Sandra
This review is based COMPLETELY on the book itself and nothing else
So, I provided a critical review and it gets removed?Mmm okay. That action shows me that reviewers can not provide honest reviews. The Crystal Keepers still needs an editor to fix all the issues within the book. In Chapter 1, Rain of Stars, the first issue that I came across is the usage of an ellipsis after the word "expected". I do not understand why it is used because an ellipsis is used when there is an omission from speech or writing of a word or words that are superfluous or able to be understood from contextual clues. However, if one reads the first chapter the usage of the ellipsis is wrong. Now, one would assume that it's used to create an extended pause before the Farmer speaks again to create the "lost in thought" feel but we do not have enough contextual clues.It feels unnecessary and forced due to there are only three lines of conversation. before the ellipsis.Another issue I have is this quote "he could see a valley of tall mountains and snowy peaks, the land carved into sections by toothy rocks and plates stabbing up from the skin of the Earth's crust" but... I will digress here."This world was etched upon a land that had fallen dark. Stars shone down from a palette of blackness above, swimming in the smoky light of nebulas - clouds of green and blue mist that coiled above like a splash of paint in the sky".The world-building so far that has happened is 100% clunky and harsh to read. However, it is not bad, but not good. One does not know how to feel yet because it is only the start of the book.Another example to show you what I mean. The quote "to listen to crickets chirp..." needs to be reworded because there is something about it that is just... Rough.The other issue that I have throughout this whole book is the repetition of words. For example, the words air, wind, blue, and other colors of the rainbow are overused. Now, sometimes the reader does get a different description word but that too gets overused and/or intertwined with the past descriptor words. When it comes to the description of Characters some aspects make sense but other aspects do not. However, the reader will experience loads of simple grammatical issues that should have been addressed before being given the "okay". I did a full review on my blog account because I knew... That review that I did back in 2023 took me 7 days to do because it was in-depth and most of it was talking about the grammatical, spelling, syntax, plot, and character issues. When I say there is a lot, I mean there is a lot.Anyway, like I said in the original review this is not a book but there are also major issues within the book that hinder the potential of this book.The idea is good but the way it was handled ruins it.
TW/CW for Another omnibus:
There are depictions of:
1) graphic violence
2) consumption of alcohol
3) death
4) blood
...Overall, it was a good manga. The first 200 pages are slow but after that, the pace picks up and stays consistent over the whole manga. Some parts that involved the main character's aunt did become... dull and repetitive but after finishing the manga it all makes sense.
The initial setup of Another was boring and most of the characters were bland until that first death happened. After that the plot and two main characters became interesting. There was an attempt at a "haunted/creepy" school vibe but I did not get that. Even with the mysterious deaths taking place the school still seemed "bright/happy". The only time I got the haunted/creepy vibes was when the students went to the abandoned part of the school and got that cassette tape.
There are awkward parts throughout the whole manga. I noticed it when I was around page 206 when the boys were talking about the curse of classroom 3 but never really talked about the curse. This happened a few times until that student became a "not here" as well.
As for the disturbing aspect of the manga, it was... Okay... If I am being honest. The audience does not develop any emotional connection to those deaths to make it more profound and/or disturbing. The concept felt rushed. It was like... "Oh, we need to hurry up and kill off all these side characters".
I loved it and hated certain parts. Well one part in particular. How dare Brandon Sanderson get me attached to a certain character then kill them off.
I have read this book a few times since being out of school. I personally cannot get into this book. When I was first introduced to holes in middle school I did not like it. An I always thought it was me being forced to read it, but that was not the case. I just find this book personally boring an dull. It does have scene of excitement but I think for me it wasn't enough excitement. But there is an audience for this book, it is just not me.
It's... not bad. In my opinion, it's average at best.
I found this in my local library and checked it out because I didn't know that my friend from Maine, that I always see at our fair had a new book out.
I keep giving his “newer” books a chance and each time... I'm left with disappointed or wondering if his son is ghost writing for him. In my opinion, something happened in 2010/2011 that his books/writing just felt off.
Anyway... I'm rambling.
