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b00kw0rms0fthew0rldunite's reviews
599 reviews
The Solstice by Matt Brolly, Matt Brolly
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Another great story featuring DI Louise Blackwell.
It always seems to be that her current case affects or reflects her current family members. ie Children Emily's age when the focus is on Emily. In the current case, Louise is freshly back at work after an extended Maternity leave. She is constantly thinking about how her life has changed and the good of her new little family. I appreciated the tender take on a modern woman's struggle with full time work and being a parent. It is hard to weigh up the career you love and the family you love more. Kudos to Matt Brolly for his insight.
The case itself was a grisly one that had formed over decades. It highlighted a cult that was suspicious in more than one way. I started the book while busy with work myself but found that once about 40% through, I couldn't put it down. A very late evening and satisfied reader later and the book was devoured.
I'd like to thank the author for the great story also the publisher and of course Netgalley for the opportunity to read it as an ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
It always seems to be that her current case affects or reflects her current family members. ie Children Emily's age when the focus is on Emily. In the current case, Louise is freshly back at work after an extended Maternity leave. She is constantly thinking about how her life has changed and the good of her new little family. I appreciated the tender take on a modern woman's struggle with full time work and being a parent. It is hard to weigh up the career you love and the family you love more. Kudos to Matt Brolly for his insight.
The case itself was a grisly one that had formed over decades. It highlighted a cult that was suspicious in more than one way. I started the book while busy with work myself but found that once about 40% through, I couldn't put it down. A very late evening and satisfied reader later and the book was devoured.
I'd like to thank the author for the great story also the publisher and of course Netgalley for the opportunity to read it as an ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Leap Year Gene of Kit McKinley by Shelley Wood, Shelley Wood
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I found the premise of this book to be really fascinating. I read the blurb and couldn't wait to listen. I had the audio book version of this title.
To say it covered a lot of genres is an understatement. It ranged from romance to history to science fiction to thriller. It starts in 1915 where the baby in question is first known to be growing in utero. It's quickly noted that this pregnancy is considerably longer than most and when Kathryn (Kit) arrives, it takes a while for those around her to realise that she ages at a quarter speed of other humans which ties in to her leap year birthday.
This book covers so many themes and with it, moral compasses, history lessons and character transformations. I was on the edge of my seat with a lot of those Nazi scenes and with stomach in knots, was tense all the way though that part. Through the rest of the long book, I did sometimes find it hard to keep track of her actual age vs her leap year age.
The story after she's a teen just goes from sour relationships to everyone accusing her of making it all about her, to arguments that never get a resolution and a really unremarkable life in the end. I found that apart from Ernest and Dr Gupta, I didn't really like many of the characters or the way they interacted and didn't see many happy moments without strings attached. It was a very long book to get through and I really wish I'd liked it more, but each scene was either sadder or more hopeless than the last.
I appreciate the ARC from Netgalley and the author and publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
To say it covered a lot of genres is an understatement. It ranged from romance to history to science fiction to thriller. It starts in 1915 where the baby in question is first known to be growing in utero. It's quickly noted that this pregnancy is considerably longer than most and when Kathryn (Kit) arrives, it takes a while for those around her to realise that she ages at a quarter speed of other humans which ties in to her leap year birthday.
This book covers so many themes and with it, moral compasses, history lessons and character transformations. I was on the edge of my seat with a lot of those Nazi scenes and with stomach in knots, was tense all the way though that part. Through the rest of the long book, I did sometimes find it hard to keep track of her actual age vs her leap year age.
The story after she's a teen just goes from sour relationships to everyone accusing her of making it all about her, to arguments that never get a resolution and a really unremarkable life in the end. I found that apart from Ernest and Dr Gupta, I didn't really like many of the characters or the way they interacted and didn't see many happy moments without strings attached. It was a very long book to get through and I really wish I'd liked it more, but each scene was either sadder or more hopeless than the last.
I appreciate the ARC from Netgalley and the author and publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Life Impossible by Matt Haig
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
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? Yes
5.0
Every now and then a book comes along and you seem to read it exactly when you needed to read it. It speaks to you in your present circumstances. I read 'The Life Impossible' in just such a moment. This book and it's chapters were like poetry for me. The sheer amount of quotes I could share...
'If you want to visit a new world, you don't need a spacecraft. All you need to do is change your mind'
'That is one great thing about having someone by your side. They are a shock absorber to the madness of experience.'
'All reading, in short, is telepathy and all reading is time travel. It connects us to everyone and everywhere and every time and every imagined dream'
Put these into context and they made such a beautiful and uplifting tale, woven with advice, sprinkled with humour and chock full of heart.
I loved the format and how each chapter had a deliberate title that sounded bizarre by itself but became immediately obvious once the chapter was read. My absolute favourite chapter that made me laugh out loud was one entitled 'All the clever ideas presently in Alberto's head'.
