Hated it. First book I have failed to finish for YEARS! I get what she is trying to do - establish new characters and the setting which will lead the way to further novels. Got about 33% through and was just soooo bored. Unless you are a die-hard Science Fiction fan with too much time on their hands- I really wouldn't bother.

A beautiful story weaving together myth, fantasy and legend. Dragons, evil emporers, demons, valour and love intertwine to create this truly enjoyable fantasy. It reminded me of watching Mulan with tge kids but in prose with greater development. Everything about this story was just lovely - right down to the cover itself.

This was recommended to me. I love the concept of secret and ancient libraries and individual stories which interlace with other stories but this was a chore. On the plus side, they serve something called a 'Bees' Knees' cocktail in the last quarter or the text, which I decided to make; - after 3 of these I enjoyed the ending significantly more! Conclusion: I think this book would be best enjoyed more than a little bit waved..... 😜

After. My impromptu visit to the British Museum, and my wander around the Stonehenge exhibition, this got my blood up! Although not my favorite Cornwell novel, he again creates these rouguish characters readers cannot help but root for the whole way through. If you love prehistory, battles and violence then I would recommend this one to you!

In London - home for the first time in 3 years. Took myself to the British Museum today and this happened....

"When I discover who I am, I'll be free,"

Not the best book I've read this year but a good read none the less. A romantic fantasy of sorts: a deal struck with Darkness and the consequences of a young woman taking control of her life in the 17th century and the tiny ripples made over the span of 300 years.

Merry. Christmas 🎄🎄

Merry Christmas fellow book nerds 🎄🎄🎄

I loved this book. Not what I was expecting at all and I had put off reading this for a while but so glad I got around to it. I didn't think I would feel anything for a woman that had married 7 times but had to chastise myself for my narrow minded stereotypes. At the end I was like 'yup, I get it and what a way to live your life'.
As she says, 'never let anyone (particularly a man) make you feel ordinary'
Read it in a day! Loved it 👌

So I get it. The series is addictive. Thinking back to my 12 year old self, I would have probably been obsessed. I can see the appeal to young readers: it is age appropriate but delves into grown-up issues like pain, loss, sorrow, defeat, love and longing. Young peoole feel all of the above often more acutely than adults whose senses have dulled over the decades. Cannot wait to find out what happens next and have a secret crush on the Darkling. 😳

All the kids at school are going mad for this series so I thought I'd read it. I really enjoyed it: the relationship between the two key characters is endearing and very quickly established. For a change, a fantasy series not set in something resembling the middle ages, and a villian you cannot help falling for. The Netflix series focuses on sub-plots with other characters. The book follows Alina and Mal's journey. A bildingsroman of sorts.

It has taken me 3 solid days to get to the end of this. You know it's good when you instantly download the next book. Kidnappings (yes plural) the return of characters, departing characters, and amidst the turmoil the protagonists stay rooted to one another as the American Civil War rapidly erupts around them. So much better than the TV series - which i know is loved (although Sam Heughan is particularly easy in the eye!)

I think you either like these, and find them delightful or they annoy the hell out of you for being clichéd and dull. If you enjoyed Weaver's debut novel then you will love this second Amory Ames installment. The hot and cold relationship between our protagonist and her seemingly philandering husband become a little tried. Leave him or put up with it but I liked the character of the maid as she developed - I hope she remains in future mysteries.

A charming little detective novel set in the 30s. One could argue a little clichéd, hotel at the seaside, terribly wealthy characters, devilishly handsome husband and tenacious, intelligent wife determined to solve the case. However, if you have a fondness for Agatha Christie and want a light- read, dispite the three murders, this will delight. Could see it becoming a series on TV. I shall read the subsequent novels which follow this debut.