I checked it out and noticed this is a book filled with short stories. Which I do tend to enjoy. The quality of each one is not the same. I... I'm sad to admit that a lot of this is forgettable. And the ones that I can remember like the answer man are just... Okay.
The book “Is a Worry Worrying you”, is a quaint little book for children and adults can enjoy too. One can learn why worrying will worry you. and how to not worry anymore.
The writing just compliments the story as a whole. The illustrations are unique and whimsical. I enjoyed reading it to my little one. It would be a book that we would read nightly.
Thank you Netgalley and Sparkpress for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my opinion.
The Others by Evette Davis has a very interesting idea that piqued my interest. “A centuries-old vampire, William is far too jaded to take an interest in human affairs—but Olivia no longer has the luxury of remaining impartial”. I was sold for this book at that description. However, the contents of the book read rather... rudimentary for me. I don't mind when I can't connect to characters based on physical, emotional, or other characteristics that make up someone. However, these characters lacked... personality. There is some personality among the characters but.. limited.
I... it's hard to write this review. I wanted to like The Others because I haven't read a good vampire book in a few years and I enjoy politics in books. But this... I'm disappointed.
It's... blasé??
2.5 but round up to 3 stars
It took me forever to find this book to read. Nice little book. Simpl to read a nice change of pace from all the college books I read.
I don't know about this book. It was a challenge for me to read because I was bored reading it. I think it might be a me issue. I no longer find inspiration or the motivation to read Stephen King books anymore.
Date:September 4th, 2022
Started reading it today and got to page 90. Wow, there is a lot going on. Although, I am happy to see Robin make friends. The whole situation with the poker and taking about how his blood is x, y, and z bothered me. His adopter is cold and vile.
Date: April 6th, 2022
Patiently waiting
Date: 8/16/2022
One week, ONE week left until it is released to the public. Granted my copy will probably be a week late because that happens in my life.
Date: 8/22/2022
Tomorrow is release day and I am excited. I can not wait to get my hands on Babel and read it. Do not let me down.
Not bad but horribly repetitive. I do wish it had a little more than “Mr. Seahorse swimming, sees a fish hiding behind something then Stumbles upon a male fish with eggs”.
sigh
I have attempted to read this book several times and each time I have DNF'd the book under 50%-70%. Then I attempted to listen to several different audiobooks and that too became a DNF. At first I thought the narrators ruined it and I was just not in the mood to read this.
However, once again I find myself DNF'ing this book by both reading and listening to it.
This is truly the most boring book I have ever attempted to read in my life.
At this point, I'm just gonna google the cliff notes version of Lolita.
Cute little stories. Only one I don't like to read to the kiddo is the bad bunny one. I personally think it sends the wrong message towards younger children and gives them an idea that if they mess up or slip up often they are “bad”.
Thank you, NetGalley for providing me with a copy of The Phoenix King by Aparna Verma.
The phoenix king is an enjoyable read, with multi-POVs. The plot line is enjoyable but takes a little bit to get into. Once you do get into this book it opens up. The book is slightly flawed and fell short in some areas. Overall, it is a decent/good book. My biggest issues are, I wanted more from the characters and less world-building but for me, it sits at 4 stars.
I believe that the future books are going to make the series even better and I can not wait.
