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samharnold

samharnold

Joined January 2017

A story a day, keeps reality away. Love short stories find me on https://www.patreon.com/samharnold and become a fiction fan.
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The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom
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samharnold
No Rest for the Dead | Jeffery Deaver
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I love this quote.

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samharnold
No Rest for the Dead | Jeffery Deaver
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Pickpick

This book has a unique perspective, every chapter of the book has been written by different crime authors. Some get more than one to write but as you progress through the story you need to keep in mind it was written by different authors. Authors who never saw any of the other chapters just had a rough outline of what had to happen.

The only negative is I would think a sequel maybe hard to organise.

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samharnold
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Pickpick

The book has twist and turns throughout. I have to admit to putting the mystery together at the same time as Reacher. A fact I am very proud of. For those that don‘t get it Child leads you to the conclusion along with the other characters. You almost have to deduct the solution for yourself. A factor I loved, if only more writers used this technique. For the full review please see my website

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samharnold
Pickpick

The book has twist and turns throughout. I have to admit to putting the mystery together at the same time as Reacher. A fact I am very proud of. For those that don‘t get it Child leads you to the conclusion along with the other characters. You almost have to deduct the solution for yourself. A factor I loved, if only more writers used this technique. For the full review please see my website

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samharnold
ON THE STREET WHERE YOU LIVE | Mary Higgins Clark
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Not exactly what I had in mind when I wanted My little one to digest literature 😂😂

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samharnold
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Am loving this book at the moment. A recommendation from none other than Rob Lowe on Twitter. The story is engaging and fascinating. It‘s a slower read than normal for me due to the range of facts to take in

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samharnold
Jamaica Inn | Daphne Du Maurier
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Pickpick

I‘m very glad I did pick it up this is one of my best reads this year. The main character Mary Yellan is engaging, you really invest in her life. The story is well paced and the writing is beautiful. I have to admit to working out the ending some 3/4 of the way through, but this didn‘t stop my enjoyment.

This is a brilliant read and I will definitely be picking more up from this author. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

14 likes2 stack adds
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samharnold
Shot in the Heart | Mikal Gilmore
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Am I the only bookworm who has to remove all the labels before reading a book? Let‘s not even talk about the turmoil that is caused if the cover rips. For book reviews and fiction please visit my website www.samharnold.com and sign up for my newsletter.

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samharnold
The Chalk Man | C. J. Tudor
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Pickpick

After the positive reviews I wanted to love. I didn‘t. So here are my thoughts. The story was good. I liked the characters and really related to them. There were twists I didn‘t see coming and it was well written. The ending didn‘t wow me. It wasn‘t awful by any means but it didn‘t wow me. For all the good points in this book I wasn‘t breaking a neck to read it. There were times I went for filing rather than reading.

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samharnold
Eleanor and Park | Rainbow Rowell
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Pickpick

Eleanor and Park is a novel that lives with you for weeks after you have completed it. Both Eleanor and Park are outcasts in their own right. Eleanor is new to the town and bullied by all. Park has a mixed heritage and spends his time trying not to be noticed. As they fall in love their lives become more complicated until the heart warming ending.

Pick this short novel up. It is a charming engaging story which I couldn‘t put down. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

BookaholicNatty I can‘t wait to read this one 6y
samharnold It‘s brilliant. 😀 6y
CoffeeNBooks I loved this book! 6y
12 likes1 stack add3 comments
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samharnold
Pigeon English | Stephen Kelman

@Balibee146 hi hope you are well any idea when you will be able send my book back to me. I would really like to go through some passages of it with my students before their GCSE exams at the end of May.

Balibee146 Gah..... So sorry Sam I totally forgot I still had it. Oh no.... Will post to you first class tomorrow. 😥 6y
samharnold Thank you I would appreciate that 😀 6y
samharnold Thank you received the book today 😀 6y
3 likes3 comments
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samharnold
Knots And Crosses | Ian Rankin
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Pickpick

As a crime fan I don‘t know why it has taken me so long to read this series. I am however, pleased that I have now embarked on my journey with Rebus.

