Priscilla and her Books

Where do I begin? Phantasy is filled with a great deal of dialogue. At some point, I felt like I was reading a screenplay. People who enjoy inner dialogue are in for a real treat. Personally, I was expecting a story with wonderfully detailed observations. I’m not a fan of the constant use of capitalisation, as well. Considering the positive aspects, it’s a vivid story to read to escape reality. Phantasy is low on lyricism, sure, but it’s a mind-bending adventure and the author gives life to his fully-rounded characters. It’s not my cup of tea but I look forward to see the author’s future work.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange of my honest review.

Lord of the Rings meets Narnia!

I’m so glad that the author approached me for a book review. Titanian Chronicles is imaginative and beautifully written. Although the plot can be slow-going, the stirring brotherly relationship between Afeclin and Wolflang makes up for it. Reading Titanian Chronicles was a pleasure as the author has the ability to describe the wonders of Titanian Chronicles with her pen. Every detail has been put into play for a reason. With their long tufts of plumage on top of their heads that stuck up in the air when singing their sweet tune…, Tall traffita trees with their elongated willowy white trunks and long slender leaves that draped from the top of their stem, Kaberry gives life to the richly atmospheric tale.

Memorable quote:

Never lose sight of who you are and make the work you do always be for a good purpose.

I received a complimentary copy of Titanian Chronicles in exchange of my honest review.

I feel like Marty McFly when reading Reflection of the Gods. This urban fantasy tale constantly shifts to the POVs of Das MacDermott and Aislinn and the way the author does it, proves to be effective. Ancient time to 21st century, it’s an interesting concept and it feels like time travel. Reflection of the Gods opens with a brief chapter of Das’s childhood which results in unforgettable repercussion. Sparks fly between Das and Aislinn and I find the development between them a little too fast-paced. It feels bumpy. On a different note, Llamrei’s writing is captivating and appealing. The POV of Das mainly shows how important it is to follow your passion. He’s a relatable character. Despite having unsupportive parents, he dumped his job as an accountant and went on full speed for a career as a photographer. Aislinn, a demigod, is alone in this world and longs for a companion. It’s hardly a surprise to see these two characters falling madly in love as they complement each other really well. Some parts are more funny than a barrel of monkeys. It’s witty and eccentric. Even though I clearly had trouble remembering the characters’ names, Reflection of the Gods is canon-worthy. The ending left me somewhat unsatisfied. I have a feeling there’s going to be a sequel. Magical and sensual, Reflection of the Gods will knock your socks off.
Memorable quotes from the book:

Politeness is a very human failing. Pretense and artifice are what distinguish you from the lower orders of animalia.

When one lives forever, time has little meaning.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange of my honest review.

For Whom the Book Tells took me by surprise. The book first talks about Lorraine “Ma” Camphor and her two kids, Laura and Tim. The father, Wilhelm Camphor, who died during the Korean War is briefly mentioned. It then shifts to Tim buddies: Joe Cebellum, Fred Etheridge, Tommy Wanderby and Sam Thorn.The next four parts talk about the four lead characters’ parents. Their marriage and family lives are thought-provoking. There are a lot of sex scenes so this book might not be suitable for the younger audience.I noticed there are a lot of pop culture references in the book, which I appreciate. Overall, I find For Whom the Book Tells gripping and realistic, though, the plot is a bit slow paced for my taste. Still, I look forward to more of the author’s literary output.Memorable quote from For Whom The Book Tells:If she were a book, it was not a page turner.

I received a copy of For Whom the Book Tells in exchange of my honest review.

Written in the first person narrative, this hauntingly beautiful tale tells the story of Oren Gale, a musician who seeks his muse, Cybilla. Gale has loved this beautiful woman since the moment she first came to his dream.

Gale desperately searches for her, struggling to bring her back to the mortal world. He then crossed paths with many colourful characters like the daughters of the water, Kira and Dia, Janus, the old gentleman and Carmenta, the oracle.

The story behind Cybilla ia astonishing, not what I had expected. Haig’s lyrical, powerful prose will leave you wanting more.

