Life Altering Reads

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The Titan Drowns

The Titan Drowns - Nhys Glover What I didn't like. A few book club members and I felt that the time travel elements of the story were lost between so many different characters and their relationships.

Did you find that the cover and title represented what the story was really about? Definitely. If I were to come across the cover in a book shop, I would definitely buy it. By the description and the cover, you expect romance and you will not be disappointed.

What did you think of the story structure? Each character is given his or her space in the story without too much darting back and forth. I liked this part of the book. Although there were numerous characters, their stories were not at all confusing.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

Semmant

Semmant - Vadim Babenko Would you recommend this book? How would you rate it? ***

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoy science fiction. I loved the idea of a man creating a robot.

What do you think will be your lasting impression of this book?

The book was about an eccentric scientist and his quest for knowledge and recognition. It was about money, power and women.

What did you like least?

It was easy to dislike Bogdan. But I also felt sorry for him. Maybe if he had had a different childhood, things would have turned out differently for him.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

Too Many Secrets (Cleo Sims Mystery #3)

Too Many Secrets (Cleo Sims Mystery #3) - Lynn Osterkamp Did you find that the cover and title represented what the story was really about? The title was perfect for the book. Everyone has secrets but the characters seemed to have more than normal. The cover was bland and did not seem to fit the story.

Do any characters grow or change during the course of the novel? Cleo and Pablo grow in their relationship. Gayle grows and learns everything that was happening with the Maxie members, Ian grows and learns that his Aunt Brandi is not what she seems.

Where did the story take place? Boulder, Colorado

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

The Italian Connection 1 (Dojo Boys, #4)

The Italian Connection 1 (Dojo Boys, #4) - Alex A. Akira Would you recommend it? Definitely. This story was touching, reflective and would make for a great weekend read.

What did you think of the main character? The main character was why I did not want to put this book down.

Were there any other especially interesting characters? Julian and Phillip. I just cannot decide which one I like most.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

Eyes of Ember (Imdalind #2)

Eyes of Ember (Imdalind #2) - Rebecca Ethington What did you like about it? When she was told she was a drake, like her father.

Was it a good book? It was okay, but without having read the first book, this one is hard to understand.

What did you dislike? The constant whining by Joclyn. Did not feel this was needed for the story and just made me dislike her.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

Amidst Traffic

Amidst Traffic - Matthew Kovalcik (Photographer) Did this book give you any new ideas about yourself? To never allow my faith in God to waver. No matter what, He is always beside me and everyone else. The author may not have wanted this to be a spiritual book, but that is how I took the meaning.

Which character could you relate to best? June, she was just trying to help someone else see God’s love and how he allows us a choice.

What have you read that is similar to this book? I have never read anything similar to this book. I question if there is any book similar. Great thought provoking read.

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)

The Shadow of the Unicorn: The Legacy (The Shadow of the Unicorn, #1) - Suzanne de Montigny Do any characters grow or change during the course of the novel? Ishmael changed but it was too late. He lost everything and then realized everything he had.

What is the time period in which the book happens? The book is at the beginning of time right before the ice age.

Which characters do you particularly admire or dislike? I did not like Ishmael and his men they were bad.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

Review written by the kids at an after school program.

Pain and Gain - The Untold True Story

Pain and Gain - The Untold True Story - Marc  Schiller List the five major events in the story in the correct order. Marc lived with his wife and child.

He started two businesses. One with Jorge, the other with his brother. He was kidnapped and tortured for 30 days and then woke up in the hospital. He spent years working with the police and courts to finally get justice.

Describe what is happening in the first part of the book. The first part is about the torture he had to endure. The beginning talks about his childhood. The struggles he endured as a young boy in another country.

What did the title have to do with the book? The entire book is about pain. It is the true story of what really happened, in Marc's own words.





Disclosure - I received a free copy of the book which did not affect my honest opinion.

Barbed-Wire Butterflies

Barbed-Wire Butterflies - Jessica Kristie Which did you find more appealing, the introduction or the conclusion? The whole book kept me on the edge of my seat. The ending was great.

Why would you recommend or not recommend this book?
I would recommend this book for all ages. It's a bit graphic, but teens need to know of the dangers out there.

Did the book description relate to the story?
The description was right on and the author is a wonderful writer.




Disclosure - I received a free copy of the book which did not affect my honest opinion.

