Search
Search results
Joe Goodhart (27 KP) rated X-Force, Volume 3: Not Forgotten in Books
Nov 30, 2020
After a brief hiatus, I resumed reading the X-FORCE TPBs, jumping with the third volume of Craig Kyle & Christopher Yost's dark run of X-FORCE.
This trade made up the "Not Forgotten" story arc, which sees the return of Kimura, bringing with her a whole boatload of hateful hurtin' for Laura (X-23). It is also saw some well-deserved (!) hostility on Wolverine's part toward Cry-clops for the casualties suffered in the team's hunt for Hope Summers as well as Laura being kidnapped. And, like the little b he has been all his life (sorry, not a fan of Scott Summers, but it's totally cool if you are), he just says "I know" when Wolverine tells him that it will death for him if either of the two students die. Wow!
Varied opinions on the art (again). I have always been fond of Clayton Crain's art style, especially his attention to facial details, so his art on the first two issues of the trade was outstanding! He brought a darkness mixed with creepiness to the way he drew the Leper Queen. WIN!
And that brings us to the art for the remaining three issues in the trade. I also like Mike Choi's facial details on the characters he draws. However, his attention to women's breasts and his intent to make all the women under his pencils to be well-endowed is a bit uncomfortable, especially in regard to Laura (who is supposed to be age 16, as stated by Domino in Issue 20. No need for it to be as such, to be honest.
Even more offensive was the way Rahne Sinclair, in wolf-form, was rendered like an extra in a hip-hop video (!). Come on, Rahne has always had a tiny form, never rendered like this EVER! Tho' I am sure a more than fair amount of 'shippers (I assume Rahne has 'shippers) feel differently about that. Jus' sayin'..
<a href="https://ibb.co/csQdiy"><img src="https://thumb.ibb.co/csQdiy/Xforce18_rahnegotback.jpg"; alt="Xforce18 rahnegotback" border="0" /></a>
So, art quibbling aside, the story, still continuing to be written by Yost and Kyle since it's return in 2008, was all aces! There was more than enough adrenaline-fueled excitement contained within, providing a white-knuckled ride, leading directly into the next volume of X-Force, NECROSHA!
I will advise this one, like the previous two volumes, is dark AF! There is very little, if any, humor. There is a higher violence output in this one as well, but it is warranted for sure, when you considered the odds they're up against! That said, if you can handle all that, then I encourage you to pick this one up!
Also, if you are fan of Laura Kinney/X-23, then I also encourage you, as it will give more backstory to her character.
This trade made up the "Not Forgotten" story arc, which sees the return of Kimura, bringing with her a whole boatload of hateful hurtin' for Laura (X-23). It is also saw some well-deserved (!) hostility on Wolverine's part toward Cry-clops for the casualties suffered in the team's hunt for Hope Summers as well as Laura being kidnapped. And, like the little b he has been all his life (sorry, not a fan of Scott Summers, but it's totally cool if you are), he just says "I know" when Wolverine tells him that it will death for him if either of the two students die. Wow!
Varied opinions on the art (again). I have always been fond of Clayton Crain's art style, especially his attention to facial details, so his art on the first two issues of the trade was outstanding! He brought a darkness mixed with creepiness to the way he drew the Leper Queen. WIN!
And that brings us to the art for the remaining three issues in the trade. I also like Mike Choi's facial details on the characters he draws. However, his attention to women's breasts and his intent to make all the women under his pencils to be well-endowed is a bit uncomfortable, especially in regard to Laura (who is supposed to be age 16, as stated by Domino in Issue 20. No need for it to be as such, to be honest.
Even more offensive was the way Rahne Sinclair, in wolf-form, was rendered like an extra in a hip-hop video (!). Come on, Rahne has always had a tiny form, never rendered like this EVER! Tho' I am sure a more than fair amount of 'shippers (I assume Rahne has 'shippers) feel differently about that. Jus' sayin'..
<a href="https://ibb.co/csQdiy"><img src="https://thumb.ibb.co/csQdiy/Xforce18_rahnegotback.jpg"; alt="Xforce18 rahnegotback" border="0" /></a>
So, art quibbling aside, the story, still continuing to be written by Yost and Kyle since it's return in 2008, was all aces! There was more than enough adrenaline-fueled excitement contained within, providing a white-knuckled ride, leading directly into the next volume of X-Force, NECROSHA!
I will advise this one, like the previous two volumes, is dark AF! There is very little, if any, humor. There is a higher violence output in this one as well, but it is warranted for sure, when you considered the odds they're up against! That said, if you can handle all that, then I encourage you to pick this one up!
