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FahrenLernen
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You are a driving student and you received the online training FAHREN LERNEN from your driving...
Amidst This Fading Light
10.0
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Dominated by a few old, founding families, Germantown was mired in tradition and hearsay. All that...
Shelle Perry (66 KP) rated The Ghost Camper's Tall Tales (Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic #3) in Books
Aug 12, 2021
I am so excited to go back to Destiny Falls.
Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic tells the story of Hayden, a young woman who has been transported to a magical dimension to find that she has a family she never knew and a destiny she never dreamed of. While ostensibly these are cozy mysteries, the true story is Hayden’s missing mother. She left Hayden with her grandmothers not long after she was born, but as we have learned through the books of this series, that is not entirely accurate.
Here in book 3, The Ghost Camper’s Tall Tales, Hayden along with her siblings investigate information that could finally lead her to her mom. Though, it comes with the admonition not to trust anyone.
While Hayden and feline bestie Latifa investigate a new death on the island while trying to find out more about the mysterious letter from Emily, a ghost with a penchant for storytelling brings Hayden to his world. She must decide whether his stories are for fun or more historical in nature, and what do they have to do with her investigations.
As I said, it is so great to be back. The great recurring characters of Hayden’s family, the local townspeople, and of course the wonderful animals of Destiny Falls, which in itself is a magical wonderful place, pick the story up right where the last book left, without a moment’s pause in the action. Romance takes a step up and Latifa and her extended cat family prove why cats will someday rule the world. We finally get to learn secrets, but then there are always more questions than answers, so of course I can’t wait for the next installment.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
I received an advance review copy for free through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Here in book 3, The Ghost Camper’s Tall Tales, Hayden along with her siblings investigate information that could finally lead her to her mom. Though, it comes with the admonition not to trust anyone.
While Hayden and feline bestie Latifa investigate a new death on the island while trying to find out more about the mysterious letter from Emily, a ghost with a penchant for storytelling brings Hayden to his world. She must decide whether his stories are for fun or more historical in nature, and what do they have to do with her investigations.
As I said, it is so great to be back. The great recurring characters of Hayden’s family, the local townspeople, and of course the wonderful animals of Destiny Falls, which in itself is a magical wonderful place, pick the story up right where the last book left, without a moment’s pause in the action. Romance takes a step up and Latifa and her extended cat family prove why cats will someday rule the world. We finally get to learn secrets, but then there are always more questions than answers, so of course I can’t wait for the next installment.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
I received an advance review copy for free through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Bob Mann (459 KP) rated Star Trek Beyond (2016) in Movies
Sep 28, 2021
So, we reach the end (for the present time) of the trek. And, although others seem to like this one, I was left disappointed. I’ve actually only ever seen this movie once, at the cinema (my original review is here). But my second viewing left me feeling equally underwhelmed – in fact (without referring!) I came up with exactly the same so-so rating.
Yes, there’s action. If anything, there’s way TOO much frenetic action in the first 30 minutes. The use of the swarm is excellent (harking back to the deadly nanites in the original series): the Enterprise is used to defending itself against big things it can hit…. not thousands of tiny things! But (and I know this is all ‘make-believe’ stuff), all of the attacks, disintegrations and ‘landings’ in these films need to stay the right side of the ‘vaguely credible’ line. And this one oversteps it by some margin.
After that first 30 minutes, the plot stays pretty much planet-bound (never, for me, Trek at its best – see “Insurrection”). The action that ensues is pleasing enough, without ever recharging my dilithium crystals.
But my biggest complaint is with the story around the villain Krall. His rationale for his evil actions are never properly explained. And neither is how the ‘McGuffin’ device is supposed to operate, which is pretty crucial in the finale. How Uhuru manages to recognise who Krall really is from a brief ‘recharging’ scene seems unlikely (I seem to remember more of a “reveal” at the cinema…. was there a cut on the DVD version?). And why does he partially change back? So many questions, so few answers.
This was the last acting performance of Anton Yelchin before his untimely death at the age of just 27. The film is simply dedicated “For Anton” in the closing titles. And there is a nice on-screen tribute to Leonard Nimoy as well, which is both simple and touching.
So, not a high-spot in Trek movie history for me. But where will we be boldly going next?
