- WELCOME VISITORS!

Flag Counter

Saturday, 31 December 2016

Review: 2016 on Goodreads

2016 on Goodreads 2016 on Goodreads by Various
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This year was filled with all kinds of books and all kinds of worldly adventures, some things were "firsts" and some were a bit more taxing then usual, but it for sure wasn't boring!

View all my reviews

Review: The Caveman Rules of Survival

The Caveman Rules of Survival The Caveman Rules of Survival by Dawn C. Walton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So, this is my first book of 2017; and for good reason. It took me a very long time to actually read it, I mean read it and actually pay attention. The hand written signature by the author was very touching and useful - "Nothing needs to be the way it's always been". And the over all feel and design of the book were very pleasing and filled with a lot of useful information. It outlines simple principles and for me as a Gestalt Therapist it was very fascinating to see how a Cognitive Hypnotherapist will see the situations I hear my clients voice in therapy on a constant basis. This book was an eye opener in this respect.

View all my reviews

Review: The Girl From The Savoy

The Girl From The Savoy The Girl From The Savoy by Hazel Gaynor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Well, this is it really, my last book of 2016. It just came in a couple of days ago, a wonderfully crafted story, accompanied by a gorgeous looking cover and a lovely tale to immerse myself into and welcome the new 2017 - really happy I had the chance to read it, it was well worth it because the prose was truly masterfully crafted.

View all my reviews

[News] No, California didn't legalize Child Prostitution

Review: The Nexus: Samhain

The Nexus: Samhain The Nexus: Samhain by Ian Cadena
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was good. Writers rarely go where this book decided to journey, especially in terms of "children's" dialogue and sexual references, and that's why I like it. It is great to know that there are still people out there that do not want to sugarcoat everything - would be great o read book 2!

View all my reviews

Thursday, 29 December 2016

Review: The January Dancer

The January Dancer The January Dancer by Michael Flynn
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

At this point I am not sure, but will give it another book to see if it gets better.

View all my reviews

Review: Eifelheim

Eifelheim Eifelheim by Michael Flynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It took me a long time to get into this book. It was a difficult read in the beginning as it is not really my cup of tea, reading-wise. But I decided to give it time, and it payed off in the end. Audio book version has a great narration, the inclusion of the "automated voices" gave the situations degree of added creepiness.

View all my reviews

Tuesday, 27 December 2016

Review: Firestar

Firestar Firestar by Michael Flynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great Christmas present. I surely enjoyed it. Excited for the continuation of the series now.

View all my reviews

Thursday, 22 December 2016

Review: The Pattern Maker

The Pattern Maker The Pattern Maker by Nicholas Lim
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A medical, epidemiology related mystery with good science, lovely Welsh pronunciation in the audio version and set in London - what more can you want in a book? Great story, realistic depictions, and interesting dialogue and memorable characters. One of my favourites of 2016!

View all my reviews

Wednesday, 14 December 2016

Review: Zombology: Zombies and the Decline of the West

Zombology: Zombies and the Decline of the West Zombology: Zombies and the Decline of the West by Brian Anse Patrick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book goes into a lot of detail on several interconnected subjects and it is a lot of times not about zombies at all, and that is why I loved it. The research and data presented all together pose a lot of legitimate questions and it was always interesting to go and read a bit more. The language might be a bit difficult in some places, as it is very much like a science based essay and not really a novel, but it is unique and kept me going time and time again.

View all my reviews

Tuesday, 13 December 2016

Review: Hired, Fired, Fled

Hired, Fired, Fled Hired, Fired, Fled by Charlie Raymond
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I really tried to connect with this book, I hoped as I will continue reading the inevitable click will just happen maybe on the next page? But it never did... I loved the story, and despite the fact that I wasn't able to relate to the character a whole lot, it was still an interesting read.

View all my reviews

Review: We Are Legion (We Are Bob)

We Are Legion (We Are Bob) We Are Legion (We Are Bob) by Dennis E. Taylor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am starting to see a pattern here, there are just these books that inevitably hit the sweet spot for me, at this one is just IT! From the premise to the humor, I am so happy I was able to get my hands on the audio version. Want more straight away...

View all my reviews

When People Don't Believe That You're Disabled

Saturday, 10 December 2016

Review: Write Your Tale Off!

Write Your Tale Off! Write Your Tale Off! by Robert Brown Butler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This little book was really useful. It has a bit of a different take on the subject, that makes it very refreshing and interesting to read through. Will be gracing my shelves, and I will return to it.

