An Adult emotional rollercoaster that is slow paced
928929
This is not a series to watch if you're interested in action or something to cure your bordom.  This is a extremely touching story that you will instantly relate to if you've ever lost anyone or anything you held dear at a time.  It will touch you in a way you thought forgotten when you lost that someone or something you once held dear.  Emotions will resurface that reminds you of what it means to love and to have lost.  You will fall in love with the characters as they are rich and deep in personality.  This is my favorite anime among other animes I enjoy like Ninja Scroll.

If you have any hesitations about this, you will not regret watching it (if you watch the entire series).
2856618
There are several candidates for orphan status - emotional if not physical - in this book. If there was a reference to its choice by the author I didn't catch it, but that may have been because I was reading so fast I went by it. This book is an emotional roller coaster with mostly down slopes, high-speed and almost vertical - in fact, a few riders fly off. It follows a timeline rather than a plot, but it's engrossing because of the milieu, the historical period, and above all the narrators. I kept hoping that the rises in fortune of the characters would end in stability but usually they only resulted in another plunge. In spite of this the book is NOT depressing, but rather gives a n uplifting idea of the tenacity of the human spirit, and human values, in the face of inhuman behavior. Hint: it's set in Europe during the Nazi occupation. It reminds me of a line from LOTR - we shall not fall, we shall be left standing, if only on one leg.
192033
A slow burn that turns into a bonfire of heartfelt nostalgia. An end of the world novel that feels like just the beginning.
121279
Cyberstorm is about several people living on the sixth floor of an upper-class apartment building who face several challenges during and after several natural and manmade disasters culminate in a series of devastating events.
This story is told through the first person point of view of a man named Mike.  He, his wife Lauren, and their son Luke are just one of several families/couples that live on their floor of their apartment building.  At the start of the story, Mike's greatest fears are of Lauren's growing distance from him and trying to gain the approval of his in-laws.  The last thing that he expects is that catastrophe is right around the corner, despite the warnings of his best friend, fellow apartment resident, and consiracy theorist, Chuck.

The characters are introduced very quickly from the very start of the book.  Unfortunately, there were so many characters introduced so quickly, it was difficult for them to be very well developed early on.  The characters' personalities seem to contradict themselves at times during the first half of the story.  For an example, Mike very early in the book was a sarcastic skepticist about all of Chuck's little conspiracy theories, but very shortly after the first reports of cyber attacks and bird flu were being released, Mike is suddenly swept up by Chuck's theories and seems as if he has become a true believer.
The characters eventually bloom into their roles and they become well defined as their personalities and histories are better explored throughout the events of the story.  There is enough time spent developing these characters so that they aren't bland nor are they difficult to keep apart.  I find a lot of stories where supporting characters are barely focused on that they often blend together.

The story itself started out rather slow, making it a little difficult to get into.  But plugging along, events start to escalate and there is sort of a snowball effect as several catastrophies begin to pile up on each other.  In hindsight, I realize that this slow start emulates how one situation slowly grows worse as more variables get thrown into the equation.  It reflects how one incident alone may not be something to be terribly concerned about (ie: a strong snowstorm), but add to that other factors (loss of power, no cell service, extreme cold, disease) and people begin to react with more urgency, more emotion, and sometimes less rational thinking.

I felt that Mather did a very good job describing the difficult situations the characters had to go through during the story.  Issues such as staying warm, obtaining food, cleanliness, disease, lending aid to others versus reserving resources, trust, and others are explored.  This story deals with both the good and the bad that comes out of people during times of stress.  It describes people's reactions to their environment and methods for survival.

The technological bits about the book were the ones that I was most skeptical about.  Using cell phones to communicate off of one another without the use of cell towers or service, or uploading GPS and photos onto a pair of night-vision goggles are just a few examples.  I don't completely doubt that this can be done, but the fact that this was done by a young adult "Joe-Shmoe" off the street does raise questions of believeability.