Also, if you are fan of Laura Kinney/X-23, then I also encourage you, as it will give more backstory to her character.
Eleanor Luhar (47 KP) rated The Heir (The Selection, #4) in Books
Jun 24, 2019
This is the fourth novel in The Selection series by Kiera Cass. Twenty years after the Selection which led to the marriage of America and Prince Maxon, this book follows their eldest daughter, Eadlyn. As the older twin, she is destined to inherit the throne instead of her brother. She's been preparing herself for the role since birth, and had every intention of doing so alone. But when the removal of the caste system fails to satisfy the public, it's clear that a distraction is required. Reluctantly, Eadlyn agrees to take part in a Selection herself - but she's certain she will not end up with a husband.
Much like her mother, Eadlyn's attempt to avoid affection towards the candidates is futile; she actually finds herself feeling friendship (or more) to several of the boys she meets. Still, she tries to remain distant - romance was always her brother Ahren's thing.
The twins are as close as is possible, but Eadlyn finds herself fearing the loss of him. He's been deeply in love with the French heir for a while, and Eadlyn's attempt to separate them backfires drastically. And then, on top of everything, their mother falls ill suddenly. Finally, Eadlyn begins to realise the importance of this Selection.
The reluctance to actually engage in the Selection was very similar to America in the first book. Too similar, maybe. And the change of heart followed the same pattern, too. But maybe it won't end in love this time. (I'll have to read the next book and find out!)
Eadlyn's quite a "typical" feminist sort of figure - believing she will be the best Queen without any husband around. But Ahren makes a fantastic point, saying she's able to fall in love and have a beautiful wedding and love fashion and flowers while still being the strong, brave Queen she is inside. To me, that's what feminism is truly about. It was nice to see this view - from a boy, nonetheless - challenging the original view of Eadlyn.
Also, Eadlyn is a very strong, blunt girl most of the time - her way of being strong is, often, being rather rude. And eventually, she actually sees that in herself and realises that maybe she doesn't have to be that way to be powerful and successful. Her admiration (and jealousy) of Ahren's girlfriend also confirms this; she's a petite, gentle girl, but is taken seriously by everyone around her. She is not harsh like Eadlyn, yet she is not taken for granted by anyone. A girl can be beautiful and feminine, yet still be a powerful authoritative figure.
Although it was pretty similar to the first book, I still did enjoy it. And Eadlyn's attraction to so many suitors means that this could go any way, so I do look forward to finding out who she will end up with - if anyone. This series has always been really enjoyable and easy to read. 4 stars for The Heir.
Much like her mother, Eadlyn's attempt to avoid affection towards the candidates is futile; she actually finds herself feeling friendship (or more) to several of the boys she meets. Still, she tries to remain distant - romance was always her brother Ahren's thing.
The twins are as close as is possible, but Eadlyn finds herself fearing the loss of him. He's been deeply in love with the French heir for a while, and Eadlyn's attempt to separate them backfires drastically. And then, on top of everything, their mother falls ill suddenly. Finally, Eadlyn begins to realise the importance of this Selection.
The reluctance to actually engage in the Selection was very similar to America in the first book. Too similar, maybe. And the change of heart followed the same pattern, too. But maybe it won't end in love this time. (I'll have to read the next book and find out!)
Eadlyn's quite a "typical" feminist sort of figure - believing she will be the best Queen without any husband around. But Ahren makes a fantastic point, saying she's able to fall in love and have a beautiful wedding and love fashion and flowers while still being the strong, brave Queen she is inside. To me, that's what feminism is truly about. It was nice to see this view - from a boy, nonetheless - challenging the original view of Eadlyn.
Also, Eadlyn is a very strong, blunt girl most of the time - her way of being strong is, often, being rather rude. And eventually, she actually sees that in herself and realises that maybe she doesn't have to be that way to be powerful and successful. Her admiration (and jealousy) of Ahren's girlfriend also confirms this; she's a petite, gentle girl, but is taken seriously by everyone around her. She is not harsh like Eadlyn, yet she is not taken for granted by anyone. A girl can be beautiful and feminine, yet still be a powerful authoritative figure.
Although it was pretty similar to the first book, I still did enjoy it. And Eadlyn's attraction to so many suitors means that this could go any way, so I do look forward to finding out who she will end up with - if anyone. This series has always been really enjoyable and easy to read. 4 stars for The Heir.
Eleanor Luhar (47 KP) rated Ensnared (Splintered, #3) in Books
Jun 24, 2019
I read the first novel of the Splintered series and immediately fell in love with it - purchasing the entire series as paperbacks. This is book #3 in the series by A.G. Howard.
