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By Hook Or By Book

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By Hook Or By Book

Monthly Archives: September 2020

2020 Presidential Debate #1

30 Wednesday Sep 2020

Posted by By Hook Or By Book: Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff in Uncategorized

≈ 16 Comments

This is a great summation from chuq of last night’s disgraceful debacle.

In Saner Thought

Last night the long awaited 1st presidential debate was given to the country……and it is now in the can as they say in showbiz…..

This debate was as I thought a war of interruptions and antics…..and political silliness.

The actors in this passion play are President Trump and Joe Biden……and the scenes went something like this…..Trump spend most of his time insulting someone……

With just 35 days until the election, President Trump and Joe Biden took the stage in Cleveland for their first face-off but declined to shake hands due to the coronavirus—one of six topics moderator Chris Wallace of Fox News plans to question the candidates about tonight. The others: the candidates’ records, the Supreme Court, the economy, race and violence in our cities, and the integrity of the election. Up first was SCOTUS, but within minutes the debate had taken on a life of its own, with Trump…

View original post 1,398 more words

Wickedly Whimsical Wednesday

30 Wednesday Sep 2020

Posted by By Hook Or By Book: Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff in Uncategorized

≈ 24 Comments

Tags

Animated Shorts, “The Maker”, Christopher Kezelos, Wickedly Whimsical Wednesdays, Zealous Creative

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Hello Everyone! For the next month Whimsical Wednesdays will be taking a slightly spookier turn, as I go on the prowl to find videos to share that are playful, yet slightly macabre. Nothing too disturbing though…I think! I hope you enjoy this first offering.

Kingdom of the Wicked, By Kerri Maniscalco ~ 4.5 Stars

29 Tuesday Sep 2020

Posted by By Hook Or By Book: Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff in Uncategorized

≈ 23 Comments

Tags

Historical Fantasy, Mystery, Romance, Supernatural, Suspense, YA Fiction

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Thanks to NetGalley and JIMMY Patterson for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Release Date: October 27th, 2020

448 Pages

Synopsis: Emilia and her twin sister Vittoria are streghe—witches who live secretly among humans, avoiding notice and persecution. One night Vittoria misses dinner service at the family’s renowned Sicilian restaurant. Emilia soon finds the body of her beloved twin…desecrated beyond belief. Devastated, Emilia sets out to discover who did this and to seek vengeance at any cost—even if it means using dark magic that’s been long forbidden.

Then Emilia meets Wrath, the outlier among the seven demon brethren, always choosing duty over pleasure. He’s been tasked by his master with investigating a series of women’s murders on the island. When Emilia’s and Wrath’s fates collide, it’s clear this disturbing mystery will take a bewitching turn…

I absolutely loved Kerri Maniscalco’s debut Hunting Jack the Ripper series, so to say that I’ve been looking forward to Kingdom of the Wicked is somewhat of an understatement. And, after devouring it in less than two days, I’m thrilled to say that it’s a stellar beginning to this new series and a witchy delight for the month of October. This has everything I look for in this genre: exquisite world building, captivating characters, smoldering romance, sharp and witty dialogue, exciting mystery and suspense, loads of action, and a unique storyline. The only issue I had was there needed to be more details as to what time period this is set in. I’m thinking 1860s, but it wasn’t really made clear. Oh! There’s also a humongous cliffhanger, so be prepared. I’m even more determined than I usually am not to give away any spoilers, so let me just say this. If you’re already a fan of Maniscalco, Kingdom of the Wicked will make you even more so. If you haven’t read her previous series (WHY?), but you enjoy historical fantasies you can’t miss this!

 

Banned Books Week 2020

28 Monday Sep 2020

Posted by By Hook Or By Book: Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff in Uncategorized

≈ 19 Comments

Tags

Banned Books Week 2020

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It’s that time of year again, where much needed attention is called to the fact that censorship is very much alive and well. I have a crazy week ahead of me, so I won’t be spending as much time up on my soapbox as I have in previous years regarding this, but check out this list of the top ten most frequently banned and challenged books of 2019.

Banned Books Week – The 10 Most Challenged Titles Of 2019

 

Midnight Bargain, By C.L. Polk ~ 3.5 Stars

28 Monday Sep 2020

Posted by By Hook Or By Book: Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff in Uncategorized

≈ 18 Comments

Tags

Adult Fiction, Historical Fantasy, Regency Era, Romance

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Thanks to NetGalley and Erewhon for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Release Date: October 13th, 2020

384 Pages

Synopsis: Beatrice Clayborn is a sorceress who practices magic in secret, terrified of the day she will be locked into a marital collar that will cut off her powers to protect her unborn children. She dreams of becoming a full-fledged Magus and pursuing magic as her calling as men do, but her family has staked everything to equip her for Bargaining Season when young men and women of means descend upon the city to negotiate the best marriages. The Clayborns are in severe debt, and only she can save them by securing an advantageous match before their creditors come calling.

In a stroke of luck, Beatrice finds a grimoire that contains the key to becoming a Magus, but before she can purchase the book, a rival sorceress swindles it right out of her hands. Beatrice summons a spirit to help her get it back, but her new ally exacts a price: Beatrice’s first kiss, with her adversary’s brother, the handsome, compassionate, fabulously wealthy Ianthe Lavan.

