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I've Got This (Joy Universe #1)
I've Got This (Joy Universe #1)
Louisa Masters | 2020 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
too stinking cute and warm and fuzzies!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This book has been edited and tightened up, following being released from the previous publisher.

I enjoyed this, I really did!

I will admit, I had an old copy that I started to read ages ago, but never finished it. Something IS different about this copy to that, but I have no idea what!

It’s a warm and fuzzies, too stinking cute kinda book that just wiles away a couple hours, and you can forget about the laundry and the cleaning, and just fall into the Joy Universe!

I must admit, at first, for some reason, I thought that the Joy Universe was an ADULT place to be, you know? And I couldn’t place dancers in that world, not for the life of me! But all becomes clear when Derek starts to do his thing, dealing with a murder on site and an attack of food poisoning that decimates his dance troop!

Derek is a big ole teddy bear, that has a work smile I would be so proud of, but I loved that Trav can see right through that false smile, that work face Derek puts on. Loved that Trav could bring a real smile out of him, just by looking his way.

I understood Trav’s. . .not hatred, more a strong dislike of the image Derek puts across. When explained why he has that reaction, it makes a lot more sense.

The murder thing takes a twist, and I didn’t see it going that way. So I liked that.

Some sexy on screen time, some not. Some deep emotional bits, some a much lighter feeling comes at you. Just enough of everything, to make it interesting.

I liked this book, a LOT. But for one thing.

First person, present tense AND both Derek and Trav have a say. Maybe that’s why I didn’t finish it before, but I’ve made a decision to give a book a couple of chapters, even if it IS written in my least favourite way, and I’m glad I did.

Not a difficult or hard read, just what I needed at this point in time 😊

4 good solid stars

**same worded will appear elsewhere**
  
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Pete Thompson (4339 KP) rated The Stand in TV

Feb 10, 2021  
The Stand
The Stand
2020 | Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
The music (0 more)
Casting of characters, changes of sex and race of characters, something as simple as a beginning, middle and end has now become the directors idea of being clever and jumping forwards and backwards (0 more)
I've never written a full review before as I let my score tell the story for the film/TV show in my view and don't like to influence people by what I write, simply put watch it and make your own judgement but with this steaming pile of crap I've had to do this just to get the anger and loathing off my chest.

I heard this was being redone and was looking forward to it having an update and a larger budget than the 94 version (which I love) I thought it wouldn't be as good but would be a solid installment.
 I listen to audio books now as I dont get time to read with work and my toddler keeping me busy so I got The Stand to listen to; to get the story back into my head properly and get the juices flowing. I had read it back in the 90s but had forgotten things about it and just had memories of the 94 mini series and had put the scenes from that into the book. Anyway the cast list came out with their characters and just looking through them I said the only 1 that might be ok was Whoopi Goldberg as Mother Abigail. The rest I wasn't keen on and in the case of Larry and The Judge being the wrong race and sex respectively made me irrate and Glen being too young but thought I better wait and see. Oh my god I was proven wrong not being keen was great until I actually watched this mess. Main characters that don't get much screen time Nick, Flagg, Tom, Mother Abigail, Larry and Stu compared to the book and 94 series. Harold gets waaaay too much screen time, Lloyd is just an irritating man child twerp, Tom needs to be punched whats with the hands together bow like he is chinese? And trashcan man oh my word who the hell thought that was the performance required? I can honestly say I wouldnt even swap the peripheral actors from 94 for the main cast in this.

The original story had a beginning, middle and end. The 94 series did it the same. Welcome to 2020/21 series and a director that thinks he's being clever starting the show at the midway point and having flash backs but only for certain characters at certain times in each episode. Even knowing the book and 94 series didn't help to keep track of where the story was and what time frame. I sst there getting more and more angry at the stupid style but what made it worse is the liberties taken to change the story no tunnel sequence for Larry now a sewer so 80s/90s horror cliche, Mother Abigail is in a retirement home not still living independently in her own home baking her own bread. Nick and Tom being in the same town from the start not meeting on the road in the case for Nick, no sherif and doctor that Nick meets after his beating on the road not in a bar as shown in this version. Video cameras being used by Harold to spy on the committee and to monitor his home were never in the book he read Franny' diary on the road and she breaks into his house 1st not Larry. Randall Flagg is supposed to be feared by the good side but this version is laughable as you barely see him and when he is there there is no feeling of threat and underlying malice from him, I expected a lot better from Skarsgard after his brother knocked it out the park with Stephen Kings IT remake. He just didn't seem to really be arsed about the character and was there for a paycheck.

Anyway sorry for such a long rant but loving the book and 94 series this pile of dog s**t should be scrubbed from all records and forgotten about the only redeeming things it has going for it is the music and thats usually a song just as the episode is about to end and the evil side looks a lot more like it would for people without moral compasses and surpasses the 94 series on this part only.

I give it a 2 / 10 and it only gets that due to the music. A very disappointing reboot when all you had to do was follow a great book with the right casting.
  
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Pete Thompson (4339 KP) Feb 10, 2021

I jumped the gun reviewing this when I did as I hadn't seen to the end. Oh my word talk about taking liberties with the story and also made me notice that The Ratman was now a Ratwoman and Ralph had also changed sex and race to a female Native American from a white male. Funny how no mention of the equivalent of white washing.

OF
Of Fire and Lions
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
You all remember sitting in the Sunday school rooms growing up and hearing the tales of young Daniel and the Lion's Den? Or what about the story of Meshach, Shadrach, and Adednego? I definitely do! Mesu Andrews has taken those stories straight from the Old Testament and weaved them with the perfect amount of fiction, to make the story come to life and play out like a movie on the big screen. 

I loved learning more about Daniel and his life. It wasn't an easy life, that's for sure! Andrews tips the scales with his story. It takes places during Babylonian times, and the garb that was worn then is richly detailed, so I could envision the way the people may have been then. The words that were used during that time are beautifully portrayed in this story. The action of the times, Daniel being thrown in the lion's den, the furnace of fire, all of it is intricately woven together to tell the tale of having a faith the size of a tiny seed in the Almighty God, and how it can bring you through anything. 

I loved how Andrews told this book in parts. It really helped to fully feel  the emotions, see the different times, know what was happening. The research that is put into this story is richly evident. Her passion for her characters and story is felt through out the book. 

This is most definitely worthy of 5 stars. If you are one who may have trouble understanding the stories of the Bible, then I highly recommend you pick up a copy of Andrews' Old Testament story of Daniel. Her unique penning of The Lion's Den will have you understanding things in a whole new like, allowing you become Daniel for a time. Your faith in God will be strong by the end of this book, and it will leaving you wanting more. Mesu Andrews, wonderful job on your story of faith and hope and trust in God! I can't wait for you to write another amazing novel! 

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook & Multnomah and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
  
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