Diary of a Beverly Hills Matchmaker

Diary of a Beverly Hills Matchmaker - Marla Martenson Content (overall theme, idea and setting). The idea was interesting and the book was well-written.

What I liked. Loved reading about all the parties and celebrities.

Secondary characters play an important role in this book. Donna Reed - Marla's mother. She was a nosy busybody. She did add some spice to the book.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.
Primal - D.A. Serra Is the plot well-developed? The plot is well developed and it makes sense. I felt the terror and suspense. I liked this book a lot.

How would the book have been different if it had taken place in a different time or place? Part of the suspense would have worked in a different time but the place worked very well with this story.

Make a list of facts you learned from the story. Alison was married to Hank and they have one son named Jimmy. There were four brothers involved in the killings. They killed their uncle Rafe and then their mother. Killed several at the fishing camp.

Alison was a teacher. Hank owned a business called, Pump Up The Volume. Warden Tummelson had been at the prison for 11 years. Mr. Hobbs owned the fishing camp. The story took place in MN. The brothers broke Ben out of prison.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

The Symbolon: Book 2 of The SIbylline Trilogy (Volume 2)

The Symbolon - Delia J. Colvin Did you find that the cover and title represented what the story was really about? The title was good. But you had to read to find out the meaning of the title. Might have chosen a different title. Cover looked appealing.

What did you think of the story structure? I feel like this book needed to be told in chunks although some readers may disagree. It held your interest. Made the book gritty.

Which secondary character resonated most with you and why? Caleb, he was a young boy that helped Alex and Valeria escape. He was also going to be the best man at Alex and Valeria's wedding.

What did you think of the ending? Would have liked the ending to be a bit different, but I can see why the author did it.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

Forged in Grace

Forged in Grace - Jordan E. Rosenfeld Is the title a good one or a poor one and why? The title was fitting.

Did you like the way the story ended? Yes, I did. Took the girls, back where they started. Plus it took Grace back to Adam.

What did you think was the most interesting part of the book? Why? When Grace was delivering Marly's baby. Because Grace was there for Marly, when she desperately needed a best friend.

What did you enjoy about this book? Enjoyed this book a lot. Had everything a good story should have.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

Murder on the First Day of Christmas (Chloe Carstairs Mysteries) (Volume 1)

Murder on the First Day of Christmas - Billie Thomas Is the plot well-developed? Is it believable? Yes, I can see this type of revenge happening. The planning and everything.

Which characters do you particularly admire or dislike? I had a very hard time liking Angela.

How would the book have been different if it had taken place in a different time or place? I can see the story/plot happening anywhere in the world. I cannot see this happening more than 30-40 years in the past.

List the characters and describe them. Chloe – interior designer, fitness instructor. Amanda – mother to Chloe, retired interior designer. Tony – possibly a mob boss, restaurant owner. Alex – semi-retired lawyer, spouse to Amanda. Bunny – an over the hill diva. Gavin – doctor. Lady Chablis – chocolate lab. Saul – true crime author

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

Fatal Trial

Fatal Trial - Mick Bose
Did the plot pull you in or did you feel you had to force yourself to read the book? The plot did not grab my attention fully, but I did not force myself to read the book. With some minor editing this could be a great read.

How realistic was the characterization? Did the actions of the characters seem plausible? Most actions by the main characters seemed credible. I do questions some of the actions by nurses/doctors. At the beginning of Chapter 3 Judy, a nurse, asks Dr. Querci to sign papers so she can give a patient his medicine. It did seem strange that a doctor would sign something without looking at a patient.

How you define yourself is a central theme in this story. I can see myself as a child looking for my parent. I could not see myself as a doctor or any position in the medical field.

What did you think of the ending? I enjoyed the ending, but felt the epilogue was thrown in as an afterthought. It felt like the author thought it needed something. Did not feel it went along with the book.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.

Marching With Caesar: Civil War

Marching With Caesar: Civil War - R.W. Peake
What do you think is the climax of the book and why. I felt there were several different climax’s thru out the book. Each time Titus/Caesar won a battle was a small climax.

Who do you think the author intended to read this book and why? People who are interested in history or historical fiction. As to why, I can only guess but it maybe that he is a wonderful author.

If you could only save one character from the book, which one would it be and why? Well, since my favourite character was not hurt I honestly do not know who I would pick. I guess I would pick Didius so he would not have his leg amputated.

Is the title a good one? Perfect title. I am amazed at how wonderful the title fits the book.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author.