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Barbara Behring Smith (109 KP) rated Behind Her Eyes in Books
Mar 13, 2021
Hazel (1853 KP) rated A Grimm Curse (Grimm Tales #3) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
<i>This eBook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review </i>
Janna Jennings’ latest book, <i>A Grimm Curse</i>, is set long before the previous two novellas in <i>A Grimm Tales</i> series. Rather than focusing on Andi, a girl from the “real” world, this is a story about the characters in the fairytales – most importantly Cynthia or, whom readers may know her better as, Cinderella.
As in the traditional tale, Cynthia works as a slave for her horrible stepmother and stepsisters – a fate she succumbed to after the death of her father. There is also an upcoming ball at the palace for the prince who is seeking a bride. This, however, is where the similarities end. As well as <i>Cinderella</i>, other fairytales make their appearance, particularly <i>The Frog Prince </i>and <i>Rapunzel</i>. But something is unsettling the characters; they are experiencing bad dreams. Or are they memories?
Cynthia is a much more admirable character than the original Cinderella. She is clever, determined and independent – she does not need a fairy godmother for a start! Neither has she any interest in the prince. If she is going to escape from servitude it will be by her own dexterity, rather than her reliance on someone else to save her.
<i>A Grimm Curse</i> can work as a prequel to the first in the series as it sets the scene that Andi will come across. It can also survive as a stand alone as there is no reference to the events of the other books, however knowledge of these will help the ending make more sense.
Personally I preferred <i>A Grimm Curse</i> to the stories that Jennings’ previously wrote. I had misgivings about the author’s use of fairytales that were not one of those collected by the <i>Brothers Grimm</i>. The tales in this book were, however, so therefore fit better with the title.
I strongly recommend this story to readers – adult and adolescent – who are still in love with fairytales or retellings. It is as though it is written with feminism in mind as the heroine does not need a man to rescue her, thus is in keeping with modern times rather than the time period of the originals.
Janna Jennings’ latest book, <i>A Grimm Curse</i>, is set long before the previous two novellas in <i>A Grimm Tales</i> series. Rather than focusing on Andi, a girl from the “real” world, this is a story about the characters in the fairytales – most importantly Cynthia or, whom readers may know her better as, Cinderella.
As in the traditional tale, Cynthia works as a slave for her horrible stepmother and stepsisters – a fate she succumbed to after the death of her father. There is also an upcoming ball at the palace for the prince who is seeking a bride. This, however, is where the similarities end. As well as <i>Cinderella</i>, other fairytales make their appearance, particularly <i>The Frog Prince </i>and <i>Rapunzel</i>. But something is unsettling the characters; they are experiencing bad dreams. Or are they memories?
Cynthia is a much more admirable character than the original Cinderella. She is clever, determined and independent – she does not need a fairy godmother for a start! Neither has she any interest in the prince. If she is going to escape from servitude it will be by her own dexterity, rather than her reliance on someone else to save her.
<i>A Grimm Curse</i> can work as a prequel to the first in the series as it sets the scene that Andi will come across. It can also survive as a stand alone as there is no reference to the events of the other books, however knowledge of these will help the ending make more sense.
Personally I preferred <i>A Grimm Curse</i> to the stories that Jennings’ previously wrote. I had misgivings about the author’s use of fairytales that were not one of those collected by the <i>Brothers Grimm</i>. The tales in this book were, however, so therefore fit better with the title.
I strongly recommend this story to readers – adult and adolescent – who are still in love with fairytales or retellings. It is as though it is written with feminism in mind as the heroine does not need a man to rescue her, thus is in keeping with modern times rather than the time period of the originals.
I saw IT at a midnight release in a theatre with a person who caused me personal distress and when I say I freaked out, I mean it. But the second viewing, in the day and not with a creep, proved to be a little less scary.
For those who have never read this book, this was a frightening view of how children view fear and how hysteria can grip a town. Unexplainable things happen and no one seems to notice, almost at all. The scene with the blood in the bathroom really freaks me out every time, and her father standing in it not noticing is awful. That being said, this far the movie and the book have a lot of differences.
All in all, I feel that the movie was done well, but it doesn't hold a candle to the book. I can't wait to see the next paet though because I might change my mind!
For those who have never read this book, this was a frightening view of how children view fear and how hysteria can grip a town. Unexplainable things happen and no one seems to notice, almost at all. The scene with the blood in the bathroom really freaks me out every time, and her father standing in it not noticing is awful. That being said, this far the movie and the book have a lot of differences.
All in all, I feel that the movie was done well, but it doesn't hold a candle to the book. I can't wait to see the next paet though because I might change my mind!
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Poltergeist (2015) in Movies
Aug 23, 2019
What You Have Here is a Polergeist Remake
So i remember seeing this trailer back in 2015 and i was scaried. What i didnt realize it was a remake. Flashfoward couple years later, i realize now that this is a remake. A okay remake. Not a great remake, but a okay remake.
All seems well for Eric Bowen (Sam Rockwell), wife Amy (Rosemarie DeWitt) and their three children as they move into their new house in the suburbs of Illinois. Soon, youngest daughter Maddy (Kennedi Clements) begins talking to an imaginary friend, or so the family thinks. It's not long before sinister spirits wreak havoc in the home, holding Maddy captive and forcing the parents to consult a team of parapsychologists who engage the supernatural entities in a battle for the girl's freedom.
I like sam rockwell and i thought he was good.
I would reccordmend this movie, even though its a remake.
All seems well for Eric Bowen (Sam Rockwell), wife Amy (Rosemarie DeWitt) and their three children as they move into their new house in the suburbs of Illinois. Soon, youngest daughter Maddy (Kennedi Clements) begins talking to an imaginary friend, or so the family thinks. It's not long before sinister spirits wreak havoc in the home, holding Maddy captive and forcing the parents to consult a team of parapsychologists who engage the supernatural entities in a battle for the girl's freedom.
I like sam rockwell and i thought he was good.
I would reccordmend this movie, even though its a remake.
Book Divas (227 KP) rated The Frog Prince: The Brothers Grimm Story Told as a Novella in Books
Dec 12, 2017
I read this while waiting for an appointment for my daughter and I must tell you that the people around my probably thought I had lost my mind as I found myself laughing out loud a couple of times. I loved how smoothly this retelling went, and the author truly took his time in making this a descriptive read which pulls you into the world of The Frog Prince. Readers of all ages will certainly enjoy this story.
{I requested a copy for reviewing purposes and made no guarantee of a favorable review. The opinions expressed here are unbiased and completely my own.}
{I requested a copy for reviewing purposes and made no guarantee of a favorable review. The opinions expressed here are unbiased and completely my own.}
Sarah Daglish (1 KP) rated The Silent Companions in Books
Jan 15, 2018
Readable but with a disappointing ending
This was an easy book to read and at points I really enjoyed the setting and suspense. It achieved its aim of being suitably spooky. Unfortunately I didn't feel enough of a connection with the main character, or any of the characters for that matter, to find this book really enjoyable.
I found the ending slightly disappointing.
I found the ending slightly disappointing.
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated American Gods in Books
Jan 15, 2018
Well hmmm. I started reading this book not quite sure what to expect. Like a few of the reviews I've seen, I too thought it started off a tad slow & a bit off. But somewhere in the middle I got hooked. Not quite sure when or where or even why, but at some point it got very interesting. It was hard to follow & suddenly it made sense. Weird, I know. But apparently that's just Neil Gaiman being Neil Gaiman. The ending tied everything together well. I think I may even give another of his books a try!