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Scarlett Gauthier (0 KP) rated Illuminae: The Illuminae Files: Book 1 in Books
Mar 17, 2018
EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS BOOK!! I didn’t really know what I was getting into when I started beyond the incredible artistry of how it was written. Which was truly incredible. For the unique layout alone, everyone should read this book. Stunning graphics aside the storyline was INCREDIBLE. I felt all the feels....anger, sadness (and yes some ugly crying), excitement.... you name it. This book had my on the edge of my seat and I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. Twists upon twists. I loved the characters, Kady and Ezra and all the supporting cast. I even had feels for the crazy AI AIDAN. I can’t praise this book highly enough!!! If I could give it 10 stars I would. It has easily become one of my new favorites of all time. I seriously can’t wait to get my hands on the second one!!!!
Awix (3310 KP) rated Casablanca (1942) in Movies
Mar 12, 2018 (Updated Mar 12, 2018)
Enduringly popular wartime romantic drama is also sparklingly quotable and (not often mentioned) works as an allegory about the Second World War - Western Europe (Henreid and Bergman) would really like the help of America (Bogart) to escape from the clutches of Nazi Germany (Veidt); France (Rains) is in two minds about the whole thing.
Despite the fact this is regularly studied as an example of a perfectly-constructed story, it's probably best not to look too closely at some elements of the plot. The performances and dialogue are so winning that you give the movie a pass on this anyway. Everyone has their favourite Casablanca moment, whether it's one of the romantic bits, one of the jokes, a song, or whatever. Beyond simply being made with skill and sincerity, it's quite hard to determine what makes this film quite so special, but the fact remains that it is deservedly a legend.
Despite the fact this is regularly studied as an example of a perfectly-constructed story, it's probably best not to look too closely at some elements of the plot. The performances and dialogue are so winning that you give the movie a pass on this anyway. Everyone has their favourite Casablanca moment, whether it's one of the romantic bits, one of the jokes, a song, or whatever. Beyond simply being made with skill and sincerity, it's quite hard to determine what makes this film quite so special, but the fact remains that it is deservedly a legend.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated The Toad in Books
Jun 18, 2018
<a href="https://awindowintobooks.wordpress.com">Full Review</a>
The Toad by Elise Gravel is part of the Disgusting Critters Series. It is a non-fiction picture book about all things toads. The book shows how toads relate to frogs, their habitat, and food. It also shows that there are different kinds of toad breeds. Beyond talking about the different kinds of toads, the readers learn about their skin and the bumps. Readers learn that the pests that toads eat help to keep the insects at a reasonable amount so we humans don't have to deal with them as much.
The text in the book is presented in an easy way to read which is both entertaining and funny. The illustrations are a great visual that accompanies the text.
I received an advanced readers copy from Penguin Random House Canada and Tundra Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Toad by Elise Gravel is part of the Disgusting Critters Series. It is a non-fiction picture book about all things toads. The book shows how toads relate to frogs, their habitat, and food. It also shows that there are different kinds of toad breeds. Beyond talking about the different kinds of toads, the readers learn about their skin and the bumps. Readers learn that the pests that toads eat help to keep the insects at a reasonable amount so we humans don't have to deal with them as much.
The text in the book is presented in an easy way to read which is both entertaining and funny. The illustrations are a great visual that accompanies the text.
I received an advanced readers copy from Penguin Random House Canada and Tundra Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Akward (448 KP) rated BANG! in Tabletop Games
Jul 20, 2018
Bang is social deduction, for people who don't like social deduction. It becomes fairly obvious early on who is on which team, and that might be something that some people like. Beyond the first round, there is virtually no lieing.
Thankfully, the game makes up for this with the other mechanics. As long as you have the expansions, there is enough variety for the game to be fun. Without the expansions, the cards are very bland.
Speaking of expansions, the High Noon expansion is necessary if you want to play more than one game. It adds variety to each round, and is actually what differentiates Bang from other social deduction games for us.
Overall, if you are looking for a social deduction game, this is probably not what you want. But we still find the game is fun, and does occasionally make it to our table.
Thankfully, the game makes up for this with the other mechanics. As long as you have the expansions, there is enough variety for the game to be fun. Without the expansions, the cards are very bland.
Speaking of expansions, the High Noon expansion is necessary if you want to play more than one game. It adds variety to each round, and is actually what differentiates Bang from other social deduction games for us.
Overall, if you are looking for a social deduction game, this is probably not what you want. But we still find the game is fun, and does occasionally make it to our table.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated A Rumored Fortune in Books
Jan 2, 2019
A missing fortune? A swoony hero? A dastardly bad guy? You can probably see why I jumped into this book without hesitation. This second book from Joanna Davidson Politano reaches new heights and, dare I say it, even better than her debut novel (which was exceptional).
