Of the Lilin by Paulette Hampton My rating: 3 of 5 stars This was my bedtime book for a while. It was rather boring. But during that boring time it was educational and relatable for me. Having been diagnosed with clinical depression in 2002, I could relate to Sage, the main character’s, problems. I learned of other ways to look at things I went through. I learned questions I hadn’t thought to ask my doctors. All through Sage’s experiences. Meanwhile, during the day I was reading scarier books that I knew I didn’t dare read at bedtime. This arrangement worked out nicely. Until at about 20% into Of the Lilian, that is. Without giving a spoiler, I found that this book had to replace the daytime read, which fortunately I had finished by this point. From that 20% mark the book became quite exciting. It became the thriller/mystery it was promoted as. It kept me quite anxious, worried for Sage and her family. I couldn’t decide which I liked better the slower beginning or the angsty rest. Though I don’t mind the writer’s style, and love her ideas in this book, I found the jerking between viewpoints confusing and annoying. I had to go back and reread things to know whose eyes I was looking through. This made it a very tough read. Even still, don’t let my opinion stop you from trying the book out. You might find some gems just for you in the story. By the way, this book was a read/review freebie. Thank you! View all my reviews
Category: Reviews
Torn by Fury by S.M. Reine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Before I get into the actual review, I must thank S.M. Reine for allowing me to read/review her book for free.
As usual, Ms. Reine’s book grabbed me in the beginning and wouldn’t let me go until the end. It is so full of action that I actually groaned at the beginning as I wasn’t ready to get up and fight, again. I felt tired of the fights fought in the previous books of the series. I wasn’t ready for the blood, guts and gore, again.
Don’t get me wrong. I love the characters, demons, witches, and werewolves, a lot. I care about them and want for their best lives. So of course, when they decide to gang up together to fight the bad guys (um, angels, yeah) I am on their side. Yay, let’s go get’em! So I ignore my weak stomach and gird my loins for another war. Once I understand that that is what we have to do, I fight and cheer for them.
The gore doesn’t go away and I must admit to wishing I could hide from some scenes. But then I might miss something important.
Weary. That’s what I felt most for the characters. They have been through so much already, why prolong this?
Going into this book I thought it was near the end of the series. After all, Sarah has written the beginnings of another series. But I found at the end of the book that it wasn’t the wrapped up end. Sure some things get solved but other problems are calling for help. I felt so tired at the end of this book and it wasn’t because it was nearly 4 o’clock in the morning. And I had to pull out my latest ‘boring’ read to calm myself down to sleep. (Unfortunately, that book decided to get rousing, suddenly. Why can we rely on books to suit our needs?)
So, in the end, I find myself longing for the next book in the Ascension series. Meanwhile, while waiting for Sarah to finish it, I’ll read her new series, Preternatural Affairs. Even though many of her books contain blood and gore and fighting, I think a lot of people would like to read S. M. Reine’s books. I find it best to start out with the werewolf books, Six Moon Summers, etc. Rylie’s stories, then proceed to the Cain Chronicles. Then there is Descent and Ascension series with Elise and James. Sarah drags all the characters you know and love through all the books. I love that as you get to know everyone so intimately. Charater depth at is best! Enjoy!
Fingersmith by Sarah Waters
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If only I could stay awake after finishing reading a book so as to write the review right then. Now I almost gave the book four stars because the excitement had abated. But I asked myself how was the writing? It was very well done. Such a blessing against all the newer authors’ works. Then I asked, How was the plot, did it hold together, make me want more? As if in answer I remembered not being able to stop reading. I thought it about it during my non-reading times. And how about the characters? Did I care about them? You bet! I even cared about the support teams at home and elsewhere. All were well-developed and fleshed out. And the question I ask that would make a difference in whether a book gets four or five stars: Will I remember it fondly much later. I could answer that with a resounding, YES!
So there you have it a five star book! And that rating works for the hardback that I had to reference to on ocassions and the Kindle version I used the most. I even rate the narrator, Juanita McMahon, as she was able to add to the stories depth and enjoyment, for me. She acted out the characters with such strength that I missed her voice when I read without the Audible version. In fact, because there is something glitchy with the Audible/Kindle sych, where it didn’t quite meet up and so I couldn’t read in the same place as the narrator, I ended up listening more and crocheted on my WIP only glancing at the hardback from time to time.
For those afraid to read something labeled lesbian or LGBT, this book is mild and the erotic scene plays into the full story. The story is what pulls you, what is going to happen, keeps you reading. It is not erotica for erotica’s sake. Not that that is a bad thing in my book. However, when teachers are assigning classics to their classes, Fingersmith should be there right alongside of A Tale of Two Cities or Oliver.