Yes, there’s action. If anything, there’s way TOO much frenetic action in the first 30 minutes. The use of the swarm is excellent (harking back to the deadly nanites in the original series): the Enterprise is used to defending itself against big things it can hit…. not thousands of tiny things! But (and I know this is all ‘make-believe’ stuff), all of the attacks, disintegrations and ‘landings’ in these films need to stay the right side of the ‘vaguely credible’ line. And this one oversteps it by some margin.
After that first 30 minutes, the plot stays pretty much planet-bound (never, for me, Trek at its best – see “Insurrection”). The action that ensues is pleasing enough, without ever recharging my dilithium crystals.
But my biggest complaint is with the story around the villain Krall. His rationale for his evil actions are never properly explained. And neither is how the ‘McGuffin’ device is supposed to operate, which is pretty crucial in the finale. How Uhuru manages to recognise who Krall really is from a brief ‘recharging’ scene seems unlikely (I seem to remember more of a “reveal” at the cinema…. was there a cut on the DVD version?). And why does he partially change back? So many questions, so few answers.
This was the last acting performance of Anton Yelchin before his untimely death at the age of just 27. The film is simply dedicated “For Anton” in the closing titles. And there is a nice on-screen tribute to Leonard Nimoy as well, which is both simple and touching.
So, not a high-spot in Trek movie history for me. But where will we be boldly going next?
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Castaways in Books
Oct 3, 2021
An intriguing and enjoyable mystery about one sister's quest for survival and the other's hunt for answers.
Lori and Erin are close having lost their parents at an early age. Things are not going too well for either of them but Lori in particular, so she books a holiday of a lifetime for them both to a Fijian island. Unfortunately, things don't go to plan and Lori finds herself on the plane without her sister. Disaster then ensues when the plan goes missing. Two years later, the pilot turns up - he has been working under an alias in Fiji.
What the heck happened? Why wasn't Erin on the plane? Where are the rest of the passengers? Did anyone else survive and why did the pilot go into hiding? So many questions!
Written in two distinct voices and time lines - Lori in the then and Erin in the now - the story follows Erin's search for the truth about what happened to her sister and the rest of the passengers and Lori's experience from the moment she realised something was going terribly wrong with the plane.
Lucy Clarke's writing is captivating and puts you right at the heart of the story; the two main characters are really well developed and you absolutely get a sense of the strong bond between the two sisters. The pacing is pretty good - the beginning is riveting, it dips a bit in the middle but then ramps up again towards the end. The plot is expertly weaved throughout with twists jumping from nowhere, just when you think you've worked it out, and with an ending that is quite satisfactory.
Overall, I enjoyed this book from an author I've never read anything from before and I would recommend to those who enjoy a bit of escapism albeit one with a few twists and hair-raising moments.
Thank you to HarperCollinsUK / HarperFiction and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Lori and Erin are close having lost their parents at an early age. Things are not going too well for either of them but Lori in particular, so she books a holiday of a lifetime for them both to a Fijian island. Unfortunately, things don't go to plan and Lori finds herself on the plane without her sister. Disaster then ensues when the plan goes missing. Two years later, the pilot turns up - he has been working under an alias in Fiji.
What the heck happened? Why wasn't Erin on the plane? Where are the rest of the passengers? Did anyone else survive and why did the pilot go into hiding? So many questions!
Written in two distinct voices and time lines - Lori in the then and Erin in the now - the story follows Erin's search for the truth about what happened to her sister and the rest of the passengers and Lori's experience from the moment she realised something was going terribly wrong with the plane.
Lucy Clarke's writing is captivating and puts you right at the heart of the story; the two main characters are really well developed and you absolutely get a sense of the strong bond between the two sisters. The pacing is pretty good - the beginning is riveting, it dips a bit in the middle but then ramps up again towards the end. The plot is expertly weaved throughout with twists jumping from nowhere, just when you think you've worked it out, and with an ending that is quite satisfactory.
Overall, I enjoyed this book from an author I've never read anything from before and I would recommend to those who enjoy a bit of escapism albeit one with a few twists and hair-raising moments.
