Showing posts with label TIKTOK MADE ME BUY IT. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TIKTOK MADE ME BUY IT. Show all posts

Friday, 13 December 2024

**FELINE FICTION FIX** Book Reviews with Amber at The Mewton-Clawson Library #301 featuring **Gallows Born** by A.C. Salter **PLUS** Friendly Fill-Ins

Amber's Book Reviews ©BionicBasil® December 2023

Hello Supurr Library furiends

and

Welcome to the Mewton-Clawson Library at BBHQ

Many thanks for joining me in the stacks again, and look, no eye snot and smooth chest fur!  Yes, I was ambushed by the P.A. and I did try most valiantly to fight off the washcloth and brush, but then I realised I really quite enjoyed it!

Amber's Book Reviews #301 ©BionicBasil® Parsley's Shadowing Me

So now I'm looking supurr smooth and rather cute for the Mewton-Clawson Library Catmas Pawty tomorrow evening.

Parsley has been in charge with Melvyn's help, and apparently, it's going to be quite 'the do', although I have been told that I'm not allowed to get behind the bar due to my behaviour at BBHQ birthday parties. 

This did offend me somewhat, as I thought it was my duty as a barkeeper to sample everything first to make sure a; it tasted good and b; it tasted better the more mew had.

Anyhoo, the library mice are in charge of the food, so no doubt there's going to be endless cheese platters and other cheesy delicacies. I did tell them I wanted some smoked salmon, so hopefully, they'll heed my request.


Melvyn has installed a karaoke stage, so Cod help us all when the caterwauling starts about nine-thirty pm, I'll probably be passed out under my desk in my emergency heated snooze spot. 


Anyhoo, I'll fill mew in on all the gossip next week!


Part of The Mewton-Clawson Library ©BionicBasil®
Amber's Book Review Library Mice Divider ©BionicBasil®
Today the P.A. is also joining in Friday Fill-ins Blog Hop with the pawesome 15 & Meowing and Four-Legged Furballs.
1. My favourite Christmas movie (or book) is ____________________.
2. My favourite Christmas song is _____________.
3. _________ is the best way to spread Christmas cheer.
4. _________ is my favourite day of the holiday season.

The P.A.'s answers are...

1. My favourite Christmas movie (or book) is the first Die Hard movie; it's not Christmas if I haven't watched it. HO! HO! HO! and Yippee-Ki-Yay! Yep, now you know where The B Team get it all from! LOL

2. My favourite Christmas song is _____________. I don't really have a favourite modern Christmassy song. However, I always liked, if I could use a hymn, Silent Night, and that was my favourite to play on the piano when I was younger.

3. Kindness is the best way to spread Christmas cheer. Merry Christmas, or as we say here at BBHQ, Meowy Catmas!

4. _________ is my favourite day of the holiday season. I don't have a favourite festive day, although I really enjoy Christmas Lunch, Boxing Day Lunch, and New Year's Day Lunch. Did anyone mention lunch? LOL

Holly Divider ©BionicBasil® December 2023

Let's see what I've got to show mew this time!

Amber's Book Review Divider ©BionicBasil®

Amber's Book Reviews #301 ©BionicBasil® Gallows Born by A.C. Salter
Mewton-Clawson Library Copy

Gallows Born


Epic Viking Fantasy


The Bane Of The North Book 1

by

A.C. Salter

 Here's a little of the book blurb:   

'We live as men - but fight as gods.'

Born on the gallows, his mother still swinging from the rope above, the villagers brand him The Bane of the North and leave him out for the Fug to claim - a deadly fog ruled by Draugr - Viking warriors that had long ago fallen in battle.

They didn’t expect to find him the next day, tattooed with the mark of an ancient god.

Fifteen winters later - ridiculed, scorned; but never broken, Bane forges a life as a forager, surviving between Castle Garik and a looming mountain that legend says contains the body of a Norse god. In a strange twist of fates Bane discovers that the mark gives him abilities beyond that of mortal man, and along with his lineage and a blood link to the god, his journey unfolds, fraught with danger and purpose.

Amber's Book Review Mice Divider ©BionicBasil®

TIKTOK MADE ME BUY IT! MOL

Oh wow, have I found an epic fantasy book for mew this week! There I was just scrolling through the #FYP page last weekend, and this appeared as if by magic, and as it happens, I was looking for a new book, something exciting, an epic fantasy, and well, read my review because this is one of my new favourite books.

