle for me. It opens with an orgy, and while I did kind of expect that, I thought maybe it would settle into something more engaging. Instead, it felt like a lot of world-building, but not much was actually happening for a good chunk of the book. A lot of time is spent on the main character’s flashbacks, or talking about her ribbons (which was confusing and repetitive), and just a lot of descriptions about her being “precious” (try saying that without doing it like Gollum) to King Midas. Honestly, it felt more focused on the world-building and explicit content than on moving the plot forward.

I really didn’t connect with the characters or the plot, especially when the relationship between the main character and Midas felt off. It’s like he’s obsessed with her being “precious” but doesn’t really show care for her beyond the physical, which made it difficult to buy into the whole dynamic. The ribbons were another weird element that seemed to come out of nowhere, and for some reason, I just couldn’t get past the fact that these ribbons were a big part of the story but didn’t seem to make any sense. And let’s not forget the frequent references to sex and violence—definitely darker content, which can be a tough read if you’re not prepared for it.

By the time I hit the halfway point, things finally started to happen, but at that point, I was pretty exhausted. The pacing was too slow for me, and I felt like the book was dragging. While there are a lot of people who might enjoy the dark fantasy and intrigue, for me, it didn’t live up to the hype. Though I wasn’t initially impressed by the characters or the book’s substance, the series does get better—a point I’ll reveal.

Get it at…


📗 - Hard Copy -📗
📱 - Digital - 📱
Kobo - (Not Available at Time of Review)
🎧 - Audio - 🎧
Libro.FM - (Not Available at Time of Review)
___________________
*Star Rating Guide*
⭐ - The writing style didn’t appeal to me. The characters didn’t resonate with me. I pushed myself to the limit to avoid DNF’ing. I wouldn’t suggest this book to anyone I’m acquainted with.
⭐⭐ - The book was passable, but it won’t stick in my mind. Although I didn’t abandon the book, my mind wasn’t fully immersed in the story. I discovered that it was easy for me to stop reading it and not feel compelled to continue promptly. When everything was said and done, I was unsure of my immediate opinion on this book.
⭐⭐⭐ - If someone is actively seeking a book in this general premise, I would suggest this. While it was good, I don’t think I’ll ever pick up this book for a second read. If it were part of a series, I’d probably venture into the next book. Reading it was time well-spent.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - This book was brilliant. I had the urge to keep reading and turn to the next page. The book stayed on my mind for days after I finished it. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - I was actively engaged in wanting to finish reading this book. My thoughts are consumed by this book after completing it. I want to have a physical copy as a trophy that I can display on my shelf. I felt a strong connection and investment while reading this book, would definitely recommend.
🌶 - kissing, but anything else is behind closed doors
🌶🌶 - sexual tension, talks of spice but nothing in great description
🌶🌶🌶 - sexual scenes with detail but they are not the main story focus, mild language 
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - explicit sex scenes, naughty language, definitely full adult
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - smut 
Lights Out by Navessa Allen

Go to review page

4.0

Review of “Lights Out”


How I read: 🎧

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ - 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 (Rating System Below)

”Lights Out” by Navessa Allen was a surprisingly enjoyable dark romance, even if it didn’t quite stick the landing for me. The premise had me curious but wary, with its morally grey hero and heavy themes, yet I found myself pleasantly surprised by the story’s balance of tension and spice. It wasn’t nearly as cringy as I’d feared, and the steamy scenes, while intense, felt in line with the tone of the book without veering into over-the-top territory.

The story kept me hooked with its fast-paced plot and intriguing, if unconventional, characters. I appreciated how the book leaned into its dark romance elements without crossing too many lines, though I’d strongly advise reading the trigger warnings beforehand. Unfortunately, the final quarter of the book lost a bit of its momentum for me, leaving me less enthusiastic about how everything wrapped up.

While I liked “Lights Out” overall, I don’t feel a pull to continue the series. It delivered on its premise and entertained me, but something about the ending dulled my excitement. That said, it’s a solid read for fans of dark romance looking for a mix of intensity and plot.

