Take a photo of a barcode or cover
patchworkbunny's Reviews (2.12k)
Beauty is a retelling of Sleeping Beauty interwoven with several other fairy tales. It is deemed that the prince needs an adventure and a wife, but he needs some protection so he’s sent off with the Huntsman. On their travels they find a cottage with a wolf problem and discover a city in slumber. We all know that the prince wakes Beauty up with a kiss but what happens next? It’s not all happily ever after here.
I was actually expecting it to be a bit raunchier. It certainly is not for children, there are a few sex bits but overall it felt very much like a fairy tale with extra characters and a bit more grown up. I think Sarah Pinborough wanted to make a point about sexism but there’s a really awkwardly explained scene where the Huntsman is going on about how women shouldn’t be judged if they have sex. Which is true, but seemed an out of place this in the context of this tale. He wasn’t doing anything wrong, so why was he going to lengths to justify it?
It was interesting to have an explanation and justification behind why Beauty was put to sleep. I liked the fact that all the fairy tale characters lived in the same world, that they knew of Rapunzel even though she’s not from their story (neither is the Huntsman).
I was actually expecting it to be a bit raunchier. It certainly is not for children, there are a few sex bits but overall it felt very much like a fairy tale with extra characters and a bit more grown up. I think Sarah Pinborough wanted to make a point about sexism but there’s a really awkwardly explained scene where the Huntsman is going on about how women shouldn’t be judged if they have sex. Which is true, but seemed an out of place this in the context of this tale. He wasn’t doing anything wrong, so why was he going to lengths to justify it?
It was interesting to have an explanation and justification behind why Beauty was put to sleep. I liked the fact that all the fairy tale characters lived in the same world, that they knew of Rapunzel even though she’s not from their story (neither is the Huntsman).
Elena and Clay want their very own family Christmas. They’ve rented a cabin in Canada and taken the twins. As soon as they arrive a mutt turns up at their door. Is he after the children or is he just being polite. She shouldn’t really spend their holiday working, but Elena can’t rest without knowing his story and whether or not he’s a threat to her family.
I’m finally getting round to reading the Women of the Otherworld novellas. Elena and The Pack are my favourite characters in the series, and these novellas are my last chance to read “new” stories about them now the series is officially complete. Hidden does fill in some gaps about the twins’ upbringing and isn’t just a filler story.
There’s not a whole lot of wolfiness in this one. It’s more about Elena’s indecision to tell the kids about what they are. Can they keep a secret? Is it harming them more to be ignorant of the dangers they face? Will they be disappointed if they never become werewolves themselves? Kate is already starting to ask questions.
I wasn’t fussed about the illustrations (I have the Subterranean edition hardback – I don’t know if they’re included in the ebooks). The kids look a bit like creepy doll children. In my head they are much more outdoorsy types. Just like their mum and dad.
I’m finally getting round to reading the Women of the Otherworld novellas. Elena and The Pack are my favourite characters in the series, and these novellas are my last chance to read “new” stories about them now the series is officially complete. Hidden does fill in some gaps about the twins’ upbringing and isn’t just a filler story.
There’s not a whole lot of wolfiness in this one. It’s more about Elena’s indecision to tell the kids about what they are. Can they keep a secret? Is it harming them more to be ignorant of the dangers they face? Will they be disappointed if they never become werewolves themselves? Kate is already starting to ask questions.
I wasn’t fussed about the illustrations (I have the Subterranean edition hardback – I don’t know if they’re included in the ebooks). The kids look a bit like creepy doll children. In my head they are much more outdoorsy types. Just like their mum and dad.
I've been busy this week so was thrilled to find a Rizzoli and Isles freebie for the Kindle. When an emaciated girl is found dead all signs point to vampires but of course our detective and pathologist don't believe in suchs things. With the current teenage obsession with vampires this is a topical little read and perfect for a lunch break. If you're reading the series, this one can be read at any time or can be skipped altogether if you're not keen on ebooks or short stories. But hey, it's free!