Thank you to HarperCollinsUK / HarperFiction and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
![The Paris Network [Audiobook]](/uploads/profile_image/adb/dee0596d-e0e8-4650-b71f-ea5ec5ec6adb.jpg?m=1645979041)
The Paris Network [Audiobook]
6.0
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Paris, 1940: He pressed the tattered book into her hands. ‘You must go to the café and ask at the...
Debbiereadsbook (1166 KP) rated Hiding Place in Books
Apr 3, 2023
I wanted Robert and I don't get him.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Zach buys a Pele tower that needs fixing up, in an effort to hide from the loss of his bandmates. Said tower belonged to Robert's grandfather. Someone died in that tower, murdered, and it was never solved. Can Robert and Zach find some answers with what Zach uncovers? Or will Robert's past eat away at him too much.?
Now, if you follow my review, you'll know I'm ALL about sharing of the book feels, right? And I have one overwhelming feeling about this one:
I wanted Robert and I didn't get him.
This book is told entirely from Zach's point of view, in the first person. While I liked Zach well enough, it was ROBERT who held my attention for much of the book and I wanted to hear from him, badly. I needed to know what he felt about his grandfather doing what he did with the tower. What he felt about Zach, cos in the beginning, Robert sure did blow hot and cold! And just what was going on in his head when he finally gets it all out, and tells Zach about his birth. It wasn't pretty, reading Robert telling Zach, but I wanted in Robert's head then the most.
It's quite clear early on, to me anyway, whodunnit, but just not HOW. Zach's discovery in the loft explains that though.
I know I shouldn't have, but I had to chuckle at the bit when Zach was sick and Robert wanted to get some medicine down him. Benylin is cough syrup, and the only and correct way to take said syrup is to swig out the bottle, and Robert says that to Zach, have a swig of Benylin! Made me laugh that did!
So, while I really enjoyed this book, I still felt that Robert might have made it a 5 star read, but I didn't get him, so...
4 good solid stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Zach buys a Pele tower that needs fixing up, in an effort to hide from the loss of his bandmates. Said tower belonged to Robert's grandfather. Someone died in that tower, murdered, and it was never solved. Can Robert and Zach find some answers with what Zach uncovers? Or will Robert's past eat away at him too much.?
Now, if you follow my review, you'll know I'm ALL about sharing of the book feels, right? And I have one overwhelming feeling about this one:
I wanted Robert and I didn't get him.
This book is told entirely from Zach's point of view, in the first person. While I liked Zach well enough, it was ROBERT who held my attention for much of the book and I wanted to hear from him, badly. I needed to know what he felt about his grandfather doing what he did with the tower. What he felt about Zach, cos in the beginning, Robert sure did blow hot and cold! And just what was going on in his head when he finally gets it all out, and tells Zach about his birth. It wasn't pretty, reading Robert telling Zach, but I wanted in Robert's head then the most.
It's quite clear early on, to me anyway, whodunnit, but just not HOW. Zach's discovery in the loft explains that though.
I know I shouldn't have, but I had to chuckle at the bit when Zach was sick and Robert wanted to get some medicine down him. Benylin is cough syrup, and the only and correct way to take said syrup is to swig out the bottle, and Robert says that to Zach, have a swig of Benylin! Made me laugh that did!
So, while I really enjoyed this book, I still felt that Robert might have made it a 5 star read, but I didn't get him, so...
4 good solid stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Merissa (11950 KP) rated Operation Pinpoint (Space Force Rejects, #1) in Books
Nov 2, 2022
It can be hot in space!
OPERATION PINPOINT is the first book in the Space Force Rejects series and we are introduced to a world where people live on Motherships and Space Force helps other species. Of course, help isn't always wanted and Dravos is one who definitely didn't want the humans' help. He has been imprisoned and tortured for the past five years, and now has a kill chip inserted in his brain stem. Ravenna has the code to set it off, but she is more interested in saving her lover, Yve, than blowing up an alien who hasn't harmed her. Plus, she feels a connection with him she's not prepared to admit to, just yet.
This was a great story, with wonderful world-building that helps you to see the ships, the commandos, the scientists, and the other species. Ravenna, for all she is a good commando, is also incredibly naïve, thinking Space Force only does good, not harming anyone or anything. Both Dravos and Ravenna have a lot of learning to do as their story intertwines.
