The Backbone of the World was chilling and a bit creepy. Great suspenseful lead up, the the end was wild and nuts for me. I didn't understand it, but if still gave me chills. I'd love to know what other people thought of it. I don't think I will ever think of prairie dogs the same way again. Not that I have ever seen one. I think Millie is strong, resilient and a bit lonely. She is respectful of the land, animals, and her family. That is to be admired. I like how Indian culture is passed down through stories is spoken about. It is definitely important to preserve your history. Overall a good story, just the ending was confusing. You may have to reread the ending.

I commend One Among Us for tackling the subject of child sex trafficking. She did so in a tactful way that was not overly graphic in describing the horrible realities these children faced on a daily basis. I say that not to downplay what they go through, but to allow the reader to be able to read, and finish, the book. The author is extremely ambitious in addressing seemingly every aspect involved: the child's/family/trafficker POVs, the brothel, escort, and street prostitute type, pimps, AIDS, the violence and death, drugs, establishment of a life after getting out of the situation, as well as, what happens to those that don't leave the life. I think maybe the author tried too hard to address topics that towards the later part of the book, she lost some realities that are part of the life that Maggie lives. Ex) pimps normally keep an eye on their girls comings and goings, but Maggie seems to have been left completely on her own outside of work. She went where she pleased, spoke to who she wanted, and seemed to have extra spending money. Not to chastise, but I'm a realist and that stood out for me.

Book is told from everyone's POV all over the place. You may be in 5 people's head in one chapter. Lots of transparency making for an honest novel. The way the book is written, it doesn't evoke much emotion from me. Cut and dry for the most part. Chapters are short which is why you have 149 of them. Book is well written and you can tell author did research. Overall the book was a good read, with some eye opening situations. No cliff hanger, everything gets wrapped up in a bow and you get introduced to the next story, Emma.

My Final Breath is the second book I have ready by Paige Dearth. I appreciate she writes about real life horrors. I looked up her back ground and she had some herself. This book is so heart breaking, sad and beautiful at the same time. I found myself thinking of the movies The Lovely Bones and What Dreams May Come with the whole afterlife plot. They way Molly talks about her mother at the beginning of the book is beautiful and makes you envy wanting to have that closeness. The way her dad talks about loving his girls is beautiful and refreshing. I was surprised how other characters graphic stories fit into this one, and felt it was a bit much for such an already heavy book. Molly is 12 and that's a lot for her to deal with in addition to her own. Some of these micro themes enhanced the book, others seemed like to excess useless addition. I also thought she spoke very mature for her age at times. Too mature beyond her years. I felt the characters were well developed and I understood them for the most part.

Many parts of this book made me want to scream and I had to put the book down to talk about what just happened. So many shockers. What was not a shocker is who killed her. That is talked about on page 1 of the book. Story is more about how and why, not who. Very "entertaining" still. Book seemed to drag on with the same questions and emotions that I found myself skipping over paragraphs to get through the redundancy. Overall, I thought this was a great book and worth reading. Very eye opening of something we should keep an eye out for.

The Perfect Marriage is well written suspenseful novel with good flow to it than entices you to keep reading. I found it hard to put it down. The characters are all flawed and unique. The ex wife is really funny with her revenge fantasies. I didn't like how the chapters kept jumping between characters. With the number of characters, it was hard to keep track of them til I through the first quarter of the book. I loved the many themes of betrayal, unconditional love, revenge, and loyalty. It was interesting to learn about the art world and the shady side of it. Book had just enough details. However, it spoke way too much about courtroom proceedings and dialogue. Same for detective work. I was utterly bored and found myself skipping over it. Definitely overkill. You also learn about medical treatments and insurance issues. Overall, this was an enjoyable story that shows sins of the heart has consequences and so do shady business dealings. I enjoyed reading it.

Don't know why it took me so long to read Every Last Secret. It had a slow lead up to action, but had a great plot and a Hollywood ending. I guessed the twist (with some doubts) about 3/4 way through the book. I like how the book flipped back and forth through the present and past, with plot spoilers from the present but not enough detail to give away the complete story. Still made you want to keep reading to find out what really happened. Also you have first person narrative from different characters. Creates great suspense.

Characterization was good, all with flaws. Only person really likeable was Matt but he was still kind of pathetic until he stood up for himself. Neena is plainly thirsty for attention and can't see past her own ego and degree. William has a power trip. Cat is a controlling undercover psycho. All make for interesting interactions. Some parts were so good I want so much to provide spoilers, but I wont. You will have to read for yourself. I will say obsession has many forms and lots of wrongs don't make the other right. Also lock your doors no matter how nice your neighborhood is.

One thing I find odd, is why people so filthy rich would do manual labor if they have such an ego trip about being rich. Isn't that what servants are for. I mean, would you hang light bulbs in your own mansion with 10 servants around (that's not what happened, just an example). Anyway, my only gripe about the book done. Overall a good book, and definitely worth reading.

I have had this book too long on my kindle and finally glad I read it. It was written past and present, through journal entries and in person. I enjoyed seeing the young and older versions of Andi and Ian. I learned a lot about investigative journalism and felt the kids use of it on their own parents was great. I felt there was lots of privilege, which comes with certain expectations and traditions. The author did a great job of show casing that; however, I was annoyed with the characters because of that. I hated the children called their parents by their first name. I also was upset about the interesting story line about the dad's business and how that ended so quickly. Overall, the book had a good plot, but something was missing and I felt more could have been done.

Ruin of Roses has a great story line, a salacious fantasy take on Beauty and the Beast, but I was so surprised when I started reading. Definitely not for kids. I did not expect all the abundance of sex-every which way, the profanity, and the nature of the curse. I feel like the book was written by a teenage boy at times. That said, it is creative and fun to read. The sex gets to be too much, so I do skip over some parts. If you don't take this book, or series for that matter, too seriously you have a great time with it. And that is what I am doing.

I think Finley is smart and resourcesful. Nyfan is grumpy, self loathing but a strong protector. Hydriel is a riot and I'd love to meet him in person. Easily he is my favorite character. The plot is original, yet classic, and despite all the profanity and sex, it is well written. I really got engrossed in the book, and can't wait to finish the series and vlog about it.

A Throne of Ruin continues the fun from A Ruin of Roses. The plot is good and builds to the next book. Lots of sex, I skipped over a lot, but I also read a lot. It's...a lot. I went along for the ride of fun. Fin and Ny stop trying not to give in and really go in. The animals have their say too, a lot of say and it was unique to hear the thoughts of 4 entities in 2 characters. Lots of heartfelt moments, especially in the end.I wanted to shed a tear, very sad, yet powerful. I also like people are getting the help they need and their is hope for the kingdom. Can't wait to see what happens next. The adventure shifts. Ready to read the next book and see what's up with the Demon King.

Of the 3 books in the series I have read so far, this is my favorite. Less sex and more plot. Great plot and fast paced. Big book but I got through it quickly. New characters are introduced and they have more strength and courage. Everyone works together and a plan forms. Still my man Hadriel in the mix with his comedy. Nyfain is such a mix of weak will and strength with Finley always having to elevate him. Finley is that strong hero glue, with Nyfain giving her some pleasure strength. I'm glad we see her vulnerable at times, but not for long. Writing is excellent, easy to read, and flows well. Still a bit juvenile and crass, but you already know that. Part of what I love about it. I didn't expect the twist at the end. I knew something was coming though. Very much looking forward to the last book coming out at the end of the month.

Such A Beautiful Thing to Behold is a unique story about a plague called the Grey in a small town that causes people's minds and bodies to rot until they eventually commit suicide. It reminded me of the movie Doomsday (excellent movie you should check out, I have seen it at least 8 times). It has good characterization and due to multiple POVs of the different characters, you gather insight into how they interpret and feel about the same situation. Book is suspenseful and I found my self holding my breath, on edge at times. Not a whole lot of action, but what did happen was quick, without any followup results. A bit of a let down. Book is very wordy with vivid descriptions: too much at times, and too little at others. I like how all the characters are searching for something in the plague time, and eventually find it. So a complete story with a satisfying ending, but the end part regarding the Grey left me scratching my head. Not sure how to interpret it. Book had a lot of symbolism, so I think this would be a really good book club book. I'd love to discuss it in depth with someone. Overall, I enjoyed this story, it was written well, and I think this author has great talent.