It was very refreshing to read a book with a protagonist that was flawed from the outset, in her 70's and loved Mathematics and all that came with it. 'I parked somewhere near the Kerb at an angle that would have interested Pythagoras'. Grace Winters was such an interesting character and she saw the other characters through her special lenses and made each one appeal to me as well. This was not just a book about a hero saving the day but rather finding yourself and the journey of healing. Every chapter made me stop and think and question and wonder. I enjoyed how it was written through a letter or series of letters and how Grace kept coming back to the person in need who she was writing to.
I wasn't expecting such a humourous book that was also touching and extremely thought inspiring. Do yourself a favour and make sure that you read this one with time to savour it. Where else would you find inner peace mixed with runaway lobsters or Goats named Nostradamous? An evil villain mixed with an all night rave in Ibiza and a mystical portal. A book that touches on loss, tragedy, fighting the good fight and reinventing yourself.
A huge thanks to Matt Haig for writing a brilliant story and for the good folks at Canongate Publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to read an ARC. All opinions are my own.
'If you want to visit a new world, you don't need a spacecraft. All you need to do is change your mind'
'That is one great thing about having someone by your side. They are a shock absorber to the madness of experience.'
'All reading, in short, is telepathy and all reading is time travel. It connects us to everyone and everywhere and every time and every imagined dream'
Put these into context and they made such a beautiful and uplifting tale, woven with advice, sprinkled with humour and chock full of heart.
I loved the format and how each chapter had a deliberate title that sounded bizarre by itself but became immediately obvious once the chapter was read. My absolute favourite chapter that made me laugh out loud was one entitled 'All the clever ideas presently in Alberto's head'.
It was very refreshing to read a book with a protagonist that was flawed from the outset, in her 70's and loved Mathematics and all that came with it. 'I parked somewhere near the Kerb at an angle that would have interested Pythagoras'. Grace Winters was such an interesting character and she saw the other characters through her special lenses and made each one appeal to me as well. This was not just a book about a hero saving the day but rather finding yourself and the journey of healing. Every chapter made me stop and think and question and wonder. I enjoyed how it was written through a letter or series of letters and how Grace kept coming back to the person in need who she was writing to.
I wasn't expecting such a humourous book that was also touching and extremely thought inspiring. Do yourself a favour and make sure that you read this one with time to savour it. Where else would you find inner peace mixed with runaway lobsters or Goats named Nostradamous? An evil villain mixed with an all night rave in Ibiza and a mystical portal. A book that touches on loss, tragedy, fighting the good fight and reinventing yourself.
A huge thanks to Matt Haig for writing a brilliant story and for the good folks at Canongate Publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to read an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Making Fairy Garden Accessories: 22 Enchanting Projects for Your Backyard by Andrew Fahmy, Anna-Marie Fahmy
informative
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0
An absolutely gorgeous book jam packed with projects and beautiful photographs to complement them.
Being a miniaturist myself from a very young age, I found this book really easy to follow. The projects range from accessories to doors to whole houses and each decorated really sweetly. As the authors said early on in the introduction, fairy houses don't have to be very strict with scale as the wee folk might find bits for their houses out of many things found in nature or repurposed into mini things. That is one thing reassuring to know. The other being that fairy houses can take on many forms and however it turns out is exactly what it was meant to be!
There is a really comprehensive list of materials, tools and techniques in the front of the book and each section is a wealth of knowledge. More than just a list of materials and tools, it has explanations for what object is best used with what and where they can be found. The technique section is golden because you'll find these not only needed for the projects in the book but for others as commonly necessary.
The projects are very well explained in a step by step way with photos to accompany each step. They also allow for variation in designs and putting your own spin on things. My personal favourites being the door with steps and the hobbit door, secret staircase house, and the fairy desk, bookcase, swing and firepit! Oh my goodness how cute was the firepit!! The Gnome frame is a definite make for me as I haven't ever seen anything quite like it before.
All in all, I loved it and think this would be a wonderful addition to my library.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Fox Chapel Publishing and Anna-Marie and Andrew Fahmy for allowing me to read a copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Being a miniaturist myself from a very young age, I found this book really easy to follow. The projects range from accessories to doors to whole houses and each decorated really sweetly. As the authors said early on in the introduction, fairy houses don't have to be very strict with scale as the wee folk might find bits for their houses out of many things found in nature or repurposed into mini things. That is one thing reassuring to know. The other being that fairy houses can take on many forms and however it turns out is exactly what it was meant to be!
There is a really comprehensive list of materials, tools and techniques in the front of the book and each section is a wealth of knowledge. More than just a list of materials and tools, it has explanations for what object is best used with what and where they can be found. The technique section is golden because you'll find these not only needed for the projects in the book but for others as commonly necessary.
