pelicanfreak's reviews
2219 reviews

I was very disappointed in this book... It was nice in the way that, it gave me, a hardcore HP fan another taste of the Wizarding World and perhaps a peek into what life is like post- Battle At Hogwarts, etc.

However, I didn't feel that it was well done at all.
What I noticed right off the bat was the terrible grammar and what is clearly a lack of professional editing. Mistakes were abundant enough that it distracted from the reading experience.

Some of the characters did not stay true to the way they were developed in the original series - of course they've also aged and are no longer children, so you might chalk it up to that, I suppose. That I could go with, but the lack of continuity is terrible. There are times that it not only doesn't work, but is insulting for the reader ... for example, after Harry is disarmed and without his wand, he is still throwing curses?! Come on now.

Entertainment-wise... it was okay. It took me a couple of months to get through it as it didn't grip me at all.. but I did get through it.
Overall though, VERY unprofessionally done and disappointed. I've very high expectations for Rowling, so the fact that her name was on it, had me expecting a gripping read in a professionally published book. Do not come at it if you're looking for those things, at least the professionalism - obviously the rest is subjective.

Definitely won't read anything else by John Tiffany and will pay closer attention where Rowling's name is involved, as she's clearly not as picky as I thought she was.

I'd say, overall, it was just okay.
Though made less than that through a lack of professionalism.

The basis for this story is just a really interesting concept. It is well described neat and well edited. It is well imagined but it could use more explanation or detail - it is set in the future but some of it still seems unbelievable. The trust they put into complete strangers isn't believable as it's presented, but could be made believable with some more details explained I think.

I think I got a clear picture of the situation but I cannot be certain - I could use just a little more description. I do like that it is such a quick read and I do like the characters. I think with a bit more development they and their story could be quite intriguing.

Cover:
Super generic but I know this is what sells and even the best authors recycle this same cover.
Professionally graphic'd so nothing to complain about besides lack of originality.

Editing/Proofing
Could use some help.
There was poor grammar at times and some mistakes that a good proofreader likely would've caught.

Character development
This wasn't bad; characters were pretty true to themselves, good design.

Formatting
Great - book is gorgeous and easy on the eyes.

Plot
Completely been-done-before- predictable. From the first page I knew how 100% of the rest of the book would play out and I was right. A little juvenile with the high school drama and the late 20-year-olds still acting like they're in high school, but I could pretty much believe it, as some circles don't grow out of it.
Just unoriginal. I didn't miss this book when I stepped away from it. Everything is predictable, but if done right, I can still get sucked in and enjoy it nonetheless.
This book wasn't bad by any means, just not exciting.

I won this a copy in a giveaway - Tabatha Kiss is super sweet and I'd read more from her, as I can tell she's a decent writer and this one holds promise.

Overall: 3 stars for "It's okay."

Cover:
Cover appears to be professionally done and I like that it’s original. Nice and dark, like some of the content.

Editing/Proofing:
Excellent! Appears professional. Third person POV, clear and concise. No mistakes noted.

Formatting:
Great, nice clean appearance.

Character Design:
Complex! We’ve got new characters and carry-overs since we’re in Book 2 of a trilogy and those who are returning cast are consistent and well-designed. Libby’s the same person I love to root for, who occasionally gets on my nerves with her antics - though I’d be the same way so I love to relate to her.

Overall:
Really suspenseful read. This picks up right where its predecessor, ‘Like Father Like Daughter’ leaves off. I mean RIGHT where it leaves off - it’s perfect. Libby’s picking up the pieces of her life, starting over a bit but somethings are not that simple. Could not put this down. It does end in a cliffie, but the third book in the trilogy is available now, so I really cannot complain. (And I’m off to dive in!)

This book is just incredible.
The reader is treated to graphic visuals in what feels like must be “on point” descriptions when provided with shifters’ point of views. Beautiful landscapes and new looks at nature and wildlife are a happy side effect to reading this book.

There’s also a super cute aspect, when David clearly has a thing for Abby, but has friendzoned her. It’s not one of those annoying friendzoned tales at all - it’s fun to watch the friendship and its evolution.

It’s also fun the to watch them go from “normal humans” to “supernatural”, to put it lamely. We’re not just cracking a book and jumping into a paranormal world, we’re actually eased into it with the characters. It’s a fun learning process and serves to suck me in that much more.

This author is great with continuity and character development and creating visual descriptives so overall, a very pleasant reader experience.

I cannot wait to see what else Ellis has up his sleeve.
4 stars.

Well, I read Bond and Seek back-to-back and just couldn’t get enough so I embarked on Hitch and it did not disappoint. There’s sort of a double mystery between the case that Amber and Dex are both working, and whoever is harassing Amber. It’s fun that her past just won’t stop haunting her… oh and Dex is a total dream.

Character and plot continuity are on point, as are things like law enforcement and cop life. This book completely left me wanting more and I cannot wait for Echo. We get a sneak peak into Simon at the end of this installment and it’s tantalizing - I’ve had a thing for Simon since early into the series so I’m already hooked.

Meanwhile just the mention of Amber’s previous town - Serendipity has me cravin the small town life, so I’m off to indulge in Conley’s Stories of Serendipity series.

Overall, 4 stars for Hitch!

Cover: Gorgeous, fits fairly well. Professionally done.
Formatting: BEAUTIFUL.

Characters:
Well developed. Brilliant. Consistent - even with the little peaks we got at them in the past books of the series. Right on!

The story:
This is Crawford's best book yet, in my opinion.
Jade is a fun character to read because she's an artist... a few of the characters we meet in this series are artists but what's interested in Jade is, it's not her passion. To have that skill and not even want it seems crazy... but she's very level-headed, down to earth. Just has other dreams for herself.

Even though her appearance would be described as bold, she's reserved. She's a great example of why not to judge a book by her cover. I'd read an entire series about just her.

Crawford's descriptives in this book are on point. The usual drama found in her books is still different - she never runs out of ways to keep us entertained, it seems. The romance is a good one. Love that it takes place in Florida - just a personal bonus.

This one sucked me way in, I missed it when I had to put it down. When I read lines like, "It was the worst pain I've ever felt..." I was brought back to my own pain - not much does that for me. This one is really well done.
I feel like Crawford's writing is improving before my eyes and I'm impressed.

That's no easy feat.

Overall, highly recommend. You can read this as part of its series OR a standalone, as it will not leave you hanging or in the dark.