'That is part of the beauty of all literature. You discover that your longings are universal longings, that you're not lonely and isolated from anyone. You belong'. F. Scott Fitzgerald

Book 5 in the Outlander series felt like an 18th century soap. I still enjoyed the familiarity of the characters, but the story feels far removed from where it started - a woman thrown back into time, Highlands, war with (let's be honest) the ultimate romatic hero. But characters are acclimatized to their living conditions, all getting on a bit and - I dunno, it just lacked a bit of fire in its belly! Second half much better than the first half.

Katr Quinn - will be reading more by this lady for sure. Loved it ❤️

'How much better is silence; the coffee cup, the table. How much better to sit by myself like the solitary sea-bird that opens its wings on the stake. Let me sit here for ever with bare things, this coffee cup, this knife, this fork, things in themselves... '

A book I think all women should read. 3 generations of women living through the political tide and seemingly ever shifting times of China.
What book has really resonated and left its mark on you?

I accidentally found a bookshop today.... So this happened

Escapism with a dash of tea.... Have periodically reread these books since 1986!!!

Everything about this book was beautiful right down to the cover!

A work colleague gave me this book, I read it on holiday. It follows the lives of 4 different characters in modern India. Its about the corruption and misery of life whilst being completely mesmerizing and engrossing. As it reaches it's climax I dare you to try and put it down! I sat on a beach in Majorca, oblivious to all else until I had finished it then I sat on the beach and sobbed. It isn't over sentimental however... just read it.

Interesting simile. It resonates. Life-changing news when the whole world feels out of sync with you....
One from the Carnegie Long list.

New week, new book - don't disturb me, I'll resurface whem I'm done. Series is quite heavily criticised but it's pure unadulterated fantasy - not advised for those seeking authenticity - time travel, the Loch Ness Monster, continuity errors - that's not what it's about at all!
Outlander binge book 5 begins...... ☕🍰👌😁📖

Rave reviews but this isn't a book that's going to change my life although an ingenious concept: The Midnight Library is a kind of limbo you go as you leave this world, each volume represents a life you might have had if your choices had been different. The moral being 'make the most of life' . I almost felt like it was written for the forlorn and miserable. Quick light read however - I read it on the beach with a Mai Tai - living my best life!

Well, I've completely gorged on these books so far but had more than one person tell me it was at this point they got bored. It transpired however, they were referring to the TV series rather than the books. Again, I find myself 200 years and continents away with our intrepid pioneers. The story lingers on even after I've read the final page - Gabaldon manages, even after best part of 1000 pages, to leave us readers hungering for more.

I am not a great lover of non fiction but McFarlane tells stories about real places he visits and people he meets along the way. A personal perspective for the most part but detailing historical fact as well as legend. This book was loaned to me by a fellow traveller whilst I travelled the Norwegian Fjords. If you are an explorer at heart then Macfarlane's beautiful story telling is for you.

Outlander book 4. Here I come!

I read these when I'm stuck for something else to read. Was OK.

I love this series. I think each book has been progressively better than the last as the writer becomes for comfortable with the genre. Great stock characters and the constant strain of 'will they won't they' get it on.

Really good read. Attention to detail but funny it was so dated! I kinda enjoyed reading about a time when DNA evidence was inadmissible, everyone smoked at work and mobiles are not a feature. Must see if she has anything more recent.

Good read. Gritty, against the beautiful scenic backdrop of Lewis. This forst book gives you all you need to know about the protagonist for future reads.

Good short read. A little over romanticized for my liking but enjoyed it none the less.

Really enjoyed this. A little gritty but if. You've read any others by May then you know what you're getting

If you read Lucy Foley's first book last year it appears for the first half, very similar. Characters, setting all very reminiscent. The ending however, is not and tied together really well. Worth reading but not the most inspiring read of the year so far.

It's official. I'm completely obsessed. Took me a weekend to wade through this tomb. Can't wait too start the third.

So. Much better than the series and let's be quite frank, the series is not bad at all!!

Bloody brilliant. Devoured it in 2 days and resisting the urge to start the next in the series....