“Dog Meat” is a challenging read for any animal lover, but with a lot of insight and depth. Ward lives in a society where freedom isn’t even an idea. He scored low on the placement test because of an illness and was given the horrendous job of slaughtering dogs for food. This part made me queasy, but there was so much beyond that job. The Colony controlled the people and every aspect of the citizens’ lives with the message that everyone was doing their part. The problem with that was that you had no choice on that part. There was no equality, religion, or different points of view — and some had it better than others. Ward struggled with what was expected of him and knew that if he refused to do his assigned job, he would be arrested and reeducated. As we learn of his past and lack of hope for his future, we are quickly shown how unfair this way of life is for many of the ones who didn’t do well on a test. This read will stay with me for a very long time, while I think about lack of choice and how we treat animals reflects how we treat others who aren’t like us. A powerful and painful story that I can recommend, but be ready to handle some very tough subjects and images.
Metamorphosis The Breach Chronicles #2
By Ivy Logan
Amelia’s parents were killed in a car crash when she was little. She goes to live with her beloved uncle, where she discovers he has a dark side that she learns to live with while residing in luxury. As Amelia grows up, she quickly learns how to protect those she loves from a brutal dictator. She ends up being the fashionable face of pink diamonds while trying to right a wrong. Although she is kind, she’s surrounded by many who hate what she represents. Not only is “Metamorphosis” a fascinating coming of age for a girl who has everything but who also has nothing. There is a magical element carried over from the first story that gives this a dark fairytale feel. I love her relationship with her bodyguards and her adopted grandma. She trusts the wrong people, but her kindness is her strength. This also takes on a more severe subject of mining diamonds and the people used to do so. A captivating tale I found hard to put down with a few twists I didn’t expect. I never stopped rooting for Amelia and am eager to read the next book to see how this ends and if she gets a happy ending. I can easily recommend this story.
Natural Selection Dawn of Humanity #3
I have read and loved the first two books in the Dawn of Humanity Series and have been looking forward to this final story. I wasn’t disappointed. Lucy sets out to rescue her tribe mates after they were captured. I have grown very fond of many of these characters and was rooting for them. The detail of their daily life brought me into a life I otherwise couldn’t imagine. Eating raw meat or insects while trying to survive in harsh conditions was just a way of life for our prehistoric ancestors. The amount of research into this story and series was impressive and made Lucy’s quest more real. I loved the animals that joined this tribe, including the Canis and Homotherium kit. Although I was sad to see this end, I enjoyed the journey into the past. A book and series I can highly recommend!
I only post my 4 & 5-star reviews here! If I don’t like the book, I won’t finish it. It wouldn’t be fair to leave a review for an unfinished story, and life is too short not to enjoy my reading journey!
NOTE: I know I’ve been quiet other than being here for my guest blogs, but I’ve been under the weather. COVID finally found its way into our house. I’m recoverying well and my husband is a few days behind me, but I’m not 100 percent yet. It is very lucky I was prepared for the holidays early this year
I’m taking a short review break, although I managed to do a couple during my recovery time of new releases. I just finished Fairy Tales by Stephen King. I won’t even rate this one, but would love to edit it. I would get rid of the first third of the book which read more like a coming of age before the adventure…lol. Now I’m on to The Big Dark Sky by Dean Koontz. I should be able to leave a rating for this one. Then back to new releases and reviews before my Christmas reading break!
Embrace your inner child, and read a good book! D. L. Finn
Congratulations to Ivy, Jacqui, and Priscilla on these great reviews. I’m glad you’re recovering from the COVID, Denise. I’ve bought SK’s book for hubby for Christmas but won’t be reading it myself. Have a wonderful week. Hugs 💕🙂
Thanks, Harmony!
All good reads, Harmony! Thank you. I can feel it might take a bit to get my energy back but glad its behind me for now. I will be curious what your hubby thinks of it. I think it would drove your inner editor nuts…lol You have a wonderful week too. Hugs xo
I’m sorry to hear that you and your husband have been hit with Covid. I hope you both make a speedy full recovery.
Congratulations to Jacqui, Priscilla, and Ivy on the great reviews!
And to you on such an unusual story. I can see a large audience for you.
Thank you, Liz 🙂 Thought it may pass us by but didn’t. We are both getting there though.
All great reads 🙂
You’re welcome, Denise. Thus far, my husband and I have escaped. Fingers crossed!
Fingers crossed! Xo
Glad you’re on the downhill side of Covid.
Thanks, Craig:) It still reminds me to rest here and there.
Glad you’re feeling better, Denise. Thanks for sharing your reviews.
Thanks, Joan 🙂 Happy to share!
I hope you and your husband feel better soon. Life is hard enough without health challenges on top of it all.
As a dog lover, I don’t think I could read Dog Meat as it sounds too depressing.
Thank you, Pete. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in bed that sick. Yes, it is easier without an extra health challenge that is for sure.
