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pelicanfreak's reviews
2242 reviews
Nowhere but Here by Katie McGarry
See it here:
http://amzn.to/1WysY5p
Cover: Professional, fitting and non-generic.Editing/Proofing: Non-existent?
Editing/Proofing: Non-existent?
Characters: Complex
Overall: 5 star read, 1 star package. Split the difference and call it 3 stars?
This book is really hard to review... I snagged it on a .99 day because the blurb had me intrigued so it's a good blurb and it is truly representative of the story. There are brilliantly complicated characters that sucked me in from the first page and there's an air of mystery that, is one of those that - when some questions get answered, it only prompts more questions. As someone who predicts everything, I enjoyed this. It kept me guessing. And when I thought I had it all figured out, and it all came out, there was a detail I hadn't seen coming! It's so rare that an author - or anyone really - can surprise me.
Getting through the story and to this point would have been a glorious, 5-star experience... except for the lack of editing. I like a book to be professionally presented. I feel that unprofessional, unedited books are what gives the indie community a bad name, and I also feel that if an author cannot be bothered to put forth a professional-looking product, maybe I shouldn't spend my time on it.
Throughout the book, I felt confident that this author had not used an editor. However, one is mentioned and even thanked in the back of the book so I stand corrected. Poor grammar, lack of punctuation and continuity issues are abundant. If her editor wasn't checking for these things, I'm not sure what she was doing.
Ultimately - I'd give this book 5 stars if it was the fun, fast-paced read it should be... instead, it's work. When continuity issues arise, I look back to see if I'm the one who missed something. When grammar is poor and punctuation is missing, I have to re-read a lot of it, to figure out what's trying to be said.
The characters are likely to stay with me and the book has a profound message in between the lines throughout- that is actually uttered by one MC in the end. I'd like to go on in the series but, reading around this low-quality editing is a lot of work so, I'm undecided at the moment. I feel like reading shouldn't be so much work!
"It's what people do. Judge..." -Oz.
http://amzn.to/1WysY5p
Cover: Professional, fitting and non-generic.Editing/Proofing: Non-existent?
Editing/Proofing: Non-existent?
Characters: Complex
Overall: 5 star read, 1 star package. Split the difference and call it 3 stars?
This book is really hard to review... I snagged it on a .99 day because the blurb had me intrigued so it's a good blurb and it is truly representative of the story. There are brilliantly complicated characters that sucked me in from the first page and there's an air of mystery that, is one of those that - when some questions get answered, it only prompts more questions. As someone who predicts everything, I enjoyed this. It kept me guessing. And when I thought I had it all figured out, and it all came out, there was a detail I hadn't seen coming! It's so rare that an author - or anyone really - can surprise me.
Getting through the story and to this point would have been a glorious, 5-star experience... except for the lack of editing. I like a book to be professionally presented. I feel that unprofessional, unedited books are what gives the indie community a bad name, and I also feel that if an author cannot be bothered to put forth a professional-looking product, maybe I shouldn't spend my time on it.
Throughout the book, I felt confident that this author had not used an editor. However, one is mentioned and even thanked in the back of the book so I stand corrected. Poor grammar, lack of punctuation and continuity issues are abundant. If her editor wasn't checking for these things, I'm not sure what she was doing.
Ultimately - I'd give this book 5 stars if it was the fun, fast-paced read it should be... instead, it's work. When continuity issues arise, I look back to see if I'm the one who missed something. When grammar is poor and punctuation is missing, I have to re-read a lot of it, to figure out what's trying to be said.
The characters are likely to stay with me and the book has a profound message in between the lines throughout- that is actually uttered by one MC in the end. I'd like to go on in the series but, reading around this low-quality editing is a lot of work so, I'm undecided at the moment. I feel like reading shouldn't be so much work!
"It's what people do. Judge..." -Oz.
Lux by M.J. Vieira
5.0
I absolutely will never be able to say enough about this book.
I had the pleasure of reading it for edits and I actually missed it every time I had to step away. It really sucked me in. Vieira has a way of setting the scene, and with the descriptives - so that the reader feels like they're there. I love when that happens, unfortunately it doesn't very often any more.
The characters are a very interesting cast and you'll find that you love to hate them, or totally root for them... there is sex, violence, romance. There's a little bit of raw anger - that these characters are able to draw out and I've never said this about fiction - I don't get emotionally invested easily - but I did with this book.
I truly hope that Vieira keeps writing as she clearly has a rare gift. With so much to read, literally millions of choices, it still is hard to find something of this quality.
I eagerly await more in this series and I will greedily submerse myself in anything this author writes going forward.
Brilliantly designed, complex characters.
Good continuity.
Spelling/grammar/ etc. on point.
Great cover, fitting. Dark like the book...
As I'm writing this review, I miss the book still. Pretty sure I'll be re-visiting it in the years to come, as a rare favorite.
