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KatieLouCreate (162 KP) rated Perfected (Perfected, #1) in Books
Jul 10, 2023
Perfected by Kate Jarvik Birch
This book has been sat on my bookshelf for as long as I can remember, which is why i finally decided to pick it up.
The book was originally published in 2014, around the height of YA Dystopian books. And if that doesn't tell you everything you need to know about this book allow me to continue.
After creating a new law which allows for the creation of human pets, congressman Kimball bought Ella. She is a pet designed and trained specifically for entertaining the Elite as the most prestigious family companion.
But for Ella, things aren't what they seem. Family secrets arise; she is kidnapped; and the dark world under her pampered life shows itself; and she cannot help but fall for the congressman's son, Penn. She is forced to question her existence. But if she chooses to act on these new revelations, she may face a fate worse than death.
Not to be rude, but this book is just like any other YA book written of its time. It draws a lot of similarities to Lauren DeStefano's Wither Trilogy. Its beautifully written, with lots of potential, but lacks execution. Ella is a very basic character for me. She is passive and her only motives for pushing herself derive from Penn, her love interest.
It seems the author tried to go for a hate to love relationship, but it fell flat with the instalovey trope. Even then, their love seemed more like lust to me. They didn't really build any foundations and connection. At least not enough to justify Ella's actions and motives.
Had I read this in my teens when the book came out, I would probably have loved it. But I'm older and nore cynical now.
I have already bought the second book on Audible and the book wasn't so terrible that I won't at least give it a try, but I'm apprehensive to say the least.
The book was originally published in 2014, around the height of YA Dystopian books. And if that doesn't tell you everything you need to know about this book allow me to continue.
After creating a new law which allows for the creation of human pets, congressman Kimball bought Ella. She is a pet designed and trained specifically for entertaining the Elite as the most prestigious family companion.
But for Ella, things aren't what they seem. Family secrets arise; she is kidnapped; and the dark world under her pampered life shows itself; and she cannot help but fall for the congressman's son, Penn. She is forced to question her existence. But if she chooses to act on these new revelations, she may face a fate worse than death.
Not to be rude, but this book is just like any other YA book written of its time. It draws a lot of similarities to Lauren DeStefano's Wither Trilogy. Its beautifully written, with lots of potential, but lacks execution. Ella is a very basic character for me. She is passive and her only motives for pushing herself derive from Penn, her love interest.
It seems the author tried to go for a hate to love relationship, but it fell flat with the instalovey trope. Even then, their love seemed more like lust to me. They didn't really build any foundations and connection. At least not enough to justify Ella's actions and motives.
Had I read this in my teens when the book came out, I would probably have loved it. But I'm older and nore cynical now.
I have already bought the second book on Audible and the book wasn't so terrible that I won't at least give it a try, but I'm apprehensive to say the least.
A Bibliophagist (113 KP) rated Thunderhead (Arc of a Scythe #2) in Books
Feb 5, 2020
Characters (4 more)
Plot
Pacing
Worldbuilding
That ending
A great sequel
I picked up Scythe in a challenge to myself to read something I wasn't interested in, and I chose two books popular on my feeds. One with a cover I hated (Throne of Glass) and one with a cover I liked (Scythe). I really didn't expect to love Scythe as much as I did (check out its review through my profile!) but I did! So I immediately picked up the even prettier Thunderhead. This cover is just beautiful, and as an illustrator, seeing her thank her cover artist on one of the first pages was wonderful. This review may contain minor spoilers for Scythe, so don't read it unless you've read Scythe!