Get it at…


📗 - Hard Copy -📗
📱 - Digital - 📱
🎧 - Audio - 🎧
___________________

*Star Rating Guide*
⭐ - The writing style didn’t appeal to me. The characters didn’t resonate with me. I pushed myself to the limit to avoid DNF’ing. I wouldn’t suggest this book to anyone I’m acquainted with.
⭐⭐ - The book was passable, but it won’t stick in my mind. Although I didn’t abandon the book, my mind wasn’t fully immersed in the story. I discovered that it was easy for me to stop reading it and not feel compelled to continue promptly. When everything was said and done, I was unsure of my immediate opinion on this book.
⭐⭐⭐ - If someone is actively seeking a book in this general premise, I would suggest this. While it was good, I don’t think I’ll ever pick up this book for a second read. If it were part of a series, I’d probably venture into the next book. Reading it was time well-spent.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - This book was brilliant. I had the urge to keep reading and turn to the next page. The book stayed on my mind for days after I finished it. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - I was actively engaged in wanting to finish reading this book. My thoughts are consumed by this book after completing it. I want to have a physical copy as a trophy that I can display on my shelf. I felt a strong connection and investment while reading this book, would definitely recommend.
🌶 - kissing, but anything else is behind closed doors
🌶🌶 - sexual tension, talks of spice but nothing in great description
🌶🌶🌶 - sexual scenes with detail but they are not the main story focus, mild language 
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - explicit sex scenes, naughty language, definitely full adult
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - smut

The Teacher by Freida McFadden

Go to review page

3.0

Review of “The Teacher”

How I read: 🎧
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ - 🌶🌶 (Rating System Below)

“The Teacher” by Freida McFadden didn’t blow me away. I gave it a go mostly because everyone in my book groups has been raving about it, but it didn’t live up to the hype for me. The story is full of twists and secrets, but I found myself rolling my eyes at most of the characters—they were just annoying and hard to care for. The premise had potential, but it fell a bit flat in execution.

That said, I did figure out the plot twists early, which weirdly made it more tolerable. Instead of feeling blindsided or like the twists were forced, I could just sit back and watch it unfold without frustration. Still, it felt like one of those thrillers where you’re constantly waiting for that big “wow” moment, and it just doesn’t quite hit.

I don’t regret reading it—mostly because now I can say I did—but I can’t say it’s a book I’ll remember or recommend. If you love twisty psychological thrillers, maybe give it a shot, but for me, it’s just middle-of-the-road.

Get it at…


📗 - Hard Copy -📗
📱 - Digital - 📱
Kobo - (Not Available at Time of Review)
🎧 - Audio - 🎧
___________________
*Star Rating Guide*
⭐ - The writing style didn’t appeal to me. The characters didn’t resonate with me. I pushed myself to the limit to avoid DNF’ing. I wouldn’t suggest this book to anyone I’m acquainted with.
⭐⭐ - The book was passable, but it won’t stick in my mind. Although I didn’t abandon the book, my mind wasn’t fully immersed in the story. I discovered that it was easy for me to stop reading it and not feel compelled to continue promptly. When everything was said and done, I was unsure of my immediate opinion on this book.
⭐⭐⭐ - If someone is actively seeking a book in this general premise, I would suggest this. While it was good, I don’t think I’ll ever pick up this book for a second read. If it were part of a series, I’d probably venture into the next book. Reading it was time well-spent.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - This book was brilliant. I had the urge to keep reading and turn to the next page. The book stayed on my mind for days after I finished it. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - I was actively engaged in wanting to finish reading this book. My thoughts are consumed by this book after completing it. I want to have a physical copy as a trophy that I can display on my shelf. I felt a strong connection and investment while reading this book, would definitely recommend.
🌶 - kissing, but anything else is behind closed doors
🌶🌶 - sexual tension, talks of spice but nothing in great description
🌶🌶🌶 - sexual scenes with detail but they are not the main story focus, mild language 
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - explicit sex scenes, naughty language, definitely full adult
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - smut

Making It So by Patrick Stewart

Go to review page

5.0

Review of “Making It So”


How I read: 🎧

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - (Rating System Below)

“Making It So” was an absolute treasure to experience, especially in audiobook format, where hearing Sir Patrick Stewart narrate his own story made it feel incredibly personal. From his humble beginnings in Yorkshire to becoming a legendary actor in Star Trek and X-Men, Patrick’s journey is both inspiring and captivating. His rich, commanding voice brought every chapter to life, and I loved how he balanced humor, emotion, and a sense of warmth throughout the storytelling.