The projects are very well explained in a step by step way with photos to accompany each step. They also allow for variation in designs and putting your own spin on things. My personal favourites being the door with steps and the hobbit door, secret staircase house, and the fairy desk, bookcase, swing and firepit! Oh my goodness how cute was the firepit!! The Gnome frame is a definite make for me as I haven't ever seen anything quite like it before.
All in all, I loved it and think this would be a wonderful addition to my library.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Fox Chapel Publishing and Anna-Marie and Andrew Fahmy for allowing me to read a copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Mirrors of the Past by Kirsty Ferry
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
What a beautiful book! The fifth of the series unless you count one of them as a 2.5, which some websites do. This was my first read from this series and this author and I have to say, I really loved it!
I'll be chasing down the books that came before in this series before too long.
One thing that I will note, If you had read the others in this series then the book would just be a delightful sequel. However, if you are reading this as a standalone which some people insist it can be, I would advise you to start at the first book. It took me a while to get into the book, not because the writing was bad but because there were so many characters that I had to start again and make a list of who was who before I could read any further. By the time I had read 11% of the book, I counted 34 characters mentioned with more mentioned after that point too. For someone who didn't know that the same characters and more were built up from the first book, it's a lot to take in! I am glad I persevered though!
The book has a dual timeline, written in the very best way. It splits between modern day and 1911 frequently and as the title suggests, the modern timeline mirrors the 1911 one. Not just between the events that happen but even such detail that there is a character in both that wears mostly black, is suspected to be a witch, that look like their counterparts in the past and even down to sharing the same thoughts and my personal favourite, loosening a wedding dress sash!
It was a lovely book to lose yourself into. The enemies to lovers trope in both timelines worked well and it had a beautiful cast of characters.
I'd like to thank Joffe's ARC, Choc Lit and Kirsty Ferry for the ARC. All opinions in this review are my own.
I'll be chasing down the books that came before in this series before too long.
One thing that I will note, If you had read the others in this series then the book would just be a delightful sequel. However, if you are reading this as a standalone which some people insist it can be, I would advise you to start at the first book. It took me a while to get into the book, not because the writing was bad but because there were so many characters that I had to start again and make a list of who was who before I could read any further. By the time I had read 11% of the book, I counted 34 characters mentioned with more mentioned after that point too. For someone who didn't know that the same characters and more were built up from the first book, it's a lot to take in! I am glad I persevered though!
The book has a dual timeline, written in the very best way. It splits between modern day and 1911 frequently and as the title suggests, the modern timeline mirrors the 1911 one. Not just between the events that happen but even such detail that there is a character in both that wears mostly black, is suspected to be a witch, that look like their counterparts in the past and even down to sharing the same thoughts and my personal favourite, loosening a wedding dress sash!
It was a lovely book to lose yourself into. The enemies to lovers trope in both timelines worked well and it had a beautiful cast of characters.
I'd like to thank Joffe's ARC, Choc Lit and Kirsty Ferry for the ARC. All opinions in this review are my own.
The Christmas Stocking Murders by Denzil Meyrick
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Denzil Meyrick is at it again with another delightful romp starring Inspector Frank Grasby.
Grasby is such a good character, funny, endearing and unfortunate in the way that he sometimes bumbles his way through. Certainly not a hero who does no wrong but a definitely human character who finds himself coming through the most extraordinary of circumstances and adventures.
I like the way Frank narrates his own story. Under the guise of reading back his own journal/memoirs he tells his story with wit and an insight (Believe me Dear Gentle Reader) that if this were a film or TV show would be breaking the fourth wall!
The other characters are fun, Juggers is a mystery to me and most certainly tortures poor Grasby with his willingly negative ideas about what he is up to. As for Grasby's father and his companion... I'm glad this wasn't a visual medium!
A great book to read if you are fond of a Christmas tale, misunderstandings leading to hilarity, and some challenging puzzles for your Grey matter. It even features a mention of Ms Christie's own beloved character, Mr Parrot! ;)
Thanks to Netgalley, Random House UK and Denzil Meyrick for an opportunity to read this book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Grasby is such a good character, funny, endearing and unfortunate in the way that he sometimes bumbles his way through. Certainly not a hero who does no wrong but a definitely human character who finds himself coming through the most extraordinary of circumstances and adventures.
I like the way Frank narrates his own story. Under the guise of reading back his own journal/memoirs he tells his story with wit and an insight (Believe me Dear Gentle Reader) that if this were a film or TV show would be breaking the fourth wall!
The other characters are fun, Juggers is a mystery to me and most certainly tortures poor Grasby with his willingly negative ideas about what he is up to. As for Grasby's father and his companion... I'm glad this wasn't a visual medium!
A great book to read if you are fond of a Christmas tale, misunderstandings leading to hilarity, and some challenging puzzles for your Grey matter. It even features a mention of Ms Christie's own beloved character, Mr Parrot! ;)
Thanks to Netgalley, Random House UK and Denzil Meyrick for an opportunity to read this book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
5.0
Complete Starter Guide to Needle Felting: Enchanted Forest: Fairies, Gnomes, Unicorns, and Other Woodland Friends by Claudia Marie Lenart
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
What a BEAUTIFUL book! I saw it and immediately had to give it a read and look at the gorgeous photos.
Needle felting is something that I have tried before and thought that this book targeting beginners was perfect to continue my learning. It taught me right from the very first page, the origins of the craft and the wool industry. It has sections that outline the wool and fibres element and even discusses which parts of the wool are what and how they look. The felting surfaces, needles and holders and other supplies, sections were very informative and easy to read.
The projects. Oh my word, the projects! They ranged from a very easy to do cookie cutter garlands to customisable babies, unicorns, flowers and trees and birds, rabbits and fairies. Some even in finger puppet form! I'm going to be spending quite a lot of time with this book and the gorgeous projects.
Each project includes an introduction, list of supplies, and step by step instructions which all have photographs and are explained well and easy to follow. Tips for best use are also there too. The book is generously inclusive of templates for you to get to work straight away as well.
All in all a 5-star read from me and a definite addition to a couple of friends Christmas present lists!
Thank you to Netgalley, Claudia Lenart and Fox Chapel Publishing/Landauer Publishing for a copy to review. My opinions are all my own.
Needle felting is something that I have tried before and thought that this book targeting beginners was perfect to continue my learning. It taught me right from the very first page, the origins of the craft and the wool industry. It has sections that outline the wool and fibres element and even discusses which parts of the wool are what and how they look. The felting surfaces, needles and holders and other supplies, sections were very informative and easy to read.
The projects. Oh my word, the projects! They ranged from a very easy to do cookie cutter garlands to customisable babies, unicorns, flowers and trees and birds, rabbits and fairies. Some even in finger puppet form! I'm going to be spending quite a lot of time with this book and the gorgeous projects.
Each project includes an introduction, list of supplies, and step by step instructions which all have photographs and are explained well and easy to follow. Tips for best use are also there too. The book is generously inclusive of templates for you to get to work straight away as well.
All in all a 5-star read from me and a definite addition to a couple of friends Christmas present lists!
Thank you to Netgalley, Claudia Lenart and Fox Chapel Publishing/Landauer Publishing for a copy to review. My opinions are all my own.
Second Chances at the Little Village Sanctuary by Ella Cook
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was my first read by Ella Cook and I was delighted with it! I hadn't read the first 2 in this series but judging by this book which also contain characters from the first and second, I'll like them a lot!
The first thing that struck me is how much I liked the main character Angela and how different she is from a lot of other rom-com females. She wasn't hiding behind self doubt, self depreciation wasn't stopping her from accepting opportunities she was given and she didn't make someone pay for ages for disappointing her. Refreshing and modern, without the drama.
I really liked Rick/Ryan. His 'second chance' came at a court ordered cost but his change actually came about in a very fast and lovely way. I love the banter between himself and his beloved 'Chicken Butt' (you'll have to read to understand!) and the way he was with the animals.
I really hope that the story of theirs will continue if there's another book in the series.
Thank you to Joffe's ARC, Joffe Books and Ella Cook for a review copy to read. My opinions are my own.
The first thing that struck me is how much I liked the main character Angela and how different she is from a lot of other rom-com females. She wasn't hiding behind self doubt, self depreciation wasn't stopping her from accepting opportunities she was given and she didn't make someone pay for ages for disappointing her. Refreshing and modern, without the drama.
I really liked Rick/Ryan. His 'second chance' came at a court ordered cost but his change actually came about in a very fast and lovely way. I love the banter between himself and his beloved 'Chicken Butt' (you'll have to read to understand!) and the way he was with the animals.
I really hope that the story of theirs will continue if there's another book in the series.
Thank you to Joffe's ARC, Joffe Books and Ella Cook for a review copy to read. My opinions are my own.
Murder in the Scottish Highlands by Dee MacDonald
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
4.0
I quite like the books by Dee MacDonald that I have read previously. She doesn't go in for the cliche young supermodel protagonist but makes her characters more mature, homely and with a decent appetite too.
The community that she has created is quirky and very much like a Highland village in their ways. The gossips and the rumourmongers, the dotty clergymen and the somewhat old fashioned and sexist roles in and around the community.
She has started the series well, introducing her characters with room to grow and each with little foibles of their own. I'd like to see where this series goes next!
The writing was smooth and descriptive. The plot lost steam in the middle unfortunately and it got a tad samey for a while. The climax came and I found the killer easy to guess.
A good little cosy to curl up with! My thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Dee MacDonald for allowing me to read this ARC. The opinions are my own.