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Merissa (13816 KP) rated Thanatos (Guardians of Hades #8) in Books
Jun 16, 2021 (Updated Jul 18, 2023)
THANATOS is the eighth book in the Guardians of Hades series and the final one of this series... I think! There is mention of them returning (which I can't wait for) but whether it will be a separate series or not, well, I guess I'll just have to wait and see.
Calindria has been thought dead for six centuries, and the woman she is now is very different from the girl she once was. She has a power over nature, and a power over death, both of them out of control. She needs time and peace to learn to control them, not so easy when you're in a very dodgy realm trying to escape with your life. Luckily for her, Thanatos is on hand to help, although he also comes with his own issues.
This was a brilliant book. I was hooked from the very first page. Calindria is a great character, being both soft and hard when necessary. My heart broke for Thanatos' history, and I'm glad they were both able to work through it. The pacing is perfect - not too fast or slow. Instead, you are whisked away on an adventure with some steamy moments.
The world-building in this story also deserves a mention. It was so descriptively written, it felt real when they were talking about having certain powers dampened or completely gone.
A fantastic end to this series while still leaving me wanting more. I do think it should be titled Calindria though, not Thanatos! LOL Absolutely brilliant, and 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!
Jun 16, 2021
Calindria has been thought dead for six centuries, and the woman she is now is very different from the girl she once was. She has a power over nature, and a power over death, both of them out of control. She needs time and peace to learn to control them, not so easy when you're in a very dodgy realm trying to escape with your life. Luckily for her, Thanatos is on hand to help, although he also comes with his own issues.
This was a brilliant book. I was hooked from the very first page. Calindria is a great character, being both soft and hard when necessary. My heart broke for Thanatos' history, and I'm glad they were both able to work through it. The pacing is perfect - not too fast or slow. Instead, you are whisked away on an adventure with some steamy moments.
The world-building in this story also deserves a mention. It was so descriptively written, it felt real when they were talking about having certain powers dampened or completely gone.
A fantastic end to this series while still leaving me wanting more. I do think it should be titled Calindria though, not Thanatos! LOL Absolutely brilliant, and 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!
Jun 16, 2021
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Good Samaritans [Audiobook] in Books
May 14, 2023
![Good Samaritans [Audiobook]](/uploads/profile_image/8d3/35178302-459f-4b44-a863-84f356c318d3.jpg?m=1684075253)
Oh my word ... what a book ... absolutely brilliant and the best audiobook I have listened to this year so far and, I think, it will take something remarkable to beat it!
This is a very dark, disturbing and extremely gripping story that will draw you in, shake you around and spit you out the other side and all the while you're thinking, what the heck and why am I enjoying this so much?!?
It's all kinds of wrong but so right and deliciously wicked and addictive.
I'm not even going to go into the story - you'll just have to buy it - but what I will say is that the characters are scarily normal which makes them ultra creepy, the story is riveting and there's some great twists that I didn't see coming and the build up of tension is palpable.
There are graphic descriptions of murder, a lot about suicide, mental health and a number of sex scenes (maybe too many if I'm honest and this is my only negative) so if any of these are triggers for you, I would steer clear.
Would I have enjoyed it as much had I read the physical book? I'm not sure if I'm honest because the narrator made all the difference and was absolutely perfect and brilliant. I fell in love with his voice from the beginning ... it was so contradictory to the content of what he was reading that it made the story all the more creepy and disturbing.
I haven't read or listened to any of Will Carver's work before and after listening to Good Samaritans, I won't make that mistake again and I must thank Bolinda Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of Good Samaritans and introducing me to another excellent author.
This is a very dark, disturbing and extremely gripping story that will draw you in, shake you around and spit you out the other side and all the while you're thinking, what the heck and why am I enjoying this so much?!?
It's all kinds of wrong but so right and deliciously wicked and addictive.
I'm not even going to go into the story - you'll just have to buy it - but what I will say is that the characters are scarily normal which makes them ultra creepy, the story is riveting and there's some great twists that I didn't see coming and the build up of tension is palpable.