View all my reviews

Review: Ballet Boy

Ballet Boy Ballet Boy by Claire Gruzelier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

AMAZING read! - my review could've been that short. But a lot of people would've seen is as a cheat so let me fill you in on some details here. Firstly, it is set in the UK. Te cover looks great, the characters are fleshed out and vibrant. There is humour, there is good dialogue, there is an intriguing and captivating story. And swear words, and ballet. What else? The Grandma character, and the Russian dancer were both amazeballs!

View all my reviews

Review: Though Heaven Fall: A Medieval Parable

Though Heaven Fall: A Medieval Parable Though Heaven Fall: A Medieval Parable by Jeri Westerson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book very much, it is not something I usually read (listen) but I was pleasantly surprised! The audiobook version was amazing, with great quality voice-work and an engaging story.

View all my reviews

Five Pound Note Protest ! Animal Fat In Our Five Pound Notes !

Monday, 5 December 2016

When Pets Die

We lost our lovely kitten today. It happened so suddenly, I am still in shock... We found him at about 2am. I did resuscitation and discovered that the airway was blocked. We were able to remove the blockage, but despite all our resuscitation efforts, the kitten was gone. After analyzing it all, we came to a conclusion that the little one was dead for a while till we found him. He was by his bowl and choked on his food...
I knew he was gone but just wanted to do everything I could to revive him. So grateful for doing a course on veterinary emergency care, but I hoped with all my heart I will never need to actually use it.
I woke up during the night panicking because I could not sense him, you know how it happens when it goes quiet and you know there might be trouble? That how it was... Don't really know what to say really. I am devastated, I know it might sound like a cliche but I am completely lost... and numb.
We buried him by his favorite tree with a makeshift sign, Digging the grave was so difficult because of the winter temperature, the ground was so hard to get through.
I've cut myself with the shovel but did not even notice at first. I welcomed the pain and the blood when I saw it, - I was so happy to punish myself at least somehow, I feel so guilty, even thou I did everything I could, it was not enough.
Now I need to pack all of his things, and I just can not get to it. It is so heartbreaking! His bowls are still in the kitchen, full of his favorite food...
Off-course I can get another kitten (theoretically) but no one will ever replace StarDust! I miss him so very much already.
He was the most unique and lively Sphynx I ever had the privilege to see grow, and his personality was just amazing - he made such a massive difference in our lives and we will remember him forever.
We love you sweet SD - you were an absolute joy.

Monday, 28 November 2016

Review: Amish Vampires in Space

Amish Vampires in Space Amish Vampires in Space by Kerry Nietz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was AMAZING bunch fun! 5 stars for cover design, idea germination, and audiobook execution. I am not one for Christian Sci-Fi, but this was hilariously good. I actually plan to come back to this one and do it all over again. Authors definitely have balls, who would've thought that someone will go with an idea as crazy as this one? Give me book 2 NOW!

View all my reviews

UK : The POLICE STATE via Snoopers has ARRIVED

Sunday, 27 November 2016

Review: Berkeley to Paris and Back with Two Stops in New York

Berkeley to Paris and Back with Two Stops in New York Berkeley to Paris and Back with Two Stops in New York by Lynn Snyder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 stars. 5 stars hands down! I am so excited for this book. I love reading atheist writers. Especially when they are good writers. And this one is a trues gem! You might look at the cover and think... but really, try it, I think you might like it more then you expect. The prose is very relatable and the story flows nicely. Almost everything I might choose to mention might be a spoiler, but I will sat this, the author has a very distinct and memorable voice, and it's delightful. This one will be in my personal library for sure, it is such a great and realistic love story that I will be re-reading it for sure in times to come.

View all my reviews

Review: Annihilation

Annihilation Annihilation by Tarah Benner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am kinda disappointed really. It is probably the best in the series, nut it had dragged on for a while. The story itself is really good and the cover design is enjoyable, but I doubt it I will be re-reading this series.

View all my reviews

Review: Annihilation

Annihilation Annihilation by Tarah Benner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



View all my reviews

Saturday, 26 November 2016

and it happened Again!

Well what can I say... it happened again, another NaNoWriMo, and no story to speak of. Why is this always so extremely difficult for me. I even cashed  out for Nimble Writer in a last dash attempt to revitalize my writing. And off-course the Dune Lore series is already late for a week, so I still have a series of video's to make for my YouTube channel and I am completely and utterly blank on the scripts. I have ideas, yes and the continuity is there, but ideas and continuity will not end up as a good watchable and readable product! So, I am a bit numb and speechless right now - the only good things are that my other work is fine and I am buying a Sphynx kitten next week. All hail the excuse of procrastination, it is the loveliest kick in the ass so far, but the year is not over yet, right? 

