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samantha_randolph's Reviews (1.59k)
I received a free ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In this tale of good versus evil, a prophecy concerning two people, a good man and a woman full of hate, must be answered. Will evil and hate succeed or will good be able to change evil?
From the first page of this book, I was drawn into this unique world. Though the world building wasn't as in-depth as I wanted, you still get a strong sense of what kind of place it is. You get a feel for the people without really knowing about their specific customs or lifestyle. The benefit to this was that the two main characters became the focus. Many people are so bent on killing the evil from the prophecy, killing the woman who is destined to destroy them all, but not the man of good. He sees the chance for something else, a chance to change the heart of this supposedly evil woman. While the characters are very charming on their own, they also provoke serious religious questions on good versus evil. What is the best way to truly take down evil? Is it even possible? What must good do to win out? The character development for both sides in this novel showed heart and courage, as well as some great writing.
The only reason I take away a star (and it would really only be half a star if Goodreads was set up for that) is because I personally would've liked more details on their world, aside from their calendars. However, I do think there will be a sequel, and that always shows promise for more world developing.
If you like epic fantasies, Christian-themed fantasies, or just a good story, I would highly recommend this book.
In this tale of good versus evil, a prophecy concerning two people, a good man and a woman full of hate, must be answered. Will evil and hate succeed or will good be able to change evil?
From the first page of this book, I was drawn into this unique world. Though the world building wasn't as in-depth as I wanted, you still get a strong sense of what kind of place it is. You get a feel for the people without really knowing about their specific customs or lifestyle. The benefit to this was that the two main characters became the focus. Many people are so bent on killing the evil from the prophecy, killing the woman who is destined to destroy them all, but not the man of good. He sees the chance for something else, a chance to change the heart of this supposedly evil woman. While the characters are very charming on their own, they also provoke serious religious questions on good versus evil. What is the best way to truly take down evil? Is it even possible? What must good do to win out? The character development for both sides in this novel showed heart and courage, as well as some great writing.
The only reason I take away a star (and it would really only be half a star if Goodreads was set up for that) is because I personally would've liked more details on their world, aside from their calendars. However, I do think there will be a sequel, and that always shows promise for more world developing.
If you like epic fantasies, Christian-themed fantasies, or just a good story, I would highly recommend this book.
Black Moon is the first installment of books about Paige Tailor, an 18-year-old who finds out she is half fairy, and royalty at that. The concept is unique and original and reads quickly. It takes a new spin in things supernatural while also showing some strong family ties. I really enjoyed reading it, but some parts had me a little confused. When the romantic interest comes in, it wasn't well defined. I thought she was an enemy at first, and not a romantic one at that. While I have no problem with different sexualities in books, it just isn't really my cup of tea.
Overall, if you're looking for something new in the supernatural world, I would recommend this to you. It reads well and the plot flows smoothly. 3/5 stars
Overall, if you're looking for something new in the supernatural world, I would recommend this to you. It reads well and the plot flows smoothly. 3/5 stars
I received a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.
Dive into a historical fiction page turner in Uke Jackson's Moon of Innocence. This book is fast-paced, a quick read, and goes into surprising depth for being a fairly short novel (under 200 pages).
When two teenagers learn what love and lust are for the first time, the girl Maria gets pregnant. With an already abusive father, an already forbidden love, what will happen when tensions rise?
This book had a lot to offer on different levels. Two central characters are teenagers, but they aren't the only focus. The history is great without being overloading, and the suspense is excellent. I really enjoyed this read, and if you like historical fiction and suspense, I would recommend it to you. 5/5 stars.
Dive into a historical fiction page turner in Uke Jackson's Moon of Innocence. This book is fast-paced, a quick read, and goes into surprising depth for being a fairly short novel (under 200 pages).
When two teenagers learn what love and lust are for the first time, the girl Maria gets pregnant. With an already abusive father, an already forbidden love, what will happen when tensions rise?
This book had a lot to offer on different levels. Two central characters are teenagers, but they aren't the only focus. The history is great without being overloading, and the suspense is excellent. I really enjoyed this read, and if you like historical fiction and suspense, I would recommend it to you. 5/5 stars.
I received a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.
Have you ever met someone or made a choice and wondered what would have happened if you had done something differently, even if it was something as small as choosing a different seat somewhere or going to a different place for vacation?
Beyond Parallel plays out two different lives of Bella and Clark, one where they met and one where they did not. It shows how one small choice can drastically change your future whether it seems significant at the time or not and makes you wonder, are some things really meant to be? If something is supposed to happen, like a specific meeting, will it eventually happen?
I really enjoyed the thought provoking aspect this book gave me. In theory, it's a great concept and potentially great literature. However, I did have an issue with it. It was extremely helpful that the author labeled each chapter "with" or "without", and minus a little confusion at first, the parallel part to the story wasn't what I had issues with. The characters of Bella and Clark were not my favorite. Both could be so back and forth in their thoughts. In one paragraph, they didn't want something. In the next, boom, they want it now. It just gave them the impression of being unreliable in what they say and their actions. If it had only been one of them or only happened a few times, it wouldn't have been such a big deal, but it happened very frequently, especially toward the end.
