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Merissa (13457 KP) rated Capture (Torsere #1) in Books
Aug 24, 2020
Capture is the first book in the Torsere series and we drop into a world where kingdoms are small but the dragons are great!!!
Ryneq is the King of Torsere, his sister is about to enter a marriage to the Elves, and he doesn't have time for a dalliance of any kind other than the odd night or two. Nykin is a young dragon rider, partnered with Fimor, and doesn't think he would be satisfied with just a night or two so is prepared to admire from a distance. Circumstances throw these two together to begin with but bravery and loyalty make it a long-term affair.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The twist with the timing of the bond with dragons was a new one on me. Nykin and Ryneq are wonderful characters that I want to know more about. The world-building is done so you get bits and pieces where relevant rather than an info dump. The descriptions of people and places make them all easy to see. There are a couple of steamy scenes but nothing too in-depth.
All in all, a brilliant start to a new series and I really can't wait to continue. Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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!
Ryneq is the King of Torsere, his sister is about to enter a marriage to the Elves, and he doesn't have time for a dalliance of any kind other than the odd night or two. Nykin is a young dragon rider, partnered with Fimor, and doesn't think he would be satisfied with just a night or two so is prepared to admire from a distance. Circumstances throw these two together to begin with but bravery and loyalty make it a long-term affair.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The twist with the timing of the bond with dragons was a new one on me. Nykin and Ryneq are wonderful characters that I want to know more about. The world-building is done so you get bits and pieces where relevant rather than an info dump. The descriptions of people and places make them all easy to see. There are a couple of steamy scenes but nothing too in-depth.
All in all, a brilliant start to a new series and I really can't wait to continue. Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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!
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Knife Edge in Books
Aug 29, 2020
I was really looking forward to reading this having been a fan of Simon Mayo for many years in his other guise as a radio DJ so was quite disappointed that it didn't really do it for me.
The start was brilliant and had me hooked but it just went a bit "bleh" for me in the middle and although the ending was as good as the start, it just didn't make up for the middle because by that time I had lost a lot of interest and just carried on reading because I hate not finishing books. The characters were interesting but not particularly memorable enough to connect with me so I didn't really care what happened to them either way. The themes and plot of this book are up to date and you can certainly see them playing out in the real world unfortunately but it felt a little over complicated at times.
As usual, I am likely to be in the minority on this one as there have been many 4 and 5 star reviews given; maybe I was having a bad week! so I suggest you give a go for yourself. I have to say that this won't put me off reading Simon's books in the future purely based on the start and end of this particular book.
Thank you to Random House UK, Transworld Publishers via NetGalley for my copy in return for an unbiased review.
The start was brilliant and had me hooked but it just went a bit "bleh" for me in the middle and although the ending was as good as the start, it just didn't make up for the middle because by that time I had lost a lot of interest and just carried on reading because I hate not finishing books. The characters were interesting but not particularly memorable enough to connect with me so I didn't really care what happened to them either way. The themes and plot of this book are up to date and you can certainly see them playing out in the real world unfortunately but it felt a little over complicated at times.
As usual, I am likely to be in the minority on this one as there have been many 4 and 5 star reviews given; maybe I was having a bad week! so I suggest you give a go for yourself. I have to say that this won't put me off reading Simon's books in the future purely based on the start and end of this particular book.
Thank you to Random House UK, Transworld Publishers via NetGalley for my copy in return for an unbiased review.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Miniaturist in Books
May 18, 2020
73 of 200
Book
The Miniaturist
By Jessie Burton
On an autumn day in 1686, eighteen-year-old Nella Oortman knocks at the door of a grand house in the wealthiest quarter of Amsterdam. She has come from the country to begin a new life as the wife of illustrious merchant trader Johannes Brandt, but instead she is met by his sharp-tongued sister, Marin. Only later does Johannes appear and present her with an extraordinary wedding gift: a cabinet-sized replica of their home. It is to be furnished by an elusive miniaturist, whose tiny creations mirror their real-life counterparts in unexpected ways . . .
Nella is at first mystified by the closed world of the Brandt household, but as she uncovers its secrets she realizes the escalating dangers that await them all. Does the miniaturist hold their fate in her hands? And will she be the key to their salvation or the architect of their downfall?
An absolutely beautiful written book! I found it hard to put down! Only thing I found a little disappointing was I needed more about the miniaturist and the mystery surrounding her. I found the friendships formed in this book so endearing, although it also shows as humans we may have become more excepting of race and sexuality but we are still in some countries struggling to accept each other! I went on to watch the Tv adaptation which was absolutely brilliant and so close to the books!