Highly recommend.
I had the pleasure of reading it for edits and I actually missed it every time I had to step away. It really sucked me in. Vieira has a way of setting the scene, and with the descriptives - so that the reader feels like they're there. I love when that happens, unfortunately it doesn't very often any more.
The characters are a very interesting cast and you'll find that you love to hate them, or totally root for them... there is sex, violence, romance. There's a little bit of raw anger - that these characters are able to draw out and I've never said this about fiction - I don't get emotionally invested easily - but I did with this book.
I truly hope that Vieira keeps writing as she clearly has a rare gift. With so much to read, literally millions of choices, it still is hard to find something of this quality.
I eagerly await more in this series and I will greedily submerse myself in anything this author writes going forward.
Brilliantly designed, complex characters.
Good continuity.
Spelling/grammar/ etc. on point.
Great cover, fitting. Dark like the book...
As I'm writing this review, I miss the book still. Pretty sure I'll be re-visiting it in the years to come, as a rare favorite.
Highly recommend.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling
3.0
I was very disappointed in this book... It was nice in the way that, it gave me, a hardcore HP fan another taste of the Wizarding World and perhaps a peek into what life is like post- Battle At Hogwarts, etc.
However, I didn't feel that it was well done at all.
What I noticed right off the bat was the terrible grammar and what is clearly a lack of professional editing. Mistakes were abundant enough that it distracted from the reading experience.
Some of the characters did not stay true to the way they were developed in the original series - of course they've also aged and are no longer children, so you might chalk it up to that, I suppose. That I could go with, but the lack of continuity is terrible. There are times that it not only doesn't work, but is insulting for the reader ... for example, after Harry is disarmed and without his wand, he is still throwing curses?! Come on now.
Entertainment-wise... it was okay. It took me a couple of months to get through it as it didn't grip me at all.. but I did get through it.
Overall though, VERY unprofessionally done and disappointed. I've very high expectations for Rowling, so the fact that her name was on it, had me expecting a gripping read in a professionally published book. Do not come at it if you're looking for those things, at least the professionalism - obviously the rest is subjective.
Definitely won't read anything else by John Tiffany and will pay closer attention where Rowling's name is involved, as she's clearly not as picky as I thought she was.
I'd say, overall, it was just okay.
Though made less than that through a lack of professionalism.
However, I didn't feel that it was well done at all.
What I noticed right off the bat was the terrible grammar and what is clearly a lack of professional editing. Mistakes were abundant enough that it distracted from the reading experience.
Some of the characters did not stay true to the way they were developed in the original series - of course they've also aged and are no longer children, so you might chalk it up to that, I suppose. That I could go with, but the lack of continuity is terrible. There are times that it not only doesn't work, but is insulting for the reader ... for example, after Harry is disarmed and without his wand, he is still throwing curses?! Come on now.
Entertainment-wise... it was okay. It took me a couple of months to get through it as it didn't grip me at all.. but I did get through it.
Overall though, VERY unprofessionally done and disappointed. I've very high expectations for Rowling, so the fact that her name was on it, had me expecting a gripping read in a professionally published book. Do not come at it if you're looking for those things, at least the professionalism - obviously the rest is subjective.
Definitely won't read anything else by John Tiffany and will pay closer attention where Rowling's name is involved, as she's clearly not as picky as I thought she was.
I'd say, overall, it was just okay.
Though made less than that through a lack of professionalism.
Soulmatch by Drew Avera
3.0
The basis for this story is just a really interesting concept. It is well described neat and well edited. It is well imagined but it could use more explanation or detail - it is set in the future but some of it still seems unbelievable. The trust they put into complete strangers isn't believable as it's presented, but could be made believable with some more details explained I think.
I think I got a clear picture of the situation but I cannot be certain - I could use just a little more description. I do like that it is such a quick read and I do like the characters. I think with a bit more development they and their story could be quite intriguing.
I think I got a clear picture of the situation but I cannot be certain - I could use just a little more description. I do like that it is such a quick read and I do like the characters. I think with a bit more development they and their story could be quite intriguing.
2 in the PINK by Tabatha Kiss
3.0
Cover:
Super generic but I know this is what sells and even the best authors recycle this same cover.
Professionally graphic'd so nothing to complain about besides lack of originality.
Editing/Proofing
Could use some help.
There was poor grammar at times and some mistakes that a good proofreader likely would've caught.
Character development
This wasn't bad; characters were pretty true to themselves, good design.
Formatting
Great - book is gorgeous and easy on the eyes.
Plot
Completely been-done-before- predictable. From the first page I knew how 100% of the rest of the book would play out and I was right. A little juvenile with the high school drama and the late 20-year-olds still acting like they're in high school, but I could pretty much believe it, as some circles don't grow out of it.
Just unoriginal. I didn't miss this book when I stepped away from it. Everything is predictable, but if done right, I can still get sucked in and enjoy it nonetheless.