The more Beatrice is entangled with the Lavan siblings the harder her decision becomes: If she casts the spell to become a Magus, she will devastate her family and lose the man to ever see her for who she is; but if she marries—even for love—she will sacrifice her magic, her identity, and her dreams. But how can she choose just one, knowing she will ever regret the path not taken?

I was so excited after seeing the cover and reading the synopsis for Midnight Bargain. It wasn’t bad. I’m glad I read it, but I have to be honest and say that I’m somewhat disappointed.

The best parts of the book were the rich, vivid, multicultural world building and the system in place denying women their equal rights. But taking away from that was the heroine, who just didn’t live up to her potential. Instead of the sympathy I was expecting to feel for Beatrice and her predicament, I found her to be superficial and obnoxious, although she did improve a bit during the final half of the book. I thought Ianthe, was absolutely charming, but the romance between him and Beatrice was completely lacking in chemistry. The spirit, Nadi, and Ianthe’s sister,Ysbeta, were a lot of fun, which took the curse off my negative feelings toward Beatrice. And finally, although I finished this in a couple of days, the pace was awkward with alternating fast and slow sections throughout.

I had very high expectations for Midnight Bargain, but mainly due to the extremely bothersome Beatrice, they weren’t quite met, I don’t regret reading it. Just the brilliant world building, storyline and secondary characters made this a worthwhile read. There are plenty of reviewers who enjoyed this even more than I, so if the premise intrigues you, I recommend you give it a try.

Yom Kippur ~ 2020

27 Sunday Sep 2020

Posted by By Hook Or By Book: Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff in Uncategorized

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

Yom Kippur 2020

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To all my Jewish friends, Yom Tov.

Real Time With Bill Maher ~ New Rule: Power Talks and Losers Walk

27 Sunday Sep 2020

Posted by By Hook Or By Book: Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff in Uncategorized

≈ 23 Comments

Tags

New Rules, Power Talks and Losers Walk, Real Time With Bill Maher

 

Pandemic Parodies

27 Sunday Sep 2020

Posted by By Hook Or By Book: Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff in Uncategorized

≈ 15 Comments

Tags

“You’re In My Chair”, Pandemic Parodies, Shirley Serban

Sarah Cooper ~ How To Climate Change

26 Saturday Sep 2020

Posted by By Hook Or By Book: Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff in Uncategorized

≈ 20 Comments

Tags

“How To Climate Change”, Sarah Cooper, The Trump Whisperer

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It’s been a month of no How To… videos from comedienne extraordinaire, and internet sensation, Sarah Cooper, aka the Trump Whisperer. This is due to her working on her upcoming special for Netflix, Everything’s Fine, which will drop on October 27th. Thankfully, she’s gifted those of us suffering from withdrawal with How To Climate Change.

The Haunting of Bly Manor

25 Friday Sep 2020

Posted by By Hook Or By Book: Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff in Uncategorized

≈ 24 Comments

Tags

Henry James, Horror, Netflix, The Haunting of Bly Manor, The Turn of the Screw

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Unsurprisingly, Netflix has all sorts of Halloween treats for the month of October. The Haunting of Bly Manor, though, which drops on October 9th, and is based on the classic horror novella, The Turn of the Screw, by Henry James, is one offering I’m eagerly looking forward to, especially after seeing this trailer.

 

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idahobluebird50 Plants, Animals, Cats, Dogs, Mysteries and Chat

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a bookworm detailing all her bookish thoughts

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Connecting Author to Readers and Readers to Author

theconfessionsofarandomblogger.wordpress.com/

the confessions of a random blogger

Hit or Miss Books

Reviews for children's and adult books.

Amani's Reviews

Here’s where I’ll gush about my favorite books , shows, and other projects!

@onceuponawishlist

all things bookish!!

Gauri the Dreamer

My slice-of-life as child and as parent. Of reading, writing, gardening, and giving back to nature.

A Naga of the Nusantara

Fantasy and sci-fi reviews by a Malaysian book wyrm

Award Winning Books

As decided by me, your favorite raccoon host

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a book blog

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novels around the world

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art and technology

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Leon Stevens is a poet, science fiction author, and composer. Writing updates, humorous blogs, music, and poetry.

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My journey as a dog mom and book worm...

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fromcavewalls.wordpress.com/

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Tracy the Bookworm

a bookworm detailing all her bookish thoughts

BOOKSTAGGER

Connecting Author to Readers and Readers to Author

theconfessionsofarandomblogger.wordpress.com/

the confessions of a random blogger

Hit or Miss Books

Reviews for children's and adult books.

Amani's Reviews

Here’s where I’ll gush about my favorite books , shows, and other projects!

@onceuponawishlist

all things bookish!!

Gauri the Dreamer

My slice-of-life as child and as parent. Of reading, writing, gardening, and giving back to nature.

A Naga of the Nusantara

Fantasy and sci-fi reviews by a Malaysian book wyrm

Award Winning Books

As decided by me, your favorite raccoon host

Reader Jones

a book blog

The Traveling Bookworm

novels around the world

.com

I Heart Fictional People

Falling in Love One Book at a Time…

The Write Stuff

"Writers Helping Writers" with Marcia Meara & Friends

Jane Lurie Photography

Jane's Lens

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