Search
Search results
As The Secrets Turn (My Darkest Secret #3)
6.0
Rate It
Book
When we collided, it turned into beautiful chaos. I am patient and kind. I do not envy or boast. ...
Young Adult (YA) Urban Romantic Suspense
Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor in Books
Mar 30, 2022
I have had this on my want to read list for a long time, but after watching the TV series (twice) it quickly moved up to my must read now list and it did not disappoint.
Written as different chapters in Adam Kay’s life, from newly qualifying to the incident that lead him to quit medicine, this book covered all aspects of life as a doctor. Each chapter starts with an explanation about the post he is in and a few anecdotes from his life. It then moves onto diary entries from the time in each post.
The book had me laughing at the ridiculousness of some situations, cringing at others and tearing up at a few too. It opens your eyes to the dire state of the NHS and how doctors are always viewed as well paid for short hours when that’s really not true. They are underpaid, under appreciated and overworked in a system that is failing them. We are lucky to have our NHS in this country and we should appreciate it much more than we do sometimes.
Adam’s writing is both informative and witty and it was a pleasure to read and was one that I flew through as it was so easy to read that I didn’t want to put it down at all.
The main takeaway that I have from this book is how much the system needs to change for those working for the NHS but in order for that to happen, governments need to stop trying to privatise parts of it and set unobtainable targets all while the expecting those that work there to spend the majority of their life at work and only getting paid for some of it. All of the staff are under tremendous pressure and they need their loved ones support before we lose all of them to easier and better paying jobs.
Written as different chapters in Adam Kay’s life, from newly qualifying to the incident that lead him to quit medicine, this book covered all aspects of life as a doctor. Each chapter starts with an explanation about the post he is in and a few anecdotes from his life. It then moves onto diary entries from the time in each post.
The book had me laughing at the ridiculousness of some situations, cringing at others and tearing up at a few too. It opens your eyes to the dire state of the NHS and how doctors are always viewed as well paid for short hours when that’s really not true. They are underpaid, under appreciated and overworked in a system that is failing them. We are lucky to have our NHS in this country and we should appreciate it much more than we do sometimes.
Adam’s writing is both informative and witty and it was a pleasure to read and was one that I flew through as it was so easy to read that I didn’t want to put it down at all.
The main takeaway that I have from this book is how much the system needs to change for those working for the NHS but in order for that to happen, governments need to stop trying to privatise parts of it and set unobtainable targets all while the expecting those that work there to spend the majority of their life at work and only getting paid for some of it. All of the staff are under tremendous pressure and they need their loved ones support before we lose all of them to easier and better paying jobs.
Merissa (12963 KP) rated Idriel's Children (Odriel's Heirs #2) in Books
Jul 29, 2021 (Updated Jul 17, 2023)
IDRIEL'S CHILDREN is the second book in the Odriel's Heirs series although you could read it as a standalone, I would recommend you read the series.
Aza is the Shadow's Heir's Heir - in other words, she is Kaia and Klaus' daughter, and will become Heir after Klaus. Her older brother, Zephyr, will pick up the reins for Kaia. At sixteen, she is a typical teenager in that she thinks she knows best but is atypical in how she has grown and the skills she has. When trouble strikes, Aza knows what she has to do, but doesn't count on Witt, Makeo, or Shad tagging along with her.
Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy. This book is just as good as the first! The danger isn't over, as Kaia and Klaus well knew, but now it's up to their children to fight it. We don't see much of Zephyr in this book, so I am greedily hoping to find out more about him. Aza has her own lessons to learn, and she pretty much always takes the hard path. There were a few times when I wanted to slap Aza upside the head, but then I realised she is only two years older than my daughter, and that made her more relatable.
The emotions are rife again - yes, it made my eyes leak, and no, I won't say anymore!
