An intriguing read with a unique twist
588479
A Star Curiously Singing is a unique book in that it projects what the world might look like if sharia law became the ultimate authority worldwide. Mix that scenario with a future, technology-rich culture and you end up with the world Nietz has built.

The main character, Sandfly, is a debugger, a slave with an implant in his brain enabling him to connect to the electronic world around him in ways that only debuggers can. Sandfly's primary job is to fix his master's robots, but when he is called upon to unravel a technological mystery, everything changes. It seems a spacecraft capable of interstellar flight has successfully made a trip to the stars and back to Earth again, but on the way, one of the key robots on board has gone haywire and torn itself limb from limb. Now it's up to Sandfly to figure out what went wrong and whether the robot poses a danger to humans. But as Sandfly pieces the robot back together, he finds a strange recording that sets his world on edge.

I found that the first-person viewpoint in Nietz' book immediately drew me into the story. Maybe it's just me but I found it intriguing to be in the head of a guy who has an implant in his head. (Ok, sorry. I couldn't help myself.) Seriously, the technology in the book was fascinating to me. How great would it be to have your own wireless computer inside your head, complete with email and instant messaging in text or video or more? Of course, Sandfly had to deal with the whole do-what-I-want-or-I-zap-your-head situation, but he finds ways to survive and still keep his sanity.

I suppose it could be a side effect of reading fantasy books that are so long they could be used as doorstops, but when I reached the end of A Star Curiously Singing and turned the last page...aaaaaaa! I couldn't believe it was the end! The book went by so fast and I wasn't through with the story. Must...read...more. I'm sure the sequel will be well worth reading.
2882491
A curse, antiquities,and murder make this an intriguing read. Throw in a handsome man, the Greek isles, and deception....well, it rounds out all the key elements of a good story.

This book led me across the globe and through a web of clues and misdirection while trying to decipher who was behind the murders and kidnappings. Let's just say there is a twist near the end that I didn't expect but looking back should not have been surprised. With everything that happens to Annalisse and Alec, I trusted no one...not even the ones that are there to help and protect.

The romance between Annalisse and Alec moves at a somewhat slower pace as they take some time to get to know one another before jumping into bed together. There are some slightly graphic sex scenes, but nothing too risque. Annalisse has some reservations about Alec, I believe mainly due to his wealth but is able to overcome it with time. I liked that Alec is planning to open and run a Vet clinic. With his background and opportunities afforded him, he could have done anything, but he followed his interest with animals into a career that is relatable.

I will say that this book needs a prequel to really delve into the murder of Annalisse's friend Samantha. It is the focus of the beginning of the book, but I feel like we really don't know what happened and who the key players are that are involved. It is mentioned again near the end of the book and her murder is resolved. Maybe not to Annalisse's liking, but it is tied to what happens during the bulk of the book and I feel like it needed more explanation. When I started this book I wondered if it was the second in the series but it is not.

The book does fluctuate from moving slowly to a brisk pace especially near the end when everything is coming to a head. I think the last 15-20% of the book is the best since that is where we learn the truth about those involved. As I mentioned earlier, there is a twist (or two!). Will you figure the twists out before the truth is revealed?
779563
I have never read a novel like this one before, so it took me a moment to get a feel of the different style of life and time period this was set.  Once I had an understanding, everything flowed fairly well. If this were a series, I would definitely want to read more of it.

This was such a remarkable read, with such imagination and innovation in its presentation of gender. Yes, it can get confusing, but I think that is the point. In trying to decipher and keep track of the genders and roles here, we see how foolish and short-sighted a binary system really is. Compared to a contemporary romance the plot is a bit slow, but it actually fits the Regency style, and I enjoyed the leisurely pace. I loved the twist on the m-preg kink, and thought it really brought the characters together, and as uncomfortable as it made me, I understood why the rape scene was there.
3414079
I found the story absorbing from the first page. innitially I thought the first girl he met was the guide, this was an interesting twist. the plot shows signs of interesting sub plots and i am looking forward to readind the next book. The story could be read as a stand alone book. even though the indications are there to draw you into the ongoing drama. A very good read
4378401
Really enjoyed the characters in this book!  I loved how the author gave you just a little information about the ending of the book after each chapter, it was a unique spin that kept me guessing!
551611
I enjoyed this novel from start to finish because it held my attention and was not a simply plotted love story. It had a cute theme, but at the same time the emotional part of the story ran much deeper than I expected from what could have been a simple cookie-cutter plot. It has a unique twist on the bride of convenience theme and that difference from the same-old same-old kept me turning the pages.

The best part of the story was probably the cord of love developing between them and the author's twist on the things that kept them apart. I loved how the author used easy to assume misconceptions to create barriers for them, and I loved how they discovered that none of what they believed was true in the end. Of course, the hero was very heroic, and the heroine had strengths as well as flaws, but not the annoying kind that makes you want to roll your eyes. Bottom line, I loved everything about this book.
1481532
I selected this book as I was intrigued by the title. I found it to be an enjoyable and quick read worth a unique twist and sorry perspective. If you enjoy stories Todd in a new way, you d will like this. Read with Kindle unlimited.
3199443
Set in Victorian England, the day to day life of Princess Angelica Shelton Balanov shows glimpses of how a proper lady would spend her time... and also how a intelligent woman can rebel without losing her grace and charm.  Angelica's days take an interesting turn, however, when she discovers that there are others like her who can read minds.  The difference between them?  The mysterious man she meets is a vampire.