Don’t make the mistake of judging Broken Monsters on the first few chapters. It starts off like any other serial killer thriller and you may start to wonder if Lauren Beukes has turned her pen to vanilla crime fiction. There a single parent detective, a down on his luck journalist and a group of people on the edges of society. However it’s one of those books that just gets better and better as the story unfolds. Keep turning the pages to reveal a serial killer yarn intertwined with social commentary on the internet age against a backdrop of urban decay.
Where The Shining Girls was firmly rooted in the past, Broken Monsters is very much in the now. Lauren writes modern life so well with so many observations that make you think or nod in agreement. Both the journalist and the artists struggle with the quest for originality; everything has been done before and everyone can have an audience via digital media. How do you stand out? How do you make a living? There’s comments on everything from self-publishing and cyber bullying to dwindling attention spans and competition for audience.
he book can probably be read in two ways. It’s an engaging thriller that gets seriously creepy in places. I got a bit freaked out reading it late at night with the windows open. On the other hand, there’s a metaphor within the pages; a message about how we live our digital lives. Something that if you spend any significant amount of time on social media, you will no doubt recognise.
Review copy provided by publisher.
Where The Shining Girls was firmly rooted in the past, Broken Monsters is very much in the now. Lauren writes modern life so well with so many observations that make you think or nod in agreement. Both the journalist and the artists struggle with the quest for originality; everything has been done before and everyone can have an audience via digital media. How do you stand out? How do you make a living? There’s comments on everything from self-publishing and cyber bullying to dwindling attention spans and competition for audience.
he book can probably be read in two ways. It’s an engaging thriller that gets seriously creepy in places. I got a bit freaked out reading it late at night with the windows open. On the other hand, there’s a metaphor within the pages; a message about how we live our digital lives. Something that if you spend any significant amount of time on social media, you will no doubt recognise.
Review copy provided by publisher.
Jess is a single mum, who works cleaning the homes of those much more fortunate than her. Some of her clients are barely there, including Ed Nicholls, who she thinks has more money than sense. Some weeks she can barely make ends meet. When her daughter, Tanzie, is offered an amazing opportunity at a private school, Jess knows she can’t afford it but wants to do everything in her power to get her there.
I read The One Plus One a while ago and made the mistake of not writing down my thoughts, but what I do know is that it left a warm and fuzzy feeling behind. Now that’s quite a change from some of Jojo Moyes’ other books, which have left me destroyed (you know what I’m talking about).
As the story unfolds, Jess finds herself with her two children and smelly dog being given a lift up to Scotland by Ed. A man she may have stolen some money from; only because it had fallen out of his pocket when drunk. If he was careless enough not to notice so much cash gone missing, she reckons it won’t hurt. And she really needs it for Tanzie. The ensuing road trip is full of humour, and dog farts. Oh I so loved the doggy character of Norman.
It feels like an incredibly topical book; about a fairly normal family who have to constantly worry about money. Ed is facing financial ruin himself but he has always been comfortable and the difference between their attitudes is eye opening. He will just buy a sandwich, she will buy the cheapest ingredients she can find and eat them in the car. He will pay for a room, she will sleep in the car overnight.
Nicky, the teenage boy, is a fascinating character too. His evolution from surly teenage to someone who does the most amazing thing is wonderful. Of course Jess gets frustrated with him, and he with her. All the characters were amazingly real, even if the whole lift to Scotland thing was a bit far-fetched.
Review copy provided by publisher.
I read The One Plus One a while ago and made the mistake of not writing down my thoughts, but what I do know is that it left a warm and fuzzy feeling behind. Now that’s quite a change from some of Jojo Moyes’ other books, which have left me destroyed (you know what I’m talking about).
As the story unfolds, Jess finds herself with her two children and smelly dog being given a lift up to Scotland by Ed. A man she may have stolen some money from; only because it had fallen out of his pocket when drunk. If he was careless enough not to notice so much cash gone missing, she reckons it won’t hurt. And she really needs it for Tanzie. The ensuing road trip is full of humour, and dog farts. Oh I so loved the doggy character of Norman.
It feels like an incredibly topical book; about a fairly normal family who have to constantly worry about money. Ed is facing financial ruin himself but he has always been comfortable and the difference between their attitudes is eye opening. He will just buy a sandwich, she will buy the cheapest ingredients she can find and eat them in the car. He will pay for a room, she will sleep in the car overnight.
