5/31/2019

Blackwood Briefe An Mich by Britta Sabbag

This was my first novel written by the author. And every minute worth I´ve spent reading it. And after a little while, I could see why the dust jacket shows a dragonfly. Absolutely thought through. If you love novels about Ireland and how people feel and think about the mythological side of this part of the world, then this is your book. And in combination with some pretty hilarious dialogues and scenes, you will have some great reading time.

Blackwood-Briefe An Mich*

by Britta Sabbag
Publisher Fischer FJB on March 27, 2019
Genre Novel
Pages 442
Format Hardcover
Source Publisher

Goodreads

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Would one want to read a letter from his future self? That´s not a question for Gesine. Of course, she would. Because after the death of her mother she has to move alone to a relative in Ireland. In the small, sleepy village of Blackwood, she has no one to talk to about her grief. Nor about Arian Mary, the outrageously handsome son of the local butter dynasty. In addition, the villagers make her crazy with stories about all sorts of supernatural stuff. All nonsense thinks Gesine. Until she finds in a mysterious old desk a letter from her future self, which confuses her world … (personally translated blurb by ©Vi at Inkvotary).

Story

Gesine is as sad and unhappy as a teenager, who just lost his mother, can be. And with all the myth´s her aunt is having in her house, she doesn´t know if she will last there long. The truth seems nothing people want to hear and at school, she´s not only a total stranger but no matter what she does or says, she also seems to be the looser. Or how is she supposed to understand it, that she obviously isn´t able to make friends, but everyone knows her biggest secret?

Style

I like the sensitive and soft writing style Britta Sabbag has. She shows you the beauty of Ireland, the sense of mythology that seems for everyone but the Irish weird and that the love and care of a family is everything.

I was laughing out loud when I´ve read the scene, where Gesine sits in Mimi´s little shop and enjoys a biscuit while hearing how much butter it contains. Her face must have been the hit.

Britta Sabbag has lots of great scenes, dialogues and hilarious stuff in this novel and that is what makes the charm of the story. Good, towards the end, I had one shocking moment and thought how dare you, author! *smile*

Only to discover a page later that it was only for the wellbeing of the story. Phew!

Characters

I am in love with Gesine. She is mourning, starts a new life in a place she barely knows and though she speaks English, the Irish dialect is a bit of a problem at first – which causes some hilarious scenes. It takes her a while to get used to the Irish life but in the end, she knows what to do and how. Well done girl.

Arian is quite the opposite. Rich, handsome and with a secret his girlfriend dies to get to know. He is there when Gesine has her moments. And starts to understand that life is powerful and gives you sometimes the best you can have.

Conclusion

A beautiful novel about love, Irish mythology and how you can find your own way in life if you only believe in yourself. Yes, this book contains it all. A great prince, the breathtaking but heartless beauty and a heroine who stumbles from one embarrassing situation to the next and still conquers everyone´s heart by storm. Highly recommended.

Happy reading

*This book was, at the time this review was published, only available in the German language. The Title was kindly provided to me by Fischer FJB in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. Thank you. Therefore, the cover of the German edition is shown first in this review.

Britta Sabbag

When Britta Sabbag came blowing the idea of “Blackwood” across the North Sea, she knew immediately that this story was something special. She followed her idea over the sea to Ireland, where she was completely enchanted by the magic of the land and its inhabitants. The bestselling author has already written successfully for children and adults and now unites these talents in one big and rousing all-age novel. She lives with her husband and her little son near Bonn, Germany.

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5/22/2019

Waiting On Wednesday #96 – Outfox by Sandra Brown

is a weekly event that was originally hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. This meme is a place that spotlights upcoming releases that we´re eagerly anticipating with pure joy.

There are a lot of new books coming out each year and some of them catch my attention and will get a spotlight in my Waiting on Wednesday post. While some of them will finally end up here at my place, others won´t. I am joining Tressa at Wishful Endings and her meme Can´t-Wait Wednesday.

As an old Sandra Brown fan, I am absolutely excited about this upcoming new release. Her name is a guarantor for quality and reading pleasure. And I am expecting exactly that from this one too. What I like most about her work is the fine balance she manages in the language of her story. Always close to the edge of obscenity, but never without a style. And with the blurb of this one, I hope that this will be a thrilling read too.