If you haven't read the first two novels then I don't want to spoil anything for you. But I will say what I can about the plot and character development (of which there is plenty).
Alyssa takes us on another crazy journey, from the human realm through AnyElsewhere and, of course, Wonderland. Again, she finds herself stuck between her two halves - and between her two loves.
Along with her parents, Morpheus and Jeb, Alyssa must banish Red's spirit forever, return Wonderland to its former glory, and find a way to balance the two halves of her heart. But the travel to this magical realm has changed Jeb, and he's found something he's not willing to leave behind anymore.
There's a lot of madness and magic in this, which is my favourite part. The pure craziness and mystery of Carroll's Wonderland is captured beautifully by Howard. There are weird and terrifying creatures - my favourite being the strange butterflies native to AnyElsewhere, even if they do endanger the life of one of our beloved characters - as well as beautiful landscapes and clever backstories. The whole origin of Carroll's story is put into question, Alyssa slowly uncovering how he discovered the magical land all those years ago.
The main part of this is about Alyssa trying to placate the two halves of her heart. After her previous run-in with Queen Red, there's something strange going on inside her heart - something that hurts when her human side and netherling side are fighting. What's wrong with her? How can she live like this?
And Morpheus and Jeb still aren't the best of friends, either. They're almost constantly competing for her affections - despite being stuck alone together for who knows how long. I'm always routeing for Morpheus, even if he is a bit of a troublemaker.
The ending is quite a nice compromise, a clever and clean way to stitch everything together. And the epilogue is really good, in my opinion. I won't tell you what happens. But it's short and brief, leaving so many questions and opportunities at the end that makes me reeeally want to read the next book.
It is sometimes a little too perfect, if you know what I mean, but it's not sickeningly good or sweet. I think the solutions they conjure are really creative and clever, and when they're in trouble I'm always wondering what they'll come up with this time.
As for development, Jeb and Morpheus have a clear "epiphany" sort of moment toward the end. But I found that Alyssa also developed a lot, slowly - little realisations that shape her being over time, shape her as a queen.
I do love a good Wonderland story. This isn't, in my personal opinion, quite as the first novels, but I still really enjoyed it. 4 stars for Ensnared.
If you haven't read the first two novels then I don't want to spoil anything for you. But I will say what I can about the plot and character development (of which there is plenty).
Alyssa takes us on another crazy journey, from the human realm through AnyElsewhere and, of course, Wonderland. Again, she finds herself stuck between her two halves - and between her two loves.
Along with her parents, Morpheus and Jeb, Alyssa must banish Red's spirit forever, return Wonderland to its former glory, and find a way to balance the two halves of her heart. But the travel to this magical realm has changed Jeb, and he's found something he's not willing to leave behind anymore.
There's a lot of madness and magic in this, which is my favourite part. The pure craziness and mystery of Carroll's Wonderland is captured beautifully by Howard. There are weird and terrifying creatures - my favourite being the strange butterflies native to AnyElsewhere, even if they do endanger the life of one of our beloved characters - as well as beautiful landscapes and clever backstories. The whole origin of Carroll's story is put into question, Alyssa slowly uncovering how he discovered the magical land all those years ago.
The main part of this is about Alyssa trying to placate the two halves of her heart. After her previous run-in with Queen Red, there's something strange going on inside her heart - something that hurts when her human side and netherling side are fighting. What's wrong with her? How can she live like this?
And Morpheus and Jeb still aren't the best of friends, either. They're almost constantly competing for her affections - despite being stuck alone together for who knows how long. I'm always routeing for Morpheus, even if he is a bit of a troublemaker.
The ending is quite a nice compromise, a clever and clean way to stitch everything together. And the epilogue is really good, in my opinion. I won't tell you what happens. But it's short and brief, leaving so many questions and opportunities at the end that makes me reeeally want to read the next book.
It is sometimes a little too perfect, if you know what I mean, but it's not sickeningly good or sweet. I think the solutions they conjure are really creative and clever, and when they're in trouble I'm always wondering what they'll come up with this time.
As for development, Jeb and Morpheus have a clear "epiphany" sort of moment toward the end. But I found that Alyssa also developed a lot, slowly - little realisations that shape her being over time, shape her as a queen.
I do love a good Wonderland story. This isn't, in my personal opinion, quite as the first novels, but I still really enjoyed it. 4 stars for Ensnared.
Kara Skinner (332 KP) rated Love Fortunes and Other Disasters (Grimbaud, #1) in Books
Sep 10, 2019
In Grimbaud, love is on everyone’s mind. From the annual ritual of getting a completely true love fortune from Zita’s charm shop to the statue of Love in the square, that is just about the only thing that matters in the town. This is great for those who have found their matches and live happily ever after. For those who are fated to be single forever, not so much. They quickly become the social outcasts in the town and join the Spinster and Bachelor villas.