Rebus is the perfect leading main. He is intriguing, engaging and flawed everything you want in a leading man. The story is fast paced and keeps you guessing right to the end. The book also introduces a number of supporting cast who I hope we meet in future novels.

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samharnold
The Shadow of the Wind | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
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I love this paragraph it describes reading and a love of books so perfectly.

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samharnold
Knots And Crosses | Ian Rankin
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Love this quote. I tend not to read books unless they grab me immediately

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samharnold
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I have been waiting for this to arrive at the library for a while. Can‘t wait to spend the weekend with it now.

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samharnold
Swallows & Amazons | Arthur Ransome
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Pickpick

This was recommended by a friend as one of her favourite books. As I started reading I‘m sure I may have read it as a child but, that didn‘t take anything away for me. This is a simply amazing classic story of children being children. Adventure, pirates and exploring. Living a life before X boxes and iPhones when children knew how to have fun. I simply loved this nostalgic look back. A must read.

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samharnold
Swallows and Amazons | Arthur Ransome
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Quiet Easter Saturday reading this classic.

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samharnold
The Dark Angel | Elly Griffiths
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Pickpick

I feel before I start this review, I should admit, that I am a huge Elly Griffiths fan. Although, I promise this will not be a fan review. I am often harder on my favourite authors than any1. This book is set in Italy which is a change from the normal location of Norfolk. The author has cleverly designed the story so many of the familiar characters are in the book. It is for these characters I keep reading the series.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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samharnold
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Pickpick

This was a quick read which didn‘t make you have to think or concentrate all that much. This is any bookworms ideal book. As Nina travels through her life referring books to people on more than one occasion I had read just the book she was referring too. The authors note at the beginning sets the scene perfectly for the whole book. This is a book about a bookworm for a bookworm. Will definitely be looking out for more from this author. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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samharnold
Shakespeare | Bill Bryson
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this book. The writing is fluid and easy to read, whilst being packed full of facts. I loved the rounded views that the author gave for all arguments. Picked this up because I love Shakespeare. Have left wanting to read more by Bill Bryson ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

9 likes1 stack add
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samharnold
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I originally tried to read this book five years ago. I think I completed a couple of chapters before I gave in. This time I read the book as part of a book club. Whether it was the comments from the other readers or a change of outlook but this time I really enjoyed the read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

DivaDiane Oh, I‘m glad. It‘s brutal, yes. But a really fascinating read. 6y
12 likes1 comment
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samharnold
The Lathe of Heaven | Ursula K Le Guin

@jhod book is on its way to you.

jhod Yay! 6y
samharnold Sorry for the delay. 6y
4 likes2 comments
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samharnold
False Impression | Jeffrey Archer
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This quote literally stopped me breathing. I love the way the first 50 pages was leading up to this. A fact we all knew but the characters in the book didn‘t.

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samharnold
The Lathe of Heaven | Ursula K Le Guin

@jhod will be sending your book as soon as I can dig my way out at home. Have been hit by a little bit of snow.

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samharnold
Chasing the Dead | Tim Weaver
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Pickpick

This follows David Raker who investigates missing people. This is the first novel I have read with this subject manner. This was fast paced and extremely engaging throughout. At the end the violence is a little uncomfortable but it is well written. I greatly enjoyed this novel however, I will not be rushing to read more from the series which is in conflict to how much I liked the book and something I can not fathom. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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samharnold
Gallery of the Dead | Chris Carter
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Pickpick

The story is engaging & horrifying in equal measure.  I love the fact the author can scare with his horrific descriptions whilst still keeping us engaged with his character development.  All the favourites are back, complete with a couple of characters from previous novels.  The story is fast pacing and has twists and turns that you don't see coming.  This is another brilliant example of a horror/crime novel which I urge anyone to read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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samharnold
Gallery of the Dead | Chris Carter
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To keep himself occupied during those endless, lonely, sleepless hours, Hunter took to books, reading everything and anything he could get his hands on as if reading somehow empowered him. Books became his sanctuary. His fortress. His shield against the never-ending nightmares

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samharnold
Stone Cold | Robert Swindells
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This quote is so powerful. A new perspective on homelessness.