Whilst Aza's story is (sort of) completed, the overall story arc is left wide open. I can't wait to find out what happens next. This is a fantasy world I lose myself in, and I love every word, every scene. If you like YA Fantasy, then you will love this! Highly 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 29, 2021
Aza is the Shadow's Heir's Heir - in other words, she is Kaia and Klaus' daughter, and will become Heir after Klaus. Her older brother, Zephyr, will pick up the reins for Kaia. At sixteen, she is a typical teenager in that she thinks she knows best but is atypical in how she has grown and the skills she has. When trouble strikes, Aza knows what she has to do, but doesn't count on Witt, Makeo, or Shad tagging along with her.
Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy. This book is just as good as the first! The danger isn't over, as Kaia and Klaus well knew, but now it's up to their children to fight it. We don't see much of Zephyr in this book, so I am greedily hoping to find out more about him. Aza has her own lessons to learn, and she pretty much always takes the hard path. There were a few times when I wanted to slap Aza upside the head, but then I realised she is only two years older than my daughter, and that made her more relatable.
The emotions are rife again - yes, it made my eyes leak, and no, I won't say anymore!
Whilst Aza's story is (sort of) completed, the overall story arc is left wide open. I can't wait to find out what happens next. This is a fantasy world I lose myself in, and I love every word, every scene. If you like YA Fantasy, then you will love this! Highly 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 29, 2021
Merissa (12963 KP) rated Hers, Times Two (Hers #4) in Books
Jun 17, 2021 (Updated Jul 18, 2023)
HERS, TIMES TWO is the fourth book in this series, and although you could read it as a standalone, the question would be WHY? There are three brilliant books before this one that help set up the scene/worlds so why limit yourself to just one?
Anyway, moving back to this one - Liz/Eliza has lusted after Jackal and Zaster for a long time but, due to their complicated pasts, she doesn't feel like they want anything to do with her. Not only that, but she had a drug addiction she is fighting. Zaster and Jackal are closer than brothers but behave oppositely where Liz is concerned.
First of all - I LOVED that this was set with Jax and Alyssa on their ship, rather than on Selenia. Don't get me wrong, I love Selenia and I love seeing how it is changing, but this felt like a tip of the old hat to Jax and Alyssa. Plus, it's always good to see previous characters again.
There is a lot of miscommunication in this book, which makes for an excellent read as they fumble through and try to make things right. Poor Liz has a lot to deal with. Can I just say - where she has to do the injection? Gah!!! That made me do the heebie-jeebie dance every single time.
There is snark and sass, memory loss, action and adventure, plus steamy moments aplenty, for everyone to enjoy. This was a brilliant addition to the series and I enjoyed every word. I absolutely recommend this book, this series, and I can't wait to see if we return to Selenia to see if Young and Cocky find someone!
** 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 17, 2021
Anyway, moving back to this one - Liz/Eliza has lusted after Jackal and Zaster for a long time but, due to their complicated pasts, she doesn't feel like they want anything to do with her. Not only that, but she had a drug addiction she is fighting. Zaster and Jackal are closer than brothers but behave oppositely where Liz is concerned.
First of all - I LOVED that this was set with Jax and Alyssa on their ship, rather than on Selenia. Don't get me wrong, I love Selenia and I love seeing how it is changing, but this felt like a tip of the old hat to Jax and Alyssa. Plus, it's always good to see previous characters again.
There is a lot of miscommunication in this book, which makes for an excellent read as they fumble through and try to make things right. Poor Liz has a lot to deal with. Can I just say - where she has to do the injection? Gah!!! That made me do the heebie-jeebie dance every single time.
There is snark and sass, memory loss, action and adventure, plus steamy moments aplenty, for everyone to enjoy. This was a brilliant addition to the series and I enjoyed every word. I absolutely recommend this book, this series, and I can't wait to see if we return to Selenia to see if Young and Cocky find someone!
** 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 17, 2021
The Judge's List
Book
'Besides the usual Grisham virtues of an arresting idea, polished plotting and vivid social...
