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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2082 KP) rated Cheap Trills in Books
Nov 1, 2023
Uneven Trip to Bali
It’s 2007, and Eat, Pray, Love is all the rage. Cyd Redondo’s clients at her travel agency are all looking for trips to Bali, inspired by the book. However, Cyd is shocked when she discovers her mother is on such a trip, a trip she won from Cyd’s rival travel agent. An incompetent travel agent. So Cyd races to Bali to help her mother. What will she find when she gets there?
I’ve enjoyed the earlier books in the series, but this one wasn’t a good. I was expecting the updates on family and set up of the trip, but even once Cyd reached Bali, the pacing was off. The usual mix of travelogue, screwball comedy, and mystery was skewed. Once the mystery really did kick in, we were off and running with lots of twists and a satisfying ending. We did get some great character growth. And I laughed plenty. Fans of the series will still find things to enjoy, but I wish the plot had been stronger.
I’ve enjoyed the earlier books in the series, but this one wasn’t a good. I was expecting the updates on family and set up of the trip, but even once Cyd reached Bali, the pacing was off. The usual mix of travelogue, screwball comedy, and mystery was skewed. Once the mystery really did kick in, we were off and running with lots of twists and a satisfying ending. We did get some great character growth. And I laughed plenty. Fans of the series will still find things to enjoy, but I wish the plot had been stronger.
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Moon Knight in TV
May 5, 2022
It's bloody wonderful that we're at a point where more obscure Marvel characters such as Moon Knight are getting their own projects.
This latest limited series does a fantastic job of introducing him, and his multiple personalities, in a unique and interesting way. It's definitely something different for the MCU and it's good that Disney+ is providing a platform to explore these quirkier and darker avenues.
Oscar Isaac deserves a whole bunch of credit for his portrayal of essentially two different characters. Both Stephen Grant and Mark Spector are characters that I cared about by the time the finale rolled around.
The overall pacing is the main detriment to Moon Knight. After an intriguing start, it does hit a major lull around the midway point that flirts with boredom on occasion, but a sharp left turn plotwise and a thoroughly entertaining finale save proceedings and then some.
Another enjoyable, if not perfect, series from Marvel Studios then, and a promising set up for Moon Knight to enter the movies as they start to explore some of the darker corners of their properties.
This latest limited series does a fantastic job of introducing him, and his multiple personalities, in a unique and interesting way. It's definitely something different for the MCU and it's good that Disney+ is providing a platform to explore these quirkier and darker avenues.
Oscar Isaac deserves a whole bunch of credit for his portrayal of essentially two different characters. Both Stephen Grant and Mark Spector are characters that I cared about by the time the finale rolled around.
The overall pacing is the main detriment to Moon Knight. After an intriguing start, it does hit a major lull around the midway point that flirts with boredom on occasion, but a sharp left turn plotwise and a thoroughly entertaining finale save proceedings and then some.
Another enjoyable, if not perfect, series from Marvel Studios then, and a promising set up for Moon Knight to enter the movies as they start to explore some of the darker corners of their properties.
David McK (3207 KP) rated Star Wars, volume 4: Crimson Reign in Books
Feb 16, 2023
So, confession time first.
I picked this up recently, started reading it, got myself a bit lost and then found out I had missed a series in-between (collected in Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters).
Back I went, picked that up, and put his on hold to read that entry.
This now makes a bit more sense!
It also follows on more from the previous collection, with this being a compilation of issues 20-25 of the main-line Star Wars series, and with this bringing to a close the story of Imperial Commander Commander Ellian Zahra.
There's also an attempt to 'bring-in' characters from other Star Wars media spin-offs: most noticeably, Qi'Ra from the film 'Solo' but also Poe Dameron's parents. Final issue in the collection (issue #25) has nothing to do with the main-line characters (Luke, Leia, Han, etc) but is instead a compilation of 4 mini-stories starring (1) Obi-Wan and Anakin, pre RotS (2)Darth Vader (3)Kylo Ren and (4) Poe Dameron.
I picked this up recently, started reading it, got myself a bit lost and then found out I had missed a series in-between (collected in Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters).
Back I went, picked that up, and put his on hold to read that entry.
This now makes a bit more sense!
It also follows on more from the previous collection, with this being a compilation of issues 20-25 of the main-line Star Wars series, and with this bringing to a close the story of Imperial Commander Commander Ellian Zahra.
There's also an attempt to 'bring-in' characters from other Star Wars media spin-offs: most noticeably, Qi'Ra from the film 'Solo' but also Poe Dameron's parents. Final issue in the collection (issue #25) has nothing to do with the main-line characters (Luke, Leia, Han, etc) but is instead a compilation of 4 mini-stories starring (1) Obi-Wan and Anakin, pre RotS (2)Darth Vader (3)Kylo Ren and (4) Poe Dameron.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2082 KP) rated Kinsey and Me: Stories in Books
Jul 9, 2023
Short Stories and Essays
This book breaks down into two unequal sections. The first roughly 70% is made up of nine short stories featuring Kinsey Millhone, PI in Santa Teresa. She solves a murder with a disappearing body and a case of a man who fell off his roof. She also gets involved when an actor gets kidnapped.