And as mew know, I love books with cats of course, and this has shadow leopards, so instantly I was utterly smitten.

Gallows Born, the first instalment in A.C. Salter's Epic Viking Fantasy series, plunges mew into a rich tapestry of Norse mythology, grit, and adventure. With an opening that establishes a dark, haunting atmosphere that captivates from the very first page.

The protagonist, Bane, is instantly a compelling character—marked by tragedy and born into a world that scorns him as The Bane of the North. His life is not merely a struggle for survival but a quest for identity and purpose amid the harsh landscape governed by fearsome Draugr and the ominous Fug. The plot masterfully weaves elements of ancient lore with compelling storytelling, making Bane’s journey not just physical but also deeply emotional. As Bane matures over the fifteen winters, mew witness his evolution into a resourceful forager. The stark contrast between his early years of ridicule and his emerging powers offers a poignant reflection on resilience and the search for belonging. When he discovers the mark of the ancient god, the narrative gains momentum, revealing not only his newfound abilities but also linking him to a destiny that could alter the fate of the North. The writing is both vivid and immersive. The landscapes of Castle Garik and the ominous mountain are brought to life with such detail that mew can almost feel the chill in the air and hear the distant roar of war drums. Additionally, the pacing is well-executed, balancing action with rich character development that keeps mew engaged and those pages turning while exploring the complex dynamics of loyalty and betrayal among the villagers. This is an epic tale of mythology and adventure that poses thought-provoking questions about what it means to fight as gods when one has been born of tragedy. As Bane stands at the threshold of war, mew are left eager to discover whether he can rise to meet his destiny or if the shadows of his past will consume him.

A.C. Salter has crafted a powerful opening to a series that purromises both thrills and depth, making it a must-read for readers who love excitement, fantasy and Viking lore alike. This book isn’t just about surviving; it’s about defining what it truly means to live.

UTTERLY FLUFFING BRILLIANT! 

And to make it even better, there are four books in the series, and to make it even better than that, if mew have Kindle Unlimited, all are available to read (at the time of posting) within the catalogue - epic! 

On a final note, the audio version is incredible, and the last two chapters, well, let's just say, I can't wait to dive into Book 2!

Hardback: 444 pages
Audio: 11 hours 40 mins
Amber's Book Review Library Mice Divider ©BionicBasil®
My Rating Scale

Amber's Book Reviews Paw Rating Scale ©BionicBasil® Red

Holly Divider ©BionicBasil® December 2023

Ratings of:

Gallows Born


Overall Enjoyment

Amber's Book Reviews 5 Paw Rating ©BionicBasil® Red

Amber's Book Review Divider ©BionicBasil®
  
Holly Divider ©BionicBasil® December 2023

I'm off to prepare for next week's review, as mew know the drill, so many books, so little time!

Don't forget, if mew are looking for great books with cats, check out the Book Review page, just click the link here or at the top of the page, as that's the place to visit to get your feline fiction fix.

Until next week...

Keep calm and read more books

Amber 









Holly Divider ©BionicBasil® December 2023

Follow me at @BionicBasil® on Instacat

Don't furget to subscribe and never miss another review! 

Holly Divider ©BionicBasil® December 2023
 graphics created with paid licence www.canva.com 

Friday, 15 November 2024

**FRIDAY FICTION FIX** Book Reviews with Amber at The Mewton-Clawson Library #297 featuring **The Fourth Wing** by Rebecca Yarros PLUS Friendly Fill-Ins

Amber's Book Reviews Banner ©BionicBasil® October 2023

Hello meautiful library guests 

and 

Welcome to the Mewton-Clawson Library at BBHQ 

Thank mew for joining me in the stacks today, and this week, don't faint, but I've got a non-cat book review. Well, I did say some time ago, I can't remember exactly when, but I did say it! MOL  That purrhaps once a month, I'd share non-feline fiction that I've been reading, so today is the day for the first review.

And when I was looking for a photo to share this week, I came across this pawesome flashback to August 2016 in my library. Don't I look the epitome of a Head Librarian? The P.A. wanted to borrow one of the gardening books, and I was just checking which one would be best.

