Tag Archives: book-review

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The Bank of the River

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I thoroughly enjoyed this captivating story, and I found myself immersed in the characters as they were gradually introduced. Last year, I read book 11, drawn in by its Christmas setting, which made it a perfect addition to my holiday reading list. I enjoyed it so much that I was eager to journey back to the beginning to uncover the origins of these characters and understand their development leading up to that point.

From the very first page, the narrative held my attention with its charm, despite its relatively simple and straightforward plot. The main characters are vividly portrayed, making it easy to connect with their personalities right away. The world they inhabit feels remarkably familiar—akin to our own lives—which adds an extra layer of relatability. Although there were a few moments of confusion regarding which character was speaking, that was a minor issue in an otherwise engaging story.

At the center of the tale is Steven Hall, a character who has always been dubious about anything supernatural or paranormal. His skepticism even extends to religion, shaped by his mother’s intense obsession. This aspect of his upbringing provides a deeper understanding of his complex personality. Upon purchasing an old house, Steven suddenly finds himself tormented by the restless spirits of murdered children. This eerie experience begins to challenge and sway his long-held views on the unseen world around him.

Desperate for answers and support, Steven turns to his father, Roy, who has always possessed a sense of the extraordinary that Steven never quite understood. Roy steps in to assist his son in confronting the malevolent entities haunting their home while simultaneously guiding him toward discovering his own latent abilities regarding the supernatural. Yet, as is often the case, just when they begin to find clarity, their situation seems to spiral further into chaos.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book, as I found it to be an enjoyable read, and I believe the series will only grow increasingly rich and engaging as it progresses. Dive into the River and enjoy the adventure that awaits!

My rating: 💖💖💖💖

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Red Mars

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I have had the pleasure of reading this book twice, and this is the first time I have experienced it through audio. Undoubtedly, it stands as one of my favorite books and a significant part of this captivating science fiction series. I remember being completely enchanted when I first picked it up shortly after its initial publication. My fascination with space travel began in childhood, and I am thrilled to discover that this passion remains unabated; I found myself just as immersed in the narrative this time around as I was during my first reading.

The characters are rich and multi-dimensional, each adding a unique layer to the unfolding story. The circumstances they face feel remarkably plausible, grounded in a depiction of space and planetary environments that is so vividly rendered, it’s almost as if the author embarked on the journey themselves. Although I understand that this is speculative fiction, the realism presented is still striking and thought-provoking. The book adeptly introduces us to a diverse array of individuals and the planet that becomes the central stage for the epic saga that follows.

The narrative revolves around the colonization and ultimate transformation of Mars, exploring the complexities of human ambition in the pursuit of creating a new world suitable for habitation. We are presented with a myriad of political and economic conflicts that might emerge as humanity endeavors to establish an environment on this alien planet. The initial wave of settlers consists of scientists and engineers, a diverse group of one hundred individuals hailing from various corners of the globe. Each of them plays a pivotal role in laying the groundwork for the future influx of colonists, but they quickly find themselves at odds over their vision for Mars. This internal discord leads to the formation of factions, each with differing ideologies and plans for the planet’s future.

Listening to an audiobook can often lead to an interesting experience, particularly when the voice you hear differs from the one you imagined in your head while reading. Richard Ferrone, the narrator, does a commendable job with his performance; however, I initially found the beginning of his narration somewhat lacking in emotional depth. Fortunately, as the story unfolded, he began to infuse more life into the characters, making them more distinctive and recognizable. My only minor complaint lies in the pronunciation of certain words, which is a trivial drawback since each narrator brings their own unique style to their craft.

This book is undeniably excellent, and I can confidently say that the sequels live up to its high standard. Be on the lookout for my reviews of those in the near future. For fans of science fiction and space exploration, this series is an absolute must-read.

My rating: 💘💘💘💘💘

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Four Past Midnight

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Based on an average of my rating it comes to 3.4 stars for the entire book.

I’ve revisited some familiar stories recently, and I’ve found that listening to audiobooks adds a unique dimension to the experience. The nuanced performances by various narrators bring elements of the tales to life in unexpected ways. Each narrator infuses their own style, which can significantly alter the listener’s perception of the story. The variety of genres—ranging from fantasy to science fiction, and even horror—makes each listen an adventure in itself.

**4.5 stars: ‘The Langoliers’ narrated by Willem Dafoe.** This story remains one of my top favorites, a gripping staple that never fails to entertain me. Dafoe’s vocal delivery is fantastic; he possesses a remarkable ability to build tension, which is crucial as the passengers begin to unravel the mystery of their predicament. The narrative follows a routine flight that unexpectedly descends into terror as the characters grapple with their bizarre situation: they’ve become lost in an unsettling limbo, with no clue as to the fate of the other passengers. The ensemble cast portrays a diverse array of personalities, each contributing to the overall tension and suspense as they navigate their harrowing circumstances.

**2.5 stars: ‘Secret Window, Secret Garden’ narrated by James Woods.** Unfortunately, this story has never resonated with me, and my feelings haven’t changed in this audio format. Despite my appreciation for the source material, Woods’ narration falls a bit flat—it lacks the engaging energy I hoped for. The plot centers on a tense standoff between a writer and an enigmatic figure who claims that the story has been stolen from him, leading to dangerous consequences. While this concept draws parallels to other King tales I’ve enjoyed, it ultimately fails to stand out, leaving me wanting more depth and excitement.

**4.0 stars: ‘The Library Policeman’ narrated by Ken Howard.** Upon starting this narration, I couldn’t initially place Ken Howard, but once I recognized his distinctive voice, I became completely immersed. His performance was a joy to listen to, effectively bringing the characters and their eerie world to life. This slowly unfolding tale lingers with an unsettling sense of dread. The local library, typically a sanctuary for readers, is depicted as a place harboring dark secrets and lurking dangers. Howard expertly balances the mundane and the sinister, making for a vampire story that surprises with an ingeniously hidden twist. The characters are intricately developed, each contributing peculiarities that enhance the overall chilling narrative.

**2.5 stars: ‘The Sun Dog’ narrated by Tim Sample.** While I couldn’t recognize Tim Sample’s face, his narration is solid; he delivers the story well, even if it didn’t particularly captivate my attention. The pacing here is slow, evoking a sense of anticipation as it connects to other stories within the King universe, which I find intriguing. The plot revolves around a boy who receives a seemingly perfect camera as a birthday gift, but like many King stories, it hints at underlying ominous themes. As the boy interacts with the camera, he begins to unravel a potentially malevolent tale that he wishes to leave unfinished. Although I appreciated the connections to other narratives, the story didn’t quite hold my attention as much as I had hoped.

Listening to these stories, especially if you’ve read them before, is likely to evoke similar feelings and nostalgia. Stephen King has consistently offered me gripping tales throughout the years, and I keep returning to his work because of the satisfaction it brings. If you haven’t yet explored his audiobooks, I wholeheartedly encourage you to dive in—you’ll likely find as much to enjoy in the spoken word as you have in the written page!

My rating: 😚😚😚

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Ice Planet Barbarians

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I had yet to delve into the works of this author until now, but I was completely captivated by this story. While the premise may echo themes we’ve encountered before, it’s the execution that truly matters, and this tale is masterfully crafted. From the very first page, I was pulled into the narrative and found myself unable to set it down until the final word. I quickly developed a genuine affection for the characters, who were incredibly well-developed considering the brevity of their introductions. Although the world-building is solid, I felt there’s still room for more exploration, particularly regarding the planet’s unique flora and fauna.

At the center of the story is Georgie Carruthers, a pragmatic woman who has never put stock in the idea of extraterrestrial life. However, her beliefs face a dramatic upheaval when she and several other women are abruptly abducted from Earth in the dead of night and transported aboard a mysterious spacecraft destined for an unknown location. When the ship encounters mechanical issues, the captors make the decision to jettison their human cargo, leaving the women stranded on a desolate ice planet, with plans to come back for them later.

However, the women refuse to accept a fate of waiting to be reclaimed. Electing Georgie as their unexpected leader, she bravely takes on the critical task of seeking assistance and a way out of their bleak predicament. Enter Vektal, a striking native of the icy world who possesses both the desire and the means to help her.

The narrative shifts seamlessly between the perspectives of Georgie and Vektal, offering a rich, multidimensional experience that immerses the reader deeply in their journey. The story is infused with a tantalizing spice that enhances the romantic tension without crossing into the realm of the overly sensational. I eagerly anticipate the continuation of this saga; that level of excitement is a true testament to the author’s skill.