For Fallon Dupree, a spinster fortune is just another reason that she’s an outcast in Grimbaud High School. With her parents and brother all strict inspectors in the clothing and restaurant department, Fallon leads a high quality life that quickly gets her branded as a snob. Not ready to give up on love quite yet, Fallon joins a rebellion to overthrow Zita’s charm shop and take back their own fortunes. Much to her surprise, so does her next door neighbor, Sebastion, who is also the high school’s heartbreaker.
Okay, if you’re following me on Twitter, then you already know I like this book. It’s adorable and sweet. I am a bit of a sucker for modern fairy tale towns like Grimbaud is. Fallon is a really good character, even though I don’t really like her parents. I mean really, controlling much? Her brother is pretty cool, though.
I actually like Sebastion’s character. Player love interests can either be complete jerks or be really hot, and Sebastion is definitely hot. Unlike the love interest in The Boy Next Door, the teen romance I’m reading now, Sebastion isn’t a complete douche to girls, even though he does date around. He is really funny and I like the chemistry between him and Fallon a lot.
What I didn’t like about this book was how a lot of them just gave up. I mean, if I was in the Spinster Villa, I would be over at the Bachelor Villa all the time. Even if it wasn’t true love, it would be nice to have a fling, right? They are all lonely. I can’t see the villas staying segregated because of a piece of ticker tape they got a few decades ago, even if the fortunes always come true. Worst case scenario there’s always friendship, right? And some of those love fortunes definitely didn’t have a life sentence. You will get a terrible rejection in the near future? That could have been my fortune in the sixth grade. Now I’m dating an incredibly sweet guy who loves me and is adorable and sexy. Too much of this town gave up way too quickly. At least Ms. Ward tried.
I still give this book four out of five stars. Romantics out there will definitely enjoy it, and every teenaged girl feeling unlucky in love should read it.
For Fallon Dupree, a spinster fortune is just another reason that she’s an outcast in Grimbaud High School. With her parents and brother all strict inspectors in the clothing and restaurant department, Fallon leads a high quality life that quickly gets her branded as a snob. Not ready to give up on love quite yet, Fallon joins a rebellion to overthrow Zita’s charm shop and take back their own fortunes. Much to her surprise, so does her next door neighbor, Sebastion, who is also the high school’s heartbreaker.
Okay, if you’re following me on Twitter, then you already know I like this book. It’s adorable and sweet. I am a bit of a sucker for modern fairy tale towns like Grimbaud is. Fallon is a really good character, even though I don’t really like her parents. I mean really, controlling much? Her brother is pretty cool, though.
I actually like Sebastion’s character. Player love interests can either be complete jerks or be really hot, and Sebastion is definitely hot. Unlike the love interest in The Boy Next Door, the teen romance I’m reading now, Sebastion isn’t a complete douche to girls, even though he does date around. He is really funny and I like the chemistry between him and Fallon a lot.
What I didn’t like about this book was how a lot of them just gave up. I mean, if I was in the Spinster Villa, I would be over at the Bachelor Villa all the time. Even if it wasn’t true love, it would be nice to have a fling, right? They are all lonely. I can’t see the villas staying segregated because of a piece of ticker tape they got a few decades ago, even if the fortunes always come true. Worst case scenario there’s always friendship, right? And some of those love fortunes definitely didn’t have a life sentence. You will get a terrible rejection in the near future? That could have been my fortune in the sixth grade. Now I’m dating an incredibly sweet guy who loves me and is adorable and sexy. Too much of this town gave up way too quickly. At least Ms. Ward tried.
I still give this book four out of five stars. Romantics out there will definitely enjoy it, and every teenaged girl feeling unlucky in love should read it.
Evo Wallet - Money Tracker
Finance and Business
App
"Evo Wallet", the personal finance application for iPhone/iPad and iPod touch designed to help for...
Air Microphone
Productivity and Utilities
8.0
Rate It
App
Turn your iPhone into a microphone for presentations, speeches and more! ▶ More than just an...
Karaoke - Sing Karaoke, Unlimited Songs!
Music and Entertainment
App
Yokee™ is the #1 iPhone app that lets you and your friends sing karaoke for FREE. Now available in...
Musinow - Unlimited Fr.ee Music & Video Player
Music and Entertainment
App
100% FREE! NO SONG LIMIT! Musinow allows you to search and listen to millions of songs on YouTube...
