Mark Todd

Advantages: Great short stories, each a great novel in its own right
Disadvantages: 'The Body' is a little long

.... The plotting and prose are well thought out by King, with enough characterisation for the main protagonists, particularly on the main characters of Andy and Red. For those who like their stories short and to the point, this is ideal material, with the novella moving along at a brisk pace, mainly because it's such a great page-turner. It took me only a couple of days to read because of the fact that it's such an engaging and addictive story, and one you just want to keep reading until the end. Probably my favourite of the four stories. 2. Apt Pupil In Apt Pupil King takes us on an incredible emotional journey, looking at the disturbing relationship between a 'perfect' student and an ex Nazi general living under a shadow. Even though this isn't a horror novel it really feels like one, with the close friendship that Todd strikes up with the old man... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Great Story, compelling idea
Disadvantages:

...I have read about five of Boyd's novels and all have been excellent. He writes in a nice easy style and his novels always centre around one idea. This book centres around fate and the role it plays in our lives. It is written in autobiographical form, (but it is fiction) and is the recollections of a John James Todd a scotsman. The book explores his whole life, through two world wars, film directing across the glope and persecution at the hands of McCarthyism. This is part of the appeal the fictional Todd is inserted into the real twentieth century with all its people and it works wonderfully. I think this is the best Boyd book I have read and I can recommend it fully. Not quite a lazy read but not a hard book either.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Great romance scenes, mini-series of 3 books, familiar characters
Disadvantages: Unrealistic portrayal of relationships in the 2000's!

...The infamous Sweet Valley series kicked off the #101 - #103 books with this Romance Collection; consisting of #101 The Boyfriend War, #102 Almost Married and #103 Operation Love Match. This mini-series is a personal favourite of mine, being a huge Elizabeth and Todd fan! In #102 we see our favourite couple (well, mine at least!) "move in" together, and attempt to play house. However, Elizabeth had more important things on her mind, concerning some secrets about her mother's past. Throw in Jessica to stir up things, and you just know there's going to be trouble in paradise. If you are looking for a few classic Sweet Valley books, this is an excellent place to start, as you get the classic romance, drama and tension, plus all the cheesy love scenes that just make Sweet Valley what it always has been and always will be! I have re... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful