3.5 Stars I have read all of this author's productivity books and regularly listen to their podcast. This one had some obvious recommendations (like ge3.5 Stars I have read all of this author's productivity books and regularly listen to their podcast. This one had some obvious recommendations (like getting enough sleep etc) but also some more inspiring ideas (like planning big and small adventures). I am not a fan of the “workbook” sections in self help books but that could have been an editing choice so I just won't reread those sections. I found some helpful sections so I would generally recommend this one...more
3.5 Stars This was an easy and enjoyable supernatural piece of urban fantasy. The ghosts were not at all scary in a horror way, but instead are present3.5 Stars This was an easy and enjoyable supernatural piece of urban fantasy. The ghosts were not at all scary in a horror way, but instead are presented as part of an adventure narrative. I enjoyed the historical setting with a focus on San Francisco Chinatown, a time period and place I am not overly familiar with.
It was a fun ride but ultimately not the most memorable one. I would recommend this one to readers looking for a fun action story....more
4.0 Stars I really enjoyed this first book in this nun assassin fantasy series. I went in with pretty high expectations and am happy to report that the4.0 Stars I really enjoyed this first book in this nun assassin fantasy series. I went in with pretty high expectations and am happy to report that they were met. I enjoyed Nona along with the supportive character. While not grimdark, I appreciated the dark realism of this one. It does not shy away from the grittiness of this world. Finally, someone who enjoys the school tropes, this one hit the right spot. I look forward to reading the next entry....more
I didn't quite enjoy this one as much as the first book in this companion series but I found it more compelling than the second book. It's ju3.5 Stars
I didn't quite enjoy this one as much as the first book in this companion series but I found it more compelling than the second book. It's just so easy to understand the fear and worry of a mother....more
3.0 Stars I loved the first book but struggled with this follow up novel. I found the premise objectively interesting but somehow the actual narrative 3.0 Stars I loved the first book but struggled with this follow up novel. I found the premise objectively interesting but somehow the actual narrative wasn't as compelling as I wanted it to be....more
3.5 Stars I adored Ace of Spades by the same author so I was eager to read this new release. The premise was arguably quite similar but I didn't mind. 3.5 Stars I adored Ace of Spades by the same author so I was eager to read this new release. The premise was arguably quite similar but I didn't mind. I was fine to read more of the same.
However this one started awfully slow and took a long time to get going. Unlike the author's debut, this one lacked the early juicy hook. Instead I had to push through for the sake of this review.
Thankfully the story ended really strong and I was ultimately glad I waited it out. The story had some more serious subject matter than Ace of Spades which landed to a more serious tone and less juicy.
I would definitely read whatever the author writes next and will likely reread Ace of Spades in the meantime.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
4.0 Stars This is the victim focused narrative that was sorely missing from the cannon of Ted Bundy true crime books. The authors do not shy away from 4.0 Stars This is the victim focused narrative that was sorely missing from the cannon of Ted Bundy true crime books. The authors do not shy away from the grotesque or brutal aspects of the crimes, which sometimes made this one hard to read. These details were not provided to sensational the crimes but rather to ground the true in the true wickedness of these acts. I also appreciate that this book set out to debunk the common myths about Bundy and instead bring the attention rightfully back to the victims....more
3.0 Stars As someone fascinated by the infamous cases of Ted Bundy's crimes, I was immediately interested when I learned about this thriller. In concep3.0 Stars As someone fascinated by the infamous cases of Ted Bundy's crimes, I was immediately interested when I learned about this thriller. In concept, I thought the focus on the victim, versus the villain, was a good choice.
In execution, I regrettably found this narrative so dry. The characters all felt incredibly flat. They experience horrible tragedy but the narrative did not evoke enough emotion.
I am disappointed because this story should have been so easy for me to love....more
4.0 Stars As someone fascinated by kidnapping stories, I was immediately drawn into this horrifying true fiction tale. I wasn't previously familiar wit4.0 Stars As someone fascinated by kidnapping stories, I was immediately drawn into this horrifying true fiction tale. I wasn't previously familiar with the case so I spent the entire book nervously wondering about the conclusion. As a parent, it's a nerve-wracking story. It was hard to read about the treatment of the young witnesses....more
4.0 Stars This was such an engaging start to a thriller series. I have read this author several times before and find Armstrong to be such a good story4.0 Stars This was such an engaging start to a thriller series. I have read this author several times before and find Armstrong to be such a good storyteller. I loved the premise and really enjoyed the Yukon setting. I will definitely continue with this series....more
4.0 Stars This is another “must read” for anyone like me who loves the amatuer perspective of true crime investigations. Like with I'll Be Gone in the 4.0 Stars This is another “must read” for anyone like me who loves the amatuer perspective of true crime investigations. Like with I'll Be Gone in the Dark, this one chronically a woman who develops a deep drive to solve cases. This book specifically focuses on Jane/John Does who haven't previously been identified. I thought it was a fresh focus that shred light on an area of investigation that doesn't get enough media attention. I found it fascinating to learn more details of the challenges that these cases face....more
3.0 Stars The numerological condition in this thriller was really interesting, although I have no idea of the accuracy of the details. This one started3.0 Stars The numerological condition in this thriller was really interesting, although I have no idea of the accuracy of the details. This one started out strong but as it went on to be a bit unfocused and unsatisfying. I wanted to love it more but the premise was stronger than the execution....more
4.0 Stars This is such a dark true crime account that happened right here in Canada. The author did a good job creating a narrative. I found the part s4.0 Stars This is such a dark true crime account that happened right here in Canada. The author did a good job creating a narrative. I found the part surrounding Dexter particularly interesting....more
3.5 Stars As someone who loves dinosaurs, I was quite excited to discover this story by Cixin Liu existed. The premise and plot are honestly quite weir3.5 Stars As someone who loves dinosaurs, I was quite excited to discover this story by Cixin Liu existed. The premise and plot are honestly quite weird and took some suspension of disbelief to wrap my head around. I liked parts of this one but honestly the setup was just too kooky for my personal tastes. If you like fables, you'll likely enjoy it more than me....more
This was a good short story collection. However I made the mistake of reading this one immediately 3.5 Stars Video Review: https://youtu.be/hFXGrkG_A64
This was a good short story collection. However I made the mistake of reading this one immediately after reading The Wandering Earth collection. That one was so incredible that this one paled in comparison. Some of the stories were better than others. My personal favourite was Contraction. I would still recommend it as long as you don't compare it too closely to the author's stronger works....more
I rarely read and review short fiction anymore because I prefer the epic scale of long fiction. How4.5 Stars Video Review: https://youtu.be/hFXGrkG_A64
I rarely read and review short fiction anymore because I prefer the epic scale of long fiction. However I am so glad I gave this one a try.
These were more novellas than short stories so they had the room to explore bigger ideas. Usually short story collections are hit or miss but I honestly loved nearly every story. There were so many creative ideas.
If you love The Three Body Problem, then you should definitely check out these short stories. You can see the author similar ideas that are fleshed out in their iconic trilogy.
Some of my favourite stories in the collection were The Wandering Era Curse 5.0 For the Benefit of Mankind The Micro Era...more
I am always drawn to science fiction novels involving artificial intelligence so I was very excited 3.0 Stars Video Review https://youtu.be/vANfnwA99y0
I am always drawn to science fiction novels involving artificial intelligence so I was very excited for the premise of this book.
The beginning immediately pulled me in as the story played with the social situations that would arise with artificial companions. However the story took a turn for the dramatic and quickly became all about relationship drama. While technically science fiction, this book will better appeal to those who love contemporary fiction and thrillers. It's very accessible but may disappoint those (like me) who hoped to approach this story from a place of science and technology.
4.0 Stars This is a slow burning weird surrealist piece of fiction. The premise requires an obvious suspension of belief but once I went along with the4.0 Stars This is a slow burning weird surrealist piece of fiction. The premise requires an obvious suspension of belief but once I went along with the story, I found myself hooked. Based on my personal tastes, I wish this story had leaned into horror but I can really criticize the book for not being something I wanted it to be. I would recommend this one to readers who enjoy lovely weird stories with beautiful prose....more
3.0 Stars This book offered some sound advice but mostly summarized ideas from the author's previous books. This one will most benefit individuals who 3.0 Stars This book offered some sound advice but mostly summarized ideas from the author's previous books. This one will most benefit individuals who have full control over their workdays....more
I can be a tough reviewer when it comes to thrillers but I have to admit, I had a really fun time w4.0 Stars Video Review: https://youtu.be/-6tcNZLQJpg
I can be a tough reviewer when it comes to thrillers but I have to admit, I had a really fun time with this one.
Given the subject matter, I appreciate how well the author handled this uncomfortable subject. The situation was not romanticized but instead offered an honest account of how young people fall into these victim situations.
As a thriller, I felt this one had good plot progression. I found the narrative fast paced or suspenseful. Most of the plot was rather predictable so it's not the kind of thriller that you'll “never see coming”. That being said, I had a fun time.
I would recommend this thriller to readers open to an uncomfortable thriller full of suspense.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
Rachel (TheShadesofOrange)
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