We pick up where Scythe left off, after Citra gives Rowan immunity, sparing him from being gleaned even though she is chosen and takes the name, Scythe Anastasia. He goes on the run instead of being imprisoned by the Scythdom until his immunity runs out. After leaving his self imposed exile with Scythe Faraday, Rowan dons a cloak of his own, becoming a vigilante and killing (and burning) Scythes who abuse their power. The world dubs him Scythe Lucifer and everyone is trying to find him. Scythe Anastasia is learning her place in the Scythedom, a beacon of hope for the old guard, they hope she will inspire the new Scythes to turn away from the new order. Following Rowan's disposal of Scythe Goddard, the new order has made a martyr of him. The Schism amongst the Scythedom continues to grow, and all is not well. Scythe Curie and Scythe Anastasia are targetted by unknowns, attempting to kill them (permanently). Meanwhile, the Thunderhead reflects on its choice to be separate from the Scythes, Fearing what is becoming of the Scythedom, but unable to do anything, it inlists a boy, Greyson, who was essentially raised by it, to act as a liaison, never telling him to do anything in particular, but implying enough that Greyson sacrifices everything to try and help Scythe Curie and Anastasia and fulfill the Thunderhead's goals. This sacrifice doesn't go unnoticed, as a reader it felt palpable, I felt for him. On top of all this, something is stirring, ghosts are coming back to haunt the Scythedom and a shift of power puts Anastasia and Marie in the crosshairs of danger, forcing them to not only stand up for MidMerica but the entire Scythedom, even if that means facing the Grandslayers.
Shusterman does a wonderful job of continuing the story. Sticking to the world that he previously laid out and delving deeper with new perspectives like Greyson, and rather than the Scythe Journal interludes we have Thunderhead interludes which are exceptionally interesting. We learn more about this "perfect world" they now live in, and we see actual character development as both Rowan and Citra come to terms with their new lives. On top of this, the plot just continues to thicken and brew, building upon itself until it finally explodes in the finale. Holy Moley the finale. I let out an audible noise at that cliffhanger, so audible my partner checked to makes sure I was okay. I also IMMEDIATELY bought the next book. That was the cliffhangers of cliffhangers.
One of the things I applaud in these books is the romance between Citra and Rowan, it's so understated (at times, too understated) not lusting after each other, or thinking about how hot each other are. This is just an honest two people coming together who have been through crap together. It's a deep connection, and while I found it eh and slightly too understated in the first book, I grew to appreciate it's the subtlety in the second.
At times this book had larger than life moments, but even these Shusterman was able to write so well I didn't mind them, they didn't make me roll my eyes. He made his world believable, even if it sounds ridiculous when I try and explain the plot to others. This book made me cry, it made me gasp and it made me feel a full gamut of emotions. Things I didn't know a YA book could make me feel. Also, did I mention that freakin CLIFF HANGER?
Good job Shusterman, Good Job.
We pick up where Scythe left off, after Citra gives Rowan immunity, sparing him from being gleaned even though she is chosen and takes the name, Scythe Anastasia. He goes on the run instead of being imprisoned by the Scythdom until his immunity runs out. After leaving his self imposed exile with Scythe Faraday, Rowan dons a cloak of his own, becoming a vigilante and killing (and burning) Scythes who abuse their power. The world dubs him Scythe Lucifer and everyone is trying to find him. Scythe Anastasia is learning her place in the Scythedom, a beacon of hope for the old guard, they hope she will inspire the new Scythes to turn away from the new order. Following Rowan's disposal of Scythe Goddard, the new order has made a martyr of him. The Schism amongst the Scythedom continues to grow, and all is not well. Scythe Curie and Scythe Anastasia are targetted by unknowns, attempting to kill them (permanently). Meanwhile, the Thunderhead reflects on its choice to be separate from the Scythes, Fearing what is becoming of the Scythedom, but unable to do anything, it inlists a boy, Greyson, who was essentially raised by it, to act as a liaison, never telling him to do anything in particular, but implying enough that Greyson sacrifices everything to try and help Scythe Curie and Anastasia and fulfill the Thunderhead's goals. This sacrifice doesn't go unnoticed, as a reader it felt palpable, I felt for him. On top of all this, something is stirring, ghosts are coming back to haunt the Scythedom and a shift of power puts Anastasia and Marie in the crosshairs of danger, forcing them to not only stand up for MidMerica but the entire Scythedom, even if that means facing the Grandslayers.