Outfox

Author Sandra Brown
Publishing Date August 6, 2019
Publisher Grand Central Publishing
Format Hardcover
Goodreads

FBI agent Drex Easton is relentlessly driven by a single goal: to outmaneuver the conman once known as Weston Graham. Over the past thirty years, Weston has assumed many names and countless disguises, enabling him to lure eight wealthy women out of their fortunes before they disappeared without a trace, their families left without answers and the authorities without clues. The only common trait among the victims: a new man in their life who also vanished, leaving behind no evidence of his existence … except for one signature custom. Drew is convinced that these women have been murdered and that the man he knows as Weston Graham is the sociopath responsible. But each time Drex gets close to catching him, Weston trades one persona for another and disappears again. Now, for the first time in their long game of cat and mouse, Drex has a suspect in sight. Attractive and charming Jasper Ford is recently married to a successful businesswoman many years his junior, Talia Shafer. Drex insinuates himself into their lives, posing as a new neighbor and setting up surveillance on their house. The closer he gets to the couple, the more convinced he becomes that Jasper is the clever, merciless predator he´s sought – and that his own attraction to Talia threatens to compromise his purpose and integrity. This I Drex´s one chance to outfox his cunning nemesis before he murders again and eludes justice forever. But first, he must determine if the desirable Talia is a heartless accomplice … or the next victim.

And what are you waiting for? Let me know your thoughts about this one or leave me the link to your WoW and I check it out.

Happy reading & waiting on

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5/22/2019

Ricochet by Sandra Brown

The design of the cover is a feast for the eye. Simple, a few colors dominate everything and behind the dust jacket a picture that shows a real beauty. Pure but very eye-catching. But that what lays between the two book-cover is a story of its own. Thrilling, full of passion, power and the all and everlasting desire for more.

Ricochet

by Sandra Brown
Publisher Simon & Schuster on August 15, 2006
Genre Thriller
Pages 385
Format Hardcover
Goodreads
✶✶✶✶½

When Savannah detective Duncan Hatcher is summoned to an unusual crime scene, he knows discretion is key. Influential Judge Cato Laird´s beloved trophy wife, Elise, has fatally shot a burglar. She claims self-defense, but Duncan suspects she´s lying and puts his career in jeopardy by investigating further. Then, in secret, Elise makes an incredible allegation, which he dismisses as the lie of a cunning woman trying to exploit his intense attraction to her. But when Elise goes missing, Duncan finds that trusting the wrong person could mean the difference between life and death for both of them.

Story

Detective Hatcher is stunned when Judge Laird in his presence suspends the case against criminal Savich over a minor incident. Duncan sees himself again at the beginning of his investigation against Savich and drowns his frustration about it in whiskey and to turn on judge Laird´s wife Elise at a ceremony. When he is then called to death by nightfall and finds himself in the judge´s house, the initial desire for Elise soon becomes a desire that Duncan finds difficult to control. With the investigation, in this case, begins for Duncan an exhausting time full of lies, things that do not fit together and a woman who sends him on a sensory roller coaster.

Style

Sandra Brown wrote the thriller in the usual style. Direct, sharp and tending to the limit of obscenity. Everything fits together beautifully, the choice of words, the characters, the plot. In the beginning, the story is rather calm, even if the author starts with a crime in two ways. The author has an excellent command of telling the thriller in a varied and logical way and encourages the reader to think along with her narrative style.

The suspenseful story is full of surprises and twists and the reader is sent on an exciting journey of discovery in which nothing seems to be as it is portrayed. I especially liked the end of the book. In it, Sandra Brown has developed a sophisticated psychological game between the characters to the absolute showdown and offered the reader an excellent conclusion, the logical answer to any questions from the plot and ensures a brilliant finale.

Characters

Some characters do not get smart at the beginning of the story. Sandra Brown skillfully plays with various traits such as greed, murder, corruption, and abuse of power. It is a pleasure to put yourself in the figures and to observe them. Nothing seems like it is and the reader pats relatively long in the dark regarding some characters and their real motives.

Especially the figure of Elise Laird gave me riddles at the beginning. Was a contradiction in itself. As a cool, blonde beauty with a maddening effect on the men, I first had a picture of a woman in front of me, who is aware of their effects, but this does not use intentionally and can adapt to the situation perfectly. In addition, I had the impression she is extremely fragile and can not say a word independently without the presence of her loving husband. She seemed like a chameleon to me.