Chance Match (Perfect Match Agency #2)
8.0
Rate It
Book
CAN LOVE BE QUANTIFIED BY A SIMPLE BLOOD TEST AND AN ALGORITHM? SOMETIMES… BUT, NOT ALWAYS. ...
MM Mpreg Paranormal Romance Omegaverse
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Poppy War (The Poppy War #1) in Books
Mar 11, 2024
47 of 220
Book
The poppy War ( Book 1)
By R.F. Kuang
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When Rin aced the Keju – the test to find the most talented students in the Empire – it was a shock to everyone: to the test officials, who couldn’t believe a war orphan from Rooster Province could pass without cheating; to Rin’s guardians, who had hoped to get rich by marrying her off; and to Rin herself, who realized she was finally free from a life of servitude. That she got into Sinegard – the most elite military school in Nikan – was even more surprising.
But surprises aren’t always good.
Because being a dark-skinned peasant girl from the south is not an easy thing at Sinegard. Fighting the prejudice of rival classmates, Rin discovers that she possesses a lethal, unearthly power – an aptitude for the nearly-mythical art of shamanism. Exploring the depths of her gift with the help of psychoactive substances and a seemingly insane teacher, Rin learns that gods long thought dead are very much alive – and that mastering these powers could mean more than just surviving school.
For while the Nikara Empire is at peace, the Federation of Mugen still lurks across a narrow sea. The Federation occupied Nikan for decades after the First Poppy War, and only barely lost the continent in the Second. And while most people calmly go about their lives, a few are aware that a Third Poppy War is just a spark away
I was really nervous going into this book as I tried to read Babel and really hated it!
But this was another level I absolutely loved it. I really enjoyed part 1 but the part 2 was even better and that ending was definitely worth it. This didn’t hold back on the details either really really good read. So much to take in and I love anything to do with the gods.
Book
The poppy War ( Book 1)
By R.F. Kuang
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When Rin aced the Keju – the test to find the most talented students in the Empire – it was a shock to everyone: to the test officials, who couldn’t believe a war orphan from Rooster Province could pass without cheating; to Rin’s guardians, who had hoped to get rich by marrying her off; and to Rin herself, who realized she was finally free from a life of servitude. That she got into Sinegard – the most elite military school in Nikan – was even more surprising.
But surprises aren’t always good.
Because being a dark-skinned peasant girl from the south is not an easy thing at Sinegard. Fighting the prejudice of rival classmates, Rin discovers that she possesses a lethal, unearthly power – an aptitude for the nearly-mythical art of shamanism. Exploring the depths of her gift with the help of psychoactive substances and a seemingly insane teacher, Rin learns that gods long thought dead are very much alive – and that mastering these powers could mean more than just surviving school.
For while the Nikara Empire is at peace, the Federation of Mugen still lurks across a narrow sea. The Federation occupied Nikan for decades after the First Poppy War, and only barely lost the continent in the Second. And while most people calmly go about their lives, a few are aware that a Third Poppy War is just a spark away
I was really nervous going into this book as I tried to read Babel and really hated it!
But this was another level I absolutely loved it. I really enjoyed part 1 but the part 2 was even better and that ending was definitely worth it. This didn’t hold back on the details either really really good read. So much to take in and I love anything to do with the gods.
Easter Basket Murder
Barbara Ross, Leslie Meier and Lee Hollis
8.0
Rate It
Book
Put on your springtime best and grab a basket, because Easter egg hunting is to dye for in this...
Merissa (12963 KP) rated Spark & Heir (Royal & Piper #3) in Books
Dec 10, 2024
SPARK & HEIR is the final part of this outstanding trilogy, so hold onto your hats because it's non-stop.
