Search
Search results
The Wizard's Ward (Vale #1)
8.0
Rate It
Book
In the world of Vale, the King of the Elves lives in fear of an ancient prophecy. 'Only a gray blood...
Young Adult Fantasy
Night Reader Reviews (683 KP) rated A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire (Blood and Ash #2) in Books
Jan 25, 2022
Surprisingly Good *Not The Teen Novel It Is Made Out To Be....Adult Content*
So much like the first book in the series, this one has a lot of adult content. That's as far as the warning is going to go this time.
I was pleasantly surprised when I opened this book and found that the first sentence in this one was the last sentence in the previous book. The transition from one book to another was so flawless that they actually could just be part one and two of the same book.
Right away we join Poppy on her journey away from the Ascended and towards Atlantia and her uncertain future. Casteel and Poppy are slowly navigating their relationship and trying to establish where they stand with each other and how far they are willing to take things. This is hard to accomplish when it seems like every time they turn around they face one problem after another be it Ascended, Craven, Descenters, or even unhappy and nervous Atlantians and Wolven.
No punches are pulled (literally) in this second Blood and Ash novel. The twists and turns are just as surprising as in the first if not a bit more confusing than before. While it is not quite as good as the first one because it falls into the trap that many fantasy books do when there are battles and the description of them causes that battle to drag on. However, that did not take too much away from how enjoyable this book is.
I was pleasantly surprised when I opened this book and found that the first sentence in this one was the last sentence in the previous book. The transition from one book to another was so flawless that they actually could just be part one and two of the same book.
Right away we join Poppy on her journey away from the Ascended and towards Atlantia and her uncertain future. Casteel and Poppy are slowly navigating their relationship and trying to establish where they stand with each other and how far they are willing to take things. This is hard to accomplish when it seems like every time they turn around they face one problem after another be it Ascended, Craven, Descenters, or even unhappy and nervous Atlantians and Wolven.
No punches are pulled (literally) in this second Blood and Ash novel. The twists and turns are just as surprising as in the first if not a bit more confusing than before. While it is not quite as good as the first one because it falls into the trap that many fantasy books do when there are battles and the description of them causes that battle to drag on. However, that did not take too much away from how enjoyable this book is.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated One Of Us (2017) in Movies
Oct 24, 2017 (Updated Oct 24, 2017)
How religious dogma can appear under any situation
A heartbreaking documentary following three ex-Hasidic Jews, who are attempting to fight fanaticism within the ultra-orthodox community. From ex-communication, to rape, abuse, and kangaroo justice, the film shows how a wall of secrecy allows discrimination and zealotry to thrive.
In one story, a woman with seven children, who was abused by her husband and even at one point was run down whilst on her bicycle, because she tried to get a divorce through the court system. It's grim to say the least. Another young adult describes being raped as a child by a teacher, who was allowed to continue to work despite the claims.
The documentary is truly shocking and shows that extremism is reactive and can breed under any society and circumstance.
In one story, a woman with seven children, who was abused by her husband and even at one point was run down whilst on her bicycle, because she tried to get a divorce through the court system. It's grim to say the least. Another young adult describes being raped as a child by a teacher, who was allowed to continue to work despite the claims.
The documentary is truly shocking and shows that extremism is reactive and can breed under any society and circumstance.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated The Girls in Books
Jul 25, 2017
The fragility of youth under guise of a cult
A very descriptive and interesting concept tackling the effects of being a vulnerable child being manipulated by a cult. While it describes how all young people are fragile and are desperate to find a place in the world, the author seems to lack somewhere, and the narrative seems slightly disjointed.
There isn't much of an explanation for the adult Evelyn and it leaves a massive hole between the young and older versions of the main character.
There is also a lack of character build up of the members of the cult, and it does not explain what happened to the Manson-like cult leader in the end. Overall, a little long for a plot with too many questions but a great idea.
There isn't much of an explanation for the adult Evelyn and it leaves a massive hole between the young and older versions of the main character.
There is also a lack of character build up of the members of the cult, and it does not explain what happened to the Manson-like cult leader in the end. Overall, a little long for a plot with too many questions but a great idea.
Merissa (12906 KP) rated Gray Moon Rising (Seasons of the Moon #4) in Books
Jul 31, 2017
Gray Moon Rising (Seasons of the Moon #4) by S.M. Reine
LOVED THIS SERIES!!!! Yes, they are aimed at Young Adult and No, I'm not. That did not stop my enjoyment of them one iota. This book has everything that you could wish for in the final book in a series and enough left to keep you wanting more. Luckily for me, there is more, which I'm just about to go and get!
SM Reine has kept the quality and entertainment going throughout the four books and the character development has been a wonder to read. The plot is fast-paced and edgy.
Definitely recommended to one and all, not just YAs, especially as you can now get this as a box set too.