But the superficial wealthy, who takes everything for granted, is far from them. With her chasms revealed, which stand in stark contrast to their appearance as a happily married judge´s wife, the reader experiences this in a very impressive, enthralling and convincing way.

A very different character, however, is Detective Duncan Hatcher. He has principles that are so incontrovertibly concreted in his life and profession that he falls into an absolute emotional disaster when he realizes that he is about to drop it for a few moments of fulfillment. But he does his job as usual. Incorruptible, consistent and always relying on his professional and human instincts. Nevertheless, the otherwise strong man shows a surprisingly soft side when it comes to organizing his thoughts and keeping a clear and cool head: he plays the piano.

Conclusion

A thrilling thriller full of human chasms, sex, betrayal, and murder mixed with blood and the search for new challenges with a certain kick. Should not be missing on the shelf of a Sandra Brown fan!

Happy reading

Sandra Brown

Sandra Brown is the author of 63 New York Times bestsellers. Brown began her writing career in 1981 and since then has published over seventy novels, bringing the number of copies of her books in print worldwide to upwards of eighty million. Her work has been translated into thirty-four languages. A lifelong Texan, Sandra Brown was born in Waco, grew up in Fort Worth and attended Texas Christian University, majoring in English. She is much in demand as a speaker and guest television hostess. Her episode on truTV´s Murder by the Book premiered the series in 2008. She appeared in 2010 on Investigation Discovery´s new series, Hardcover Mysteries. In 2009 Brown detoured from her thrillers to write Rainwater, a much acclaimed powerfully moving story about honor and sacrifice during the Great Depression. Brown holds an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Texas Christian University where she and her husband Michael Brown, have instituted the ELF, a scholarship annually awarded to a student pursuing a fiction-writing career. In 2008, she was named Thriller Master, the top award given by the International Thriller Writer´s Association. Other awards and commendations include the 2007 Texas Medal of Arts Award for Literature and the Romance Writers of America´s Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2011 she and four colleagues went on a week-long USO tour to Afghanistan, meeting with service members on numerous bases. Sandra is the past president of the Mystery Writers of America in 2012. She lives in Arlington, Texas, with her husband, Michael Brown.

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5/21/2019

Der Schwarze Thron-Die Kriegerin by Kendare Blake

Two Dark Reigns is a very cruel and bloody novel about sisters who fight for what they want and believe in. But only one of them is the one and only Queen. This was no book you expect after the things happening in part two. Yes, it was a reading pleasure, and yes, I had a wonderful time with it. But some chapters were a bit too long in terms of what happened in them.

Der Schwarze Thron-Die Kriegerin*

by Kendare Blake
Three Dark Crowns Series #3
Translation Charlotte Lungstrass-Kapfer
Original Title Two Dark Reigns**
Publisher Penhaligon* on March 25, 2019
Genre Fantasy
Pages 509
Format Softcover
Source Publisher

Goodreads

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Throughout her life, poisoner queen Katharine has been waiting for this: She wears the crown of the island kingdom of Fennbirn. But her reign is cruel and challenged – rumors are coming to her that her sisters are still alive and wanting to overthrow Katharine. In fact, Mirabella and Arsinoe have survived and are hiding on the mainland. But they are not safe: Arsinoe is haunted by terrible dreams. The Blue Queen, a figure from Fennbirn´s legends, urges her to return to the island. Because it is not Katharine, through which the empire threatens to sink – it is the eerie fog off its coast, which brings them all in danger … (personally translated blurb by © Vi at Inkvotary).

Story

Katharine is in a precarious situation. The dead queens in her blood are demanding new blood and to keep them under control she has to fight their desire every minute of the day. But without them she wouldn´t be the Queen of Fennbirn, so she has no other choice but to reign with them as her inner advisors. A secret she has to hide, no matter what costs. When she finds out, that her other sisters might have survived and are back on the island, she sees no other way but to play all her skills to keep what she calls her own and to protect her people. The only problem: she is not in control of the situation.

Style

Visually absolutely stunning and with a depth that made want more. Yes, there are pages and chapters where the entire story becomes flat and things seem to drift. But the more you read, the more things change. Kendare Blake uses the same language and writing-style she used in her other books in this series. And though I don´t agree with everything that happened in here, in the end, I was again stunned, shocked, and had the wow-effect. Because the last scenes are quite something.

