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Erin Ainsworth

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The Da Vinci Code

Overall
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
3 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 06-25-25

I want to preface this review by saying that I am a devout Christian who loves Jesus. I watched this movie back in 2006 when it first came out and took the world by storm. While I strongly disagree with some aspects of this book (I dare you to guess which parts), I enjoyed other aspects very much. I love movies like National Treasure with clues and puzzles, but especially the history!
However, it is hard to get past the historical….retelling shall we say, of the life of Jesus. I have read some of the gospels the book references that are not included in the Bible and would disagree with the idea that they make Jesus more human for example. They actually make him more ethereal and almost magical. The Counsel of Nicea did not rule on his divinity. Jesus himself discussed this and his disciples and the early church fully embraced his divinity. I suppose from a theological standpoint, many things in this book are debatable. I have wondered from time to time if Jesus did get married. My belief is that he was not placed here on earth to live a life like us, but to proclaim the good news and conduct his ministry before the crucifixion and resurrection. Being married and having kids did not fit his intention of coming to earth. But, I don’t believe his children would have been divine if he had them. If you have understanding of theology and spent time in the Bible, you can see how Browns arguments are mislead. He paints a human picture of Jesus’ life. But Jesus went against all the things that mankind believed to be important. He was radical. Regardless, I was curious to read something that many people claim is heretical. The history and art were enjoyable, but the pagan rituals made me uncomfortable and I disagreed with the new narrative of Jesus’ life. While many believers may be surprised I read it, I am strong in my faith and truthfully this book only reaffirmed my relationship with God.
I guess this review is primarily about my views on Browns portrayal of a fully human Jesus. Though, I imagine many reviews would discuss these topics since that is really what made the book so famous. Brown tells a good story, and is clearly not afraid to really ruffle feathers. It’s hard for me to recommend this book, since I disagree with so much of the contents. Maybe try Inferno or something else that deals with moral issues and not divine ones.

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The Autobiography of Henry VIII

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 06-11-25

I actually really enjoyed this book! I have read many books regarding this particular Tudor period. I have seen Henry painted as the victim, Anne Boleyn as a misunderstood sweetheart, and then also having them be absolutely evil.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from George. I read her Helen of Troy and The Memoirs of Cleopatra and also really enjoyed them. However, all the books have the issue of lagging in the middle and there are times when nothing happens.
However, I actually appreciated her portrayal of Henry VIII. He wasn’t a saint/ victim, but he wasn’t the most evil version I have read before. You can see his thought process and George does not shy away from sarcastic hypocritical viewpoints. This felt like a realistic portrayal of this period of history, and it is worth the time!

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Intimacy with the Almighty

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 05-28-25

Whew! This book is short but challenging and deep! I had to journal about each decision and discipline so I could remember them since I listened to this book. I actually think this was really helpful since having it written down both helps me retain it and allows me to refer back to it easily.
This book is challenging, because it really goes against our general society and culture. Creating spaces of serenity and solitude is extremely difficult as our lives are chock full and busy busy busy. We have to be intentional and focused on purposefully making space and therein is the biggest issue. We have to make space to spend time with God. Just like we would with our spouse or kids. I both love this idea and struggle with it as there are many things that make me “feel good,” but ultimately do not serve me or my spiritual walk. Escapism and instant gratification are rampant in our world, and we must focus on developing a deeper walk with God through self-control. This is a great book for those who have a desire to go deeper in their walk with Christ, but don’t expect the outcome to be easy or simple. We must cultivate our intimacy with God with purpose and intent!!

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The Two Towers-Andy Serkis

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 05-23-25

I have read, reread and read this book again. I have dramatized versions, Rob Inglis’ audio version and obviously the actual book itself. I grew up with Lord of the Rings and it is easily my favorite fantasy story. Serkis does a phenomenal job in reading this book, as you can imagine. Obviously, Gollum is superb, but all the other characters are just as well done. Some actors cannot read dynamically, but Serkis is fantastic and I highly recommend listening to his version. I also love Rob Inglis too, but Serkis impressed me and I had pretty high expectations from the start. You will not regret getting his take on the story-telling!

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Helen of Troy

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 05-23-25

I actually read this in the past in book form, while this time around I listened to it. I have read a number of Margaret George’s books as well, and while I enjoy her take on historical or mythical fiction I also find her books rather long and sometimes dull. I really enjoy Troy mythology in general and also enjoyed several aspects of this book. George plays with the Greek god mythology beautifully in this story. She incorporates them, but they are placed into a very real and brutal world. Some tellings of this story have a more mystical view, and I enjoyed the mix in this novel. Helen is not a victim and George portrays her as very strong and almost courageous character. In fact, most of the women in this telling are strong and unique. Obviously, George tells this story from the women’s perspective. You feel Helen’s loss and sorrow as well as her joy and passion, and none of the characters come across one dimensional. I also appreciated the glimpse into her childhood and the competition for her hand in marriage, as it provided a good foundation for the story. While this is an enjoyable telling of Troy, it can also drag along quite a bit. So be prepared for moments of action and character development, while wishing the story would move along a bit faster as well!