Review: The Reality Dysfunction

The Reality Dysfunction The Reality Dysfunction by Peter F. Hamilton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Very gritty, dark and depressive story written oh, so well!

View all my reviews

Review: A Closed and Common Orbit

A Closed and Common Orbit A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It is a bit strange for me that there are a lot more negative reviews for this book than the first one. I would've thought that the story focused on the journey and character development of the AI would be welcomed with open arms after the success of the first book... But never the less I enjoyed the book wery much, yes, it was different in plot focus but still very original and well written. Book 3 will hopefully be a new feat as well!

View all my reviews

Tuesday, 22 November 2016

Review: The Country of Ice Cream Star

The Country of Ice Cream Star The Country of Ice Cream Star by Sandra Newman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This one is 3.5 but not yet 4. The dialect is very original and the story is very much well developed. I liked the audio version quite a bit. Characters are well realised and the world-building is believable. it is a unique story and it is great as a stand alone!

View all my reviews

Monday, 21 November 2016

Review: Exposure

Exposure Exposure by Tarah Benner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 stars this time. The series seems to be improving both in relation to plot development and writing. Pleasant, rather quick read (listen-through), and getting more and more used to the style of the audio narration of the audio-book version. Knowing that there are other 3 books in the series it is fascination to guess where the story can go.

View all my reviews

Review: Recon

Recon Recon by Tarah Benner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This one is dead on 3.5 stars for me. It was really Divergent-esque in some places, which lessened the immersion into the story quite a bit. I am already on book 2 and it is picking up, but it is not perfect by any stretch of the imagination. I do hope it will improve in later instalments because I am quite fond of the characters and the world-building is interesting.

View all my reviews

Discover Fleetlights from Direct Line

Tuesday, 15 November 2016

Review: Art Chantry Speaks: A Heretic's History of 20th Century Graphic Design

Art Chantry Speaks: A Heretic's History of 20th Century Graphic Design Art Chantry Speaks: A Heretic's History of 20th Century Graphic Design by Art Chantry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a bit of an odd-ball for me, but it makes it even better! Interesting and very well put together.

View all my reviews

Review: Homestyle Icelandic Cooking for American Kitchens

Homestyle Icelandic Cooking for American Kitchens Homestyle Icelandic Cooking for American Kitchens by Heidi Herman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The cover might not be super appetising or designed for perfection, but the book itself is very good.

View all my reviews

Review: Dangerous to Know

Dangerous to Know Dangerous to Know by Anne Buist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Really good. I mean it!

View all my reviews

Review: The Invention of Wings

The Invention of Wings The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



View all my reviews

Review: Lost Gods: A Novel

Lost Gods: A Novel Lost Gods: A Novel by Brom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars



View all my reviews

Review: Tricks of the Mind

Tricks of the Mind Tricks of the Mind by Derren Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As always a pleasure to read anything by Derren Brown. Great narration and very entertaining. Will re-read for sure!

View all my reviews

Review: Aimee's Perfect Bakes: Over 50 beautiful bakes and cakes for friends and family

Aimee's Perfect Bakes: Over 50 beautiful bakes and cakes for friends and family Aimee's Perfect Bakes: Over 50 beautiful bakes and cakes for friends and family by Aimee Twigger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gorgeous book from comer to cover, very inspirational and high quality.

View all my reviews

Review: Sex, Love and Your Personality: The Nine Faces of Intimacy

Sex, Love and Your Personality: The Nine Faces of Intimacy Sex, Love and Your Personality: The Nine Faces of Intimacy by Mona Coates
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Useful, accessible but not remarkable.

View all my reviews

Review: Memoirs of Her Majesty's Prison Doctor

Memoirs of Her Majesty's Prison Doctor Memoirs of Her Majesty's Prison Doctor by Gordon Cameron
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I could not put this book down. This one is staying in my home library for sure! Really well written with a lot of useful data and great personification throughout. Give it a go, it might be a surprise fro you too!

View all my reviews

Review: Compassion: Effortless Inspiration for a Happier Life

Compassion: Effortless Inspiration for a Happier Life Compassion: Effortless Inspiration for a Happier Life by Dani DiPirro
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It is a very well designed book, with big fonts and bright colours. It is a relaxing and and fast read, and can be a good present.