Nicky, the teenage boy, is a fascinating character too. His evolution from surly teenage to someone who does the most amazing thing is wonderful. Of course Jess gets frustrated with him, and he with her. All the characters were amazingly real, even if the whole lift to Scotland thing was a bit far-fetched.
Review copy provided by publisher.
It all started with a book. Diana and Matthew may be back in the present day, but his past holds many more secrets, one of which will soon threaten their future. With Baldwin and the Congregation already unhappy at their relationship, there is only one solution to all their problems. Diana must once again find Ashmole 782 and put back its missing pages.
The All Souls books have never been fast paced and this is no exception, however the world is so absorbing and once you get settled, you won’t want to leave her world. There’s such detail put into everything, from the locations right down to the furnishings and everyday tasks such as making a cup of tea. I think this has always been part of the charm of these books, but it does mean they’re not always pages turners.
Deborah has said that her plan for a trilogy meant she would get a go at writing three different genres; fantasy, historical and thriller. The Book of Life certainly does have its thrilling moments, but they are tempered by everyday family life. The story returns, at times, to the research lab and the libraries full of antiquated books; along with all the procedures that must be followed. The interweaving histories of all the characters and creatures is so complex but I love learning all the links.
Of course, one of the best things about ending a trilogy is following favourite characters through their journeys. I’m possibly fonder of some of the supporting cast by now than Diana and Matthew. I love Gallowglass and really felt for him in this; he is so loyal and could make anyone feel safe. I like Phoebe, who manages to be the voice of modernity among so many old souls. I never felt Diana was really of our time. And then there’s Jack, whose part is small but manages to pull on the heartstrings.
It’s getting all exciting and then, well, then there’s babies. OK, babies do interrupt life and adventure, but there was just a bit too much on the labour and the days running up to the christening, that it killed off the pace. I admit, I’m particularly adverse to baby talk, but these chapters didn’t feel necessary to the whole plot.
It was a satisfying ending, with lots of loose ends tied up and the answers to many questions that made sense. They felt right. Yet, there’s still that urge to read more about these characters, maybe a few years on, what will become of them and the whole world of creatures. Maybe we can revisit the world in the future? I would be happy for a book that didn’t focus on Diana and Matthew.
Review copy provided by publisher.
The All Souls books have never been fast paced and this is no exception, however the world is so absorbing and once you get settled, you won’t want to leave her world. There’s such detail put into everything, from the locations right down to the furnishings and everyday tasks such as making a cup of tea. I think this has always been part of the charm of these books, but it does mean they’re not always pages turners.
Deborah has said that her plan for a trilogy meant she would get a go at writing three different genres; fantasy, historical and thriller. The Book of Life certainly does have its thrilling moments, but they are tempered by everyday family life. The story returns, at times, to the research lab and the libraries full of antiquated books; along with all the procedures that must be followed. The interweaving histories of all the characters and creatures is so complex but I love learning all the links.
Of course, one of the best things about ending a trilogy is following favourite characters through their journeys. I’m possibly fonder of some of the supporting cast by now than Diana and Matthew. I love Gallowglass and really felt for him in this; he is so loyal and could make anyone feel safe. I like Phoebe, who manages to be the voice of modernity among so many old souls. I never felt Diana was really of our time. And then there’s Jack, whose part is small but manages to pull on the heartstrings.
It’s getting all exciting and then, well, then there’s babies. OK, babies do interrupt life and adventure, but there was just a bit too much on the labour and the days running up to the christening, that it killed off the pace. I admit, I’m particularly adverse to baby talk, but these chapters didn’t feel necessary to the whole plot.
It was a satisfying ending, with lots of loose ends tied up and the answers to many questions that made sense. They felt right. Yet, there’s still that urge to read more about these characters, maybe a few years on, what will become of them and the whole world of creatures. Maybe we can revisit the world in the future? I would be happy for a book that didn’t focus on Diana and Matthew.
Review copy provided by publisher.
We get to return to the circus in the first of Laura Lam's short stories set in the same world as Pantomime. This one follows Drystan the white clown, in the days before he met Micah. It doesn't contain any spoilers for the novels but I still think you'll get the most out of it after reading Pantomime.