There are graphic descriptions of murder, a lot about suicide, mental health and a number of sex scenes (maybe too many if I'm honest and this is my only negative) so if any of these are triggers for you, I would steer clear.
Would I have enjoyed it as much had I read the physical book? I'm not sure if I'm honest because the narrator made all the difference and was absolutely perfect and brilliant. I fell in love with his voice from the beginning ... it was so contradictory to the content of what he was reading that it made the story all the more creepy and disturbing.
I haven't read or listened to any of Will Carver's work before and after listening to Good Samaritans, I won't make that mistake again and I must thank Bolinda Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of Good Samaritans and introducing me to another excellent author.
Merissa (13816 KP) rated Dirty Kiss (Cole McGinnis Mysteries, #1) in Books
May 30, 2023
This book starts with a blast... a shotgun blast, to be precise, by a grandma wearing a leather bikini! If that doesn't want to make you bleach your eyeballs, I don't know what will. This is a story filled with mystery, banter, action, and steamy relationships. I loved the connection that Bobby and Cole had, and every scene in which they were in made me smile. Cole himself is a brilliant character, he has trauma and sadness in his past that he is dealing with. When his brother, Mike, asks him to look into an apparent suicide, Cole doesn't think that it will last long. However, he opens a can of worms, smokescreens and lies as he tries to find out just "whodunnit".
This is extremely well-written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found. You get a brilliant backdrop of characters, situations and history, apart from one thing that is alluded to, but never answered. I am presuming this is part of the story that will come out in future books.
The reason for my 4-stars is that I never actually felt much of a connection with Cole or Jae-Min. At times, yes, but not constantly, and not enough for them to move as fast as they did. We're talking insta-love here, after a three-year hiatus on Cole's part. I don't know, for me, it just didn't seem to fit right. But that is probably just me as I'm not a big fan of insta-love anyway. Absolutely loved the rest of it and would have no hesitation in recommending this.
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 20, 2016
This is extremely well-written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found. You get a brilliant backdrop of characters, situations and history, apart from one thing that is alluded to, but never answered. I am presuming this is part of the story that will come out in future books.
The reason for my 4-stars is that I never actually felt much of a connection with Cole or Jae-Min. At times, yes, but not constantly, and not enough for them to move as fast as they did. We're talking insta-love here, after a three-year hiatus on Cole's part. I don't know, for me, it just didn't seem to fit right. But that is probably just me as I'm not a big fan of insta-love anyway. Absolutely loved the rest of it and would have no hesitation in recommending this.
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 20, 2016
Merissa (13816 KP) rated Loveborne in Books
May 30, 2023
LOVEBORNE is a brilliant story set in a post-apocalyptic world where a virus has wiped out half of the population. Sound familiar? Well, this one is worse than Covid because what triggers it is love! People are now touch-starved, working and living in solitude, apart from a few risk-seekers (riskeers) who are prepared to take that chance.
I loved the twists and turns this story took, with Alias discovering his own feelings and sorting out what to do with them. Everything about it was unexpected and nothing went the way I thought it would - which is a very good thing! The one big surprise didn't really come as a surprise as I had figured that out but I still thoroughly enjoyed how it was written and the character's development. There is lots of action in this that is completely relevant to the storyline, along with some tender and steamy moments between the two MCs.
The one thing I wanted more from was Deon. He was very much a closed book, not giving much away at all. And I really wanted more from him. Every other character was brilliant, moving the story along in their own way, but with Deon, it just felt a little flat. And I hate writing that, I really do!
This is the first novel by this author I have read and, based on this, I would definitely read more of her work. Definitely 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 30, 2023
I loved the twists and turns this story took, with Alias discovering his own feelings and sorting out what to do with them. Everything about it was unexpected and nothing went the way I thought it would - which is a very good thing! The one big surprise didn't really come as a surprise as I had figured that out but I still thoroughly enjoyed how it was written and the character's development. There is lots of action in this that is completely relevant to the storyline, along with some tender and steamy moments between the two MCs.