Characters

I am still trying to figure out if Katharine is/was a living Dead or simply the result of many years of poison-abuse and the fact that she got out alive of the crevice. One thing is for sure. The mystery factor is high but not as high as in the other two books. The sisters fight each in their own way, and the scene where Jules bound ability breaks through and shows her real destroying power is one of the best scenes of this novel. Yes, it was not easy to watch her suffer afterward, and what had become of Camden, the animal, but the way how the author shows the curse that has now been unleashed, that was quite amazing.

As in the other books, the sisters are not able to do anything other but fight for what they were raised for. They have to deal with something, that never happened before and the secret they are about to unravel is giving all the answers they and the reader had. Only to bring up new questions. I am impressed by how the author has created the sisters and how she shows their characters. The individual abilities, strength, and power they have inside them.

Conclusion

This novel is cruel, bloody, and at the same time surprisingly uneventful. Don´t get me wrong. There is a lot of action in here, many dead to mourn and a queen who is kind of out of control. But I missed a bit of the feeling and atmosphere I found in the other two books. Despite that, it was still a reading pleasure. And I can´t wait to get my hands on the next book.

Happy reading

*This book was kindly provided to me by Penhaligon in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. Thank you. Therefore, the cover of the German edition is shown first in this review.

**Title was originally published Two Dark Reigns by Harper Teen on April 9, 2018

Kendare Blake

Kendare Blake holds an MA in creative writing from Middlesex University in northern London. She is the author of Anna Dressed in Blood, a Cybils Awards finalist. Her books have been translated into eighteen languages, have been featured in multiple best-of-year lists, and have received many regional and librarian awards. Kendare Blake loves animals of all kinds and is also fascinated by Greek mythology. She lives and writes in Kent, Washington.

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5/18/2019

Weekly Book Wrap-Up #73 – A Very Quiet Week

With the Weekly Book Wrap-Up, I give you a bit of an insight into all the new books that have arrived at my place.

No matter if I won a giveaway, got approved for a reviewer´s copy, an ARC or just bought one myself. Everything that I add to my shelves, in what way ever and read during the past week or am still reading, I will write about it. And maybe I tell you a bit about the upcoming things on Inkvotary, that is if I don´t forget it and have something to share with you *smile*

5/17/2019

The Search by Nora Roberts

I consider this novel one of Nora Roberts´ best work. The fact that I´ve read the printed edition while listening to the audiobook countless times guess says it all. The US edition is one hell of an entertaining mix between a romance novel, contemporary romance, and thriller. Simply magnificent.

The Search

by Nora Roberts
Publisher G.P. Putnam´s Sons on July 6, 2010
Genre Novel
Pages 488
Format Hardcover
Source Purchased

Goodreads

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To most people, Fiona Bristow seems to have an idyllic life – a quaint house on an island off Seattle´s coast, a thriving dog-training school, and a challenging volunteer job performing canine search and rescue. Not to mention her three intensely loyal Labs. But Fiona got to this point by surviving a nightmare. Several years ago, she was the only survivor of a serial-killer – a madman who stalked and abducted young women strangled them, and left them buried with a red scarf on their bodies. As authorities were closing in on the Red Scarf Killer, he shot and killed Fiona´s cop fiancé and his K-9 partner. On Orcas Island, Fiona has found the peace and solitude she needed to rebuild her life. Yet all that changes on the day Simon Doyle barrels up her drive, desperate for her help. He´s the reluctant owner of an out-of-control puppy, foisted upon him by his mother. Jaws has eaten through Simon´s house, and he´s at his wit´s end. To Fiona, Jaws is nothing she can´t handle. Simon is another matter. A newcomer to Orcas, he´s a rugged and intensely private artist, known for creating exquisite furniture. Simon never wanted a puppy, and he most definitely doesn´t want a woman. Besides, the lanky redhead is not his type. But tell that to the laws of attraction. As Fiona embarks on training, Jaws and as Simon begins to appreciate both dog and trainer, the past tears back into Fiona´s life. A copycat killer has emerged out of the shadows, a man whose bloodlust has been channeled by a master with one motive: to reclaim the woman who slipped out of his hands …

