Jack Templar Monster Hunter: The Templar Chronicles: Book One
What were the main themes of the book? I would like to say monster hunting ... after all that's what the book was about, but there's more to it. Jack grows up and I think this was the most important part of the book. The story focused on learning about family and dealing with the past. Although not all issues are dealt with in this book and I expect there will be a continuation in the second book.Which did you find more appealing, the introduction or the conclusion? The conclusion was a slight turn off for me. A lot of us were expecting a huge, "aha" moment through the book. We got to the end and nothing came. So either our perceptions were off or the author was building up emotions for the second book. In other words, I preferred the introduction.
Why would you recommend or not recommend this book? I would recommend this book to anyone who doesn't mind a series and who enjoys fantasy adventure books.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Redwood Violet
Do any characters grow or change during the course of the novel? Readers do not have much but they see a small glimpse of Katie as a care-free fun loving young adult. She is mostly battling demons from her dreams. She changes and learning about what the dreams means has changed her to someone out for justice.List the places mentioned in the book. San Diego, Sacramento, Eureka, Rio Dell, Portland
If you were to talk with the author, what would you want to know? Is the story based on anything from real life? Why did you pick the USA east coast?
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
The Italian Connection 1 (Dojo Boys, #4)
Did the book end the way you expected? No, I did not like the cliff hanger. The author left too much open to satisfy me. Top 3 things I liked about the whole book. The emotion involved in each character, mystery surrounding Phillipe, Truly a unique read.
Who in this book would you most like to meet? Jun, really do not like his character. Just would like to punish him for the abuse he committed.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Refuge
What was the most exciting part of the book. When Noor got the news about the scholarship. She could get a good education. Travel to the States and send for her dad and sister. Their entire life would change, they would be free.Is the title a good one or a poor one and why? The title fits the book.
Find one word that describes a character in your book very well. Driven - He wanted to teach everyone he could, how to survive. He searched for Noor. He tried to help her family. He wanted to marry her, regardless of the problems it would bring. He paid cash to a family, so they wouldn't marry off their 12 year old daughter. He was to pay cash yearly, so she could remain in school.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Cruxim: You Are Never Alone (Paranormal Fallen Angels) (Volume 1)
Did anyone in the book do something you did not like? Why? Beltran and Gandler were evil men.What I didn't like. There wasn't anything that I disliked.
What problems does one of the characters have, and how does he or she solve it? Adedeo is held captive, starved, tortured and beaten. He refuses to give up. He breaks free and hunts for his ladies. His will and drive is remarkable. Killing vamps and drinking their blood renews his strength.
How would the book have been different if it had taken place in a different time or place? The story was about mythical creatures, so it needed to be set in that particular time.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Blown Circuit: Explosive Spy Action for Mystery Thriller Fans (#2)
Top 3 things I liked about the main character. He was dedicated, loyal, driven. He never ever gave up and the reader is given the adventure of a lifetime. What motivates a given character’s actions? Mike did whatever was necessary to try and find his father while he worked diligently to protect the world from disaster.
If you could continue the story, what events would you include? Finding Mike's father. Just needs to get some questions answered.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Helga: Out of Hedgelands (Wood Cow Chronicles, #1)
What did you think of the cover? I'm not a big fan of the dark cover because the image didn't really pop for me so I didn't quite understand what the cover was about. Was the book different from what you expected? The description gave me a good idea of what the book was going to be about and I wasn't disappointed. This is definitely a book that any middle grade child or adult will enjoy. The author has carefully contructed a new world and the reader is taken on a fascinating journey.
Would you recommend this book? My book club members and I immensely enjoyed this book and we look forward to reading other books in the series. This is an epic story which can also be made into a children's cartoon or a tv series. So yes, I definitely recommend this book.
Disclosure: I received a free book from the author. This did not affect my honest opinion.
INK
What did you think of the cover? This cover was one of our favourites at the book club. It was a good depiction of the topic and although simple, was to the point. Was the book different from what you expected? Not at all. The book description was fairly accurate and while we did expect it to cater only for writers, most of us at the book club found useful tips for book discussions and book reviews.
Would you recommend this book? To any writer looking to sharpen their craft, this book is definite must read. If you belong to a book club or review books, then you're also bound to learn a thing or two.
Disclosure: I received a free book from the author. This did not affect my honest opinion.