Highly recommend!
Book
The Miniaturist
By Jessie Burton
On an autumn day in 1686, eighteen-year-old Nella Oortman knocks at the door of a grand house in the wealthiest quarter of Amsterdam. She has come from the country to begin a new life as the wife of illustrious merchant trader Johannes Brandt, but instead she is met by his sharp-tongued sister, Marin. Only later does Johannes appear and present her with an extraordinary wedding gift: a cabinet-sized replica of their home. It is to be furnished by an elusive miniaturist, whose tiny creations mirror their real-life counterparts in unexpected ways . . .
Nella is at first mystified by the closed world of the Brandt household, but as she uncovers its secrets she realizes the escalating dangers that await them all. Does the miniaturist hold their fate in her hands? And will she be the key to their salvation or the architect of their downfall?
An absolutely beautiful written book! I found it hard to put down! Only thing I found a little disappointing was I needed more about the miniaturist and the mystery surrounding her. I found the friendships formed in this book so endearing, although it also shows as humans we may have become more excepting of race and sexuality but we are still in some countries struggling to accept each other! I went on to watch the Tv adaptation which was absolutely brilliant and so close to the books!
Highly recommend!
Sarah (7800 KP) rated The Shining (1980) in Movies
Jun 7, 2020
A classic
This film is undoubtedly a classic and I would never suggest it isnt, although it's probably divisive for me to say that it's not the best film I've ever seen.
From a psychological horror point of view, this is fantastic and is exactly what you'd expect from a Stanley Kubrick film. The score and the cinematography are brilliant. This entire film fills you with such a sense of unease and nervousness, without relying on predictable jump scares like modern horrors. Jack Nicholson has always been one of my favourite actors and he puts in a great performance here as the tormented Jack Torrance. Stephen King really dislikes this film and I can see why considering how much it differs from the book. For me yes there are differences but the majority arent a major problem and I can still appreciate the film itself.
The biggest issue I have with this film is Shelley Duvall. I really cannot stand her acting and her portrayal of Wendy is so laughable and over the top. I really don't like it whenever she's on screen and considering how central she is to the story, this is a major disappointment. If the character of Wendy had been better acted, I wouldve scored this film much higher - she really impacted on my enjoyment of what should be a hugely tense and suspenseful film.
Overall a classic, but definitely not perfect.
From a psychological horror point of view, this is fantastic and is exactly what you'd expect from a Stanley Kubrick film. The score and the cinematography are brilliant. This entire film fills you with such a sense of unease and nervousness, without relying on predictable jump scares like modern horrors. Jack Nicholson has always been one of my favourite actors and he puts in a great performance here as the tormented Jack Torrance. Stephen King really dislikes this film and I can see why considering how much it differs from the book. For me yes there are differences but the majority arent a major problem and I can still appreciate the film itself.
The biggest issue I have with this film is Shelley Duvall. I really cannot stand her acting and her portrayal of Wendy is so laughable and over the top. I really don't like it whenever she's on screen and considering how central she is to the story, this is a major disappointment. If the character of Wendy had been better acted, I wouldve scored this film much higher - she really impacted on my enjoyment of what should be a hugely tense and suspenseful film.
Overall a classic, but definitely not perfect.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated A Study in Scarlet (The Sherlock Holmes Children's Collection #1) in Books
May 29, 2020
Wonderful Retelling For Children
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
Stephanie Baudet has written over 50 books for children. Among them, The Sherlock Holmes Children's Collection, a retelling of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's brilliant novels for children ages seven and up.
To give a fair and accurate review of the first book in the series, A Study in Scarlet, I read the original novel. I am not going to review Conan Doyle's work at this time. This review deals with Baudet's adaption. Although I will add, those who are not familiar with Holmes and Watson should start the series with this adaption. It introduces the characters when they first meet and agree to move into Baker Street together.
Baudet's adaption is so enjoyable and entertaining, if they were available years ago, I would have bought the entire collection for my children. The drawings are well done. All of the major points in the original work are presented clearly for children to understand and appreciate Conan Doyle's work.
To date, there are 12 adaptions published. None of them are Sir Author Conan Doyle's most famous work, The Hound of the Baskervilles. I appreciate that Baudet adapted his lesser-known work to allow children access to stories they may not have discovered otherwise.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 5/29/20.
Stephanie Baudet has written over 50 books for children. Among them, The Sherlock Holmes Children's Collection, a retelling of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's brilliant novels for children ages seven and up.