Overall, the book was entertaining.  It was fairly cheap to buy on the kindle, so I feel that it was worth what I spent.  This isn't a mind-blowing suspense/thriller end-of-the-world type of story.  It isn't a story that hasn't been done already either.  But I think it does a very good job describing the human factor when people are put under extreme stress.  If you want to read something that will occupy your time for a few hours, then this is a good book to pick up.
3171006
Morgan Abbey has no control over her life or it would seem so. Her life is suddenly all about changes and these changes are not always for the better and sometimes downright weird. She had been okay raising herself, almost, ever since her mother disappeared over a decade back, but finding out that she had powers was something even she hadnt bargained for. And to find out that he mother may be alive and that she is crucial in a war that has been going on for centuries is over-the-top for a teenager like her. We, the readers, get a front row ticket to the drama that Morgans life is and get to see her take on things that are far bigger than her.

First the good things about the book - the language and the narration style are informal and easy to get into. The plot and the concept behind the plot are intriguing. There are a number of interesting characters that you will love to like and love to hate. The storyline has a pace that is relaxed and hence every time I turned a page, I did not have the urge to go back and read it again with the fear that I may have missed something. As for the disadvantages of this book, one of its biggest advantages turns into a disadvantage before long. The informal language and narration style that initially invited me in initially, soon became something monotonous and not much attractive. It is difficult to be special while using common and everyday young adult language to tell a story and I think this was one of the instances where it didn't just click. Also, there is minimum character growth and story development with a sudden ending to the book that left me feeling unsatisfied.

I may pick up the sequel to see where the plot goes and if there is any character development, but I doubt I would pick this one up for a second read. This is a one time read and forget sort of a book that failed to make a lasting impression irrespective of the fact that I hardly noticed time flying by while I was reading it.
1343066
Rachel faces an inner battle every day, actually make that two battles. Being bipolar is like riding an emotional roller-coaster. Ups and downs, from manic episodes to deep dark pits of depression.
The other daily fight is choosing between being medicated and feeling like a walking zombie, and not taking the meds and feeling like her normal self.
Her euphoric self nearly kills her son, which triggers concerns about her capabilities as a mother. Her ex raises his ugly egotistical head and threatens the happy family life Rachel has with Jason.
As is often the case Declan the ex is more interested in revenge rather than the welfare of the child.
Jason is an interesting character, he has this strange kind of co-dependant relationship with Rachel. He likes the zany, the crazy and the impetuous side of Rachel, aka her manic episodes. On one hand he wants her on the medication, and on the other he really misses the other non-medicated Rachel. This has got to send out mixed signals to the poor woman.
Im Keeping You is the fourth in the Starting Out series. It is a mixture of romance, steamy bedroom antics and mental health issues.
* I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley.*
868590
Layla Hagen's Lost in Us was quite a roller coaster. It was emotionally exhausting, but I don't mean that in a bad way.  The characters and their lack of communication were frustrating, but I can't fault an author for making me feel.

Serena and James had immediate chemistry. Neither of them were looking for anything serious, but it didn't take long for them to head down that path. But it was a rocky one. There was no doubt in my mind that they had real feelings for each other, but their pasts and all the baggage that comes with it, is holding them back. Each of these characters had their faults. Serena was quick to run away, but after she'd been hurt in the past, I can't completely blame her. James lost someone he loved in a tragic accident years ago and it's definitely impacted the way he treats women. He doesn't do relationships. He's upfront with Serena about this, but his actions betray his words and it seems like something real is growing between them. Something aside from the obvious attraction and sexual chemistry.

Serena wasn't the strongest female character I've run across, but she wasn't the weakest either. She would have greatly benefitted from a backbone. She was terrified of being hurt, so at the merest indication James wasn't all in, she ran. But then she'd run back. She couldn't fight it. James was a sexy, accomplished businessman accustomed to living life on the edge. He had some pretty jerkish tendencies, but I couldn't fault her for falling under his spell. Who hasn't fallen for the bad boy once or twice in their lives? Together Serena and James were fiery, when they weren't fighting. Ok, they were plenty fiery when they were fighting, but that wasn't my favorite type of passion they shared.