Story

Fiona Bristow is the only survivor who has escaped the assassination of a serial killer. And with which the serial killer of then still has an open bill. She moves to the island of Orcas and builds up a new life together with her three dogs. Fiona is part of a dog rescue squad and trained for their livelihood the dogs of others. This is how she meets Simon Doyle, who comes to see her with his puppy Jaws one day – in despair. Between Fiona and Simon, it crackles from the first moment and for both is clear, against an affair between them is no objection. But one day Fiona gets the message that there has been another victim – a so-called imitator has come into action. Everyone involved then quickly realizes that Fiona is his ultimate goal. For Simon, a completely unfamiliar situation, especially as his feelings for Fiona are stronger than he thought, and Fiona has to struggle again with the panic attacks and nightmares of that time.

Style

Nora Roberts wrote a wonderfully coherent and atmospherically dense novel with a sophisticated thriller impact, which absolutely captivated me from the first page on.

The reader gets to know the protagonist Fiona as well as Simon, some other characters and the idyllic life on Orcas Island. In front of the reader´s eye, the author draws a magnificent landscape, forms cozy houses, at the same time peps them up with the announced evil in one of the first chapters. Immersed in the developing affair between the two main characters, the reader experiences a story that is constantly gaining in light by thoughts and views of Fiona and Simon.

Once again, this novel reveals that Nora Roberts excels in her craft, writing, and is also very familiar with the male species. In beautiful entertaining dialogues, especially those with Simon are the hit, concise language, and extremely deliciously designed male characters, the author presents the reader with humorous insight into the mindset of men. Hilarious.

Characters

Strong-willed personalities meet each other, who complement each other perfectly in their interaction and act brilliantly together. Whether it´s Fiona´s friends, the FBI or the scene where Fiona meets her tormentor of yesteryear.

An extremely brilliant scene. Fiona no longer sees herself as the victim of that time. After all, the women in this novel are all strong personalities. The men are in no way inferior, even if they are often to be regarded with a smile. The reactions to the tree stump and its determination is more than amusing and shows once again that less is often more. Fantastic.

What I found particularly interesting is the portrayal of the serial killer of yesteryear and his imitator. Here Nora Roberts has succeeded admirably in presenting the evil in such a way that on the one hand it is perfectly clear that two sick characters are acting here, but this was presented with the necessary respect for human nature of a figure and put into words.

Here a psychological subtlety came to light, between the two serial killers and Fiona´s way of thinking to their approach and accomplished deeds, which I can just describe as remarkable. This perspective brings a brilliant kick in this novel, forming, so to speak, the thriller components that make the action of the characters to a fantastic experience.

Conclusion

The novel has a fascinating atmosphere and, in my opinion, is one of Nora Roberts best works. The reader is well entertained with a varied and colorful plot. Passion, hate and courage are the key elements that convince and turn this novel into a real experience.

Happy reading

Nora Roberts

Nora Roberts, born in Silver Spring, Maryland, is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels. During the now-famous blizzard, she pulled out a pencil and notebook and began to write. It was there that a career was born. Several manuscripts and rejections later, her first book, Irish Thoroughbred, was published by Silhouette in 1981. Having spent her life surrounded by men, Ms. Roberts has a fairly good view of the workings of the male mind, which is a constant delight to her readers. It was, she’s been quoted as saying, a choice between figuring men out or running away screaming.
Nora is a member of several writers groups and has won countless awards from her colleagues and the publishing industry. Recently The New Yorker called her “America’s favorite novelist.” She is also the author of the bestselling futuristic suspense series written under the pen name J. D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.

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5/15/2019

Waiting On Wednesday #95 – Vicious by V. E. Schwab

is a weekly event that was originally hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. This meme is a place that spotlights upcoming releases that we´re eagerly anticipating with pure joy.

My WoW, this time is the German edition of Vicious by V. E. Schwab. I guess you could translate its title with Vicious-The Evil In Us. Don´t ask me why they had to put the second line to the original title. But it is as it is.

If my reading keeps the way it is so far, very slow that is, then there might be a good chance, that this will be the very first book I´ve ever read from the author. Yes, V. E. Schwab is completely new to me, although I am already owning A Darker Shade of Magic. But that one is still on my TBR.