To give a fair and accurate review of the first book in the series, A Study in Scarlet, I read the original novel. I am not going to review Conan Doyle's work at this time. This review deals with Baudet's adaption. Although I will add, those who are not familiar with Holmes and Watson should start the series with this adaption. It introduces the characters when they first meet and agree to move into Baker Street together.
Baudet's adaption is so enjoyable and entertaining, if they were available years ago, I would have bought the entire collection for my children. The drawings are well done. All of the major points in the original work are presented clearly for children to understand and appreciate Conan Doyle's work.
To date, there are 12 adaptions published. None of them are Sir Author Conan Doyle's most famous work, The Hound of the Baskervilles. I appreciate that Baudet adapted his lesser-known work to allow children access to stories they may not have discovered otherwise.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 5/29/20.
Merissa (13457 KP) rated Taken (Werewolf Academy #4) in Books
Jun 1, 2020
Taken is the fourth book in the series and follows on from the previous one. Alex now knows beyond any doubt that Siale is the One for him but Kalia needs some convincing. Alex wants her as a friend but that is it. He finds himself in Torin's Pack for the year, which doesn't go very well. Let's just say, him and the toilets become very good friends. I won't say anymore than that!
Right then, so, this story... is just like the others. It is intense and fast-paced with the overall story arc but you also have Alex trying to negotiate his way through girl-infested waters. Not an easy job at the best of times. Alex proves once again he will do anything for his friends and family but not all outcomes are happy ones. The depth of emotion in one particular scene just about killed me and it was absolutely perfect.
Things are changing for Alex but his self-preservation isn't one of them. He still puts everyone else before himself, although I think he may be starting to realise just what he has with Siale.
An absolutely brilliant book, full of emotion and action, and highly recommended by me.
* 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!
Right then, so, this story... is just like the others. It is intense and fast-paced with the overall story arc but you also have Alex trying to negotiate his way through girl-infested waters. Not an easy job at the best of times. Alex proves once again he will do anything for his friends and family but not all outcomes are happy ones. The depth of emotion in one particular scene just about killed me and it was absolutely perfect.
Things are changing for Alex but his self-preservation isn't one of them. He still puts everyone else before himself, although I think he may be starting to realise just what he has with Siale.
An absolutely brilliant book, full of emotion and action, and highly recommended by me.
* 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!
Ross (3284 KP) rated Where Gods Fear to Go in Books
Apr 15, 2020
Excellent end to a wonderful trilogy
The third and final book in the surprising West of West trilogy continues following the Wootah Viking clan and the former Calnian Owsla alchemically enhanced warriors on their mission to save the world. The secrets behind the unknown threat in the far West of what will become North America is gradually revealed as they approach and meet various clans and tribes on the periphery of the Meadows. The group meet more unusual and dangerous creatures, and some surprising new friends.
There are some shock twists spread throughout the book, a number of unexpected deaths, some long-anticipated ones and some excellent character interaction,
My favourite aspect of these books has been the wonderful narration with such with and humour. The story is not a hostage to the humour but these are books that refuse to take themselves too seriously.
There are some brilliant thrilling set piece sequences in this book and while there was something of a dip around the halfway point it really kept my engagement and enjoyment up throughout.
Given the brutal covers these books really surprised me, being touching, funny (at times just plain daft) and highly original. If ever the phrase "don't judge a book by its cover" was to apply to a specific series it is this one. Fans of epic fantasy will love the story, fans of Pratchett and Abercrombie will love the wit and dialogue.
There are some shock twists spread throughout the book, a number of unexpected deaths, some long-anticipated ones and some excellent character interaction,
My favourite aspect of these books has been the wonderful narration with such with and humour. The story is not a hostage to the humour but these are books that refuse to take themselves too seriously.
There are some brilliant thrilling set piece sequences in this book and while there was something of a dip around the halfway point it really kept my engagement and enjoyment up throughout.
Given the brutal covers these books really surprised me, being touching, funny (at times just plain daft) and highly original. If ever the phrase "don't judge a book by its cover" was to apply to a specific series it is this one. Fans of epic fantasy will love the story, fans of Pratchett and Abercrombie will love the wit and dialogue.
Nightmares and Dreamscapes
8.5
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solitary finger pokes out of a drain. Novelty teeth turn predatory. Flies settle and die on an old...
Harry Potter: A History of Magic
9.8
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Harry Potter: A History of Magic is the official book of the exhibition, a once-in-a-lifetime...
Fantasy technical
Moonbeeps: Fireflies
Games and Entertainment
App
Discover luminous fireflies buzzing about the forest. Collect them with a tap of your finger and...