Tag: likely story

Review: Broken Petals by Tasha Hutchison

~ likelystory18 ~ Leave a comment

Synopsis:

Brooklyn Monti is dying. Or at least she thinks she is. Ever since Brooklyn was diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease at 19, she’s used it to give up on herself. Huntington’s has affected her career, her friendships, and her love life. But will she let it control her future? When Brooklyn meets the man of her dreams she must decide whether Huntington’s is going to take away the one thing she’s always wanted: a family. Broken Petals is the story of a young woman dying to live as she is forced to face her reality and embark on a journey of self-discovery that will change her life forever.

Favorite Lines:

“I don’t know how often you fly, but you’re supposed to put your phone on airplane mode or you could have us lost in space – not that I’d mind being lost with you”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

I would like to start this review off with a trigger warning. This books involves scenes and recollections of domestic violence and may not be suitable for everyone. This story follows Brooklyn as she tries to navigate her life after receiving a diagnosis for Huntington’s Disease.

From page one, the author’s tone for the main character reminded me of myself – I felt like I was reading my own internal thoughts on a day where I am feeling particularly sassy which I found quite humorous. The best way to describe this book without giving too much away is that it is a life story of a couple dealing with life beyond a Huntington’s diagnosis. I could see it being a romantic drama movie on the big screen full of strong characters, heartbreaking moments, and perseverance. I also really enjoyed what the broken petals represented throughout the story.

One thing I wasn’t a big fan of was the whirlwind of time. The book flashes forward in time sometimes not spending enough time elaborating on events that I feel were important. I wish there had been a slower, more detailed pace at points. I also actively recognized that the main male character is definitely a man written by a woman for woman. I really liked him but he was almost too perfect.

Summary:

Overall, if you like drama and romance in a slice of life type of story then this book could be for you.

Broken Petals

 

Review: Legacy of the Third Way by Abdul Quayyum Khan Kundi

~ likelystory18 ~ Leave a comment

Synopsis:

I often teased her, saying, “Nour, you’ve chosen the wrong major. How many women philosophers do you know in the history of mankind?” She’d respond by calling me a misogynist, sexist, intolerant, and a woman-hater.

***

“I need some guidance. How will I finance my college tuition? I mean, who will give a job or scholarship to a convicted criminal? Will I be able to get a job after I graduate?” Alex’s concerns reopened my still-fresh wound.

***

Dive into the captivating world of political intrigue and societal evolution in “Legacy of the Third Way,” a compelling novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey through a not-so-distant future. Set against the backdrop of a world in flux, where traditional ideologies clash with the demands of progress, the novel weaves a gripping tale of power, ideals, and the indomitable human spirit.

At the heart of the story is Sher Shah, a family man who is thrown into the limelight to challenge the status quo. The novel unfolds through multiple perspectives, offering a kaleidoscopic view of the characters’ lives as they navigate a world shaped by political upheaval and societal transformation. As Sher Shah grapples with the consequences of their choices, the narrative unfolds like a tapestry, revealing the intricacies of power, loyalty, and the pursuit of a better future.

The novel explores not only the grand stage of political machinations but also the intimate corners of human relationships. Richly developed characters grapple with dilemmas that resonate with the challenges of our own time, creating a narrative that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.

“Legacy of the Third Way” is a masterfully crafted exploration of the intersection between ideology and reality, inviting readers to reflect on the choices we make as individuals and as a society. As the pages turn, the novel challenges preconceived notions, posing questions about the nature of progress, the price of change, and the enduring legacy that our decisions leave in the world.

For those seeking a riveting blend of speculative fiction and social commentary, “Legacy of the Third Way” stands as a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the complexities of our shared human experience.

Favorite Lines:

“While Americans are known for their compassion and empathy under normal circumstances, emergencies often bring out the same greed and insecurity inherent in human nature.”

“Humans are failing to learn from past mistakes. We’ve already damaged the climate by polluting the air, water, and soil, leading to man-made disasters such as the disappearance of glaciers due to rising temperatures and rising water levels that have submerged vast areas. Now, we’re disrupting the balance of society by accepting an exception as the norm.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

This books follows Sher Shah, flashing between the present where he has been diagnosed with colon cancer and chooses to recount his life in journals where we, as readers, are taken on a journey through the past with a younger Sher Shah.