What really struck me was Patrick’s honesty and humility. He didn’t gloss over the struggles of his early life, his short sighted decisions, or the personal challenges he faced along the way. Instead, he shared them openly, alongside fascinating insights into his iconic roles and career highlights. I found myself most moved by the reflections on his relationships, his passion for the stage, and his growth over the years. The mix of grandeur and intimate, human moments made it impossible not to connect with his story.

As a longtime fan, this memoir is something I’m glad I read, but I truly believe anyone would find it worth reading (or listening to). It’s heartfelt, inspiring, and thoroughly enjoyable—a perfect blend of Patrick’s wit, wisdom, and charm. I didn’t want it to end, and I’m so grateful for the glimpse it gave me into his extraordinary life.

Get it at…


📗 - Hard Copy -📗
📱 - Digital - 📱
🎧 - Audio - 🎧
___________________

*Star Rating Guide*
⭐ - The writing style didn’t appeal to me. The characters didn’t resonate with me. I pushed myself to the limit to avoid DNF’ing. I wouldn’t suggest this book to anyone I’m acquainted with.
⭐⭐ - The book was passable, but it won’t stick in my mind. Although I didn’t abandon the book, my mind wasn’t fully immersed in the story. I discovered that it was easy for me to stop reading it and not feel compelled to continue promptly. When everything was said and done, I was unsure of my immediate opinion on this book.
⭐⭐⭐ - If someone is actively seeking a book in this general premise, I would suggest this. While it was good, I don’t think I’ll ever pick up this book for a second read. If it were part of a series, I’d probably venture into the next book. Reading it was time well-spent.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - This book was brilliant. I had the urge to keep reading and turn to the next page. The book stayed on my mind for days after I finished it. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - I was actively engaged in wanting to finish reading this book. My thoughts are consumed by this book after completing it. I want to have a physical copy as a trophy that I can display on my shelf. I felt a strong connection and investment while reading this book, would definitely recommend.

King Arthur and His Knights: Selected Tales by Thomas Malory

Go to review page

3.0

Fairy Tale by Stephen King

Go to review page

5.0

Review of “Fairy Tale”

How I read: 🎧
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Rating System Below)

“Fairy Tale” is a spellbinding journey that masterfully blends a coming-of-age tale with epic fantasy elements. The story follows Charlie, an ordinary high schooler thrust into extraordinary circumstances when he inherits a mysterious house, a loyal dog, and a portal to a fantastical, war-torn world. King’s signature storytelling shines as he weaves a tale of courage, responsibility, and the battle between good and evil, all while immersing readers in a richly built parallel universe.

While the book is undeniably long, the pacing manages to stay engaging, with moments that move just as curiosity begins to waver, this may have also been helped in the audio version. Fans of King’s more descriptive works and those who love intricate world-building will find this novel a rewarding read. The layered characters and vivid settings—complete with eerie dungeons, royal intrigue, and a magical sundial—add depth to the narrative, leaving a lasting impression of wonder and suspense.

“Fairy Tale” is a hit for me, and though it carries the weight of King’s verbose style, it never felt dull or unnecessary. If you’re a fan of fantasy with a touch of King’s macabre magic, this book delivers both an unforgettable adventure and a meaningful message about power and responsibility. Highly recommended for fantasy lovers who don’t mind a deep dive into an imaginative world.

Get it at…


📗 - Hard Copy -📗
📱 - Digital - 📱
🎧 - Audio - 🎧
___________________
*Star Rating Guide*
⭐ - The writing style didn’t appeal to me. The characters didn’t resonate with me. I pushed myself to the limit to avoid DNF’ing. I wouldn’t suggest this book to anyone I’m acquainted with.
⭐⭐ - The book was passable, but it won’t stick in my mind. Although I didn’t abandon the book, my mind wasn’t fully immersed in the story. I discovered that it was easy for me to stop reading it and not feel compelled to continue promptly. When everything was said and done, I was unsure of my immediate opinion on this book.
⭐⭐⭐ - If someone is actively seeking a book in this general premise, I would suggest this. While it was good, I don’t think I’ll ever pick up this book for a second read. If it were part of a series, I’d probably venture into the next book. Reading it was time well-spent.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - This book was brilliant. I had the urge to keep reading and turn to the next page. The book stayed on my mind for days after I finished it. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - I was actively engaged in wanting to finish reading this book. My thoughts are consumed by this book after completing it. I want to have a physical copy as a trophy that I can display on my shelf. I felt a strong connection and investment while reading this book, would definitely recommend.