Shusterman does a wonderful job of continuing the story. Sticking to the world that he previously laid out and delving deeper with new perspectives like Greyson, and rather than the Scythe Journal interludes we have Thunderhead interludes which are exceptionally interesting. We learn more about this "perfect world" they now live in, and we see actual character development as both Rowan and Citra come to terms with their new lives. On top of this, the plot just continues to thicken and brew, building upon itself until it finally explodes in the finale. Holy Moley the finale. I let out an audible noise at that cliffhanger, so audible my partner checked to makes sure I was okay. I also IMMEDIATELY bought the next book. That was the cliffhangers of cliffhangers.
One of the things I applaud in these books is the romance between Citra and Rowan, it's so understated (at times, too understated) not lusting after each other, or thinking about how hot each other are. This is just an honest two people coming together who have been through crap together. It's a deep connection, and while I found it eh and slightly too understated in the first book, I grew to appreciate it's the subtlety in the second.
At times this book had larger than life moments, but even these Shusterman was able to write so well I didn't mind them, they didn't make me roll my eyes. He made his world believable, even if it sounds ridiculous when I try and explain the plot to others. This book made me cry, it made me gasp and it made me feel a full gamut of emotions. Things I didn't know a YA book could make me feel. Also, did I mention that freakin CLIFF HANGER?
Good job Shusterman, Good Job.
RəX Regent (349 KP) rated The Pirates! An Adventure With Scientists (2012) in Movies
Feb 19, 2019
Ardman Animation returned to the big screen in 2012 with this adaptation of the Children novel series, The Pirates!.
After building model sets in order to plan out a CGI animation similar to their 2011 Arthur Christmas, they quickly decided to return to their roots and this 3-D adventure was filmed as a stop-motion movie and is much the better for it.
The story itself, whilst following real life characters such as Queen Victoria and Charles Darwin, is pure, adulterated fiction, not quite from the school of Ridley Scott in which he claims to be making historical epics whilst taking liberties, I grant you, but still, I’m still having to explain to my 5 year old daughter that Queen Victoria was a super villain as portrayed here! We follow a crew of Pirates, lead by The Pirate Captain (Hugh Grant) as he attempts to win the converted pirate of the year but to no avail.
After an encounter with Charles Darwin (David Tennent), he learns that the ships “parrot”, Polly, is in fact a thought to be extinct Dodo and the pair along with his crew, return to England in order to win Scientist Of The Year as well. But Queen Victoria wants the bird, in order to eat it with other world leaders who gather to taste rarest cuisine.
My main issue with this film is that Victoria is presented a villain and this is now how my 5 year old daughter, who loves this film by the way, now looks upon as a baddie! But other than that this is a witty film built on wit. Every frame contains a joke of some kind, whether it be in the background, audible or part of the action.
Ardman’s style is unmistakable and quintessentially British and I suspect that whilst some international audiences will find this quaint, it will probably be lost on many.
But this is an underrated adventure, with lovable characters, villains and all told at a good pace.
Not something to be used for your history homework but still and enjoyable romp none the less.
After building model sets in order to plan out a CGI animation similar to their 2011 Arthur Christmas, they quickly decided to return to their roots and this 3-D adventure was filmed as a stop-motion movie and is much the better for it.
The story itself, whilst following real life characters such as Queen Victoria and Charles Darwin, is pure, adulterated fiction, not quite from the school of Ridley Scott in which he claims to be making historical epics whilst taking liberties, I grant you, but still, I’m still having to explain to my 5 year old daughter that Queen Victoria was a super villain as portrayed here! We follow a crew of Pirates, lead by The Pirate Captain (Hugh Grant) as he attempts to win the converted pirate of the year but to no avail.
After an encounter with Charles Darwin (David Tennent), he learns that the ships “parrot”, Polly, is in fact a thought to be extinct Dodo and the pair along with his crew, return to England in order to win Scientist Of The Year as well. But Queen Victoria wants the bird, in order to eat it with other world leaders who gather to taste rarest cuisine.
My main issue with this film is that Victoria is presented a villain and this is now how my 5 year old daughter, who loves this film by the way, now looks upon as a baddie! But other than that this is a witty film built on wit. Every frame contains a joke of some kind, whether it be in the background, audible or part of the action.