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samharnold
Stone Cold | Robert Swindells
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Pickpick

I was thinking of saying every single teenager should read this book. After consideration I think every single person should read this book. This book follows the fate of homeless teen Link. The book describes homelessness through Link‘s eyes and explains the plight of these homeless youngsters in graphic factual detail. Facts that everyone should consider. This book will definitely make me think twice next time I walk past a homeless person.

11 likes1 stack add
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samharnold
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Pickpick

I have to admit to finding this book a bit the same as the others. There were parts that dragged and felt the same as the other three novels. Towards the end the action picked up and the book ended in a way where I wonder if there will be any other books in this series. A good read but not one of my favourites.

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samharnold
Dragon Teeth: A Novel | Michael Crichton
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Pickpick

A new Michael Crichton book is always a welcome especially when you are a massive fan, as I am. This is a great read with the normal combination of historical fact and fiction. This story tells of the hunt for dinosaur bones in the Wild West with an injection of Indian history. Being not just a fan of Crichton but also a keen reader on Native Americans this was just the book for me. For any fan this is a must read.

Debiw781 I loved this one! It made me want to read more about the subject too. 6y
8 likes1 comment
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samharnold
Dragon Teeth: A Novel | Michael Crichton
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I love this quote. Even in this time gold was the reason behind war. Today we can question whether we went to war with Afghanistan for exactly the same reason. The hills are full of gold.

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samharnold
Ella Minnow Pea | Mark Dunn

Did you receive the book or has it been caught up with the Christmas post?

jhod Oh yes I have thanks! Came when I was away and forgot to post to let you know. Am looking forward to it! 6y
samharnold Excellent it‘s a good quick read. Enjoy. Happy New Year 6y
4 likes2 comments
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samharnold
The Nightingale | Kristin Hannah
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Pickpick

You cannot miss the positive reviews for The Nightingale. What I didn‘t know was what a great historical read it is. The book detailed the blight of French women during occupation by the German government. The book details the story through the lives of two sisters. The story is heart warming and heart breaking in equal parts. The writing quality is superb. I must add my voice to the 100‘s saying read this book and say this is a must read.

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samharnold
Untitled | Unknown
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Anyone who fancies taking part in this challenge. Let me know how you get on.

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samharnold
Untitled | Unknown
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1. Chocolate Chip
2. Neither leave me alone lol
3. 54 by the end of the year
4. Neither Santa Claus The Movie
5. A Writing Career that will keep my family
#friyayintro @jesshowbooks

howjessicareads The Santa Clause? I love it so much!! I almost made it an option. :) 6y
samharnold It‘s not Christmas until I have watched it lol 😆 6y
8 likes2 comments
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samharnold
Ella Minnow Pea | Mark Dunn

@jhod Popped the book into the post for you. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

jhod Lovely thanks! 6y
2 likes1 comment
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samharnold
Ella Minnow Pea | Mark Dunn
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Pickpick

This is not one of my usual reads and had I picked it up on my own and read the synopsis I would not have purchased it. Which would have been an awful occurrence because I simply loved this book from start to finish. The sheer brilliance of this book, as letters drop the author writes without using them. The story is heart warming with a comedy twist. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ @jhod
@DivaDiane
@Balibee146
#LMPBC

jhod Great! Look forward to it! 6y
Balibee146 Oh I'm so relieved you enjoyed it.... Think I put far too many scribbles on it lol 😀😀 6y
samharnold No I loved them 😃 6y
DivaDiane Looking forward to it!!! 6y
14 likes5 comments
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samharnold
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How true is this.