* Verified Purchase ~ January 2013 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
SM Reine has kept the quality and entertainment going throughout the four books and the character development has been a wonder to read. The plot is fast-paced and edgy.
Definitely recommended to one and all, not just YAs, especially as you can now get this as a box set too.
* Verified Purchase ~ January 2013 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated More Caps for Sale in Books
Apr 15, 2019
More Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Better
This book picks up right after the classic ends. The peddler is walking home after having gotten his caps back from the monkeys. Unfortunately, he doesn’t realize that the monkeys are following him home. When he does discover them in his yard, what will he do? And what will happen when he goes into town to sell his caps the next day?
I loved the original as a kid, so I was curious to see what happened in the sequel. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have the charm of the first book. The original was surprising and funny, but here the interactions with the monkeys feel predictable, and the peddler isn’t nearly as clever. Kids may still like it, but this adult wasn’t as enchanted as he’d hoped to be.
I loved the original as a kid, so I was curious to see what happened in the sequel. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have the charm of the first book. The original was surprising and funny, but here the interactions with the monkeys feel predictable, and the peddler isn’t nearly as clever. Kids may still like it, but this adult wasn’t as enchanted as he’d hoped to be.
KatieLouCreate (162 KP) rated The Declaration in Books
Jan 22, 2018
This book is a great read for a younger audience looking for a good YA series to sink your teeth into. Although there are many YA tropes and cliches, the premise of the book is interesting enough for this stereotypes to be overlooked.
The story is short so it won't take particularly long to read. I, being a slow reader, read the book is six hours.
As I said, the concept of the book is interesting, inviting you to question opinions on morality and immortality. The book does contain mild abuse because of the dystopian elements in the book however they are not graphic in detail.
I loved reading this book when I was younger and I am still enjoying rereading as an adult.
The story is short so it won't take particularly long to read. I, being a slow reader, read the book is six hours.
As I said, the concept of the book is interesting, inviting you to question opinions on morality and immortality. The book does contain mild abuse because of the dystopian elements in the book however they are not graphic in detail.
I loved reading this book when I was younger and I am still enjoying rereading as an adult.
LeahBeth (15 KP) rated American Graffiti (1973) in Movies
Jul 12, 2018
American awesomeness
The first time I watched this iconic movie, I am pretty sure I wasn't old enough to appreciate more than young Harrison Ford in his sweet ride, the music, and the great representation of souped up hot rods. When I watched it as an adult it was like watching a totally different movie! And even now, when I watch it I realize the depth and development of the characters, and the personal and political reflections of the time. This movie brought Coppola to my attention, and introduced the idea of how a good director can weave so many minute details into characters and themes.
America Graffiti is one of the best 'coming of age' movies I have seen. Well worth watching
America Graffiti is one of the best 'coming of age' movies I have seen. Well worth watching
Sarah (7800 KP) rated The Happytime Murders (2017) in Movies
Sep 6, 2018
Disappointing
Whilst I'm not particularly surprised, I was expecting a little more from this film. I hadn't seen the trailer and didn't know much other than it was about puppets, so I went in with a fairly open mind.
I'm really not a fan of Melissa McCarthy and I think she really spoils the film, at least for me. She plays the same character in everything! I also didn't think the film was particularly funny and apart from a few odd lines, I didn't laugh at all. The puppets themselves were very well done though and the ingenious way they've come up with murdering puppets is quite good. I really wanted to like this as an adult version of the Muppets really appealed (and Avenue Q is absolutely hilarious), but sadly it doesn't work.
I'm really not a fan of Melissa McCarthy and I think she really spoils the film, at least for me. She plays the same character in everything! I also didn't think the film was particularly funny and apart from a few odd lines, I didn't laugh at all. The puppets themselves were very well done though and the ingenious way they've come up with murdering puppets is quite good. I really wanted to like this as an adult version of the Muppets really appealed (and Avenue Q is absolutely hilarious), but sadly it doesn't work.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated The Martian Chronicles in TV
Sep 24, 2018
Why do I love cheesy 70s and 80s sci-fi so much?
I think I watched this as a kid for the first time and was fascinated and spooked out all at the same time. Since I have been an adult, a purchased the VHS tapes, the original MG DVD release and will probably purchase the new Blu Ray editions some time soon (but haven't yet).
I am not a reader (wish I was), but this story of the first expeditions to Mars, what the humans find there and how they have to learn to set aside differences to peacefully coexist is still very enthralling.
Everything about it is cheese for sure, but I still very much enjoy the characters, stories and situations.
I am not a reader (wish I was), but this story of the first expeditions to Mars, what the humans find there and how they have to learn to set aside differences to peacefully coexist is still very enthralling.
Everything about it is cheese for sure, but I still very much enjoy the characters, stories and situations.