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zefrog's reviews
1033 reviews
Death in Heels by Kitty Murphy
2.0
This is an easy and entertaining read, and the story moves along well, after a slow start. However there is something not quite right about this, and I felt the book missed its mark.
The general tone of the narration has an underlying nastiness to it that was a turn off, where there should have been more warmth and sillyness (considering the setting).
The characters are barely sketched and elicited no particular connection for me (and, like the lead, I am a part-time photographer in the (London) gay scene!), while much of the plot feels forced and unconvincing.
A missed opportunity.
The general tone of the narration has an underlying nastiness to it that was a turn off, where there should have been more warmth and sillyness (considering the setting).
The characters are barely sketched and elicited no particular connection for me (and, like the lead, I am a part-time photographer in the (London) gay scene!), while much of the plot feels forced and unconvincing.
A missed opportunity.
The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka
Did not finish book. Stopped at 36%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 36%.
I couldn't connect with either the characters or the story, which need a serious trim.
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
3.0
Despite possible expectations/apprehensions based on the title, this is a fun, if bittersweet, teen romance. Even with the massive spoiler of the title, the narrative as well as the storytelling, remain compelling enough to keep you turning the pages.
It will, however, as a matter of course, make the reader consider their own mortality, and the stated aim of the book is to encourage us to seize the days and live moment as if it is our last. Carpe diem, and all that.
Well, call me cynical, it did nothing of the kind for me. On the contrary, the book re-enforced my conviction that it is all very futile, and that putting such pressure on oneself is in fact fairly pointless. Because, yes, we all die in the end, and once that has happened nothing really matters. It's all over. And thank goodness for that!
It will, however, as a matter of course, make the reader consider their own mortality, and the stated aim of the book is to encourage us to seize the days and live moment as if it is our last. Carpe diem, and all that.
Well, call me cynical, it did nothing of the kind for me. On the contrary, the book re-enforced my conviction that it is all very futile, and that putting such pressure on oneself is in fact fairly pointless. Because, yes, we all die in the end, and once that has happened nothing really matters. It's all over. And thank goodness for that!
The Devil's Paintbrush by Jake Arnott
3.0
Although expositional flashbacks in the lives of the two MCs form a good chunk of the book, most of the novel happens on 24 March 1903 – the day before Sir Hector Macdonald, imperial war hero, killed himself, after the scandallous allegations made against him take a life of their own.
The book tells of the fortuitous meeting of two very disparate historical characters (the harrassed and repressed Macdonald, and the sybaritic Aleister Crowley, AKA the Beast, AKA the wickedest man in the world), who are brought together by a common experience of exclusion for who they are, and a quest to find inner peace with it.
Arnott takes his time to find his feet (which makes the first half a little hard going) but when he gradually and finally does the story paints a vivid picture of a world in flux and in the procees of losing what innocence it may still possess, and about to plunge into moral wreckage as hubris consumes it.
The book tells of the fortuitous meeting of two very disparate historical characters (the harrassed and repressed Macdonald, and the sybaritic Aleister Crowley, AKA the Beast, AKA the wickedest man in the world), who are brought together by a common experience of exclusion for who they are, and a quest to find inner peace with it.
Arnott takes his time to find his feet (which makes the first half a little hard going) but when he gradually and finally does the story paints a vivid picture of a world in flux and in the procees of losing what innocence it may still possess, and about to plunge into moral wreckage as hubris consumes it.
Think of England by KJ Charles
4.0
This is Charles at her best. The book is both funny and gripping, with two great protagonists. I liked the two Mss too. I hope she brings them all back.
The MCs are very similar to those of Charles' Will Darling Adventures series (also great fun), but I prefer this lot.
The MCs are very similar to those of Charles' Will Darling Adventures series (also great fun), but I prefer this lot.