Quirin and Cal are with King Eryk, although neither of them knows for sure where or how they fit in. Cal bargains for her kingdom, paying a price she has always known about. Quirin finds himself torn between his old king who made him what he was, and the new queen who had won his loyalty and admiration. I absolutely loved how Quirin talked with Kylen about Cal. Kylen was also a character I grew to love, understated and shy, but with a massive heart for those he cares about.
Still told by three different people, you literally get the inside take on just how twisted and malicious Evalena is. My heart broke at times, not only for a specific character but also for Quirin.
Now, I'm going to be deliberately vague here, but I want to mention something without giving away any details... Quirin is sent away to gather information on what Evalena's doing, while Cal obviously stays behind. During that time, something absolutely necessary happened, but I didn't like it because Quirin wasn't there. After I got over my upset, I realised it was a perfect example of how war doesn't stop just because you're a main character!
The climax and epilogue are outstanding and I was hung on every word. I am sad to see this come to an end, although I still hope for more from this kingdom and for Quirin. A 5-star series and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me. Just don't make me choose my favourite book out of the three because I'm stumped!
** 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!
Dec 10, 2024
Quirin and Cal are with King Eryk, although neither of them knows for sure where or how they fit in. Cal bargains for her kingdom, paying a price she has always known about. Quirin finds himself torn between his old king who made him what he was, and the new queen who had won his loyalty and admiration. I absolutely loved how Quirin talked with Kylen about Cal. Kylen was also a character I grew to love, understated and shy, but with a massive heart for those he cares about.
Still told by three different people, you literally get the inside take on just how twisted and malicious Evalena is. My heart broke at times, not only for a specific character but also for Quirin.
Now, I'm going to be deliberately vague here, but I want to mention something without giving away any details... Quirin is sent away to gather information on what Evalena's doing, while Cal obviously stays behind. During that time, something absolutely necessary happened, but I didn't like it because Quirin wasn't there. After I got over my upset, I realised it was a perfect example of how war doesn't stop just because you're a main character!
The climax and epilogue are outstanding and I was hung on every word. I am sad to see this come to an end, although I still hope for more from this kingdom and for Quirin. A 5-star series and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me. Just don't make me choose my favourite book out of the three because I'm stumped!
** 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!
Dec 10, 2024
Connor Sheffield (293 KP) rated The Crow (1994) in Movies
Apr 19, 2017
Close to the source material (2 more)
Great Cast
A powerful and emotional film
A Powerful Classic
The Crow is one of my all time favourite films as well as one of my all time favourite graphic novels.
This Gothic, fantasy action film has a tragic story that's powerful to behold as we witness what the power of revenge can do to a person. However, this isn't your typical revenge plot, because SPOILERS!
Eric Draven, portrayed by the incredible Brandon Lee (son of Bruce Lee), is actual brought back from the dead as an avenging angel, after he and his fiance were murdered by a group of thugs on Devils Night (the night before Halloween).
If you've read the graphic novel you'll know just how great this film is, and the only downside to it is knowing it was Brandon Lee's last after an accident that happened on set.
However, the film sticks close to the source material, especially since James O'Barr, the creator of the characters and the graphic novel worked closely with the cast and crew of the film to ensure it was done correctly.
The tone of the film is, for obvious reasons, dark but there is still humour in it which lightens the mood and gives you a sense of Eric Draven's mind because let's face it, coming back from the dead with the ability to heal any wound, and the opportunity to get revenge on those who wronged you, it's enough to send a sensible man insane, and we see that shine through Brandon Lee performance with jokes and laughter, whilst still remaining eerily dark and twisted. When the bad guys realise he heals any wounds and can't die...You can see how much Eric enjoys seeing the fear grow in their faces, and as the strong unfolds we learn that the group of thugs who committed the crime, were just pawns to a bigger villain leading a crime syndicate in the city.
We see emotion as Eric tries to find out the truth of what really happened that night, and why he and his fiance lost their lives, and we see him trying to connect to his past through Sarah, a young girl that he and his fiance looked after and cared for. We also see the truth unfold through Officer Albrecht who was in charge of the investigation.