Set on a beautiful estate with a winery, I learned a lot. Donegan's wisdom and passion are beyond compare. Tressa's determination and longing for love make them the perfect pair! Watching them fight through their internal struggles and overcome so many threats, is inspiring.
Set in England 1866, you will be sucked into the story from the first page. And make sure you pick up a copy of Lady Jayne Disappears while you're at it.
I received a complimentary copy of A Rumored Fortune from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Set on a beautiful estate with a winery, I learned a lot. Donegan's wisdom and passion are beyond compare. Tressa's determination and longing for love make them the perfect pair! Watching them fight through their internal struggles and overcome so many threats, is inspiring.
Set in England 1866, you will be sucked into the story from the first page. And make sure you pick up a copy of Lady Jayne Disappears while you're at it.
I received a complimentary copy of A Rumored Fortune from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Mary Queen of Scots (2018) in Movies
Dec 29, 2019
Dull
I've never been a big fan of period dramas aside from a few exceptions, and I'm afraid to say this definitely isn't one of the exceptions.
This has a great cast but aside from Saoirse Ronan, nobody really gets their chance to shine. Even Margot Robbie seems drastically underused which is a shame. This film looks great, the costumes are very well done and the landscapes and scenery are beautiful, but this is really the only thing this film has going for it. Despite being based on an interesting period in history, it is beyond dull yet plows along at a very quick pace. It lacks in any real detail and just comes across a little confusing and uninteresting. I struggled to get into this at all and by the end just found it irritating, which is a little sad considering the talent in this.
This has a great cast but aside from Saoirse Ronan, nobody really gets their chance to shine. Even Margot Robbie seems drastically underused which is a shame. This film looks great, the costumes are very well done and the landscapes and scenery are beautiful, but this is really the only thing this film has going for it. Despite being based on an interesting period in history, it is beyond dull yet plows along at a very quick pace. It lacks in any real detail and just comes across a little confusing and uninteresting. I struggled to get into this at all and by the end just found it irritating, which is a little sad considering the talent in this.
ClareR (5996 KP) rated Of Blood and Bone (Chronicles of The One) in Books
Dec 21, 2018
The story continues...
People are beginning to get used to life after The Doom. Most have adapted and built communities. Others, like New Hope, have gone beyond that , and are helping to rescue other Uncannys and slaves who have been captured by the Purity Warriors or Raiders, before they are put to death.
Fallon Swift has now reached the age where Mallick has come to collect her and begin her training. The training to help her become The One. This book is largely about that training, interspersed with news from New Hope. It's all really interesting , seeing how their society has developed. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I can't wait to see how this all pans out: Light Uncannys (Fallon is one of these) against Dark Uncannys, Purity Warriors and Raiders. They certainly have their work cut out for them.
There's loads of myth and legend in this - great stuff!!
Fallon Swift has now reached the age where Mallick has come to collect her and begin her training. The training to help her become The One. This book is largely about that training, interspersed with news from New Hope. It's all really interesting , seeing how their society has developed. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I can't wait to see how this all pans out: Light Uncannys (Fallon is one of these) against Dark Uncannys, Purity Warriors and Raiders. They certainly have their work cut out for them.
There's loads of myth and legend in this - great stuff!!
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Red, White & Royal Blue in Books
Nov 7, 2019
A book where the President’s son falls for the Prince of Wales? Sign me up!
This book is raunchy and the language is rather explicit, and my goodness, I loved it. This one was one of my rare audiobook listens, and I was driving down the road laughing and crying. Wiping away actual tears at points.
McQuiston combines a sort of coming of age love story against the backdrop of politics. Both storylines are compelling beyond belief. Alex, the President’s son and our main character, is incredibly well-written. Funny, sweet, and so real. And Henry, our Prince, is lovely too. It’s impossible not to root for them.
This book is witty, sweet, a surprising nail biter at times, and offers such a great message—now more than ever. (And the narrator in this one was easily my favorite in my limited audiobook career.) Cannot recommend it enough!
This book is raunchy and the language is rather explicit, and my goodness, I loved it. This one was one of my rare audiobook listens, and I was driving down the road laughing and crying. Wiping away actual tears at points.
McQuiston combines a sort of coming of age love story against the backdrop of politics. Both storylines are compelling beyond belief. Alex, the President’s son and our main character, is incredibly well-written. Funny, sweet, and so real. And Henry, our Prince, is lovely too. It’s impossible not to root for them.
This book is witty, sweet, a surprising nail biter at times, and offers such a great message—now more than ever. (And the narrator in this one was easily my favorite in my limited audiobook career.) Cannot recommend it enough!
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