It is a very hard read for a dog lover, but glad I read it for its depth.
Thank you for sharing your insightful review. I feel that way about Lucy, too–I already miss her!
It was a great series and they are always hard to finish, Jacquie:) I will always remember Lucy!
I am reading Natural Selection, so had to skip that review. Thanks for sharing your reviews, they are compelling, as usual. I feel drawn toward Metamorphosis. Wishing you and your hubby a speedy recovery.
I try not to give anything away in the reviews, but always good to stay away from feed back while reading. I think you would enjoy Metamorphosis, Balroop. We are on the upside of it now, I just have to pace myself still, thank you.
I hope you love it, Balroop!
Congratulations to Priscilla, Ivy, and Jacquie on the great reviews.
I’m so sorry COVID found its way into your household, Denise, but I’m glad you’re on the mend and your husband is close behind.
Very curious what you said about Stephen King’s book. I usually like coming of age tales, but it sounds like the first quarter of the book didn’t come off well!
Thanks, Mae 🙂 All three good reads in their different ways.
I thought maybe we wouldn’t get it but it didn’t pass us by this time. My husband usually recovers more quickly than me, but neither of us have been sick in bed in a very long time.
I like coming of age tales too but all the detail wasn’t necessary for the main story and slowed it down. I do understand what he was trying to do though.
Oh no, sorry to hear you’ve been under the weather. I hope you and your hubby fully recover soon! Three good reviews, and a special thank you for reading Dog Meat which I know is a difficult story to swallow.
Thank you, Priscilla 🙂 We are getting there. It is a great story that leaves a lasting impression, even with the tough subject matter.
Fantastic reviews, Denise! Congrats to these authors!
Thank you, Jan 🙂 Can’t go wrong with any of these books.
Terrific reviews, Denise. Congratulations to these authors.
Thank you, John 🙂 All great reads.
😊
Thank you, John!
I’m sorry to hear you’re sick, Denise. Did the grandkids avoid it? Wonderful reviews, congrats to the authors!
Thanks, Jacquie. The olders grandkids got it in June, and the younger ones last January. It was just hubby and I this time, following my younger daughter having when we got back from Disneyland. Gone through the whole family now.
Congratulations to these authors and thank you for the wonderful reviews, Denise.
Thanks, Karen. You can’t go wrong with any of them.
Sorry to hear about your bout with COVID, Denise. I’m glad your both recovering. Congratulations, Priscilla, Jacqui, and Ivy on the wonderful reviews!
Thanks, Mark. Its been years since I was sick in bed. All good reads 🙂
Thanks, Mark!
I’m glad you’re starting to feel better, Denise. We were wiped out by covid too this fall, and we almost never get sick. It’s a bear. Great reviews. I share your thoughts on Dog Meat – a really hard read but a lot there and it sticks with you. I also enjoyed Jacqui’s book and series, and can’t wait for whatever she has coming up next. And finally, thanks for the recommendation of Metamorphisis. It sounds good. Congrats to all the authors. 🙂
Thanks, Diana 🙂 We are the same. I think its been over 20 years since we’ve been this sick. Yes, Dog Meat is one I won’t forget and like you looking forward to Jacqui’s next peoject. I think you would enjoy Metamorphosis. Xo
Jacqui knocked it out of the ballpark again, didn’t she? Interesting about Fairy Tales that was on my TBR list.
Hope you’re feeling well today and even better tomorrow. Hugs
<>.
She sure did, Sandra. I would be interested to hear what you thought about Fairy Tales. Thank you, I am improving but have to careful not to go back to my high energy ways…lol
I’ll let you know my thoughts after I read it. Hope you get plenty of rest tonight and feel great tomorrow.
scoxoxo
Thank you, it will be a rest day with lots of steamy air 😉
Great reviews, Denise. Congrats to everyone. Thanks for sharing your insights with us. Hugs.
Thanks, Teagan 🙂 Happy to share the good books I read. Hugs xo
What I love about Jacqui’s stories is the theme that no matter how different we are, we can get along and help each other.
Ivy’s books have caught my interest and you’ve spiked it:)
Priscella’s sounds intriguing, but I’d have difficulty with the dog slaughter.
Hope you’re feeling chipper. xo
Yes, I love the very same thing about Jacqui’s stories. I think you will enjoy Ivy’s stories. It isn’t an easy read for animal lovers but it is a strong statement for freedom and kindness, Sandra. Thank you. Hugs xo
Wonderful reviews, Denise – congrats to all the authors! I have Priscilla’s waiting for me, but being an animal love, I know parts of it will be difficult for me. Sure hope you and hubby have mild cases – get some rest!
Thanks, Teri! It is hard to readfor animals lovers but thevstory is so compelling beyond that. Yes, resting when I need to. Its mild but won’t letvl go either.
Stay warm and dry….
Stay warm and dry:)
scoxoxo
I will, thank you xo