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Review: The Last One by Alexandra Oliva
Title: The Last One Author: Alexandra Olivia 26 Genre: suspense Publisher: Ballantine Books Reality TV shows. We have all seen them. All of us at least understand the premise. People sign up to compete in some manner for fame, glory, and usually some sort of monetary reward. Usually the competition involves harsh physical conditions, though sometimes, it can also include embarrassment and a variety of demeaning tasks. Also, none of these programs really encourage teamwork. So when there’s a book’s premise revolving around a reality show, the audience is pretty sure to understand the setting. In this book, a young woman that the…
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Book Review: Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
Title: Dark Matter Author: Blake Crouch Genre: suspense, sci-fi, thriller Publisher: Crown Date: July 26, 2016 Jason Dessen is brilliant. With his mind, he could have been one of the foremost scientists in the world – easily. But he decided to focus on his family instead. His relationship with his life is key to keeping him grounded. And his son is a light every day. Even when things get a little boring, the simple things bring him pleasure. Making dinner. Spending time. It’s all good. And then one night he goes out for a drink. No biggie. Jason merely wanted to celebrate a friend’s accomplishments. But on the way home,…
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Book Review: Since She Went Away by David Bell
Title: Since She Went Away Author: David Bell Genre: thriller Publisher: Penguin Date: June 21, 2016 Jenna Barton has had a rough time of it lately. A few months ago, her best friend, Celia, disappeared. If that wasn’t bad enough, Celia was on her way to meet Jenna when she went missing. This puts single mom Jenna and her son directly into the spotlight. Reporters, social media, activists, rumors, speculation – it’s all a part of her life now. It’s caused Jenna to spiral into a weird guilt situation where she spends her time constantly searching for Celia or any lead she can find. Messageboards have become an odd…
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Book Review: Ben Hur by Carol Wallace
Title: Ben Hur Author: Carol Wallace Genre: Historical Publisher: Tyndale Date: July 19, 2016 Ben Hur. The very title of this book evokes immediate response in generations of people. Most instantly have horses, chariots and roman gladiators in mind. Some picture Charlton Heston. Some might even have a bit of a stab of guilt because they haven’t read the book or watched the film. I fell into that latter category until recently. Judah Ben-Hur is a Jewish nobleman. He’s always only known comfort, luxury, and preferential treatment. Though he treats others well, his best friend, Messala, comes to resent him. Unaware of his friend’s anger, Judah still treats his friend…
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Review: Curio by Evangeline Denmark
Title: Curio Author: Evangeline Denmark Genre: Steampunk, fiction, fantasy Publisher: Blink Date: January 5, 2016 Grey Haward is nothing spectacular. She lives every day just like everyone else around her. She avoids the Chemists. She takes her potion. She does what she’s told. It’s all pretty boring. But there are just enough odd little flags here and there to let her know that her life is different. Her grandfather’s Curio shop has a cabinet that she never opens or cleans. It doesn’t seem out of sorts but the fact that it’s very specifically avoided and pointedly ignored gives her a hint there may be something different. One night, on the…
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Review: The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman
Title: The Invisible Library Author: Genevieve Cogman Genre: fantasy Publisher: Roc Date: June 14, 2016 Anyone who has read my reviews for a while knows that I love time travel. I was an Outlander reader from day one, I adore Doctor Who, and Quantum Leap was my introduction to the eccentricities of fandom. And obviously, I adore books as well! So when a book about an Invisible library and a time traveling librarian comes across my desk, it pretty much becomes a must read. Irene is a professional spy for the Library. Not A library. THE Library. This is a super-secret organization that travels through different realities gathering up and…