This book wasn't bad by any means, just not exciting.
I won this a copy in a giveaway - Tabatha Kiss is super sweet and I'd read more from her, as I can tell she's a decent writer and this one holds promise.
Overall: 3 stars for "It's okay."
Super generic but I know this is what sells and even the best authors recycle this same cover.
Professionally graphic'd so nothing to complain about besides lack of originality.
Editing/Proofing
Could use some help.
There was poor grammar at times and some mistakes that a good proofreader likely would've caught.
Character development
This wasn't bad; characters were pretty true to themselves, good design.
Formatting
Great - book is gorgeous and easy on the eyes.
Plot
Completely been-done-before- predictable. From the first page I knew how 100% of the rest of the book would play out and I was right. A little juvenile with the high school drama and the late 20-year-olds still acting like they're in high school, but I could pretty much believe it, as some circles don't grow out of it.
Just unoriginal. I didn't miss this book when I stepped away from it. Everything is predictable, but if done right, I can still get sucked in and enjoy it nonetheless.
This book wasn't bad by any means, just not exciting.
I won this a copy in a giveaway - Tabatha Kiss is super sweet and I'd read more from her, as I can tell she's a decent writer and this one holds promise.
Overall: 3 stars for "It's okay."
Family Ties by Christina Kaye, Christina Kaye
4.0
Cover:
Cover appears to be professionally done and I like that it’s original. Nice and dark, like some of the content.
Editing/Proofing:
Excellent! Appears professional. Third person POV, clear and concise. No mistakes noted.
Formatting:
Great, nice clean appearance.
Character Design:
Complex! We’ve got new characters and carry-overs since we’re in Book 2 of a trilogy and those who are returning cast are consistent and well-designed. Libby’s the same person I love to root for, who occasionally gets on my nerves with her antics - though I’d be the same way so I love to relate to her.
Overall:
Really suspenseful read. This picks up right where its predecessor, ‘Like Father Like Daughter’ leaves off. I mean RIGHT where it leaves off - it’s perfect. Libby’s picking up the pieces of her life, starting over a bit but somethings are not that simple. Could not put this down. It does end in a cliffie, but the third book in the trilogy is available now, so I really cannot complain. (And I’m off to dive in!)
Cover appears to be professionally done and I like that it’s original. Nice and dark, like some of the content.
Editing/Proofing:
Excellent! Appears professional. Third person POV, clear and concise. No mistakes noted.
Formatting:
Great, nice clean appearance.
Character Design:
Complex! We’ve got new characters and carry-overs since we’re in Book 2 of a trilogy and those who are returning cast are consistent and well-designed. Libby’s the same person I love to root for, who occasionally gets on my nerves with her antics - though I’d be the same way so I love to relate to her.
Overall:
Really suspenseful read. This picks up right where its predecessor, ‘Like Father Like Daughter’ leaves off. I mean RIGHT where it leaves off - it’s perfect. Libby’s picking up the pieces of her life, starting over a bit but somethings are not that simple. Could not put this down. It does end in a cliffie, but the third book in the trilogy is available now, so I really cannot complain. (And I’m off to dive in!)
Eye of the Jaguar: Paranormal Suspense Thriller by Jeff D. Ellis
4.0
This book is just incredible.
The reader is treated to graphic visuals in what feels like must be “on point” descriptions when provided with shifters’ point of views. Beautiful landscapes and new looks at nature and wildlife are a happy side effect to reading this book.
There’s also a super cute aspect, when David clearly has a thing for Abby, but has friendzoned her. It’s not one of those annoying friendzoned tales at all - it’s fun to watch the friendship and its evolution.
It’s also fun the to watch them go from “normal humans” to “supernatural”, to put it lamely. We’re not just cracking a book and jumping into a paranormal world, we’re actually eased into it with the characters. It’s a fun learning process and serves to suck me in that much more.
This author is great with continuity and character development and creating visual descriptives so overall, a very pleasant reader experience.
I cannot wait to see what else Ellis has up his sleeve.
4 stars.
The reader is treated to graphic visuals in what feels like must be “on point” descriptions when provided with shifters’ point of views. Beautiful landscapes and new looks at nature and wildlife are a happy side effect to reading this book.
There’s also a super cute aspect, when David clearly has a thing for Abby, but has friendzoned her. It’s not one of those annoying friendzoned tales at all - it’s fun to watch the friendship and its evolution.
It’s also fun the to watch them go from “normal humans” to “supernatural”, to put it lamely. We’re not just cracking a book and jumping into a paranormal world, we’re actually eased into it with the characters. It’s a fun learning process and serves to suck me in that much more.
This author is great with continuity and character development and creating visual descriptives so overall, a very pleasant reader experience.
I cannot wait to see what else Ellis has up his sleeve.
4 stars.