Clark and Bella's swings were really the only major issue I had, though. The plot was solid, unfolded beautifully, and I think the author did an impressive job in mastering a challenging process of keeping the two lives on track. Overall, 3/5 stars.
Have you ever met someone or made a choice and wondered what would have happened if you had done something differently, even if it was something as small as choosing a different seat somewhere or going to a different place for vacation?
Beyond Parallel plays out two different lives of Bella and Clark, one where they met and one where they did not. It shows how one small choice can drastically change your future whether it seems significant at the time or not and makes you wonder, are some things really meant to be? If something is supposed to happen, like a specific meeting, will it eventually happen?
I really enjoyed the thought provoking aspect this book gave me. In theory, it's a great concept and potentially great literature. However, I did have an issue with it. It was extremely helpful that the author labeled each chapter "with" or "without", and minus a little confusion at first, the parallel part to the story wasn't what I had issues with. The characters of Bella and Clark were not my favorite. Both could be so back and forth in their thoughts. In one paragraph, they didn't want something. In the next, boom, they want it now. It just gave them the impression of being unreliable in what they say and their actions. If it had only been one of them or only happened a few times, it wouldn't have been such a big deal, but it happened very frequently, especially toward the end.
Clark and Bella's swings were really the only major issue I had, though. The plot was solid, unfolded beautifully, and I think the author did an impressive job in mastering a challenging process of keeping the two lives on track. Overall, 3/5 stars.
Sophie and Jamie, a young married couple in 2007, have a problem. Sophie is dying, because her heart is failing. While hooked up to machines in their home, she is suddenly transported back into her favorite time in history: the Civil War era. Now, she is healed, healthy, but confused as to how she got there and where Jamie is. Back home in the present, her body is gone and Jamie is frantic.
This historical romance was a pleasure to read. The writing is smooth and the characters very relatable. While there was a solid balance of history and mystery in the plot, the romance stayed consistent and sweet, without being over the top, throughout the story. Sophie and Jamie have a great relationship, and it really shows throughout the story. This is the first in a series, and after reading the first, I'm definitely eager to see what happens in book 2.
This historical romance was a pleasure to read. The writing is smooth and the characters very relatable. While there was a solid balance of history and mystery in the plot, the romance stayed consistent and sweet, without being over the top, throughout the story. Sophie and Jamie have a great relationship, and it really shows throughout the story. This is the first in a series, and after reading the first, I'm definitely eager to see what happens in book 2.
This was a hard choice between a 1 or 2 star for me. Southern Greed is about a woman who falls for a con man and a series of mysteries and plot twists unfold. It doesn't sound bad, it sounds really good. Unfortunately, sounding and being aren't the same thing.
In this book, I felt like all the pieces were there. The reason two stars won out is because of those pieces. There is so much potential here for a great story, but it is at it's absolute raw form. The main woman, whose actual name is part of the plot twists so I won't give it away, is an unreliable narrator in every sense. I would strongly suspect her of having a mental illness from repressed trauma. I'm not saying that to be mean. There are beautiful pieces of literature that have characters struggling with internal trauma. However, I can't tell if the author means for her to or not. If not, her character is naive and nearly delusional to the point of being ridiculous. If she is supposed to have an issue with trauma, it needs to be more clear. Let the reader see her unreliability, so they can understand the story around her. Don't make the reader stretch their mind so far as to believe she is fully sane.
I think plot twists you don't see coming are great. However, as shocking as they are, there HAS to be some foundation for it to be plausible within the realm of the story. Some of the twists just weren't backed up well.
This book needs heavy, heavy, heavy revision. But I do think something is there for it. It could potentially be a great historical suspense; I really can see that. It just needs extreme amounts of time and work done to it. Shaky 2/5 stars.
In this book, I felt like all the pieces were there. The reason two stars won out is because of those pieces. There is so much potential here for a great story, but it is at it's absolute raw form. The main woman, whose actual name is part of the plot twists so I won't give it away, is an unreliable narrator in every sense. I would strongly suspect her of having a mental illness from repressed trauma. I'm not saying that to be mean. There are beautiful pieces of literature that have characters struggling with internal trauma. However, I can't tell if the author means for her to or not. If not, her character is naive and nearly delusional to the point of being ridiculous. If she is supposed to have an issue with trauma, it needs to be more clear. Let the reader see her unreliability, so they can understand the story around her. Don't make the reader stretch their mind so far as to believe she is fully sane.
I think plot twists you don't see coming are great. However, as shocking as they are, there HAS to be some foundation for it to be plausible within the realm of the story. Some of the twists just weren't backed up well.
This book needs heavy, heavy, heavy revision. But I do think something is there for it. It could potentially be a great historical suspense; I really can see that. It just needs extreme amounts of time and work done to it. Shaky 2/5 stars.
