WWW WEDNESDAYS is a weekly meme hosted by Sam @ Taking On A World Of Words and is all about answering the three questions below.
- WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?
I’m still reading Rivers Of London by Ben Aaronovitch… Mostly because I’ve started a new crochet project and I can’t crochet AND read a physical copy at the same time. I can combine it with my kindle, so that’s basically why I’ve been reading other titles instead. I’m putting crochet on hold today though so I can hopefully finish it! I’ve also started reading The Girl Who Saved The King Of Sweden by Jonas Jonasson, a title I’ve been meaning to pick up for ages and I’m really excited about.
- WHAT DID YOU RECENTLY FINISH READING?
1. Ink And Bone by Rachel Caine (3/5 stars) REVIEW 23/08
I had really high expectations when I started reading Ink And Bone, and this just might have been the problem here. I was really surprised it took me a long long time to get into the story… I can’t exactly put my finger on the way, because the writing itself is excellent, but it might have been the slowish pace or my lack of connection to the plot itself. There is no doubt there is a lot to love in Ink And Bone, but somehow I just didn’t feel it. I felt some of the spark was missing, and only towards the final part did that spark finally ignite.
2. The Mysterious Affair At Styles by Agatha Christie (3,5/5 stars) REVIEW 23/08
The Mysterious Affair At Styles is actually her very first book and it was interesting to discover how her long career had begun. This first introduction to the famous Hercule Poirot was an interesting one. The references to the war were interesting and gave the story a little something extra. True, the pace was a tad slow and this story is more about cleverly concealed twists and descriptions than real suspense. It was interesting to see how the case evolved over time and how Hastings tried to figure out what really happened, and his interactions with Poirot himself. I figured out the basics of the ending early on, but being able to see the techniques Agatha Christie used to reach that ending was still satisfying.
3. Truth And Lies by Caroline Mitchell (3,5/5 stars) REVIEW 19/08
I have a weak spot for serial killer thrillers, and I really like the original angle used in Truth And Lies. It’s not the first time I’ve read a story written from the perspective of a serial killer’s daughter, but it hasn’t been done a lot either. The details about the past, the memories resurfacing, the broken family story… It definitely adds something fascinating to the story. But for me this element kind of got a bit lost in between all the other elements used in this story; there was simply too much going on, too many different elements and subplots to make for a proper coherent and believable plot. I felt some angles were left unfinished and I think the story would have benefitted by simplifying things and leaving some elements out. That said, it was still an entertaining read and a good start of a new series.
4. Uprooted by Naomi Novik (3/5 stars) REVIEW 26/08
Initially, I really enjoyed this story and I was positive it would receive a really high rating. The writing style is just wonderful, the worldbuilding is intriguing, I loved the many references to the Polish culture and Agnieszka’s character has an interesting background. I liked seeing the magic evolve and even tolerated the Dragon. But why o why does this story have to be destroyed by unnecessary and disturbing romance?!?!
5. The Shadow Cats by Rae Carson (3/5 stars) REVIEW 26/08
The Shadow Cats is actually a prequel to the first book and focuses more on Elisa’s older sister Alodia. I never really liked her, but if possible she comes over as even worse in this novella. In fact, I had a problem with a lot of the characters in general. The writing is solid though and I loved the use of many Spanish words, both in names and other descriptions. Very creative!
6. The Confession by Jo Spain (4/5 stars) REVIEW 27/08
Normally, finding out the who behind an attack or murder is one of the main drives of a crime thriller. So how can The Confession work that well if we know who did it right away? It has to do with both the well crafted plot and the also important question ‘why’. We may know the who, but readers are left clueless when it comes to the reason behind this attack. What secrets are J.P., Harry and Julie hiding? What connects them? Why was Harry attacked? Oh yes, you will keep wondering why, why, why as you keep turning pages and encountering the next clever twist. A very solid read indeed!
- WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’LL READ NEXT?
I’m starting Call To Arms by Rachel Amphlett as soon as I finish my current read on my kindle… I need another dose of Kay Hunter! I also want to read both I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh and Tell The Wolves I’m Home by Carol Rifka Brunt, depending on how long it takes to finish the other three titles. As soon as my N.E.W.T.s readathon begins on the 31st, I won’t be having time for other reads! My newest TBR jar pick is still An Officer And A Spy by Robert Harris.
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Wow you’ve read loads!
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The one advantage of being cooped up inside while still feeling under the weather I guess. 😉
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Aha that makes sense. Hope you feel better really soon xx
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Thanks! Fingers crossed the medicine will kick in soon… Although I’ll probably end up with another doctor appointment next week. xD
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Hope the medication does work xx
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I enjoyed I Let You Go! I hope you have a fantastic week of reading.
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That’s great to hear! I’ve been wanting to read that one for ages.
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I felt exactly the same way about Uprooted! Started off so strong and then… bleh. I liked the Dragon well enough as a character, but not as a love interest for Agnieszka.
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Good to know I wasn’t the only one! I liked the Dragon as well, but most definitely not in that way. It just felt all wrong… Especially considering the way he treated her before and he is a million years older and all.
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Exactly! I also found it unlikely that a 17-year-old newbie could do what centuries-old wizards hadn’t been able to do all this time with the Wood.
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Ah yes that too, although I guess she’s able to because she sees magic in a different way (more natural). Still, it’s weird that she is supposedly so bad at it and then manages to save the world.
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The Confession sounds amazing! I definitely want to read it.
Here’s my WWW post: https://www.boundtowriting.com/www-wednesday-august-22/
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I can definitely recommend that one!
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All these dramatic thrillers! I want to throw a romance novel at you to lighten things up again!!! 😉
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Haha I did manage to read some fantasy with romance in it… But I’m definitely up for a contemporary read soon. 😉
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I actually did not know that A Mysterious Affair at Styles was Agatha Christie’s first book. Love your reading variety. Do you really pick from a TBR jar? I should be doing that. Here is my WWW post if interested: https://greatmorrisonmigration.wordpress.com/2018/08/22/www-wednesdays-august-22-2018/
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I didn’t realize at first either! And my success rate with my TBR jar is mixed, depending on the title I get haha. I’m a mood reader, and this particular TBR jar pick has been on the list for a while simply because I haven’t been in the mood for it.
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I can’t wait to read The Confession. So glad that you enjoyed it. I hope you will enjoy your next reads too. Have a fab week 🙂
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I hope The Confession will be a good one for you as well! Have a wonderful week. xx
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I have a copy of the The Mysterious Affair At Styles too, I’ll get to it eventually 😉
I Let You Go is a fab read, I hope you enjoy it as much too!
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Haha I hope you will enjoy it when you get to it! It’s great to see where her long writing career once started. And I’m looking forward to I Let You Go!
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It looks like your reading has been a tad less than good this week 😦 I hope your reading picks up this week 🙂
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Just to clarify I am referring to all the 3 star ratings, not the quantity of books read lol
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Haha you are right though, a lot of mediocre books or at least titles that didn’t convince me… The curse of reading such a good book others just don’t compare. I did read two excellent titles since this WWW though. (Going back to an old favorite always helps I guess)
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