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Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated The Fault in Our Stars in Books
Jul 10, 2018
Have you ever had a novel that you were too scared to read because it might change who you are after you finish it? That was what ÛÏThe Fault In Our StarsÛ was for me. I constantly picked it up and put it back down. It was extremely high on my to read list, yet I never picked it up to read. I will say that I am glad I finally took the plunge into the water, struggled to breathe and just as I felt the current pulling me under, I finally broke through and reached the air.
If youÛªre on the fence with this book, I suggest you read it. I found this novel extremely interesting. It truly made me think, and that is what I have been missing in some of the past novels I have read. This is one novel, I will have to read again, I have a feeling that it will offer more insights, and more emotions when I read it again.
I will say that this is not a ÛÏlife changingÛ novelÛ_ but yet, it kind of is. The main characters force you to face your fear of death, and the unknown fear of living. I was truly invested in the characters. The characters are brilliant individuals, sarcastic, funny, and very witty.
All in all, this novel is an emotional read. It evoked so many emotions in me. I cried, I almost slammed the book down, and I laughed (truly laughed). IÛªm glad that I read this novel, itÛªs one that I will read again.
If youÛªre on the fence with this book, I suggest you read it. I found this novel extremely interesting. It truly made me think, and that is what I have been missing in some of the past novels I have read. This is one novel, I will have to read again, I have a feeling that it will offer more insights, and more emotions when I read it again.
I will say that this is not a ÛÏlife changingÛ novelÛ_ but yet, it kind of is. The main characters force you to face your fear of death, and the unknown fear of living. I was truly invested in the characters. The characters are brilliant individuals, sarcastic, funny, and very witty.
All in all, this novel is an emotional read. It evoked so many emotions in me. I cried, I almost slammed the book down, and I laughed (truly laughed). IÛªm glad that I read this novel, itÛªs one that I will read again.
Steph (468 KP) rated Special Topics in Calamity Physics in Books
Aug 14, 2018
Wow. This book is incredible. First, the prose is absolutely brilliant. From the very beginning, its intellectual and detailed nature gripped me and pulled me into the story. When the plot was slow (and it is at times), I still couldn't put it down because of how beautifully it was written. The author has an almost encyclopedic knowledge of famous books and quotations and references them throughout the text in a really clever way. These references really make the metaphors hit home and are a creative way to allow the main character's personality to come through.
The end of this book is a shock like jumping into a cold pool. How Hannah dies and what is going on with this woman is the focus of 2/3 or 3/4 of the book. At the slow points I would sometimes think that with all the build up, the ending better be good- and it absolutely does not disappoint. There are little clues throughout the book that become obvious once the ending has been revealed. The author leaves us clues to this mystery just like the clues that Hannah leaves for Blue that unravel into her life story. You don't see them at first, but in retrospect, everything fits together in a puzzle that leaves you incredibly satisfied. Everything you thought was just worldbuilding or intricate detail to enhance the characters or setting actually is relevant to the entire mystery.
I'm very impressed with this book. I'm already looking forward to my next re-read when I can go through the book knowing the ending- I imagine it will be an entirely different, but still absolutely wonderful, experience.
The end of this book is a shock like jumping into a cold pool. How Hannah dies and what is going on with this woman is the focus of 2/3 or 3/4 of the book. At the slow points I would sometimes think that with all the build up, the ending better be good- and it absolutely does not disappoint. There are little clues throughout the book that become obvious once the ending has been revealed. The author leaves us clues to this mystery just like the clues that Hannah leaves for Blue that unravel into her life story. You don't see them at first, but in retrospect, everything fits together in a puzzle that leaves you incredibly satisfied. Everything you thought was just worldbuilding or intricate detail to enhance the characters or setting actually is relevant to the entire mystery.
I'm very impressed with this book. I'm already looking forward to my next re-read when I can go through the book knowing the ending- I imagine it will be an entirely different, but still absolutely wonderful, experience.
Jemma Walsh (81 KP) rated Dead Simple (Roy Grace book 1) in Books
Aug 17, 2018
Can’t put this book down (2 more)
Familiar area
Good series
Gripping
Contains spoilers, click to show
This first book of the Roy grace series is brilliant. I was instantly hooked, I couldn’t put this book down it was so good
What drew me to these books is the location they are set in. Visually the area is so well described which is great for Imagening the area, the people the story...
I needed to know weather Michael would escape! Would Davey finally admit he’s been talking to someone on a walk or talkie.
I love this the story is focused on different point of veiws rather than one person. You get to experience roys life, Michaels life and Daveys life.
Michael the joker his friends decide to play a big prank on his that goes horrible wrong for everyone. They all get into and accident only on friend survived, the only one that knows Micheal location who is due to get married. He doesn’t let the police know of his friendly location who
Is trapped under ground in a coffin.
You get to experience how Micheal feels, what he thinks, desperate for the guy that has the other end of the walkie talkie to save him and find his location before time runs out!