Lost in Us is really more of a 3.5 star read, but I don't give half stars. I enjoyed Layla's writing style and the characters (even when I wanted to strangle them!), but I wish it had been a little longer. These were complex characters with a complicated relationship and, while things were well resolved, I just wanted a little more closure. I'm hoping to get more of Serena and James in Found in Us, the second book in this series. I'm really looking forward to the second book to find out more about the connection between Jessica and Parker.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
4269989
I try my hardest to love adult novels, and get into the characters and understand the stories and they just aren't for me usually. This one about Andrea growing up, literally as the title depicts was about her story from childhood till she is 40 with no real rhyme or reason to the placement. You read about her family relationships with her brother, her dead father, her mom that made mistakes because she's human. You read about all of her failed relationships with men and how she doesn't want a man or kids but thinks she needs one because that's the way the world works. There's no clear time frame because you jump from now, to the past, back to now and it's really repetitive because it tells you some stories over and over. The sad ending with her brother and his family felt forced and sad all at once, she can't force feelings on someone else when she's been absent for most of the time. I enjoyed how it discussed the emotional state she was in and how she was self aware about some things even if it seemed unnecessary. Overall I ended up just not caring. I wanted to love the book and I tried to care because it's super short but nope, I just didn't get attached to the characters or the story.
746945
A faced-paced roller coaster ride with some slow spots but generally a good read. The main man, Ben, struggles against his emotional woes stemming from a childhood tragedy and musters a believable exit from emotional hibernation with a ballsy woman CDC agent, Julie. As a reader, you find yourself rooting for them as they grow together haltingly while fighting a race against the clock to world destruction.

Interesting scientific research about the Yellowstone volcano combined with microbiological disease management broadens the storyline in a refreshing manner. Characters discuss scientific problems making them believably contentious issues that are integral to the plot. Maybe the book could have been a little shorter on self-evident statements by the narrator concerning the evolution of the main characters' revelations about the plot and their parallel love story. I will pick up another book because I am curious to see how ben and Julie move forward. Will he be a Jsck Reacher, always alone, or a more human hero?
3604834
Tranquility is an unforgettable emotional roller coaster ride which will melt the hearts of even the most jaded and cynical of readers. It is a warm and gentle jaunt through the life of a young careworker, but it is also the gripping tale of a no-let-up quest for justice.

When Sarah transfers to the Dementia unit of the Tranquility Nursing Home, she suspects that the tranquillity is only skin deep. Indeed, the homes idyllic facade masks a plethora of daily traumas  from residents with psychotic illnesses to incontinence. But Sarah and her colleague Tracey increasingly fear that there is a dark and twisted evil in the care homes very gut. They vow to expose it at any cost.

Tranquility is about a fight for justice when no-one wants to listen, but it is also the poignant story of the love between four generations of women living under the same roof. The great-grandmother, Elaine  Gran, the grandmother, Brenda, single mother Sarah and her six-year-old daughter Kayla. These four steel magnolias indomitably support one another through love and loss.

The real stars, though, are perhaps the residents of Tranquility themselves. Their banter is a timely reminder that an elderly person  perhaps especially a dementia sufferer  is not a shell to be discarded but a labyrinth of memories, thoughts, hopes and dreams. From the caddish Sam to the vivacious Rose to forever-young twins Lily and Beth, their personalities shimmer and thrive.

Who could forget the haunted Mrs W? Who would mess with the feisty Edie? At its heart, the book is a telling reminder that the death of an old person is not an inevitable relief but the burning of a vast and great ship that has sailed the seven seas.