My rating: 😊😊😊😊

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The Curse of the House on Cypress Lane: Black Water- Book 1

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While I found aspects of this story enjoyable, it didn’t fully captivate me from the outset. Prior to delving into this full-length novel, I had explored its shorter introductory version and was intrigued enough by the premise to give the complete story a chance, hopeful that it would provide a richer experience. To some extent, I was right; the novel did offer more detailed insights than the initial book, allowing a deeper exploration of the narrative. The plot itself was decent and relatively easy to follow, especially after navigating through some of the filler content that occasionally interrupted the flow.

One of my main critiques lies with the character development. I found the characters frustratingly underdeveloped, feeling more like sketches than fully fleshed-out individuals. They often appeared two-dimensional, primarily defined by their societal roles—husband, wife, etc.—rather than possessing distinct personalities or motivations that would make them feel more relatable. The Sheriff exemplified this issue; he fit snugly into the stereotype of a small-town lawman, embodying the wary protector who distrusts the wealthy outsider and is suspicious of newcomers in general. This characterization struck me as somewhat odd, given that he had lived in the community for many years and should have had a clearer understanding of its history and dynamics.

The language and dialogue used throughout the book effectively complement the characters, providing insights into their personalities in various contexts. However, even with this stylistic strength, it didn’t completely compensate for my desire for more depth in the character arc.

Set in the eerie swamps of Louisiana, the narrative centers around a creature that haunts the cursed house where dark memories linger—a place that the small town of Ocoee has largely chosen to forget. The terrifying truth is that history often has a way of repeating itself, which poses a significant threat to those unaware of the dangers looming just beneath the surface.

In conclusion, I would recommend giving this book a read. While it has its shortcomings, the intriguing premise may resonate with you, allowing you to form your own opinion about the work.

My rating: 💫💫💫

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The Curse of the House on Cypress Lane: Book 0

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The book initially didn’t captivate my interest right away, but as I continued reading, it gradually became more engaging as I learned more about the characters and their complex situations. The narrative’s buildup is rather slow, yet it is not lacking in subtleties; the connections between various plot points are evident almost from the outset. What I found intriguing is that this novella claims to be the starting point of a larger narrative, but it feels misleading, as the events that unfold seem to have roots much deeper in the past than what is presented. I wish the author had provided more background about the house and the individuals who played a crucial role in setting everything in motion. As this is my first encounter with this author, I’m curious to explore his storytelling methods further, as every writer has a unique approach to story development.

The central setting, a grand old house at the end of Cypress Lane, is steeped in history, intricately woven with the fabric of the small town of Ocoee, Louisiana. The Cooley family becomes deeply entwined in this enigmatic history, finding themselves in a harrowing fight for their survival, caught in circumstances beyond their control. The protagonist, Owen Cooley, has been unemployed for six months with no promising leads on the horizon. When he receives an unexpected job offer after a rather typical phone interview—one that would necessitate a drastic move for his family—he eagerly seizes the opportunity without really delving into the details about the place he’s being sent to. This situation embodies the classic adage: if something seems too good to be true, it likely warrants a closer examination. Owen certainly should have looked a bit deeper, especially for the sake of his family.

Despite its slow start, the story intrigued me enough that I wanted to continue exploring the mysteries surrounding the house and its inhabitants. While it didn’t evoke outright fear in me, it undeniably carries a pervasive atmosphere of darkness that resonated with my taste. I would certainly recommend this book to those who are in search of a horror read filled with potential and rich narrative threads.

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

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The Seance in Apartment 10

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This is the first work I have encountered by this author, and it has certainly piqued my interest enough to explore more of their writings and discover how the narratives evolve. The characters were fairly well-developed, yet I felt they could have benefitted from deeper backgrounds. An exploration into the histories and motivations of the side characters would have enriched the overall experience and offered a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamics at play.

The story begins with a rather slow pace, taking its time to establish the setting and introduce the characters. However, midway through the narrative, the pacing begins to quicken, leading to a compelling crescendo where the plot takes on a life of its own, drawing me in more forcefully with each passing chapter.

The protagonist, Tori, moves into a dilapidated studio at the eerie Lamplight Complex, only to find herself entangled in unexpected supernatural occurrences. A dark presence lurks within the walls of the aging building, and with only a couple of residents, it soon becomes apparent that the entity has limited options for interaction. The tension escalates when Tori invites friends over to celebrate her new home, and they unwittingly engage with a Ouija board. This fateful decision unveils the perilous consequences of meddling with the unknown and the veil between the living and the dead.

As the story progresses, Tori’s reality begins to unravel, spiraling toward chaos and what feels like an impending madness. Though not overtly terrifying, the narrative evokes an unsettling sensation that leaves a lingering feeling of unease, as if something ominous is lurking just out of sight.