Amber's Book Reviews #297 ©BionicBasil® Amber 's Purrfect Library

And while we're talking about non-cat books, I've just read Quicksilver by Callie Hart, so purrhaps I'll review that on next month's non-cat fiction day! MOL

Anyhoo let's look at this week's top book pick.

Part of The Mewton-Clawson Library ©BionicBasil®
Amber's Book Review Library Mice Divider ©BionicBasil®
Today, the P.A. is also joining in Friday Fill-ins Blog Hop with the pawesome 15 & Meowing and Four-Legged Furballs.
1. I learned _________________ the hard way.
2. I am overdue for _____________________.
3. I used to _________, but now I _________.
4. _________ is the strangest thing I _________.

The P.A.'s answers are...

1. I learned that not all sewing projects go to plan the hard way. I used to make bespoke evening gowns using silks and other expensive fabrics, and I would hand bead the bodices. My sewing escapades are mainly self-taught, and the first evening gown I made was a beautiful black satin fishtail dress when I was 17, as my mum wouldn't buy me a dress for an event. So I made it, but I should have made a toile - a mock-up in cheap fabric - as I couldn't get the zip to lie flat, but after some fiddling, unpicking and repositioning, it was perfect. But had I made the toile, I would have encountered the issue before I cut the black satin. Anyhoo, the dress looked epic on the night.

2. I am overdue for a vacation by about 8 years.

3. I used to love going shopping, but now I can't be bothered and buy most things online.

4. _________ is the strangest thing I _________. I've experienced too many strange things to pinpoint one; if you've read any of the BBHQ ghost stories, then you'll understand! LOL
Amber's Book Reviews Divider ©BionicBasil® October 2023

Let's see what I've got to show mew this time!

Amber's Book Review Divider ©BionicBasil®

This week's top book pick is...

Amber's Book Reviews #297 ©BionicBasil® The Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Mewton-Clawson Library Copy

The Fourth Wing

by 

Rebecca Yarros

       Here's a little snippet of the book blurb:      

Welcome to the brutal and elite world of Basgiath War College . . .

Enter the brutal and elite world of a war college for dragon riders from USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Yarros.

Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general—also known as her tough-as-talons mother—has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.

But when you’re smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away … because dragons don’t bond to “fragile” humans. They incinerate them.

Amber's Book Review Mice Divider ©BionicBasil®

BOOK ONE IN THE EMPYREAN SERIES

Hold onto your tails, fluffy readers, because The Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros is an epic ride that will sweep mew off your paws and catapult mew into a world of dragons, intrigue, and on occasion a little heart-thumping romance! From the moment I finished the first page, I knew I was in for something special, and let me tell mew, this does not disappoint!

The story is set in a universe where magic and danger coalesce and follows the fierce and determined Violet Sorrengail, who, without spoilerizing things, has a few purrsonal challenges.

And oh my cod, let's not forget the dragons! They're not just background characters; they have furbulous personalities that leap off the page, adding a pawesome dimension to the story. Well, mew know how much I adore a talking anipal! MOL

One of the most delightful aspects of this book is the intricate world-building. Yarros has crafted a living, breathing realm that feels richly detailed and immersive. Each setting is vividly described, making it easy to slip away from reality and into Violet's shoes—or should I say, her dragon saddle? Yes, that did also happen to me for real, and if mew missed it, here's the proof! MOL

Amber's Book Reviews #297 ©BionicBasil® Amber the Lightning Wielder from The Fourth Wing by Rebecaa Yarros

If mew want to see my epically epic video

Check it out on your favourite social media channel, and let me know what mew think:



 
Anyhoo, back to the book... The plot hurtles along with oodles of twists and turns that will keep mew on the edge of your chair, turning those pages faster than mew can say; bond with your dragon! MOL

And let's talk about the romance. Here's a quick spoiler: It's a bit sizzling in a couple of places. Violet's relationship with the brooding and mysterious Xaden adds an electric tension to the plot. Their dynamic is well crafted, filled with banter, heartache, and that all-important will-they-won't-they energy.

The rest of the cast is full of vibrant purrsonalities who add extra depth to Violet's journey, each bringing quirks and foibles, enhancing the overall reading experience.