Mina Hepson's UNDER THE BLOOD RED MOON is a new twist on a vampire story, throwing the stereotypical myths out the window.  Prince Alexander, the visiting leader of the Eastern Clan, can walk under the sun and doesn't appear to need a coffin or native dirt.  Visiting London to hunt down a rogue vampire who is breaking the laws by drinking human blood, Alexander's carefully controlled life is disrupted when he meets Angelica, and finds that she is the first human that he has met who is a mind-reader. Unlike other humans, he cannot easily erase his existence from her mind... so what will happen if she discovers that he is a vampire.

This novel is a wonderful combination of romance and the paranormal, without going to the extreme with either.  I finished the last page believing the the characters could actually exist, unseen because they are a "normal" part of our world, hiding their uniqueness behind closed doors and strict laws.  I would highly recommend this novel to anyone who is burned out by the seemingly sameness of romance novels, and also to those who enjoy a bit of magic in their lives... Mina Hepson brings originality back to fans of both romance and the paranormal.
2659217
Unique and intriguing read. A welcome break from the formulaic best sellers currently available. Lots of startling twists and turns to keep the pages turning. Not recommended for anyone looking for an easy read by, this one invites your full attention.
1300575
An interesting twist on time travel, mix in a bit of mystery and a bit of suspense and you have a winner!
561540
This was a unique intriguing and surprising story. The use of trees and gourds is such a cool idea.

I reread the first chapter a couple times. The story immediately caught my attention but I couldn't process what they were talking about. It was an interesting problem and an interesting process they were going through. I needed more background but who wants to start out with a lot of background.

Also - I was not feeling well when I started reading and I think I didn't read the beginning as closely as I should.

I am excited for the story to continue. I want to know more about the power source and what happened to it. The story is obviously not finished and i want to know what happens next.

I totally recommend this book to lovers of dystopian/ sci-fi/ fantasy. I've already told my husband he should read it.
4527438
actual rating 3.5

My Thoughts:
 Zhang created a very unique idea in this novel, having two souls sharing one body. The implications of living like that and how everyday situations would be different was intriguing. Where I couldn't follow was that questions I had were never answered.  I needed to know why people were born this way and why after time the souls `settled' leaving only one soul where two had been.

I felt that the pacing was slow but not dull. We followed Addie and Eva through their normal life and the stresses of being different yet having to hide it from everyone, even those you love. Zhang did an excellent job giving each a voice that was uniquely theirs and desires and needs that varied. I was never confused whom I was following or what their motivation was. I found the dialog between the two very intriguing and overall it kept my interest.

Near the middle, the pacing picked up yet slowed again for the last third. This section was too slow for my liking  and I was eager for the story to wrap up and for some conclusion to be made. Zhang succeeded in creating an antagonist I disliked. She gave them all the bad but I never understood their motivations for what they were doing so I didn't feel they were very well rounded.

Though I wanted more world building I believe that many of my lingering questions will be addressed in the next book, Once We Were.
3752906
First off, I am an independent reviewer. This book has so many twists and turns that you never know where the author will take you.

It was an intriguing yet sensitive story that one becomes attached to the characters so deeply you feel you are right there watching the events unfold. I invite everyone to read this tale of mystery, taboo and growing pains.
2232585
While I appreciated the unique story line, I didn't get sucked in by it.  Sadie has just lost her job and also needs to head home to the place she's avoided for years to settle her dad's estate.  However as soon as she returns to the island and runs into an old acquaintance, tragedy strikes and her life starts spiraling.  Simon proposes stealing to get the money Sadie needs, which she reluctantly agrees but first, spends the night with her mark.  She never imagines she's going to see that man she spent a torrid night with in Antigua after she steals his stuff!  Jaxson is both bitter and intrigued by Sadie, but the strange command vibe he gives off was a little weird for me. I get Sadie is seriously indebted to Jaxson but I'm not sure I'd be a doormat and follow commands like that.  I did enjoy a bit of the who-done-it mystery of this book.  There just wasn't anything that really hooked me during this book.
2995377
This book was a very well written novel.  I was very capable of understanding the feelings, of the girl's father.  It is narrated by the victim, which gave it a unique twist.  Hearing the story, from that perspective, made it even more intriguing.  A good read !!
595130
I did not really know what to expect when I picked up VENGEANCE by Shana Figueroa but it certainly wasn't this unusual, explosive, paranormal story with a dark edge.

Val Shepherd is using her unusual gift of seeing glimpses of the future, to try and prevent crime from happening. But when her fianc&eacute; is murdered, she will stop at nothing to attain vengeance against those responsible. Teaming up with Max to solve this conspiracy, they soon realise that they have more in common than they thought. But as danger closes in around them and the body count rises, will they be able to solve this mystery before it claims their lives?

VENGEANCE by Shana Figueroa is not your normal crime fiction or paranormal novel and really belongs in a sub-genre all of its own. As the reader desperately tries to piece together the puzzle alongside Val and Max, there are so many twists and turns that will leave you reeling. This novel is definitely for adults only as there are a lot of sexual situations, and sensitive issues dealt with throughout.

VENGEANCE by Shana Figueroa is fast-paced, energetic, intriguing, and as this is the first book in this series, the ending leaves you needing the next instalment - a unique and enjoyable read.

*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the author
991175
I listened to this book and didn't want to stop listening till it was done. I found the characters rather unique - especially the villain. I didn't know where the author was going at times because the premise of the book is not one I've ever heard mention of in this way before. The premise seemed unlikely but truth is often stranger than fiction. I know that's vague but I don't want to give any plot spoilers. I found the villain to be a scary individual. What kept me hanging on was wanting to figure out where the story was going, as well as what was going on in the heads of the characters.