The characters are all brilliantly written, from Sarah's childhood innocence becoming a more mature sense of realising that the world can't always be a happy place, to Eric's lust for revenger and being sidetracked by emotions of his former life, trying to remain a good person whilst committing these acts of murder for revenge.
The music in the film really fits the scenes and the feel of the entire story with bands like The Cure, Pantera, Rage Against The Machine and Stone Temple Pilots among others, its soundtrack is brilliantly dark.
Also the main aspect that you have to love is Brandon Lee in the crow makeup and clothing. He looks menacing, he looks like he has a lust for revenge, most importantly he looks badass! One of the greatest comic book characters in film that I have ever seen, and whilst I was a little wary of the talks to remake this film in 2016/2017, I would be curious to see the character brought to life again and given a fresh look but I don't know if anyone can beat Brandon Lee in that portrayal because he looks incredible.
This film is dark, powerful, moving and poetic and will remain one of my top 5 films of all time. Maybe even top 3.
I highly recommend this film to anyone who enjoys a comic book movie, especially if you like movies with action and drama with a Gothic overtone.
R.I.P Brandon Lee (1965-1993)
This Gothic, fantasy action film has a tragic story that's powerful to behold as we witness what the power of revenge can do to a person. However, this isn't your typical revenge plot, because SPOILERS!
Eric Draven, portrayed by the incredible Brandon Lee (son of Bruce Lee), is actual brought back from the dead as an avenging angel, after he and his fiance were murdered by a group of thugs on Devils Night (the night before Halloween).
If you've read the graphic novel you'll know just how great this film is, and the only downside to it is knowing it was Brandon Lee's last after an accident that happened on set.
However, the film sticks close to the source material, especially since James O'Barr, the creator of the characters and the graphic novel worked closely with the cast and crew of the film to ensure it was done correctly.
The tone of the film is, for obvious reasons, dark but there is still humour in it which lightens the mood and gives you a sense of Eric Draven's mind because let's face it, coming back from the dead with the ability to heal any wound, and the opportunity to get revenge on those who wronged you, it's enough to send a sensible man insane, and we see that shine through Brandon Lee performance with jokes and laughter, whilst still remaining eerily dark and twisted. When the bad guys realise he heals any wounds and can't die...You can see how much Eric enjoys seeing the fear grow in their faces, and as the strong unfolds we learn that the group of thugs who committed the crime, were just pawns to a bigger villain leading a crime syndicate in the city.
We see emotion as Eric tries to find out the truth of what really happened that night, and why he and his fiance lost their lives, and we see him trying to connect to his past through Sarah, a young girl that he and his fiance looked after and cared for. We also see the truth unfold through Officer Albrecht who was in charge of the investigation.
The characters are all brilliantly written, from Sarah's childhood innocence becoming a more mature sense of realising that the world can't always be a happy place, to Eric's lust for revenger and being sidetracked by emotions of his former life, trying to remain a good person whilst committing these acts of murder for revenge.
The music in the film really fits the scenes and the feel of the entire story with bands like The Cure, Pantera, Rage Against The Machine and Stone Temple Pilots among others, its soundtrack is brilliantly dark.
Also the main aspect that you have to love is Brandon Lee in the crow makeup and clothing. He looks menacing, he looks like he has a lust for revenge, most importantly he looks badass! One of the greatest comic book characters in film that I have ever seen, and whilst I was a little wary of the talks to remake this film in 2016/2017, I would be curious to see the character brought to life again and given a fresh look but I don't know if anyone can beat Brandon Lee in that portrayal because he looks incredible.
This film is dark, powerful, moving and poetic and will remain one of my top 5 films of all time. Maybe even top 3.
I highly recommend this film to anyone who enjoys a comic book movie, especially if you like movies with action and drama with a Gothic overtone.
R.I.P Brandon Lee (1965-1993)