The back section featuring thirteen vignettes as author Sue Grafton reflects on her life growing up with a functioning alcoholic father and a destructive alcoholic mother. While she admits they are autobiographical, she frames them around a character named Kit.
Fans of Kinsey will delight in these nine stories, all previous published, but decades ago so hard to track down outside this collection now. Personally, I found the back section depressing, but I suspect these stories were theopoetic for Ms. Grafton to write, and I can see others benefiting from them, too.
Overall, fans of the series will enjoy the collection. If you are new to the series, you can jump in here, too, and meet Kinsey without ruining any of fun of the novels.
The back section featuring thirteen vignettes as author Sue Grafton reflects on her life growing up with a functioning alcoholic father and a destructive alcoholic mother. While she admits they are autobiographical, she frames them around a character named Kit.
Fans of Kinsey will delight in these nine stories, all previous published, but decades ago so hard to track down outside this collection now. Personally, I found the back section depressing, but I suspect these stories were theopoetic for Ms. Grafton to write, and I can see others benefiting from them, too.
Overall, fans of the series will enjoy the collection. If you are new to the series, you can jump in here, too, and meet Kinsey without ruining any of fun of the novels.
ClareR (5589 KP) rated After That Night in Books
Jul 16, 2023
Another gripping read to add to the Will Trent/ Dr. Sara Linton series.
Sara is determined to get justice for a patient who dies in A&E on her shift. With her dying breath, Dani Cooper tells Sara she has been raped. Three years later, Sara is testifying as an expert witness at the trial of Tommy McAllister - the man accused of raping Dani, and the child of a couple who Sara knew from her residency days.
Will and his partner Faith, end up re-investigating Sara’s case, along with a number of others, finding links between them. All of this is done without their boss’s knowledge - which is very brave of them. She’s formidable!
There are graphic descriptions of rape, domestic violence and it’s aftermath, and can be quite stomach churning at times - but it’s such a fast-moving read with such excellent characters, that I didn’t want to put it down. It’s a really emotional read, too.
If you’re a fan of this series, you will not be disappointed!
Sara is determined to get justice for a patient who dies in A&E on her shift. With her dying breath, Dani Cooper tells Sara she has been raped. Three years later, Sara is testifying as an expert witness at the trial of Tommy McAllister - the man accused of raping Dani, and the child of a couple who Sara knew from her residency days.
Will and his partner Faith, end up re-investigating Sara’s case, along with a number of others, finding links between them. All of this is done without their boss’s knowledge - which is very brave of them. She’s formidable!
There are graphic descriptions of rape, domestic violence and it’s aftermath, and can be quite stomach churning at times - but it’s such a fast-moving read with such excellent characters, that I didn’t want to put it down. It’s a really emotional read, too.
If you’re a fan of this series, you will not be disappointed!
Merissa (11726 KP) rated Cloud Dragon (Dragon Prophecy #2) in Books
Jul 27, 2023
CLOUD DRAGON is the second book in the Dragon Prophecy series and, although it says you can read it as a standalone, I would definitely recommend you read it as part of the series. I haven't read book one and felt the loss of it.
Although I enjoyed the story, with the gnomes, the babies, and the mountain, I did struggle to fully comprehend it sometimes when it wasn't always clear who was speaking telepathically to whom. The timeline is also fast-paced and leaps ahead in places.
This is so much more than a paranormal romance. I would put it in the family saga category too. There is a lot going on with different dragons and wolves mentioned in different locations. I enjoyed this story but felt a little disconnected from it.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 27, 2023
Although I enjoyed the story, with the gnomes, the babies, and the mountain, I did struggle to fully comprehend it sometimes when it wasn't always clear who was speaking telepathically to whom. The timeline is also fast-paced and leaps ahead in places.
This is so much more than a paranormal romance. I would put it in the family saga category too. There is a lot going on with different dragons and wolves mentioned in different locations. I enjoyed this story but felt a little disconnected from it.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 27, 2023
Merissa (11726 KP) rated Secretly Mine (Offbeat Shifters #1) in Books
Feb 11, 2021 (Updated Aug 7, 2023)
SECRETLY MINE is the first book in the Offbeat Shifters series, and the first thing I want to talk about is how wonderful it is to have two shifters, neither of which are bears or wolves!
Isaac left his job at the London Stock Exchange and is hired by an old college 'friend' as a bodyguard. His first job is to protect up-and-coming pop star, Jesse Steele. He expects a diva, but what he gets is very different.
This is a slow-burn romance with some steamy moments that enhance the overall story. The pacing is smooth, and the world-building and attention to detail are spot-on. I loved the suspense aspect of it, even though I guessed correctly early on who it was.