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Iron Flame

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 05-17-25

I cannot decide if I preferred this book or Fourth Wing more. Both books have twists that really make the story surprising and engaging, You really want to know what happens next.
I think adding the Flyers in this book elevated it just a tad beyond Fourth Wing. Also, both endings are really blood pumping, but the twist of Barlow being Venin and the death of General Sorrengail, I’m not sure you can beat that ending. Of course the ultimate ending of Xaden becoming Venin was both surprising, but also something I guessed pretty quick. Thankfully, there was less smut in this book, which definitely elevated it in my eyes. I was also very interested in Xaden’s additional signet. I keep thinking that Violet may also get another one once Andarna comes of age, especially with Andarna being so unique, but we shall see. I am really enjoying this series. There are still moments of the writer being a little too self aware, but the story is good enough that I am not overly distracted by it. I am definitely excited to start Onyx Storm!

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Fourth Wing

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 04-26-25

This is an excellent book! The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is because I don’t enjoy explicit sex scenes in books. But, that is my preference, and I know many others who love them. They are unrealistic and set an unattainable expectation.

Regardless, this book is incredibly engaging and well written. Violets character development is realistic and heartfelt. Yarros doesn’t shy away from violence or from hurting her protagonist, and Violet doesn’t suddenly become super powerful and untouchable. You get the sense of the struggle it takes to become a dragon rider, and therefore you understand the honor of being successful. But, you also can’t get too attached to characters since many die. Also, the twists in the plot are astonishing and they definitely keep you captivated. Yarros weaves an excellent story, and a unique one considering how many dragon rider books are out there. This is most definitely a more superior story than many of the ones on the market.

This is a definite read in my book. 😉 But, I would skip the sex stuff. Just my two cents!

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Fallen

Overall
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Story
3 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 04-26-25

I read this book after watching the pretty awful movie, and I was curious to see if the book was better. It was marginally better, though it was also darker.

The characters still felt one dimensional, and the only event that was really moving was Penn’s death at the end. I was not moved by the love story or Cams distraction at all. However, I loved the backdrop the story was told against. Old houses with cemeteries and chapels? I love the history and ambience that the location gives, but the story itself felt lackluster. I may read the next one to see if it gets better, as I would love to read flashbacks and see if the history provides more layers to the story.
I was also annoyed by the narrator as I listened to this book. She was American, but seemed to try and speak with an English accent only on certain words. It was odd and distracting. Maybe read this one instead of listening to it to avoid the distraction.

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Murtagh

Overall
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 04-26-25

I think I expected this novel to feel more like the original series. Ultimately, it does and it doesn’t, which I think is fitting.
The first series was about a morally upright protagonist. The typical hero in adventure stories that learns they are special, loses their mentor and ultimately saves everyone.
This book is about a man whose upbringing was miserable and dark, who wants to do the right thing, but is unable to duplicate the capability of the hero in the same way. His morals are positive, but colored by his past, and so he is not viewed the same as the hero.
Paolini is clearly not a fan of romance, no matter who it is, and Murtagh continues to be estranged from the woman he loves because he has been forced to do unspeakable things. In this way, it does not feel like the Eragon series.
However, the story is very compelling and engaging and has its own brand of redemption in it. I felt so bad for Thorn, but it was a nice contrast to Saphira. Even though I feel Paolini should allow love in these stories for his main characters, I think he wove a decent tale for Murtagh. It feels darker and there is more hopelessness, but the ending is decently satisfying, I suppose. If you enjoyed the Eragon series, this an excellent side story to enjoy at your leisure.

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The Christmas Book Hunt

Overall
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 12-20-24

I have read other Colgan novels and while I greatly appreciate her love for books (books about books=priceless), I didn’t get into this one in the same way. While its endearing and kind of adventurous, I felt I had the read something similar from her. Her heroine was very like other heroines Colgan has written. I also forgot this book was set at Christmas time, since it could’ve easily happened at any time of the year. It is a sweet and endearing short read, but I wasn’t overly taken with it. I did enjoy how she roped other characters from other books into it, that was fun. Ultimately, a cute quick read, but not likely one I would want to read again.

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