The one thing I wanted more from was Deon. He was very much a closed book, not giving much away at all. And I really wanted more from him. Every other character was brilliant, moving the story along in their own way, but with Deon, it just felt a little flat. And I hate writing that, I really do!
This is the first novel by this author I have read and, based on this, I would definitely read more of her work. Definitely 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 30, 2023
Merissa (13816 KP) rated Heart Fire (Under Violet Suns #1) in Books
Apr 14, 2022 (Updated Jun 24, 2023)
HEART FIRE is the first book in the Under Violet Suns series and the debut novel by this author. This promises to be a great series as we deal with two opposing cultures, political machinations, plus someone trying their best to sabotage all the good work being done by the colonists. Is it one of them or someone who was on the planet before them? No idea so far!
The females from Falosia may be seen as weak by some due to their caring and compassionate natures, aided and abetted by their empathy. However, I wouldn't cross one of them! And the males from Verit... bless them. They've had it rough and so don't quite believe the females are as they seem.
The world-building was brilliant, for the new colony AND the two worlds our colonists are from. The pacing is brilliant and the overall character development is consistent throughout. The only place where I felt this book faltered slightly was the relationship between our two main characters. The first book is always hard as it has to set the scene for whatever comes next, but it seemed as though their relationship fell foul to this, meaning they didn't have enough time together for their relationship to grow properly and, as such, it didn't feel as smooth as the rest of the book.
Overall, this was a great read that I enjoyed and I look forward to continuing with the series and seeing where the author takes me next. Definitely 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!
Apr 11, 2022
The females from Falosia may be seen as weak by some due to their caring and compassionate natures, aided and abetted by their empathy. However, I wouldn't cross one of them! And the males from Verit... bless them. They've had it rough and so don't quite believe the females are as they seem.
The world-building was brilliant, for the new colony AND the two worlds our colonists are from. The pacing is brilliant and the overall character development is consistent throughout. The only place where I felt this book faltered slightly was the relationship between our two main characters. The first book is always hard as it has to set the scene for whatever comes next, but it seemed as though their relationship fell foul to this, meaning they didn't have enough time together for their relationship to grow properly and, as such, it didn't feel as smooth as the rest of the book.
Overall, this was a great read that I enjoyed and I look forward to continuing with the series and seeing where the author takes me next. Definitely 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!
Apr 11, 2022
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Thor: Ragnarok (2017) in Movies
Nov 5, 2017 (Updated Nov 6, 2017)
One of the best Marvel films
This is definitely the best Thor film by far, and up there as being one of the best Marvel films in general.
It's so much fun, and the humour in it is brilliant. It's very funny, and Korg has to be my new favourite character. The action scenes were marvellous and the sfx too. The whole 80s neon theme works really well, especially with the awesome soundtrack. The plot was interesting and serious, but with the humour in it felt a lot more lighthearted than other recent Marvel films. This seemed much more along the same lines as the Guardians of the Galaxy films.
I loved some of the new characters like Valkyrie and the Grandmaster, although my only negative is that I felt Karl Urban and Idris Elba were a little underused. Need more Heimdall!
It's so much fun, and the humour in it is brilliant. It's very funny, and Korg has to be my new favourite character. The action scenes were marvellous and the sfx too. The whole 80s neon theme works really well, especially with the awesome soundtrack. The plot was interesting and serious, but with the humour in it felt a lot more lighthearted than other recent Marvel films. This seemed much more along the same lines as the Guardians of the Galaxy films.
I loved some of the new characters like Valkyrie and the Grandmaster, although my only negative is that I felt Karl Urban and Idris Elba were a little underused. Need more Heimdall!
Daniel Boyd (1066 KP) rated Kinda Funny Gamescast in Podcasts
Jan 11, 2018
Two fantastic personalities passionate about what they are discussing (1 more)
Features a lot of interesting guests
Tim's bias for Nintendo (1 more)
Not as insightful since Colin left
Kinda Brilliant
I have been listening to Gamescast since day one. The podcast took a few episodes to find it's feet, but once it did, it quickly became one of the most insightful gaming discussion podcasts on the internet.