Update December 2023:I literally gave up after February/march. Depression hit me hard and reading felt like another thing that I must do. Putting all the books I read into this like I have done for a few years was and is still too much for me to do. Now, 2023 wasn't 100% a bad year but it wasn't good either. So, I'm finishing the 2023 reading year early. And... I know I am not going to read anymore books, let alone finish them before the end of the year. Good luck to everyone with your reading goals. I hope you all have a great end of the year and a wonderful new year. January[b:Pieces of Me 60784525 Pieces of Me Kate McLaughlin https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1651132104l/60784525.SY75.jpg 86064345] by [a:Kate McLaughlin 19515933 Kate McLaughlin https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1575654907p2/19515933.jpg]Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - January 6th, 2023[b:I'm Glad My Mom Died 59364173 I'm Glad My Mom Died Jennette McCurdy https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1649286799l/59364173.SY75.jpg 93537110] by [a:Jennette McCurdy 15457334 Jennette McCurdy https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1667294883p2/15457334.jpg]Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - January 17th, 2023February[b:The Real World 62185485 The Real World (Eighth Edition) Kerry Ferris https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1661829433l/62185485.SX50.jpg 97972918] by [a:Kerry Ferris and Jill Stein 23458438 Kerry Ferris and Jill Stein https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ - February 19th, 2023[b:Encyclopedia of Diversity and Social Justice 24962218 Encyclopedia of Diversity and Social Justice Sherwood Thompson https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1424245792l/24962218.SX50.jpg 44625250] by [a:Sherwood Thompson 6228925 Sherwood Thompson https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ - February 19th, 2023[b:The SAGE Encyclopedia of Intercultural Competence 23371016 The SAGE Encyclopedia of Intercultural Competence Janet M. Bennett https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1422811999l/23371016.SX50.jpg 42929350] by [a:Janet M. Bennett 6746678 Janet M. Bennett https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ - February 19th, 2023[b:Toward a Psychology of Being 332792 Toward a Psychology of Being Abraham H. Maslow https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1347864021l/332792.SY75.jpg 2216557] by [a:Abraham H. Maslow 4570807 Abraham H. Maslow https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1396363623p2/4570807.jpg]Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ - February 19th, 2023[b:On Emotional Intelligence 23258980 On Emotional Intelligence (HBR's 10 Must Reads) Harvard Business Review https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1413517560l/23258980.SY75.jpg 42799988] by [a:Harvard Business Review 711739 Harvard Business Review https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1430484897p2/711739.jpg]Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ - February 19th, 2023
update:2025
It’s still not good a book for me. It’s still extremely basic and tropey.
This book reads like “let us take every single idea that is in fantasy and put it in book”. I can't stand this book and I know I'm apart of the 1%. But... omg. Why was this even hyped. Did the author even write this?I would love quality writing and storytelling back... please
So, it has taken me a while to figure out what I wanted to say about this book. Many other reviewers have already stated the issues within this book and since I am late to the game I will keep this short.
Overall:
This book is very problematic in many ways and treads a very, veryyyy, dangerous line. The stereotypes used throughout this book are disgusting and detrimental to the LGBTQ community, along with the mental health community. This book belongs in the 50's and not 2022. Most of us readers understand that this is dystopian, and it is dark, but this villainizes a marginalized community that already experiences so much discrimination.
A wonderful fantasy horror book. Everyone needs to take medications to stop dreaming. If one dreams you will become your own worst nightmare. The protagonist Ness has a fear of Nightmares, ever since someone she loved turned into a spider and ate her father. The plot is wonderful and fascinating. City of Nightmares is very well executed. .
I loved it a lot. I was in a reading slump and after reading crawl. I wanted more.
It is so hard to leave a proper review without giving spoilers. But, fabulous job. Please keep writing and creating books like this.
Thank you for getting me out of a reading slump.
Thank you for allowing me to review an copy ( even though I volunteered for it lol).
Must read more of your books. I'm obsessed now.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an audiobook ARC.
I normally do not read these books but the Cover of Jester alone intrigued me to give it a try and I am glad that I did because I love Jester. The narrator also did a superb job. I have no complaints about the narrator.
The characters and plot were well developed and it meshed well together. Jester felt well thought out and complete.
Wonderful story
sigh
I...
I don't even know what to say and let me explain why. This was utterly boring.
It's so boring that the characters and everything else about this book are easily forgotten about.
I was so bored with this book that I forgot about it and cleaned. I managed to wash, fold and put up my clothes, children's clothes and husbands. I also did the dishes and vacuumed the floors. Then I made food for everyone in the house.
It wasn't until the middle of the day that I realized I still had one earbud in listening to this book and that was all because the earbud beeped that it needed to be charged.
So... yeah.
The narrator has a wonderful voice but the overall story. I can't figure out why it is so popular.
Cute little book of poems from J.R.R.Tolkien's The Hobbit. I enjoyed the illustrations more than the poems that most fans of Tolkien know.
It's.... Umm... average, maybe even below average standards.
Kinda cheesy, kinda good, a lot of bad and it requires little to no effort from one's brain to read.
I... I Don't know anymore my brain hurts from all the corny smut books that have been coming out over the last 3 years.