The story moves along at a good pace, the relationship between Ravenna and Dravos deepening as it does. I did feel their declarations were a bit out of the blue, but that's probably just me. I did love how they were together, the protectiveness they felt towards each other shone through.
It ends with a HFN semi-cliffhanger that will definitely leave you wanting to return to this world. I have questions I need answers to, that involve Ravenna, Dravos, and Centra. I need more! A great start to a series that I definitely recommend and can't wait to read more.
** 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!
This was a great story, with wonderful world-building that helps you to see the ships, the commandos, the scientists, and the other species. Ravenna, for all she is a good commando, is also incredibly naïve, thinking Space Force only does good, not harming anyone or anything. Both Dravos and Ravenna have a lot of learning to do as their story intertwines.
The story moves along at a good pace, the relationship between Ravenna and Dravos deepening as it does. I did feel their declarations were a bit out of the blue, but that's probably just me. I did love how they were together, the protectiveness they felt towards each other shone through.
It ends with a HFN semi-cliffhanger that will definitely leave you wanting to return to this world. I have questions I need answers to, that involve Ravenna, Dravos, and Centra. I need more! A great start to a series that I definitely recommend and can't wait to read more.
** 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!
Debbiereadsbook (1166 KP) rated A Star to Sail By in Books
Sep 9, 2023
loved being kept on my toes!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Crispin wanted to be in the Navy, and now he finds himself on a pirate ship, helping them. But these pirates aren't like anything he heard about and Billy, especially, calls to him for reasons he can't figure out. Billy knows though, and it takes a storm to bring them finally to admit to each other what they could be.
What I especially liked about this, was being kept on my toes!
We are aware that something happened to Crispin to mean he is surviving on a merchant ship, and is no longer in the Royal Navy, but not WHY. We know Billy hates Naval officers, but not WHY. And we get the answers to both almost at the same time. Very different reasons, but equally devastating to them. I'm not going to go into it, for spoilers, but difficult reading, Billy's especially. Be mindful of the trigger warnings on this book.
It's not especially explicit, but I didn't mind that here. It's more about the feeling these two men have for each other, and knowing that they can be together, in this time, and be safe.
It is, however, quite violent. These pirates are ...reasonable...in their behaviours, but things happen and then Crispin and Billy are dealt a nasty blow. The level of violence is not graphic, though it does carry some detailed descriptions of punishments and the aftermath. Also, the reason Billy hates Naval officers is described in some detail.
It's not a complicated read, and I found I read it faster than I normally would for a book of this length, some 370 pages.
First I've read of this author, I like the way she spins her tales. I'll certainly read more by this author.
A very enjoyable, 4 star read
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Crispin wanted to be in the Navy, and now he finds himself on a pirate ship, helping them. But these pirates aren't like anything he heard about and Billy, especially, calls to him for reasons he can't figure out. Billy knows though, and it takes a storm to bring them finally to admit to each other what they could be.
What I especially liked about this, was being kept on my toes!
We are aware that something happened to Crispin to mean he is surviving on a merchant ship, and is no longer in the Royal Navy, but not WHY. We know Billy hates Naval officers, but not WHY. And we get the answers to both almost at the same time. Very different reasons, but equally devastating to them. I'm not going to go into it, for spoilers, but difficult reading, Billy's especially. Be mindful of the trigger warnings on this book.
It's not especially explicit, but I didn't mind that here. It's more about the feeling these two men have for each other, and knowing that they can be together, in this time, and be safe.
It is, however, quite violent. These pirates are ...reasonable...in their behaviours, but things happen and then Crispin and Billy are dealt a nasty blow. The level of violence is not graphic, though it does carry some detailed descriptions of punishments and the aftermath. Also, the reason Billy hates Naval officers is described in some detail.
It's not a complicated read, and I found I read it faster than I normally would for a book of this length, some 370 pages.
First I've read of this author, I like the way she spins her tales. I'll certainly read more by this author.
A very enjoyable, 4 star read
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Averlon (Trident Cove #1)
8.0
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Slave to a feared pirate captain, Faolan Davenport dreams of escape. Fate answers his plea in the...
High Fantasy Romance MM Omegaverse