I found this book to be really interesting. While it focuses on political themes, there are also notes of rich culture, history, and fascinating philosophy. Kundi did a great job at weaving together a story full of human experiences and ideologies while challenging complex societal issues.

I also really enjoyed the futuristic aspect of this book. At first I was confused on how the storyteller was born in 2020 and telling the story but as we progress further along, I realized that this story takes us to the future where things such as communication IDs and medical history chips are considered normal. Kundi  cleverly uses futuristic technology to illustrate points that are relevant in today’s society.

Summary:

Overall, while this may not be my typical read, I still found it very interesting from a philosophical perspective. If you like political fiction that dives into some complex issues of society in a creative way with notes of romance, drama, and culture while also including futuristic aspects then this book could be for you. Happy reading!

Legacy of the Third Way

Review: The Mutates: The Creation by Peyton N. Leonard

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Synopsis:

What would you do if your humanity was brutally stolen from you? How far would you go to reclaim that humanity? Tyler, Samy, Andy, and Lola are just a bunch of teenagers living in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania in 2009 when they are kidnapped and experimented on, becoming genetically modified feline humanoids with wings, called Mutates. They struggle to make sense of their mutations and fight for their freedom and humanity all the while growing their bonds with one another and the people they come across. Their journey is fraught with adversity, heartache, and pain, but they learn to overcome their challenges and become even stronger individuals in the process. Come and join Tyler, Samy, Andy, and Lola as they embark on the ride of their lives.

Favorite Lines:

“No matter what I said to her, she was always smiling and taking everything in stride. She’d been like that ever since she was born. Legend has it that she’s smiling at this exact moment.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

This story follows a group of teenagers who, at the start of the story, think their biggest issue is surviving high school. They’re quickly proven wrong when they are kidnapped and turned into Mutates; genetically modified humanoids with feline features and wings. Readers are along for the ride as they come to terms with their situation and fight for their freedom.

It has been quite some time since I have read a true young adult  book. I forgot how different the author’s voice can be through a YA story versus something like NA. This story is told from the PoV of the kids/teenagers and really immerses you in the story because of the tone. I will admit that the PoV changes were a bit confusing to me but also added dimension to the story.

I do think that the transformation process to Mutates happened really fast. One minute they are just human and the next they are more. I wish there had been more detail as it was a bit of a whirlwind. I did like the epilogue. Without giving anything away, it wraps everything up with the beginning of the story and I thought it was very creative.

Summary:

Overall, this was an enjoyable and creative book. It reminded me of Percy Jackson meets Maximum Ride. If you like young adult, romance, action, adventure, friendship, and hints of religion/spirituality in your books than this one might be for you. Happy reading!

The Mutates: The Creation

 

Monthly Features – December

~ likelystory18 ~ Leave a comment

The Noise by Allison A.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Angela Blau has a degenerative bone disease, but she was never warned her mind could deteriorate as well. There’s no other explanation for the footsteps coming from the second floor—footsteps her husband, Jack, never hears. And then there are the ghosts who attack her at night, and the townspeople who dig through the dirt like rabid animals and peer through her windows.

Maybe the ghosts and the townspeople are in her head—it wouldn’t be the first time she’s let her mind wander—but the noise has to be real, and she’d go up there and prove it if the stairs weren’t so rotted that she’d fall right through, Jack says.

Things get worse when Arlo, a lonely old man who lives “somewhere down the street,” reveals a violent crime that occurred on the second floor. Against Jack’s warnings, Arlo indulges Angela’s growing obsession and pushes her to discover the true source of the noise, who exactly the townspeople are, and whether a traumatic incident that occurred four months ago, an incident Angela refuses to talk about, is to blame for all of it.

Summary: Overall, I loved this book. It was very well written and I would recommend it to anyone that is looking for a book that has elements of the paranormal, a psychological thriller, suspense, mystery, and romance.