By the way, another thing that brings this book up to its five-star rating is the satisfying ending. And the feeling that I would love to read this again someday, and other works by Sarah Waters. I do have the Fingersmith DVD and can hardly wait to watch it!
Apple Cider Vinegar Miracle Health System by Paul Bragg
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
In my cabinets, you will nearly always find, Bragg’s old fashioned Apple Cider Vinegar. In my fridge, Bragg’s Amminos. So this book sang to the choir in this case. I merely wanted to learn more about the usefulness of AVC.
Instead, what I found was A Bragg’s lifestyle commercial that included far too much of their religion rather than science,
Still, I did learn a few things and felt better about my constant love for AVC water to drink. In my own life I have seen my waist wittle, my tummy shrink. No, I am not skinny, but I feel better about what is happening with this old bod.
It is worth the read, if only for ideas of uses and recipes to include AVC in your daily diet.
Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Should I start with the good or the bad about this book? Eh, I’ll just let it flow as it comes to me.
This was the paperback. The font was so tiny and the spaces between lines was tiny. I could only digest a page or two at a time.
This is written by a male who only spoke of mankind. Oh, he spoke of his wife a couple times. Once he said, and I can’t find it to quote exactly, that his wife was appropriately quiet in response to his great idea. I know this was a time when women should be the rib and mothers of men. Not real people with their own minds and abilities. This macho writing was what my reading diet was as a young girl. This is why I look so hard for Bechdel approved work. And I don’t just want two fems that talk a little to each other. I want fems of all shapes, sizes, ages, and belief systems. Please! Not another high-heels bimbo! But I digress. (ME?)
In spite of those problems of reading an old book, I found a lot of inspiration toward my own writing. In fact, the best chapter was called, On the Shoulders of Giants. I wanted to quote many line from that. I want to re-read it often. The book is worth the read if only for the tidbits in this section.
My favorite idea found in this book is his interpretation of science fiction and its importance to life itself. Sci-fi is the think-tank for science. Then science invents what we dreamed and it becomes a never-ending idea machine…and fems can add to that in great numbers and less wars!
Apocalypto: Omnibus by L.K. Rigel
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I am not finished reading this omnibus. But, you know? I still can’t get into it and I have reached 66%. There are many good ideas brought up but I never could relate with the main characters or the story thread. It may just be me. Maybe you will like it.
Space Junque by L.K. Rigel
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Strong fem lead. Check. Space ships and shuttles. Check. Dystopian post apocalyptic world. Check. Adventure. Check. BUT… The story had holes and often lost me. Dare I even say, it bored me? Yet, I couldn’t resist looking to see if I have book two. Big mistake. I’ve started reading it. Actually, not only do I have the next book, I have the omnibus edition with all three books. So that is what I will be reading from next.
Space Junque has been on my to read shelf for so long I had forgotten it. I’m glad I finally got around to reading it. It is unique in the genre. I’m hoping the next parts of the story are better.
How to Braid Hair: Learn How to Do the Most Popular Hair Braiding Styles. Learn How to Braid Your Own Hair, How to Do a French Braid, How to French Braid Your Own Hair, How to Dutch Braid it and More! by Karen A. Reid
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Well, I’m certainly glad I didn’t buy this book. For this visual learner the written instructions had me lost most of the time. The pictures were very vague, and few. The only saving grace for this book was the collection of YouTube links to watch instructions to braiding hair. To tell the truth I got to where I was just skimming the words to get to the next picture. So this was almost a useless read. I don’t feel any closer to knowing how to do the harder braids than I was before.
If you do well with written instructions this might be a book for you. For me? Meh.
Sunspots by Karen S. Bell
My rating: 1 of 5 stars
I’m sorry. I just couldn’t get into this book. The first chapter was okay. I felt sorry for the main character as she lived through her losses. But mostly the rest was memories of her falling in love with the cowboy-lawyer or whatever he was. I just didn’t like the characters and the writing was so boring that I was looking for other things to read. So thanks. But no thanks. Not for me. I see that others loved it so it must be the kind you love or hate. There are books for everyone and all moods.
By the way, I picked this up for free from BookRooster for honest review.
Morning in the Burned House by Margaret Atwood
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I borrowed this book from my daughter ages ago. She and I both forgot I had it. I remember visiting her and finding it and sitting and reading with fascination during some boring quiet time. She had many poems dogeared and I could say those were my favorites also. I like Margaret Atwood’s writing style, her descriptions were wonderful.
Though the font was small the format of poetry left plenty of empty page to rest my eyes. Even so I needed to take my time with it to fully absorb the depth of the poems before me. I haven’t read poetry for a long time so I had to remember how to think in that abstract way.
Still, I think it’s about time I read The Handmaid’s Tale that was recommended to me decades ago by my friend.
Darswords 
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