The Fourth Wing blends action, romance, and fantasy in a furbulous way that is sure to satisfy any reader looking for an epic fantasy adventure. Whether mew're a dragon enthusiast (Me! MOL) or simply looking for a fast-paced fantasy adventure, this book has it all. So grab your favourite snuggle rug, find a cosy nook, and settle in for a page-turning frenzy. Trust me; mew won't be able to put it down!

I'm adding one more thing; this has been one of the best fantasy fiction books I've read in a very long time; it really is that good! And I've read a lot of fantasy fiction over my library career.

A Totally Top Paw Read!


Paperback: 576 pages
Audio: 21 hours and 22 mins
Amber's Book Review Library Mice Divider ©BionicBasil®
My Rating Scale
Amber's Rating Scale Orange ©BionicBasil®
Amber's Book Reviews Divider ©BionicBasil® October 2023

Ratings of:

The Fourth Wing

Overall Enjoyment

Amber's Rating Scale ©BionicBasil® 5 Paws

Amber's Book Review Divider ©BionicBasil®

Other Fun Blog Hops to Join Today


Amber's Book Reviews Divider ©BionicBasil® October 2023

I'm off to prepare for next week's review, as mew know the drill, so many books, so little time!

Don't forget if mew are looking for great books with cats, check out the Book Review page, just click the link here or at the top of the page, as that's the place to visit to get your feline fiction fix.

Until next week...

Keep calm and read more books

Amber 









Amber's Book Reviews Divider ©BionicBasil® October 2023

Follow me at @BionicBasil® on Instacat

Don't furget to subscribe and never miss another review! 
Amber's Book Reviews Divider ©BionicBasil® October 2023
 graphics created with paid licence www.canva.com 

Friday, 4 October 2024

**GUESS WHO'S BACK?** **FELINE FICTION FIX** Book Reviews with Amber at The Mewton-Clawson Library #291 featuring **The Pumpkin Spice Café** by Laurie Gilmore **TIKTOK MADE ME BUY IT!!!** **PLUS** Friendly Fill-Ins

Amber's Book Reviews Banner ©BionicBasil® October 2023

Hello meautiful library guests 

and 

Welcome back to the Mewton-Clawson Library at BBHQ for the brand-new review season.

GUESS WHO'S BACK? 

Firstly, I need to know... 

DID MEW MISS ME?

I missed mew all terribly, and mew don't know how happy I am to be back! 

Oh, and if mew remember in my very last review in July, I mentioned that I'd read The Fourth Wing. 

Well, I enjoyed it so much that I read the second book, Iron Flame, but I'm digressing, and yes, I will review both as part of my new non-cat genre posts, but I'm digressing again... fluff me, this old age thing is no fun... anyhoo, I created a little video of myself in a bit of a Fourth Wing scene, and if mew've read the book, mew'll recognise it immediately. 

Here's a still shot, but I added many effects in the video, which I thought looked purretty nifty for an old gal like me! MOL

Amber's Book Reviews #291 ©BionicBasil® Amber the Lightning Wielder from The Fourth Wing by Rebecaa Yarros

To be honest, I did think it was an utterly fluffing brilliant video, not just because I'd created it, but because it was actually fluffing brilliant. 

The heinously sad part is, it was so fluffing clever that all the algorithms went on a rampage to stop me from going viral, and my utterly brilliant video sadly fell as flat as a dragon rider who can't keep their seat...

Check it out on your favourite social media channel, and let me know what mew think:




Anyhoo, let's look at this week's top book pick.

Part of The Mewton-Clawson Library ©BionicBasil®
Amber's Book Review Library Mice Divider ©BionicBasil®
Today, the P.A. is also joining in Friday Fill-ins Blog Hop with the pawesome 15 & Meowing and Four-Legged Furballs.
1. I would love to find an easier way to _______________________________.
2. My October list includes ________________, _______________ and ___________________.
3. I know better than to _________.
4. _________ should be illegal.

The P.A.'s answers are...

1. I would love to find an easier way to get all the B Team adventures written! LOL

2. My October list includes planting spring bulbs, moving some pots/troughs, and using a new leaf blower, which Cat Dad bought for me last week.

