The Bookseller’s Secret by Michelle Gable My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Bookseller’s Secret in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Bookseller’s Secret by Michelle Gable offers a dual timeline narrative that captures the essence of Paris in different eras. It blends history, romance, and the world of literature. While the novel has its strengths, certain aspects may leave readers with mixed feelings. The Details The historical backdrop of wartime Paris provides a rich setting, and Gable’s attention to detail immerses readers in the challenges faced by the…
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Local Woman Missing
The Sacrifice by Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Local Woman Missing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica is a chilling and intricately woven psychological thriller. It keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. With its gripping narrative and cleverly constructed plot, Kubica delivers a suspenseful tale that explores the darkest corners of human nature. The Details The story revolves around the disappearance of three women in a tight-knit community. Kubica skillfully…
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The Last Story of Mina Lee
The Last Story of Mina Lee by Nancy Jooyoun Kim My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Last Story of Mina Lee in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Nancy Jooyoun Kim’s The Last Story of Mina Lee is a exploration of identity and family, though it navigates a path that might not fully satisfy every reader. While the novel has notable strengths, it also grapples with certain elements that impact the overall reading experience. The Details The narrative structure, with its shifting perspectives between Mina and Margot, provides depth…
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The Kingdom of Liars
The Kingdom of Liars by Mick Martell My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Kingdom of Liars in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Kingdom of Liars introduces readers to a complex and expansive fantasy world, but its execution leaves room for both admiration and constructive critique. The novel, while promising, presents challenges that may impact the overall reading experience. The Details The protagonist is a multifaceted character with a compelling journey that intertwines personal secrets with larger mysteries. Martell’s narrative skill is evident, especially in the exploration of…
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Net Force: Dark Web
Net Force: Dark Web by Jerome Preisler My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Net Force: Dark Web in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Net Force: Dark Web steers through the intricate world of cyber threats with intensity. I have never read a Net Force story before this one, and I have never been very interested in it, but the synopsis caught my attention. The Details The novel presents a gripping narrative, filled with the expected technological intricacies and fast-paced action that, I assume, fans of the series would appreciate…
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Blackberry & Wild Rose
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Blackberry & Wild Rose in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Blackberry & Wild Rose by Sonia Velton is a richly detailed journey into the heart of 18th-century Spitalfields, where silk weavers navigate a world of ambition, betrayal, and societal constraints. Velton’s prose brings the setting to life. It immerses readers in the intricacies of the silk trade and the lives of her compelling characters. The Details The strength of the novel lies in Velton’s meticulous research. It is evident in the vibrant descriptions of Spitalfields’ streets and the weaving…
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Artemis
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Artemis in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Artemis by Andy Weir, though brimming with scientific detail and a promising lunar setting, falls short of the high expectations set by the author’s previous work. While Weir’s attempt to blend science and storytelling is commendable, the execution leaves much to be desired. The Details One of the notable drawbacks is the protagonist. Instead of being a relatable and dynamic character, she comes across as forced and at times, clichéd. The humour often feels contrived and fails to land, disrupting the narrative…
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The Thread Collectors
The Thread Collectors by Shaunna J. Edwards & Alyson Richman My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher, Graydon House and NetGalley, for providing me with an ARC of The Thread Collectors in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This novel is a collaboration between award-winning Jewish author Alyson Richman, and black debut author Shaunna J. Edwards. The Gist It is written by a black and Jewish woman about a black and jewish woman during the Civil war. Gripping, captivating and it will not leave you for a long time. It is vivid and personal. There is no escape once you have started…
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Book Haul 2016
I’m trying something new and giving this book haul trend a go not only on my YouTube channel, but also on my blog. I noticed that I have a lot of books that I read in the past few years that never made it on this blog or even Goodreads. So, in order to clean up this mess, I’m doing a sort of book haul by the year. Turns out I have to go back six years. That a long time ago and so much has changed since then. Each book gets a paragraph or two in which I talk a little bit about the impressions the story has made…
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The Last of Seven
The Last of Seven by Steven Hartov My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher, Hanover Square Press and NetGalley, for providing me with an ARC of The Last Of Seven in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Steven Hartov definitely knows what he is writing about. He joined the U.S. Merchant Marine Military Sealift Command in 1973 and has weaved his experiences into his novels. This story is bold, based on true events and a true male version of WWII. But it also held the hopes and heroic attempts of ordinary soldiers and for that I had to bow. The…