Tranquility evokes an ocean of buried feelings, and it will be very hard not to succumb to the tidal wave of emotions. In other words, keep the Kleenex handy!
2698393
This was a poignant tale. The very first page is heart-wrenching. I don't see how young people being forced to read this book for school could ever appreciate the adult themes presented in this book. This book requires a certain level of maturity to understand the dynamics of a child who is caught between two adults who have so many problems (especially the problem of not knowing how to parent with love). This is a very frustrating book to read; the parental behavior (one might call it abuse) was so difficult to read about. If the ending wasn't totally satisfying to me (I wanted to see Melody truly confess to being an awful mother, or at least rot in hell), I found this to be a very moving, satisfying book to read.
4952605
This book was a rollercoaster for me, unfortunately not because of the actual book's writing or plot, but because my emotions were all over the place as I realized that this book was not what I was expecting. I got it thinking it was a new adult book about solving a crime. When I realized it was about a 17/18 year old couple, I was slightly disheartened but decided to continue reading to solve the mystery. And I was glad I did because I thought this was a very solidly written book. The writing was nice, the dialogue was realistic, and for the most part, I wasn't hating the characters. By page 150, I was thinking this would be a solid 4 star book just for entertainment value. But then it took a twist I was not expecting, and quite honestly I wish it wouldn't have taken. It added an unnecessary element to this story that wasn't properly introduced or explained, and its involvement in the solving of the mystery was very lackluster and almost irritating. If you like books about solving crime you might consider checking this out, but otherwise, it just resonated very meh with me. But I gotta say, I love the little dashes of humor and silly moments that occur with the characters. I think they were really well-written and though they could be bland, they were fun to read about, especially in dual POV.
2114212
Reading Pharmakon can be like an wooden roller coaster ride. It starts off building up with anticipation and then you get that first exciting major drop. Then you get more rises after that, but the problem is that every sequential rise and drop is less exciting than the last. The roller coaster has the excuse of physics to fall back onto, the book doesn't.

The author has divided the book into different "books" each switching the characters they focus on and taking place at different times during their lives.

The first "book" starts off in the 1950s, when a college psychiatrist Dr. Freidrick finding out about a rare plant that has been rumored to cure depression. He convinces a  colleague to develop and test the plant as a proper medicine using a group of volunteers as guinea pigs.

Despite it being a double blind test study, Dr. Freidrick decides to involve a troubled suicidal student named Casper. At first it seems as the drug is doing wonders for him, that is until he starts killing at least.

In the second "book" we move forward a few years and the story shifts focus to Dr. Feinberg's young son Zack. Despite having been born after all the events in the first "book," Capsper still has an effect on Zack's childhood.

The story reaches its height of intensity when Casper escapes the mental instution and encounters Zack. But, there is still about a third of the way into the novel, leaving much of the story left.

As we progress to later books we see how Zack and his family progress with throughout the years up in to the 90s.  But unfortunately the story by this point has become lackluster.

The book keeps you reading until the end, but never rewards you for doing so. While the story is riveting and the characters are interesting and well rounded the book will leave you feeling flat.
4364362
This book can be defined in two words: roller coaster. The characters in this book go through the ringer. A dark past haunts one, a desire to have a connection drives the other. This book has tons of ups and downs, laughs and cries, and bumps and bruises. If you're in the mood for a book that will pull at your heart strings and make you want to hug and kick the characters at the same time this is a book you will enjoy. While the characters have issues you do in up falling for them and their hardships. I'm not usually one for these kinds of books but even I couldn't put it down and there was a part of me that had to see it through to the end and I'm glad I did. You will either love this book by the end or hate it but hey, that's half the fun, right?
3132568
This is a bumpy ride, not for the faint of heart.  A lot of torment, at high emotional volume, with little relief.
3073119
It took me almost a month to get through the first 30 percent of the book, and then about 3 days to finish the last 70! Although the beginning was slow (for me) the rest was like a roller coaster of emotions that I just couldn't put down.
647384
Good story about how people cope differently with domestic abuse. A bit slow moving, though.