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untraceable by s.r. johannesWhat: Untraceable (The Nature of Grace #1) by S.R. Johannes

Who: Coleman & Stott

When: November 29th 2011

How: A copy of this novel was provided for review via Net Galley on behalf of the publisher.

Rating: ★ ★

trigger warning: animal abuse and deaths in this novel

I guess that warning pretty much sums up my feelings for this book. Being an extreme animal lover and activist, I just cannot handle animal cruelty in novels. I don’t need the ‘education’ of it, and I certainly don’t see the fictitious appeal. I know how fucking cruel humans are, and I certainly don’t want to read about it, when reading is supposed to be my happy place. But anyway.

I wasn’t a huge fan of this novel, even without the animal cruelty aspects. The main character was irresponsible, girl-hating (you dumped him, you don’t get to bitch about the girl who actually likes him – or any girl for that matter), and more than a little annoying. This girl is supposed to be a survival skills enthusiast (or whatever), and then makes so many mistakes. I think you either create a character that knows their shit, or you have one that doesn’t. Making mistakes is amateurish, and takes away the credibility of the knowledge of the character. The romance moved at the speed of lightning, and he called her Blossom (with a capital B). I am not a fan of pet names in general but Blossom? *shudders*

I felt that the suspense of this thriller was really lacking, and I saw each of the reveals coming a mile away. This won’t be a series I will continue reading.

 

the weight of souls by bryony pearce

What: The Weight of Souls by Bryony Pearce

Who: Strange Chemistry

When: August 6th 2013

How: A copy of this novel was provided for review via Net Galley on behalf of the publisher.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

A good book! Hallelujah, hallelujah, halleeeeeelllluuuujjjaaaahhhhh.

I had been looking forward to The Weight of Souls ever since I saw a review for it on Tammy’s blog Books, Bones & Buffy (like a year ago – I know SHAME ON ME for reading things so late but hey … better late than never, right? RIGHT?). I trust her opinions on books, so I knew that I was probably going to like The Weight of Souls. Which I did. Very much so.

Pearce’s writing style is very, very good. I slipped right into the story and into Taylor’s POV extremely easy. It was also the kind of style that just begs you to keep reading. I mean, I read this book in a few hours because it was so engrossing. Beyond that, the storyline was flipping fantastic and completely unique in the fact that Taylor has to … murder murderers. SO AWESOME.

I wasn’t entirely enthused about the ~secret society~ aspect of the book, but it wasn’t enough to deter my enjoyment of the book. There’s little to no romance, and it certainly isn’t instalove so I appreciated that wholeheartedly. I actually love Taylor for all the shit she gave Justin after he died. I laughed.

I must warn you, though: there is a lot of potential for a book #2, but so far no word on that. So if you aren’t keen on a book that has a few unanswered questions and room for a sequel but no news so far … still read it because it was awesome.

 

dangerous designs by dale meyerWhat: Dangerous Designs (Design #1) by Dale Mayer

Who: Season Publishing

When: August 26th 2011

How: A copy of this novel was provided for review via Net Galley on behalf of the publisher.

Rating: DNF

I got to 22% of Dangerous Designs, and I couldn’t continue. I was not invested in the run of the mill ~special snowflake + special instrument~ storyline, nor was I a fan of the characters, or the predictable ‘boy has to deceive girl but ends up falling for her’ plot device. To be honest, I just don’t have the time to force myself to read a book I know I am not going to end up loving.

© 2015, Chiara @ Books for a Delicate Eternity. All rights reserved.

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Posted on: February 3, 2015 • By: Chiara

10 Responses to Net Galley Round Up #2

  1. Jen says:

    Animal cruelty?! Why would anyone put it in a book in the first place? I mean, if it’s about identifying cruelty against animals that could lead to saving said animal, then by all means, I’ll read it. But, then, that’s on the opposite spectrum there. Still! That book sounds icky. And pet names? *shudders*

    I think Epic Reads did a video featuring The Weight of Souls. It’s called “Fandom of One”, which I think is self-explanatory. Also: “I actually love Taylor for all the shit she gave Justin after he died. I laughed.” I laughed too, but I haven’t read the book.

    And it looks like an Egyptian Mythology novel. *grabby hands*

    • Chiara says:

      The author did add note at the end that she was hoping to raise awareness of the hunting of bears in whatever state the book was set in, but I just kinda wished there had been some kind of notice. Or maybe that note should have bee BEFORE the book, instead of after.

      The Weight of Souls was really good! And I’ll try and find that Epic Reads video.

      There is definitely heavy tones of Egyptian mythology, but the way they’re incorporated is totally unique! I hope you like it if you do end up reading it, Jen!

  2. I don’t know if I could make myself read Untracable all the way through. Boo for hurting animals. Also, the horse I ride at horse riding is called Blossom and I just couldn’t take that seriously. Blossom is a horrible pet name.

    Strange Chemistry was publishing a lot of good stuff before it shut down. I love the cover of Weight of Souls and almost requested it on Netgalley. Definitely regretting not requesting it now. It sounds like something I’d really enjoy.

    Sometimes I like reading the simple special snowflake plots and that type of romance in Dangerous Designs but it has to be well written. And engaging. And not have characters that piss me off. And I have a feeling none of the above was in Dangerous Designs if you put it down so soon.

    • Chiara says:

      Yeah, I was not a huge fan of the animal cruelty, that’s for sure. And Blossom was an awful, awful pet name *shudders*

      Strange Chemistry was so awesome! I ma actually really disappointed that they shut down, because I have enjoyed every title of theirs that I have read. And you should see if your library has it! I know that it isn’t too expensive on Amazon, if you have a Kindle.

      Yeah, the special snowflake plot has been done so many times, it really has to be different to catch and keep my attention. Unfortunately, Dangerous Designs did not cut it.

  3. I’m SO HAPPY you liked The Weight of Souls. It’s one of my favourites ever and Bryony Pearce is a super cool author. I can’t wait for her newest book to be released!!!

    • Chiara says:

      ME, TOO! I seriously wish there was a sequel, though. There was such a big reveal with the whole army thing, and I’d love to see Taylor and Justin’s relationship grow even further. I am definitely going to look into her other novels! Her style was lovely.

  4. “I know how fucking cruel humans are…”

    I don’t know why I liked that part of your review of Untraceable. But anyways, your reviews are awesome [negative or positive]. YOU GO, CHIARA.

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