8 likes1 stack add
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samharnold
Little Black Lies | Sharon Bolton
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Top 10 Books of 2017

Here are my top ten reads of 2017
Little Black Lies - Sharon Bolton
The Restless Dead - Simon Beckett
The Good Daughter - Karin Slaughter
The Sewing Machine - Natalie Fergie
Last Breath - Karin Slaughter
Home - Harlan Cobden
Very Good Lives - JK Rowling
Pigeon English - Stephen Kelman
The Celeritas Files - Ishan Majumdar
Found - Harlan Coben

What are your top 10 reads this year?

Drnkpnkprincess I‘m currently reading “the good daughter” and love all of Slaughter‘s books I‘ve read... (so far 5 this year 😳😜) 6y
9 likes1 comment
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samharnold
The Good Daughter: A Novel | Karin Slaughter
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Pickpick

I love Karin Slaughter she is one of my three favourite authors. I love the fact she writes such amazing series as well as being able to capture all those feelings in a stand alone. The Good Daughter is one of the best books I have read this year. I love the lead characters. This is a story of tragedy and survival which twists and turns at a great speed without moving away from the brilliant characterisations.

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Can‘t wait to read this!!! 6y
7 likes1 stack add1 comment
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samharnold
A Christmas Carol | Charles Dickens
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Pickpick

Just finished reading this with my class. It is lovely to revisit an old classic with a different perspective. Onto MacBeth next.

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samharnold
Nightingale | Kristin Hannah
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#noteworthynovember below are my #novtbr selections for this month 1. Mystery book for #LBMPC
2. Nightingale to complete my A-Z challenge
3. The Sewing Machine
4. Middlemarch for my 100 Great reads challenge
5. 21 Rituals a review request

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samharnold
American War | Omar El Akkad
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Bailedbailed

I was so looking forward to this book. At first I thought I was reading it slow because I am a new mum with 100 other things to do. In truth I didn‘t get into it because it‘s just not that engaging. Over 100 pages in and the story has gone nowhere. I don‘t relate or want to spend time with anyone of the characters in it. The combination of story and war reports is unusual but just doesn‘t go anywhere. Overall I was very disappointed.

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samharnold
The Rats | James Herbert
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1) Zombies
2) Werewolves
3) Witches
4) Demonic Possession
5) Little scary
6) Rats - James Herbert

#boobooks

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samharnold
Fahrenheit 451 | Harold Bloom
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Thanks for the tag @DivaDiane my #cult5 in no particular order

Mdargusch Good choices! 6y
DivaDiane Those others are all books I could've chosen. #cult10 ?!? 6y
samharnold I love To Kill a Mockingbird so much I called my baby girl Harper 6y
11 likes3 comments
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samharnold
American War | Omar El Akkad
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This is such a great book. Not reading it as fast as I would have liked. Life is getting in the way.

Aleida Hate when that happens 6y
9 likes1 comment
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samharnold
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Pickpick

This is a good thriller, set in the unfamiliar world of mobile phone markets. The book initially sets the scene of the technology development in India. The environment for the first couple of scenes is described well and you genuinely get a feel for India. I wonder if the use of Indian names will put some people off, but, if this is the case any reader should be ashamed of themselves. Not to mention they will miss out on a brilliant read.

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samharnold
Last Breath | Karin Slaughter
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Pickpick

This is a novella leading into Karin Slaughters new book A Good Daughter. I wasn‘t disappointed at all. Slaughter seems to be able to put just as much character development and story as she does in her full novels. The novella is a real page turner that keeps you guessing with plenty of twist and turns. I can‘t wait to go on and read the full novel now.

Monica5 I already read the Good Daughter. Didn't know about this to later. Going to read it now. 6y
5 likes1 comment
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samharnold
Asylum | Madeleine Roux
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Mehso-so

The initial idea for this book was intriguing and generally hooked me into buying it. The story had a great amount of promise and I generally liked the characters. There simply was just not enough storyline and horror aspects to keep me turning the pages. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

MaleficentBookDragon That is exactly how I feel. So much promise but it was pretty blah overall. 6y
10 likes1 comment