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brionymarshallauthor's reviews
115 reviews
What Happens In Paradise by Didi Sand, Didi Sand
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
(Disclaimer: I downloaded this book for free as part of “Stuff Your Kindle Day”.)
The idea for this book was perfect for me. A cross between Love Island and I’m a Celeb. I was sold! Mia Fleet gorgeous supermodel, Dominic Ashford brooding billionaire, forced proximity and fake relationship? Yes please!
However, the actual writing of the story let it down. Parts of the plot are just erratic, unnecessary and down right random. (Her friend’s pet chicken makes her late and is then never mentioned again?!) There are lots of typos and repetition along the way and instances of the author just telling us information rather than showing it us. Not to mention the spice that came a little too soon (pardon the pun) and definitely felt like an addition made after the initial draft. At times all of this made the story hard to follow and I felt like a good editor could definitely have helped Sand fine tune this book. It’s a shame, because I really do think it has good potential.
I was disappointed we never got the full resolution for all of the many plot points. The characters and the plot were what was driving me to carry on reading. I even went as far as to download the bonus epilogue by following the link at the end of the ebook. But I’ll be honest, I think that was actually worse. Explaining away major plot points with a single sentence that left me with so many more questions. I probably would have been better off not reading it.
This book was my summer holiday read. I read it all while I was away, so it did keep my interest. I just wish Sand had been given more help and advice along the way.
The idea for this book was perfect for me. A cross between Love Island and I’m a Celeb. I was sold! Mia Fleet gorgeous supermodel, Dominic Ashford brooding billionaire, forced proximity and fake relationship? Yes please!
However, the actual writing of the story let it down. Parts of the plot are just erratic, unnecessary and down right random. (Her friend’s pet chicken makes her late and is then never mentioned again?!) There are lots of typos and repetition along the way and instances of the author just telling us information rather than showing it us. Not to mention the spice that came a little too soon (pardon the pun) and definitely felt like an addition made after the initial draft. At times all of this made the story hard to follow and I felt like a good editor could definitely have helped Sand fine tune this book. It’s a shame, because I really do think it has good potential.
I was disappointed we never got the full resolution for all of the many plot points. The characters and the plot were what was driving me to carry on reading. I even went as far as to download the bonus epilogue by following the link at the end of the ebook. But I’ll be honest, I think that was actually worse. Explaining away major plot points with a single sentence that left me with so many more questions. I probably would have been better off not reading it.
This book was my summer holiday read. I read it all while I was away, so it did keep my interest. I just wish Sand had been given more help and advice along the way.
Time Travelling with a Hamster by Ross Welford
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
I first saw this book shortly after getting my hamster and I knew I just had to read it. So imagine my delight when it became available on Prime Reading about a month later! It went straight to the top of my TBR.
I went into reading this book knowing I was not the intended audience, but hoping for a light hearted, easy read. (As light hearted as a children’s book about grief can be I guess?)
However I wasn’t prepared for the multiple instances of animal abuse mentioned and I’ll be honest, it was nearly enough to stop me reading the book altogether in those moments. I just didn’t think it was really necessary, especially for a book that has been designed to draw animal lovers in. You can show a mean bully in so many other ways and make me not like him. I also don’t like the thought of kids reading this. But maybe I’m just being old fashioned…
The redeeming factor for me though was that the author is very good at tapping into a reader’s emotions in other ways and it was those elements that kept me going. The excitement, the anxiety, the anticipation! I can’t forgive the previously mentioned, but remove those from the story and it’s a fast paced, thrilling adventure!
I went into reading this book knowing I was not the intended audience, but hoping for a light hearted, easy read. (As light hearted as a children’s book about grief can be I guess?)
However I wasn’t prepared for the multiple instances of animal abuse mentioned and I’ll be honest, it was nearly enough to stop me reading the book altogether in those moments. I just didn’t think it was really necessary, especially for a book that has been designed to draw animal lovers in. You can show a mean bully in so many other ways and make me not like him. I also don’t like the thought of kids reading this. But maybe I’m just being old fashioned…
The redeeming factor for me though was that the author is very good at tapping into a reader’s emotions in other ways and it was those elements that kept me going. The excitement, the anxiety, the anticipation! I can’t forgive the previously mentioned, but remove those from the story and it’s a fast paced, thrilling adventure!
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal cruelty
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Louise Gikow
3.0
This is the novel adaptation of the film and not the original Seuss classic, so this means that the tale does loose some of its quirky charm but is easier to understand. This adaptation literally offers you the film in words, quoting the move directly at times. In parts the story does seem rushed and much of the comedy seen on screen is lost in this word translation. However, being told from the Grinch's perspective does redeem some of this comedy at times and being so closely linked to film it is very easy to visualise the action spoken about on the page in one’s mind.
This is definitely a good book to read out loud to children, especially around the festive period. The story promotes the message of Christmas being as much about love and the family as it about toys and presents. However, I do recommend some parental guidance before reading due to certain language used.
Overall a festive novel to get you in the mood for perhaps the film and certainly the Christmas season!
This is definitely a good book to read out loud to children, especially around the festive period. The story promotes the message of Christmas being as much about love and the family as it about toys and presents. However, I do recommend some parental guidance before reading due to certain language used.
Overall a festive novel to get you in the mood for perhaps the film and certainly the Christmas season!