Unfortunately Colin left Kinda Funny almost a year ago and some of the show's integrity went with him. Now it is just Greg and Tim that host it, however it is still very much worth listening to, if you can ignore some of the outrageous things that Tim frequently hits out with. It has been good though, to listen to Tim grow as a prevalent voice in the video game journalism echo-chamber.
Unfortunately Colin left Kinda Funny almost a year ago and some of the show's integrity went with him. Now it is just Greg and Tim that host it, however it is still very much worth listening to, if you can ignore some of the outrageous things that Tim frequently hits out with. It has been good though, to listen to Tim grow as a prevalent voice in the video game journalism echo-chamber.
Miguel Covarrubias (143 KP) rated Maniac in TV
Apr 23, 2019
The Techno-Thriller-Comedy that Nobody knew we needed
We unexpectedly loved maniac. It had a lot to say about fantasy vs. reality. The beautiful modern take (extremely loosely) on Don Quixote had a lot to say to the current era that we find ourselves in. A near future almost hopeless setting shines a lot on how we currently attempt to cope with our reality by escaping into our virtual realities. It's especially difficult on millennials who are trying to overcome the arrested development that we've been placed in. We had too much of a good thing, technology, and haven't quite figured out how to balance virtual with analog reality. 9/10 well worth your time!
BTPBookclub (18 KP) rated The Rosie Result in Books
May 12, 2019
I learnt a lot about Autism from this book
I absolutely loved this story. It is very thought provoking and I learnt a lot specifically about autism. I love this whole family (Rosie, Hudson and Don), Hudson is such a sweet little boy he had my heart.
It is a beautifully written story. Towards the end of the book there is a part that nearly had me bawling my eyes out, Hudsons speech. Book three in the series, but is this the end? Maybe, as it wraps up it all up at the end pretty well no cliffhanger but we will have to wait and see. Parts had me laughing… An uplifting, inspiring story. I enjoyed every minute of it.
I awarded a well deserved four stars and highly recommend. A brilliant read. Eye opener. Page turner. Full of facts. Hard to forget.
It is a beautifully written story. Towards the end of the book there is a part that nearly had me bawling my eyes out, Hudsons speech. Book three in the series, but is this the end? Maybe, as it wraps up it all up at the end pretty well no cliffhanger but we will have to wait and see. Parts had me laughing… An uplifting, inspiring story. I enjoyed every minute of it.
I awarded a well deserved four stars and highly recommend. A brilliant read. Eye opener. Page turner. Full of facts. Hard to forget.
Movie Metropolis (309 KP) rated The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) in Movies
Jun 10, 2019
One of the most successful movie franchises of all time, McKellen played yet another iconic character in Gandalf. This wise wizard was a mainstay in the series and became a fan favourite thanks to his brilliant line-delivery and magical abilities.
McKellen was also asked to audition for the part of Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series but declined after suggesting he’d had enough of wizards. He did of course return to the role of Gandalf in the Hobbit trilogy that ran from 2012 to 2014.
A supremely talented man who clearly still has a long and bright career ahead of him. Happy birthday Sir Ian McKellen, thank you for bringing so many amazing characters to the big screen! What are your favourite Ian McKellen performances?
https://moviemetropolis.net/2019/05/25/top-5-ian-mckellen-performances/
McKellen was also asked to audition for the part of Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series but declined after suggesting he’d had enough of wizards. He did of course return to the role of Gandalf in the Hobbit trilogy that ran from 2012 to 2014.
A supremely talented man who clearly still has a long and bright career ahead of him. Happy birthday Sir Ian McKellen, thank you for bringing so many amazing characters to the big screen! What are your favourite Ian McKellen performances?
https://moviemetropolis.net/2019/05/25/top-5-ian-mckellen-performances/