Daily Bible Inspirations – verses & devotions
Reference and Lifestyle
App
Get inspirational, uplifting Bible verses and devotions – complete with stunning photos –...
Debbiereadsbook (1557 KP) rated Luke (Learning to Love #3) in Books
Feb 24, 2022
Whatever happens, no matter how bad it gets, the sun ALWAYS rises.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Learning To Love series and can be read as a stand alone. I have read book 1, Charles but somehow missed book 2, Sol and now I want to go back and read it! Because I loved Charles, and I'm gutted to missed Sol, not because I NEED to, just because I want to.
Luke is the head master at Glynn Harber and is doing his best to save the school. His friends-with-benefits comes to school to talk about his career path. But Luke needs to end it, and tells Nathan no more casual. Nathan agrees. But Nathan is hiding a lot of pain, and it takes a glance at a business card for everything to come tumbling down around his ears.
I loved Charles, I really did but Luke?? oh my days! Luke broke my heart, he really did. But equally, so did Nathan.
Luke loves Nathan, but he can't do the no strings anymore. Its clear from the start that it was never gonna happen, a clean break, hell, ANY sort of break was not happening, but Luke tries. Its also clear that even though he agrees to the no casual with Luke, that Nathan loves him too, HAS loved him for a long time.
And it's this that broke me. Both men loved each other, even if they didn't admit it to themselves, and were perfect for each other. But neither had been fully truthful with the other, even after their very long friendship/relationship. And when it all comes out, from both Luke and Nathan? Oh I cried, I really did.
And I gotta say, had Nathan been given a voice, I think that would have been too much pain in a single book, I really do. Because, as with Charles, only Luke is given a voice. Ordinarily, I would have said I wanted to hear from Nathan, and at points, I really did. Ordinarily, I would have possibly knocked a mark off for the single point of view. But Nathan delivers some serious romance to Luke in this book, when he talks about what he likes about Luke and I can't take that star off, I really can't.
And then Riley delivers the most devastatingly emotional line, when Luke takes to kids leaving school to the top of the tor. (I'm paraphrasing, cos I didn't highlight it! and I'm getting emotional writing the damn review!)
Whatever happens, no matter how bad it gets, the sun ALWAYS rises.
And THEN?? That bloody epilogue!! OH!!
So now I need Sol, and Riley with have systematically destroyed me, in 3 books. But then, Austin is next and you get glimspes of him here, and he gonna break me too, I just know it!
I can't give it any less than:
5 full and shiny stars
This is book 2 in the Learning To Love series and can be read as a stand alone. I have read book 1, Charles but somehow missed book 2, Sol and now I want to go back and read it! Because I loved Charles, and I'm gutted to missed Sol, not because I NEED to, just because I want to.
Luke is the head master at Glynn Harber and is doing his best to save the school. His friends-with-benefits comes to school to talk about his career path. But Luke needs to end it, and tells Nathan no more casual. Nathan agrees. But Nathan is hiding a lot of pain, and it takes a glance at a business card for everything to come tumbling down around his ears.
I loved Charles, I really did but Luke?? oh my days! Luke broke my heart, he really did. But equally, so did Nathan.
Luke loves Nathan, but he can't do the no strings anymore. Its clear from the start that it was never gonna happen, a clean break, hell, ANY sort of break was not happening, but Luke tries. Its also clear that even though he agrees to the no casual with Luke, that Nathan loves him too, HAS loved him for a long time.
And it's this that broke me. Both men loved each other, even if they didn't admit it to themselves, and were perfect for each other. But neither had been fully truthful with the other, even after their very long friendship/relationship. And when it all comes out, from both Luke and Nathan? Oh I cried, I really did.
And I gotta say, had Nathan been given a voice, I think that would have been too much pain in a single book, I really do. Because, as with Charles, only Luke is given a voice. Ordinarily, I would have said I wanted to hear from Nathan, and at points, I really did. Ordinarily, I would have possibly knocked a mark off for the single point of view. But Nathan delivers some serious romance to Luke in this book, when he talks about what he likes about Luke and I can't take that star off, I really can't.
And then Riley delivers the most devastatingly emotional line, when Luke takes to kids leaving school to the top of the tor. (I'm paraphrasing, cos I didn't highlight it! and I'm getting emotional writing the damn review!)
Whatever happens, no matter how bad it gets, the sun ALWAYS rises.
And THEN?? That bloody epilogue!! OH!!
So now I need Sol, and Riley with have systematically destroyed me, in 3 books. But then, Austin is next and you get glimspes of him here, and he gonna break me too, I just know it!
I can't give it any less than:
5 full and shiny stars