The cover design got me the second the author posted a picture of it on her Instagram account. Or was it on Twitter? Anyway. The red somehow got into my brain *smile* and the blurb sounds very fascinating. Good, I admit, I haven´t read adult fantasy combined with Science Fiction in a very long time, if at all, but why not give this a try and see how it fits into my reading habits? Sometimes you just NEED to break them, to discover new things. Am I right?

I do hope that I will like this. Since the weekend I know when the second one will be published in Germany and that is already on my request list as well. Oh boy, going to be a very busy fall and winter 2019/2020 *lol*

Vicious-Das Böse In Uns

Author V. E. Schwab
Villains #1
Publishing Date November 27, 2019
Publisher Fischer TOR
Format Softcover
Goodreads

Victor Vale and Eli Ever want to die. Not to stay dead, but to resurrect with extraordinary abilities. As young, brilliant medical students, they know exactly what they are doing. They plan the experiment meticulously and have success: Both come transformed back into life. Eli develops and amazing regenerative power and becomes virtually immortal, Victor can inflict or take pain to others. What they are not in control of is the tragedy triggered by their experiment. Because superpowers alone do not make heroes …

And what are you waiting for? Let me know your thoughts about this one or leave me the link to your WoW and I check it out.

Happy reading & waiting on

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5/14/2019

Firelight by Sophie Jordan

As always, the cover caught my attention first. And the idea with dragons and shapeshifters sounded also very intriguing. So why not give it a try?

Firelight

Author Sophie Jordan

Firelight Trilogy #1

Publisher Harper Teen on September 7, 2010

Genre Fantasy

Pages 336

Format Hardcover

Goodreads

With her rare ability to breathe fire, Jacinda is special even among the drake – the descendants of dragons who can shift between human and dragon forms. But when Jacinda´s rebelliousness forces her family to flee into the human world, she struggles to adapt, even as her drake spirit fades. The one thing that revives is the gorgeous, elusive Will, whose family hunts her kind. Jacinda can´t resist getting closer to him, even though she knows she´s risking not only her life but the draki´s most closely guarded secret.

Thoughts

It might not have thrilled me, as expected, but this book left me thinking about some things.

5/11/2019

Weekly Book Wrap-Up #72 – Bittersweet Mother´s Day

5/11/2019

The Pagan Stone by Nora Roberts

It was one great pleasure reading this final book in the Sign-of-Seven-trilogy. I seldom enjoyed reading a book that is so obviously set in the horror genre but without being a plain horror novel at all.

The Pagan Stone*

Author Nora Roberts

Sign Of Seven Trilogy #3

Publisher Jove Books on November 25, 2008

Genre Novel

Pages 336

Format Paperback

Goodreads

Years ago, after their blood brother ritual, Gage, Fox, and Caleb each emerged from the woods with a piece of bloodstone. Now, it will become their weapon in the final fight against the demon they awakened. Winner takes all … Shared nightmares, visions of blood and fire, and random violence begin to plague the longtime friends and the women bound to them by fate. None of them can ignore the fact that this year, the demon has grown stronger – feeding off of the terror it creates. But now, the three pieces of the bloodstone have been fused back together. If only they could figure out how to use it. A gambling man like Gage has no trouble betting on his crew to find a way. And though he and Cibyl share the gift of seeing the future, that´s all they share. But Gage knows that a woman like Cibyl – with her brains and strength and devastating beauty – can only bring him luck. Good or bad has yet to be determined – and could mean the difference between absolute destruction or an end to Hawkins Hollow´s nightmare …

Thoughts

Yes, that does sound weird, but when you know the author´s style, and how she uses to bring things together, then you understand and know what I mean.

5/08/2019

Waiting On Wednesday #94 – Heaven´s End-Wen Die Geister Lieben by Kim Kestner

is a weekly event that was originally hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. This meme is a place that spotlights upcoming releases that we´re eagerly anticipating with pure joy.

This week I am presenting a book written by a German author: Kim Kestner. I know the author from her book “Anima” which was bloody brilliant. And though I am not very happy with the cover design - too nostalgic for my taste - I am looking forward to the story. The title of this one could be translated into English: Heaven´s End-Who the spirits love.

A setting in Scotland, ghosts, and obviously some romance. Sounds very promising to me. And if the author has written it with only half the good style she used in Anima, this one should become a hit too.

