Book Review: The Thought Readers by Dima Zales

Author: Dima Zales
Title: The Thought Readers

(Mind Dimensions #1)

Genre: SciFi, Fantasy, UF, Mystery, Thriller, YA
Format: ebook

Pages: 348 
Published: March 5th 2014
Where I Got It: My shelf (amazon freebie)

Summary: Everyone thinks I’m a genius.

Everyone is wrong.

Sure, I finished Harvard at eighteen and now make crazy money at a hedge fund. But that’s not because I’m unusually smart or hard-working.

It’s because I cheat.

You see, I have a unique ability. I can go outside time into my own personal version of reality—the place I call “the Quiet”—where I can explore my surroundings while the rest of the world stands still.

I thought I was the only one who could do this—until I met her.

My name is Darren, and this is how I became entangled with all the Russians and learned that I’m a Reader.

Review:

What a unique concept!! I had to check it out...plus it was free...so why not?

We follow Darren who has a crazy ability that allows him to go outside time into a frozen reality. He can explore his surrounding while the rest of world is frozen. He thought he was the only one who could this...until he met her. 

Can you imagine having such a power? Seems like such a cool tool especially when it comes to a stressful moment. I would love to have a few moments to just pause everything. It would've been nice for my college years ;) 

I liked Darren. He was an idiot sometimes and he for sure used his powers for his own personal gains...which can you blame him? Why not? I know I would especially when I was in college. 

Gah. I was not a fan of Mira. She is a hot-head and I felt bad for her brother who had to deal with her. He was adorable and it was enduring how dedicated he was to her, but my goodness I wanted to shake some sense into her thick head. Maybe I'll like her more in book 2. 

Yes, I am tempted to read the next book mainly and only for how everything ended. LIKE WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA? YOU CANNOT DO THIS TO ME!!!!!!!!!!!!

In the end, this was a good read. I enjoyed the concept and Darren. I hope I grow to like Mira more in the next one. I'll give this 4 stars.

Audiobook Review: The Ash Tree by MR James

Author: M.R. James 

Narrator: David Suchet

Title: The Ash Tree

Genre: Short Story, Novella, Horror, Classic, Paranormal

Format: Audiobook

Published:  1904

Where I got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: The tale of a man who unwittingly angers a sorcerer

Review:

Stumbled upon this on Audible and it fits what I as looking for. Something short but spooky. 

The story follows Sir Matthew Fell and his grandson Sir Richard. Years previous a woman was found guilty of being a witch and condemned to death because of the testimony given by Sir Matthew. Not long after, Sir Matthew dies in a mysterious and horrific circumstances. Fifty years later, Sir Richard inherits his grandfather's home and he starts realizing that the ash tree might be to root of his problems. 

Oh idiots the lot of them. Especially Richard. Even if you don't believe in supernatural stuff...why would you WANT to stay in the room that your grandfather died in. NOT just DIED...but died a terrible and horrific death. Super creepy. 

And that tree. *shudders* Creepy tree. Burn that thing down. 

This was short, but it worked. If it was longer I think it wouldn't have been so creepy.

My only issue was that the beginning took a little while to warm up. But it was all worth it by the end. 

The narrator did a good job and I loved the sound effects. Both added to creep factor. 

For sure worth the listen! I'll give this 4 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #47 for Audiobook Challenge

Audiobook Review: Rumours & Recklessness by Nicole Clarkston

Author: Nicole Clarkston

Narrator: Stevie Zimmerman

Title: Rumours & Recklessness

Genre: P&P Variation, Historical Romance

Format: Audiobook

Pages: 462 

Published:  October 13th 2015

Where I got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: Fitzwilliam Darcy is desperate. Finally confronted with a woman who ignites all his hopes , he agonizes over the cruel trick of fate which placed her in a situation beneath his notice. The morning after the Netherfield ball, he resolves to put as much distance between himself and her as possible.

That very morning, however, Elizabeth's future is jeopardized by her father's untimely accident. With Mr Bennet unconscious and surrounded by concerned neighbors, Mr Collins presses his suit. Elizabeth's mother frantically demands her acceptance to secure the familiy's welfare. With so many witnesses to his proposal and everyone expecting her to make a practical choice, Elizabeth's reputation hangs in the balance.

Without her father to defend her refusal of Mr Collins, there is no one to speak up for her... except the last man in the world she would ever marry.

Review:

I am so sad to Audible Escape is going away. I've enjoyed it so much!!! I hurried up and got this done since it was the last one I have on my shelf. 

It is the morning after the Netherfield ball and Darcy can't get his mind off Elizabeth so he takes an early ride. That same morning Mr Bennet has a bad accident. All the neighbors come by to help and give support to the Bennet family. Mr Collins decides this is the perfect time to press his suit and ask for her hand in marriage. Without her father there to defend her refusal of Mr Collins, there is is no one to speak up for her...except for Mr. Darcy. 

What a fun twist around of the plot!! Darn that Mr Collins...he is a snake for sure. Mr Bennet is barely hanging on for his life and you're going to try and corner poor Lizzie? What a cad. Good thing Darcy was there to intervene. 

Sure....I understand why Lizzie was mad because Darcy flat out lied and said they were already promised to each other. Yes, yes. I would be mad too, but she really held onto that anger for so long. Let it go...it was either Collins or Darcy.....at least you got the good one!

Wickham was certainly more wicked than normal and I loved it.

Caroline was more bitchy than normal...and it worked. She does come around (no spoiler here) and I hope she finds a man to take her on. 

Lydia and Kitty were dumber and more wicked than normal. They needed a good shake. 

And the surprise and twist had me with my mouth agape. Did NOT expect to see that coming. 

I love this narrator. I listened to her previously and she is good. She does a good job and tries to give everyone a different voice. I want to listen to more by her!

Overall, I really enjoyed this. That twist at the end got me! If you are looking for a pretty good P&P, I suggest this one. I'll give this 5 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #47 for Audiobook Challenge

Tell Me Something Tuesday: Comfort Foods and Reads

  

Oct 13th: Comfort foods and comfort reads: now that the weather is getting cooler, share some of yours.

Oooo comfort foods and comfort reads?

We'll start with comfort reads that I love reading when the weather is cold. Here is my list (no order):

- Romance novels are a #1

- Scary/Horror novels

- Cozy mysteries

- Xmas books

- Paranormal 

 One of my favorite things especially when the weather is getting cooler. Here is a list of my favorite comfort foods (no order to my list):

- Chocolate

- Pie! 

- Soup of every kind. 

- Crock pot meals!

- Turkey

- Stuffing

- Potatoes of every kind...especially mashed with gravy

- Apple Cider

- Apples

- Donuts

Those are just a few. I can't wait to hit up the nearest Cider Mill. 

Mamyia loves comfort food too ;)