3. I know better than to start reading an exciting new book at bedtime! LOL

4. Animal cruelty on any level should be illegal everywhere in the world. Sadly, there are those who think this practice is acceptable, and the most disgusting ones are those who film themselves and share on social media, supposedly rescuing poor cats and dogs which have been bound or tied and thrown into water. When in actual fact, most are staged for likes and follows, and those poor animals are at the mercy of those sickos. There's a very special place in hell for those people.
Amber's Book Reviews Divider ©BionicBasil® October 2023

Amber's Book Review Divider ©BionicBasil®

This week's top book pick is...

Amber's Book Reviews #291 ©BionicBasil®  The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore
Mewton-Clawson Library Copy

The Pumpkin Spice Café

Dream Harbor, Book 1


by 

Laurie Gilmore

       Here's a little snippet of the book blurb:      

A spicy small-town romance and TikTok phenomenon, perfect for fans of Hannah Grace and Stephanie Archer.

When Jeanie’s aunt gifts her the beloved Pumpkin Spice Café in the small town of Dream Harbor, Jeanie jumps at the chance for a fresh start away from her very dull desk job.

Logan is a local farmer who avoids Dream Harbor’s gossip at all costs. But Jeanie’s arrival disrupts Logan’s routine and he wants nothing to do with the irritatingly upbeat new girl, except that he finds himself inexplicably drawn to her.

Amber's Book Review Mice Divider ©BionicBasil®

I just read The Pumpkin Spice Cafe after seeing it on #booktok and noticing that it had a cat on the cover, I thought I'd give it a whirl, and it would be a purrfect book to start my new review season, thinking it was a new cozy cat mystery series!


**SPOILER ALERT**


It's a bit spicy, so if that's not your cup of tea, mew might want to skip the spiciness pages and just keep reading! MOL


It's a delightful small-town romance, a departure from my usual Cozy Mystery vibe. Stepping into a new genre was surprisingly fun! I'll be honest romance and spice have never been my thing; I'm more of a guns and ammo type of gal! MOL


The story revolves around Jeanie, who inherits the charming Pumpkin Spice Café in Dream Harbor, and Logan, a local farmer with a grumpy disposition. A lively dynamic between Jeanie's happy-go-lucky attitude and Logan's grumpiness makes for an entertaining and heartwarming read.


And then, there's a surprise element; a cute kitty called Casper, who was thought to be a ghost. But I'll leave it at that, no spoilers here! MOL


The charming descriptions of the small-town setting in Dream Harbor truly transport mew there, infusing the narrative with a sense of warmth and cosiness. The interesting community of Dream Harbor, with its many side characters, adds another fun dimension to the plot.


The author's vivid and sensory descriptions of the Pumpkin Spice Café and its scrumptious offerings evoke a sense of nostalgia, making readers wish they could experience the cosy ambience and aromatic delights first-paw.


The book effortlessly captures the essence of a spicy romance as Jeanie and Logan navigate their budding relationship. If mew're a fan of Hannah Grace and Stephanie Archer, this book is a must-read for mew.


The Pumpkin Spice Cafe is a feel-good book that guarantees a happily ever after. I recommend it to anypawdy looking for a charming, spicy, romantic escape!


If mew are subscribed to Kindle Unlimited, it is available within their catalogue to read as part of your subscription.


A Pawsome Read!


Paperback: 374 pages 
Audio: 7 hours 3 mins
Amber's Book Review Library Mice Divider ©BionicBasil®
My Rating Scale
Amber's Rating Scale Orange ©BionicBasil®
Amber's Book Reviews Divider ©BionicBasil® October 2023

Ratings of:

The Pumpkin Spice Café


Overall Enjoyment

Amber's 4 Paw Rating  ©BionicBasil®

Amber's Book Review Divider ©BionicBasil®

Other Fun Blog Hops to Join Today


Amber's Book Reviews Divider ©BionicBasil® October 2023

I'm off to prepare for next week's review, as mew know the drill, so many books, so little time!

I always look forward to your company as I share a specially paw-picked book just for mew, my epic readers!

Don't forget if mew are looking for great books with cats, check out the Book Review page, just click the link here or at the top of the page, as that's the place to visit to get your feline fiction fix.

Until next week...

Keep calm and read more books

Amber 









Amber's Book Reviews Divider ©BionicBasil® October 2023

Follow me at @BionicBasil® on Instacat

Don't furget to subscribe and never miss another review! 
Amber's Book Reviews Divider ©BionicBasil® October 2023
 Graphics created with paid licence www.canva.com ~ Dragon image created with AI Arta