Heaven´s End-Wen Die Geister Lieben

Author Kim Kestner
Heaven´s End Trilogy #1
Publishing Date July 24, 2019
Publisher Fischer KJB
Format Hardcover
Goodreads

Where the sky ends, the world of spirits begins.
In Heaven´s End, a small Scottish coastal town, 15-year-old Jojo lives with her family – the living and the dead. Because Jojo can see ghosts and lives with a whole horde of crazy ancestors under one roof. Nobody is allowed to know anything about her special ability. Not at all Zack, the school swarm, whose sparkling eyes make Jojo stupidly quite tingling. But in the idyllic Heaven´s End, weird things are happening. How long can Jojo keep her secret? And what lurks beyond the world of the living?

And what are you waiting for? Let me know your thoughts about this one or leave me the link to your WoW and I check it out.

Happy reading & waiting on

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5/04/2019

Weekly Book Wrap-Up #71 – Strawberry Time

5/03/2019

GIER by Marc Elsberg

I know the author as a novelist who likes to write about current topics that concern humanity. No matter if it is about the pro and cons of social media, how humanity treats the planet or what we are willing or not willing to do when it comes to genetic engineering. This novel is not about that, but about something else, that is almost every single time the reason why some of us do what they do: Voracity.

GIER*

by Marc Elsberg
Publisher Blanvalet February 25, 2019
Genre Novel
Pages 443
Format Hardcover
Source Library

Goodreads

✶✶✶

“Stop the greed!” call and “more justice!”. People around the world are in turmoil. They are demonstrating against impending austerity packages, mass unemployment and hunger - the consequences of a new economic crisis that is bankrupting banks, corporations, and states. National and international conflicts escalate. Only a few empires are the winners. At a special summit in Berlin, one wants to find solutions. The renowned Nobel laureate Herbert Thompson is to give a speech that could change the world because allegedly he has found the formula, with the prosperity for all, is possible. But it will not come to that. In a car accident, Thompson and his assistant die – but there is a witness who knows that it was murder, and who gets sucked into an endangered game. Jan Wutte wants to know what´s behind the formula, but the killers are hot on his tail … (translated by © Vi at Inkvotary).

Story

The world is only seconds away from another financial collapse. Renting an apartment is almost impossible. People are on the streets for more equality, affordable living space and money in general. One man has the key to solve everything. At least he believes it. Others think otherwise and do everything to keep him from talking. But what happens if one of the rich people starts to rethink and go a different path?

Style

There is no doubt, that this novel was written by the author. The soft style, the sometimes-direct words or the love for economic details. Together with some figures who show a good cross-section through society, this is a Marc Elsberg book. And yet, this novel is missing something.

In all his other books the author knows exactly how to combine action, tension and the logical facts of the topic he uses as a base to present the reader with a detailed and very entertaining novel about things the world is currently experiencing. He knows the recipe for great entertainment usually very well.

Not this time.

The story is very predictable, there were no unexpected twists and turns, the figures are completely stereotype and the plot itself? Boring. Sure, some pages are kind of fun to read, but mostly you are in a state where your only question is when will this be over?

Characters

As I mentioned before, the figures are stereotypes. Nothing against that word. In some books the converge of stereotype can be very refreshing and interesting. Not here. The author dressed them as if they were from a different planet, lets them say things no other person would use and sets them in what he sees as a typical setting. An empty house, almost a ruin right in the middle of the city. But electrical power, a modern pc, and other technical equipment are also there. Not very convincing.

Jan is a loser. He had the bad luck to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. He wanted to help, but in the end, he is the hunted. Nobody believes him. For the police, he´s the killer, for the others, he is a nobody who knows nothing about a better world, humankind or how the financial system works. He simply was born with the wrong genes by the wrong family.

Conclusion

I am disappointed. Too foreseeable, too plain and not at all written in the manner, the author usually presents his readers with. Sad, but this time only average for me.

Happy reading

*This book was, at the time this review was published, only available in the German language.

Marc Elsberg

Marc Elsberg was born 1967 in Vienna, Austria. He was a strategy consultant and creative director for advertising in Vienna and Hamburg as well as columnist of the Austrian daily newspaper “Der Standard”. With his international bestsellers BLACKOUT and ZERO, he also established himself as a master of the science thriller. Today he lives and works in Vienna.

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