Ardman’s style is unmistakable and quintessentially British and I suspect that whilst some international audiences will find this quaint, it will probably be lost on many.
But this is an underrated adventure, with lovable characters, villains and all told at a good pace.
Not something to be used for your history homework but still and enjoyable romp none the less.
Ivana A. | Diary of Difference (1171 KP) rated Quidditch Through the Ages in Books
Aug 21, 2018
Full review can be found here: diaryofdifference.com/2018/06/11/quidditch-through-the-ages-j-k-rowling-book-review/
For every Harry Potter fan out there, there is a book in the fictional library, that somehow wizards allowed for it to be shared with us muggles.
Note: I am not a muggle, I am, of course, a wizard, but I believe Hogwarts has made some admin mistakes and my letter is yet due to arrive!
But for you muggles out there, this book has been approved to be shared, and it talks about the most famous sport in the wizarding world - Quidditch. A sport in which Harry Potter was a star, just like his father and many famous people before him!
<img src="https://hpmedia.bloomsbury.com/rep/s/9781408880739_310261.jpeg"/>;
This book speaks about the rules of Quidditch, the history, the famous teams around the world, the most famous players, the most exciting matches, the most devastating injuries, and the most mysterious endings of the matches.
While I was listening to it (Yes, I have the audible version - actually the second audio book I have ever read/listened to), this book made me feel like I was a part of this world, the same feeling I always get when I read the Harry Potter series. J.K. Rowling is such an amazing writer, and times and times again, I wish this world was real, and I wish I was part of it.
With my audio version, I also got the bonus scenes of the 2014 World Cup being held, and it being reported by Ginny Potter and Rita Skeeter. It was the most amazing thing ever. It is also taken out from the Pottermore edition, so I think you might be able to find it online!
This book belongs to the never-forgettable shelf, alongside Harry Potter, and alongside all my other favourite books!
<a href="https://diaryofdifference.com/">Blog</a>; | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/diaryofdifference/">Facebook</a>; | <a href="https://twitter.com/DiaryDifference">Twitter</a>; | <a href="http://innahcrazy.tumblr.com/">Tumblr</a>; | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/diaryofdifference/">Instagram</a>; | <a href="https://www.pinterest.co.uk/diaryofdifference/pins/">Pinterest</a>; |
For every Harry Potter fan out there, there is a book in the fictional library, that somehow wizards allowed for it to be shared with us muggles.
Note: I am not a muggle, I am, of course, a wizard, but I believe Hogwarts has made some admin mistakes and my letter is yet due to arrive!
But for you muggles out there, this book has been approved to be shared, and it talks about the most famous sport in the wizarding world - Quidditch. A sport in which Harry Potter was a star, just like his father and many famous people before him!
<img src="https://hpmedia.bloomsbury.com/rep/s/9781408880739_310261.jpeg"/>;
This book speaks about the rules of Quidditch, the history, the famous teams around the world, the most famous players, the most exciting matches, the most devastating injuries, and the most mysterious endings of the matches.
While I was listening to it (Yes, I have the audible version - actually the second audio book I have ever read/listened to), this book made me feel like I was a part of this world, the same feeling I always get when I read the Harry Potter series. J.K. Rowling is such an amazing writer, and times and times again, I wish this world was real, and I wish I was part of it.
With my audio version, I also got the bonus scenes of the 2014 World Cup being held, and it being reported by Ginny Potter and Rita Skeeter. It was the most amazing thing ever. It is also taken out from the Pottermore edition, so I think you might be able to find it online!
This book belongs to the never-forgettable shelf, alongside Harry Potter, and alongside all my other favourite books!
<a href="https://diaryofdifference.com/">Blog</a>; | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/diaryofdifference/">Facebook</a>; | <a href="https://twitter.com/DiaryDifference">Twitter</a>; | <a href="http://innahcrazy.tumblr.com/">Tumblr</a>; | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/diaryofdifference/">Instagram</a>; | <a href="https://www.pinterest.co.uk/diaryofdifference/pins/">Pinterest</a>; |
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