View all my reviews

Sunday, 13 November 2016

Review: Once Bitten

Once Bitten Once Bitten by Stephen Leather
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am really torn in regards to this book. Here, there is a perfect example why half stars can increase the accuracy of the reviews. Because for me it was a solid 3.5 book, but because there is no 3.5 rating, I went with 4 stars instead of 3. Good writing, good characterisation, interesting plot and a lot of suspense. ...."I'm an Englishman in New York!" - anyone?

View all my reviews

Review: Happy: Why More or Less Everything is Absolutely Fine

Happy: Why More or Less Everything is Absolutely Fine Happy: Why More or Less Everything is Absolutely Fine by Derren Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My only negative with this one is probably that Derren Brown did not give his voice to the audio-book version. I really hoped he would do that, because no matter how good the narration is, I just prefer his voice over any other narrator out there. On all the rest, it was surprising to me how philosophical this book was, specifically how much stoicism is explored. Really nicely done!

View all my reviews

Review: Conspiracy Theory

Conspiracy Theory Conspiracy Theory by Rich Restucci
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

For some reason this instalment again did not grab me as the first one did. It is still good reading but would love to see a bit more world-building and character development.

View all my reviews

Review: Deranged

Deranged Deranged by Jason LaVelle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In my personal opinion the second instalment was way better! I really enjoyed how detailed the descriptions were. It really added a lot to the story for me. Am really invested now and want to know what happens next so much!

View all my reviews

Allah Exists Because Pink Bathroom Elephant

Tuesday, 8 November 2016

Review: Chaos Theory

Chaos Theory Chaos Theory by Rich Restucci
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I dunno guy's... I think it is not as good as "Run" but still very readable. Will try my luck with book 2 now.

View all my reviews

Review: Run

Run Run by Rich Restucci
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A very good read, geared up for part 2 already, but need to wait for the audio-book version to become available.

View all my reviews

Review: Hunger

Hunger Hunger by Jeremiah Knight
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the kind of horror that I enjoy the most, - because it literally scares the bejesus (pun intended) out of me! It is original, creepy, evocative and very sobering, to read through something like this and see a possibility of not so distant future unfold in such a gruesome way. I will never look at bunnies the same ever again...

View all my reviews

Porn Politics: VICE News Tonight on HBO (Full Segment)

Sunday, 6 November 2016

Review: Scabs II: The Quantum Connection

Scabs II: The Quantum Connection Scabs II: The Quantum Connection by Eric A. Shelman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Second book was even better then the first one! Very much enjoyed the world building and all of the time that was given to character development. Things got even spookier in this one. Great read!

View all my reviews

Review: Scabs: The Gemini Exception

Scabs: The Gemini Exception Scabs: The Gemini Exception by Eric A. Shelman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A refreshing take on gore horror monsters. Enjoyed the twin-ception too! Great characters and good plot twists.

View all my reviews

Saturday, 5 November 2016

Review: Worth Dying For

Worth Dying For Worth Dying For by Kory M. Shrum
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really did not want this one to end as it was the last one of the audio-book versions of the series I have on me. I know there is probably the continuation in written format, but I will be waiting for the audio version instead. It was again very good and really interesting, characterisation got better in this one, at leas that what I've noticed regarding differences. Humour always get's to me here. Is a definite re-read for me, and soon.

View all my reviews

Review: I Wonder About the Prophet

I Wonder About the Prophet I Wonder About the Prophet by Ozkan Oze
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

NOTE: This book will go to a Muslim home of a family with kids who are more then happy to use the book and kids are excited to read it.

I like the overall layout of the book, from the very beginning it was very respectful, noting that the prophet is not depicted in the illustrations. I liked that kind of a touch.

Never the less being a secular atheist this book requires so much of my suspension of disbelief, that quite frankly it is not possible. As a children's book it is lovely, especially if you are following the same religion it explores.

View all my reviews

Light of the Seven - Game of Thrones Grissini project cover

Thursday, 3 November 2016

Review: Medea's Curse

Medea's Curse Medea's Curse by Anne Buist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I bought book 2 even before I've finished this one. It was a great read from beginning to end and I am so glad I stumbled upon this author and the series!

View all my reviews

Review: People We Love

People We Love People We Love by Jenny Harper
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This e-book was very handy used to pass the time during my latest travels. Entertaining and interesting.

View all my reviews