See the full review here: The Noise
Purchase here

Hamartia by Raquel Rich

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Grace’s nine-year-old son, Jordan, is dying. First, the Metagenesis disease will tear his soul from his body, and then it will kill him. Desperate for a cure, Grace agrees to take part in an illegal clinical trial cloning souls. Supported by her best friend Kay, the two embark on the ultimate “Vegas Vacation” to the past in search of the right soul to clone, racing against time to save Jordan’s life. But someone is trying to stop them and when they discover why, Grace must make a choice: let her son die or kill her husband. If she kills her husband she triggers widespread Metagenesis, sealing the fate of the human race with a new plague.

Humanity is counting on Grace choosing to let her son die.

Summary: Overall, I loved the ideas in this book and really enjoyed it. It was so creatively done and well written; the ending especially. I can’t wait to read the next one and hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

See the full review here: Hamartia
Purchase here

 

To Kill A Kingdom by Alexandra Christo

Synopsis: Princess Lira is siren royalty and the most lethal of them all. With the hearts of seventeen princes in her collection, she is revered across the sea. Until a twist of fate forces her to kill one of her own. To punish her daughter, the Sea Queen transforms Lira into the one thing they loathe most—a human. Robbed of her song, Lira has until the winter solstice to deliver Prince Elian’s heart to the Sea Queen or remain a human forever.

The ocean is the only place Prince Elian calls home, even though he is heir to the most powerful kingdom in the world. Hunting sirens is more than an unsavory hobby—it’s his calling. When he rescues a drowning woman in the ocean, she’s more than what she appears. She promises to help him find the key to destroying all of sirenkind for good—But can he trust her? And just how many deals will Elian have to barter to eliminate mankind’s greatest enemy

Summary: Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was out of my usual interest zone but definitely refreshing and worth the read. If you aren’t sure what to read next, be sure to check it out!

See the full review here: To Kill A Kingdom
Purchase here

 

Review: The Wolf King by Lauren Palphreyman

~ likelystory18 ~ 1 Comment

Synopsis:

When a princess is kidnapped by an alpha , war rages between the humans and the wolves. But soon, forbidden attraction starts to grow. . .

Princess Aurora longs to escape the castle and the marriage that has been arranged for her.

But on the night before her wedding, at a dog fight where captured werewolves are made to fight for sport, she spares the life of a young wolf. It puts her on the radar of the powerful alpha who was going to kill him. And it changes everything.

That night, when the alpha escapes, he kidnaps her and takes her to the rugged lands north of the border — where the once warring werewolf clans are beginning to unite. He thinks that she is the key to winning the war against the humans.

Only, as they spend time around one another, forbidden attraction starts to grow. And as Aurora learns that not all wolves are bad, the alpha discovers that she is in danger from both his enemies, and those he once considered friends.

With monsters on both sides, a bloodthirsty war between humans and wolves raging, and undeniable passion growing between them — will their story end in love? Or tragedy?

And will Aurora ever get home?

Does she even want to?

Favorite Lines:

“I am envious of the Northlands winds that rattle the window and howl against the stone walls. How good it would feel to unleash that rage with no thought to the consequences.”

My Opinion:

I saw this book on social media and decided to read it on a whim with low expectations because other werewolf books that I have read have always been kind of meh but I was pleasantly surprised with this book and ended up devouring it in one sitting.

As a warning, this is an NSFW book so consider yourselves warned. The story follows Aurora as she is taken from her human home and dropped into the wild world of (were)wolves. What starts as an escape from an arranged marriage transforms into her questioning everything she knows about the world she grew up in and where her allegiances lie.

I thought this book was well written, had an interesting and addictive plot, and left me wanting more. It flowed nicely and I found myself turning page after page needing more until I was at the end and realized I may have to wait another year for the next book. This book has strong ACOTAR vibes and I hope the potential love triangle comes to fruition with my ship coming out on top. Once question I do have is who decided werewolves are Scottish and their packs are clans? Who makes these decisions?

Summary:

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am excited to see where the author takes it next. If you like fiction, paranormal romances specific to werewolves, action, and some mystery then this book is for you. Happy reading!

The Wolf King