Gallows Ascending
What did you think of the cover? Well, it definitely fits the story although I'm not too sure why purple was used. With so many different sea scenes, one would think a sunset scene or colour would have been used. Was the book different from what you expected? In many ways, yes. I was expecting a run of the mill mystery with a dash of romance. The story had this and so much more. Beth and Luke are embroiled in layers of mystery and accusations. You tend to suspect everyone in the story until you get to the end, and there the twisted ending leaves you wanting to go back and read the first book just so you can understand Luke's character better.
Would you recommend this book? Yes, I would definitely recommend this book to any mystery fan that doesn't mind more than one mystery. This book is part of a series and I haven't finished reading the first book but Luke is a passionate character that deserves more attention.
Disclosure: I received a free book from the author. This did not affect my honest opinion.
Lessons from the Lemonade Stand: A Common Sense Primer on Investing
Are they personal, spiritual, societal, global, political, economic, medical, scientific? This book is more about economics. A short but very helpful explanationDo the issues affect your life? Almost everyone is affected with the economy. This little book offers advice on the subject in investing. With this book I have learned how to invest a little more wisely.
What evidence does the author give to support the book's ideas? The author is using common knowledge in his field. Knowledge that he and others in investment are aware but is not something the average investor knows about.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
The Shadow of the Unicorn: The Legacy (The Shadow of the Unicorn Series)
Summarize the book without giving away the ending. Death, destruction, and the emergence of new life. If you change the unicorns to people then it is people learning how to live after an apocalypse. Was the time period important to the story? Exact time is unknown. I believe the author was trying capture the earth during a simpler time.
How did the main character change during the novel? Azaria, did not grow a lot in character. He seems wise beyond his years at the beginning.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Pain and Gain - The Untold True Story
How did you feel about the main character? This book was so sad. It was heartbreaking to know that this dear man had to go through all this. He is a truly remarkable man. Everyone who reads this will feel the incredible strength and courage of this great man. He is a great inspiration for anyone who is suffering in any way. He says he has forgiven everyone that hurt him. What a marvelous way to look at the experience. Writing his book and forgiving his captors was what was needed to heal from this horrific ordeal.What did you think of the style of the writer? This was a book about a man that couldn't be broken mentally and emotionally. He never ever gave up despite the horrid circumstances.
Did you find any flaws in the book? Not a single one. This was a wonderful book that passes some blessings on to whoever reads it. It is humbling and heartfelt. God Bless this incredible man!
Disclosure - I received a free copy of the book which did not affect my honest opinion.
Greedy for Life: A Memoir on Aging with Gratitude
What were the main themes of the book? The book was about life, death , family and tradition.Describe 2 different settings or locations. Lori's house at Christmas. Several Christmas trees inside with lots of decorations. Old things handed down from 4 generations. Nana throwing the first ball at the Indian's game.
Were you able to connect with the main character and why? I was definitely able to connect with Lori. Although, scattered at times, her family life was easy to connect with.
Disclosure - I received a free copy of the book which did not affect my honest opinion.
Barbed-Wire Butterflies
What was the problem in the book, and how was it solved? Elani escaped and went to the FBI
Did anyone in the book do something you did not like? Captain Carleson and many of the guards were cruel, sadistic men.
What kind of book is this? Fiction. There really wasn't any evidence although many of us at the book felt like this could be a true story. It is real and it does happen, even here in the US.
Disclosure - I received a free copy of the book which did not affect my honest opinion.
Diary of a Beverly Hills Matchmaker
If you were to talk with the author, what would you want to know? How she was able to not tell the clients to how they were idiots.Which characters do you particularly admire or dislike? Aldofo.
What did you think of the ending? The ending was okay, felt like something was missing and would have liked to know more about Marla and less about her clients. Then again, I think most times these two elements were the same.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Sex and Death in the American Novel
What were the main themes of the book? I almost want to state, sex, drug and rock ‘n roll, but that would not fit here. Sex is a small part of this book, drugs and rock ‘n roll are not involved. It is almost like a great literary debate. To this reader the main theme is the characters finding themselves. Looking in the wrong places and wondering about what they found.
Describe 2 different settings or locations. Vivi up on stage dancing. Really liked the author’s description.
Were you able to connect with the main character and why? Vivianna was very easy to connect with. She thought she was a great disappointment to her parents but she actually held their respect.
Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.