I received a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book tells the story of a model who, like most of us, has Shadows. Shadows are those voices inside your mind who tell you negative things and try to tear you down. She battles them throughout the book and you see the intense struggle she goes through.
The emotion was real and powerful in this book. Don't read it if you're looking for something light to pass the time. It's a serious book with serious ideas. That was one of my favorite parts about it, the real honesty it had. It tears your heart out in parts, but it leaves you with a great sense of hope, which is something we can never have too much of.
If you enjoy books like Go Ask Alice, give this a try.
This book tells the story of a model who, like most of us, has Shadows. Shadows are those voices inside your mind who tell you negative things and try to tear you down. She battles them throughout the book and you see the intense struggle she goes through.
The emotion was real and powerful in this book. Don't read it if you're looking for something light to pass the time. It's a serious book with serious ideas. That was one of my favorite parts about it, the real honesty it had. It tears your heart out in parts, but it leaves you with a great sense of hope, which is something we can never have too much of.
If you enjoy books like Go Ask Alice, give this a try.
I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads.
Wow! I'm more than a little speechless after reading this book. Chantress is the incredibly captivating story of a 15 year old named Lucy who finds out she is something forbidden: a Chantress. Her voice has power to sing things to enchantment. But the Lord residing over London wants to take her out, because she is the only one who can defeat him. Throw in an adorably torn guy named Nat, secondary characters that capture your heart, and a plot that will leave you breathless, and you have the magic that is Chantress.
From the first chapter, I couldn't put this book down. It reads very quickly, and the plot keeps you up at night to finish reading it. I think this is the first in a series, and if so, I cannot wait to find out what happens in the sequel. If you like historical fantasy, or if you have decent taste in books at all, you should pick this book up as soon as possible.
Wow! I'm more than a little speechless after reading this book. Chantress is the incredibly captivating story of a 15 year old named Lucy who finds out she is something forbidden: a Chantress. Her voice has power to sing things to enchantment. But the Lord residing over London wants to take her out, because she is the only one who can defeat him. Throw in an adorably torn guy named Nat, secondary characters that capture your heart, and a plot that will leave you breathless, and you have the magic that is Chantress.
From the first chapter, I couldn't put this book down. It reads very quickly, and the plot keeps you up at night to finish reading it. I think this is the first in a series, and if so, I cannot wait to find out what happens in the sequel. If you like historical fantasy, or if you have decent taste in books at all, you should pick this book up as soon as possible.
Sometimes the sad things are the most beautiful of all...
If you aren't looking for beauty and truth and love, do not read this book.
If you aren't open to having your heart torn apart in a beautiful and tragic and meaningful way, do not read this book.
But if you are, go read this. Have your heart warmed and broken as each piece of the puzzle of Autumn and Finny fall into place. Have the tragedy and beauty and meaning change you. Also, have a box, no, two boxes of kleenexes nearby. You will need them.
This book deserves more than 5 stars. Bravo is all I can manage to say.
If you aren't looking for beauty and truth and love, do not read this book.
If you aren't open to having your heart torn apart in a beautiful and tragic and meaningful way, do not read this book.
But if you are, go read this. Have your heart warmed and broken as each piece of the puzzle of Autumn and Finny fall into place. Have the tragedy and beauty and meaning change you. Also, have a box, no, two boxes of kleenexes nearby. You will need them.
This book deserves more than 5 stars. Bravo is all I can manage to say.
I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads.
This book is about a woman named Quinn who is told by the best man, Frank, at her wedding that her soon to be husband, aka his brother, is cheating on her. She calls off the wedding immediately, leaves for Vegas with Frank, and then pushes him away. Fast forward ten years through which she hasn't talked to either man and instead, has remained single and working as a wedding dress maker. When the brothers' grandmother comes to her with news of her own wedding, the two men are now back in town.
This was a humorous, fun, and even touching read. Quinn has incredible character development throughout the novel, and she has a very relatable personality. She has her weak moments, but never becomes annoying, and she has her strong moments, where you want to applaud her. I would probably categorize this as 'chick lit', but I think people who aren't a fan of the genre could enjoy it as well. Quinn is easily lovable, and it doesn't take long to get interested in her story. A very solid 4/5 stars. I know the author has written other books, and I will definitely be reading more of her work.
This book is about a woman named Quinn who is told by the best man, Frank, at her wedding that her soon to be husband, aka his brother, is cheating on her. She calls off the wedding immediately, leaves for Vegas with Frank, and then pushes him away. Fast forward ten years through which she hasn't talked to either man and instead, has remained single and working as a wedding dress maker. When the brothers' grandmother comes to her with news of her own wedding, the two men are now back in town.
This was a humorous, fun, and even touching read. Quinn has incredible character development throughout the novel, and she has a very relatable personality. She has her weak moments, but never becomes annoying, and she has her strong moments, where you want to applaud her. I would probably categorize this as 'chick lit', but I think people who aren't a fan of the genre could enjoy it as well. Quinn is easily lovable, and it doesn't take long to get interested in her story. A very solid 4/5 stars. I know the author has written other books, and I will definitely be reading more of her work.