Overall, this book serves as an engaging starting point for my journey with this author and might prove to be a suitable introduction for others as well. If you’re a newcomer to their work, this story could effectively draw you into their unique style and storytelling.

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟½

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Bronco

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Summer Camile Sellers, once wealthy, has lost everything due to others’ arrogance. Her life, now a prolonged nightmare, finds solace only in her horse, Aria, and the hope of rebuilding. At 22, Summer faces her first job unprepared, journeying to Springhill Ranch in Colorado, clinging to hope for a better future.

My feelings towards Summer are mixed; her arrogance is evident, yet she acknowledges the need for humility. Nonetheless, she is a compelling character, capable of growth, which I appreciate.

Jake Lawson, the quintessential cowboy, has little patience for city dwellers but makes an exception for Summer, the attractive newcomer at the ranch. Both harbor secrets; Jake’s are closely guarded, yet Summer prompts him to contemplate a future he’s never considered—one with her alone. His uncertainty about her feelings, however, remains a barrier.

I was drawn to Jake immediately, perhaps due to his upright nature or simply my fondness for cowboys.

The sexual tension between them was palpable from the outset, escalating to a crescendo that was timely yet not premature. Their story is a tender tale of two individuals scarred by their pasts, who never envisioned finding a kindred spirit, yet they did in each other. While Contemporary Romance isn’t always my preference, this story captivated me, leaving me curious about their future—a testament to its impact.

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟½

The cover has been updated since the original reading.

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A Stone Kissed Sea

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I enjoyed getting a chance to really get to know Doctor Lucien Thrax after having met him in earlier novels. This revealed a great deal about him as an individual while also giving us the chance to meet his Sire, Saba, and the other ancients who have made cursory appearances since the original Elemental Mystery novels. The characters have all become more textured and nuanced as the series has progressed giving more depth and life to the world they inhabit. Knowing that this is the last novel set in this particular world made it bittersweet.

Lucien has been working on a cure for Elixir for the past three years without any luck, though he has had a few breakthroughs in detecting usage. The elimination of Elixir is very personal to him due to a loss he suffered because of it, it has also caused him to build a wall around his heart. Dr. Makeda Abel is a human under the aegis of Katya who has been funding the work of Lucien into the Elixir problem. Katya has also been funding the research of Makeda into human blood diseases and their possible cures.

Katya decides that even though Lucien has been working very hard and is making her money he could use some help. Makeda is sent to collaborate with Lucien, even though he would prefer to work alone. Lucien for his part does not take it well and does everything he can to make things difficult for Makeda, and because she would prefer not to be there she does not immediately fall in line. Though both of them are brilliant they cannot see what is right in front of them.

Power, Passion, and Politics. These are three things which drive the vampires as well as the humans in all our stories. You get a healthy dose of all three here as things go from good to bad to worse and back to good again. There is some good action along with a few steamy scenes that are fairly tame, though still hot enough for most. I believe fans will be more than happy with how things play out here.

** I listened to this for my second go with this as I have for the previous books in the series. It is just as compelling when listened to as when you read it. The narrator is fantastic and gives voice and life to all the characters. Enjoy this both ways.

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

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Ravaged

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I enjoyed reading this book as much as I enjoyed reading each book in this series. I love meeting new characters and also getting updates on the characters from earlier novels, but unfortunately, rarely any of the mates. Every time I start reading a book, I get pulled into the story and find it hard to put down until I finish, but I have to stop often because sleep and work get in the way. The world they inhabit is like ours but with a subtle twist.

Ever since Aiden stopped aging, he has been struggling with his dark impulses. Unlike his brothers who only had to deal with one dark impulse, Aiden is fighting against multiple ones such as bloodlust, sex, violence, and death. His work with Ronan has helped him to keep the darkness at bay, but he’s starting to lose the battle. He hopes someone will take him out before he gives in.

Maggie Doe had a difficult upbringing and always dreamed of having things she never had especially her own home. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when Aiden is rushed into her ambulance. Aiden has lost all hope for his future, but Maggie’s arrival brings a glimmer of hope back into his life.

This book has a good balance of mature themes, including sex, violence, and gore. It can be enjoyed as a standalone or as part of the larger series. I am excited for more young readers to experience it.

I found this book just as engaging as the others in the series. Tavia Gilbert’s narration is excellent and she brings each character to life, regardless of gender. I highly recommend it.

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