What I like best about the short story is that Gale is a remarkable character. Even though he had his future stolen, he remained upbeat. Instead of being whiny and bitter, he-to phrase from the book-turned around and shared the water of life with a stranger.

Memorable quote from Cybilla:

Oh hope, you are a fragile thing.

I received this book in exchange of my honest review.

Perfumed Letters starts off with a quote from the bible, Proverbs 27:9

Perfume delights the heart…

Despite being a self-help book, Perfumed Letters also explains how perfume was used during the olden days. Here’s a fast fact for you readers: perfumery started in ancient Egypt to please not women, but pagan gods.

As I was reading the first few pages, I thought this was an odd combition. I never thought the connection between perfumes and God. The author wrote with such eloquence that it all feels like an easy feat. Perfumed Letters is a highly original book. It mentions our sense of smell and how it determines emotional response and behavior.

The author further shares her personal account, like the day she encountered Jesus.

Some of Perfumed Letters memorable quotes

BYOB, Bring your own bible

When was the last time you allowed God to get into the shower with you?

Okay, you dirty geezers. I assure you there’s nothing erotic about this particular last sentence. You have to read it to find out.

I do feel that Perfumed Letters might be mind-consuming for non-christians. As mentioned before, the book has plenty of the author’s personal life. Friendship, love, family, there are parts where readers can relate. The book is written with compassion.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange of my honest review.

This is my first Amy Tan book. Having bought it at a sale (3 for $10), I was ecstatic to finally found one book I’ve been meaning to read for quite some time.

The Bonesetter’s Daughter talks about the estranged relationship between mothers and daughters. It is about the women who shaped Ruth Young’s life. The story shows that it is not too late for people to forgive each other and themselves.

The Bonesetter’s Daughter is bold and troublesome all at once.

The first part focuses on Ruth, a workaholic in her mid 40s. It talks about Young with her life partner, Art and his two adolescent daughters, Dory and Fia. Things start to get complicated when Young finds out that her mother, Lu Ling, is showing signs of dementia. The late Precious Auntie, whose real identity shows later in the book, is a constant figment in Lu Ling’s life. The relationship between Ruth and Lu Ling is fustrating. There’s resentment and bitterness.

The second part evolves to Lu Ling’s young life. Sisterly love. Marriage. Curses. Family secrets. I’m not a believer when it comes to superstitions; I find them silly. To quote from the book, it is bound by grudges, debt and love.

The Bonesetter’s Daughter builds up slowly. It reads well and is rich with humanity. The last 70 pages offers commentary on forgiveness and pride- as Ruth finally understands what her mother and grandmother has done for her.

Dark and troubling, Haunted starts with a bang. More specifically, it starts with a newspaper article about a haunted house where bizarre things have been happening to the Laceys. The retired couple, who own the house, state that they’re having trouble selling it.

The story then switches to the three lead characters, Steven Trent, Tara Martin and Paul Stratton. These youngsters are currently college students and members of SPR (Society of Paranormal Researchers). In other words: hardcore ghostchasers.

I was charmingly surprised to find out that the book also talks about the scientific side of paranormal experience. It explains what we see are very often the result of objects which happened to resemble the human form.

When the three pals managed to get permission to enter the haunted house from the Laceys, things started to get eerie. It starts to get terrifying when a person from Tara’s past appears. Plot and dialogue wise, Haunted is a fast read. With just 13 chapters, I was sorry to see the story end. I hope to see more!

While there are tender moments between the lovebirds, I felt that it was a tad too rushed. Paul Stratton, the wiseass, should be in jail as he officially steals the limelight. The psychic is a well-developed character.

The story catapults you into a world of paranormal fiction, friendship and romance. Haunted’s strengths lie in dialogue and depth. You won’t be able to put the book down.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange of my honest opinion.

50 Word Book Review

The novel lacks conviction. I’m reeling in shock as Summer Sisters by Judy Blume currently holds a 3.8 rating on goodreads. Commonplace characters set in a weak plot: natural disaster. A heavy emphasis on the characters’ teenage years, the story has potential, but failed miserably. Tawdry. So skip it.