A great start to a series that I can't wait to continue. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 11, 2021
Isaac left his job at the London Stock Exchange and is hired by an old college 'friend' as a bodyguard. His first job is to protect up-and-coming pop star, Jesse Steele. He expects a diva, but what he gets is very different.
This is a slow-burn romance with some steamy moments that enhance the overall story. The pacing is smooth, and the world-building and attention to detail are spot-on. I loved the suspense aspect of it, even though I guessed correctly early on who it was.
A great start to a series that I can't wait to continue. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 11, 2021
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2082 KP) rated Murder in the Wine Country in Books
Aug 29, 2023
Too Much Going on
Kelly’s boss is bringing in others to get a vision of what he’s accomplished in Redwood Cove in the hopes of replicating it around the country. Part of this is a wine tasting, and Eric is supposed to be assisting with it. However, not too long after Kelly meets him, Eric turns up dead. Could it have to do with the poachers in the area looking for a rare and expensive plant?
This teaser doesn’t even mention a storyline that starts part way into the book and really takes over. I get why it does, but it makes the resulting story feel way more rushed than it should have been. There was enough here for two books. Plus, there’s a sub-plot that is resolved way too easily (and unrealistically). But, as always, I loved the characters and watching their relationships grow. I was smiling as I read about them. Likewise, I enjoyed revisiting the setting. If you are new to the series, don’t start here. Fans will enjoy it even if it is the weakest in the series.
This teaser doesn’t even mention a storyline that starts part way into the book and really takes over. I get why it does, but it makes the resulting story feel way more rushed than it should have been. There was enough here for two books. Plus, there’s a sub-plot that is resolved way too easily (and unrealistically). But, as always, I loved the characters and watching their relationships grow. I was smiling as I read about them. Likewise, I enjoyed revisiting the setting. If you are new to the series, don’t start here. Fans will enjoy it even if it is the weakest in the series.
Merissa (11726 KP) rated Clausing a Scene (Christmas Falls #6) in Books
Nov 30, 2023
CLAUSING A SCENE is the sixth book in the Christmas Falls series but don't expect to see much of the town!
Brant is Col's best friend. Hig is Col's dad (he was 17 when Col was born.) Both have liked each other for a LONG time and when Col is delayed getting to his dad's, their lust explodes in a shower of purple sparks.
This is one of the steamier stories set in this town, mostly because they hole up in Hig's house and don't want to go anywhere. You hear about the town a couple of times, usually as someone is walking or driving down a road, but that's about it. A couple of characters from other books are also mentioned.
Fast-paced with low angst, this was a great addition to the series and definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 29, 2023
Brant is Col's best friend. Hig is Col's dad (he was 17 when Col was born.) Both have liked each other for a LONG time and when Col is delayed getting to his dad's, their lust explodes in a shower of purple sparks.
This is one of the steamier stories set in this town, mostly because they hole up in Hig's house and don't want to go anywhere. You hear about the town a couple of times, usually as someone is walking or driving down a road, but that's about it. A couple of characters from other books are also mentioned.
Fast-paced with low angst, this was a great addition to the series and definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 29, 2023
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Queen of the Underworld ( Cerberus 3) in Books
May 9, 2023
57 of 235
Kindle
Queen of the Underworld ( Cerberus 3)
By Helen Scott
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Poppy’s to-do list might be short, but it's not easy.
1. Make it to the Underworld before the insidious human organization that wants to control it
2. Defend the Underworld the Norse goddess of Helheim
3. Claim the throne
A battle for the Underworld is brewing. Taking the throne might be close to impossible between having a goddess and a secretive human organization bent on the domination of all the realms on her tail. How can Poppy, her hellhounds, and her judges defend it?
It doesn’t help when one of her judges goes missing while she sleeps. When they fall under attack Poppy must choose between fighting, staying safe, and searching for her missing man.
After a wild chase through the Underworld, Poppy has three questions. Who can she trust? Who will betray her for power? How many more secrets the Underworld is hiding?
It was good and rounded of the series well. Not a series that blew me away but it’s a decent one.
Kindle
Queen of the Underworld ( Cerberus 3)
By Helen Scott
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Poppy’s to-do list might be short, but it's not easy.
1. Make it to the Underworld before the insidious human organization that wants to control it
2. Defend the Underworld the Norse goddess of Helheim
3. Claim the throne
A battle for the Underworld is brewing. Taking the throne might be close to impossible between having a goddess and a secretive human organization bent on the domination of all the realms on her tail. How can Poppy, her hellhounds, and her judges defend it?
It doesn’t help when one of her judges goes missing while she sleeps. When they fall under attack Poppy must choose between fighting, staying safe, and searching for her missing man.
After a wild chase through the Underworld, Poppy has three questions. Who can she trust? Who will betray her for power? How many more secrets the Underworld is hiding?
It was good and rounded of the series well. Not a series that blew me away but it’s a decent one.