Wandered over here from GR. They need to get their shit together, man.
Well, that was marvelous. It sort of follows the loose formula for these kinds of M/M historical/mystery/paranormal novels. You know; shy, retiring academic is brought out of himself by a more outgoing, worldly man. They have to co-operate to solve a mystery, they share a life-threatening experience, friendship ensues, then intimacy, cue sequel. Alway with these things, the reader's enjoyment is determined by the quality of the writing and I absolutely enjoyed this. It was gloriously creepy. Well worth a read if you enjoy the subgenre.
This series jumped the shark several books ago, but I keep reading for the sentimental value. I'm quite fond of Ty and Zane, even if I sometimes get them confused. And their over-the-top antics are generally amusing before they wear thin. Some of this book reminded me of Roux's The Archer, which was a bit of a hot mess, actually. Anyway, I'll keep buying her books because I feel like I have an emotional stake in the characters, but I don't know how much more disbelief I can suspend.
Alexis Hall probably deserves a better rating as an author; but this particular book fell short of amazing for me for all the reasons that Emma explained. The writing felt a bit pretentious, which, okay, can be justified by having the main character be an author, but I feel that it was incongruous in the very mundane setting of this book. I also just couldn't connect with either Ash or Darian. Ash because of his douchebaggery and Darian because just no. So while the writing is very good, it made me feel a bit disconnected, janarwhatamean?
My god, that was sad. It's not really a romance, more a tale of frustrated desire wrapped up in an indictment of the First World War, and it's beautifully done. It's a very understated novel; Boyne manages to capture the horror and despair of the trenches very clearly and without trying too hard to be graphic or shocking. I felt great empathy towards his characters, despite (or maybe because of) their flaws. I'm not sure if 'enjoyed' is the right word to use, but I read it start to finish without reading anything in between, so it has to be good. But certainly it's one of those novels where, right from the very start, you know it can't end well.
Well, I didn't really think this whole GR debacle would turn into such a hot mess. And while I felt appropriately outraged, I couldn't imagine leaving. But I don't really see the point in being part of a book community when its chief members emigrate to greener (less censor-y) pastures. So, I, too have jumped ship; because I'm nothing if not a follower. Anyway, I look forward to us finding our feet together here.
3.5 stars rounded up.
This book didn't sit well with me. I found the metaphors and similes too florid, and it seemed to me an uneasy balance of extremely gory and violent and extremely cheesy. So, I was all set to one-star it. But then this line happened: 'I'll squash your baby head if I have to' (in reference to a demonic baby clown). That kind of giggles deserves an extra star.