I love that we have a story background of Roy grace, his wife just left one day and he’s never seen or Heard from her since. Is she dead or alive, did she just up and leave with no note. What happened to sandy!? I need to know and this is what gets you hooked. Sandy where are too? What happened ? I hope we find out in one of the books.
What drew me to these books is the location they are set in. Visually the area is so well described which is great for Imagening the area, the people the story...
I needed to know weather Michael would escape! Would Davey finally admit he’s been talking to someone on a walk or talkie.
I love this the story is focused on different point of veiws rather than one person. You get to experience roys life, Michaels life and Daveys life.
Michael the joker his friends decide to play a big prank on his that goes horrible wrong for everyone. They all get into and accident only on friend survived, the only one that knows Micheal location who is due to get married. He doesn’t let the police know of his friendly location who
Is trapped under ground in a coffin.
You get to experience how Micheal feels, what he thinks, desperate for the guy that has the other end of the walkie talkie to save him and find his location before time runs out!
I love that we have a story background of Roy grace, his wife just left one day and he’s never seen or Heard from her since. Is she dead or alive, did she just up and leave with no note. What happened to sandy!? I need to know and this is what gets you hooked. Sandy where are too? What happened ? I hope we find out in one of the books.
Daniel Boyd (1066 KP) rated Killing Eve in TV
Oct 22, 2018 (Updated Oct 22, 2018)
Good script (1 more)
Great cast
A Solid Spy Thriller With Laughs
Killing Eve is a BBC series based on the novel, 'Codename: Villianelle.' It stars Sandra Oh as Eve and Jodie Comer as Villianelle. Both are brilliant in their respective roles and are the main players in driving the show forward. They are supported by a very strong supporting cast as well, with everyone selling their character convincingly.
There are a few twists and turns that keep you guessing, but there are also a lot of spy story clichés present in the series. These aren't too offensive though, as I don't think that the show's main focus is to break the mould when it comes to spy thrillers, but instead to take its audience in an exciting espionage story while giving us some laughs along the way.
Speaking of which, the humour in this show doesn't take away from the gripping narrative, but instead adds to the show's charm. I will admit that it took me a while to get fully on-board with the show's off-kilter tone and quirky humour, but thankfully more of it lands than misses.
I am not familiar with the source material, so I am not sure how accurately it has been adapted. I don't even know if the novel contains the same odd tone or humour. It has intrigued me enough to go and read the book though, which is always a good sign.
Overall, this is a fun spy thriller. It is not going to break the rules of the genre, but it will keep you engaged throughout and give you a couple of laughs for good measure.
There are a few twists and turns that keep you guessing, but there are also a lot of spy story clichés present in the series. These aren't too offensive though, as I don't think that the show's main focus is to break the mould when it comes to spy thrillers, but instead to take its audience in an exciting espionage story while giving us some laughs along the way.
Speaking of which, the humour in this show doesn't take away from the gripping narrative, but instead adds to the show's charm. I will admit that it took me a while to get fully on-board with the show's off-kilter tone and quirky humour, but thankfully more of it lands than misses.
I am not familiar with the source material, so I am not sure how accurately it has been adapted. I don't even know if the novel contains the same odd tone or humour. It has intrigued me enough to go and read the book though, which is always a good sign.
Overall, this is a fun spy thriller. It is not going to break the rules of the genre, but it will keep you engaged throughout and give you a couple of laughs for good measure.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Caught by Surprise (Apart From the Crowd, #3) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
This story may very well be my favorite of Jen Turano's to date. Temperance is my favorite wallflower. Her artistic abilities endear her to me in a special way. But beyond that, this story is so full of plot twists you will want to read this in one sitting. (Which is easier to do on audio for me.)
Gilbert Cavendish likes order and organization. He lives by his lists and well thought out plans. So when Temperance Flowerdew comes barreling back into his life, he is shaken to his core. Temperance Flowerdew is just the slightest bit stubborn. Which I, of course, can't relate to in the slightest...*cough*cough*...😏 She has survived so much heartache. By God's grace, she is finding life and purpose again. And oh! What a life it is! Full of color, love, spirit, and confidence.
There were numerous times while reading I was found laughing out loud and then gasping in shock then next minute, it's a wonder my husband doesn't think I'm crazy (well...we won't get into that). Jen Turano is by far one of the most talented authors that I know. To weave humor, romance, subterfuge, and danger so seamlessly is brilliant! Not to mention several twists that will catch you by surprise.
If you are looking for a good story that will give you laughs while giving you a grand adventure, you won't want to miss this book.
I received a complimentary copy of Caught by Surprise from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Gilbert Cavendish likes order and organization. He lives by his lists and well thought out plans. So when Temperance Flowerdew comes barreling back into his life, he is shaken to his core. Temperance Flowerdew is just the slightest bit stubborn. Which I, of course, can't relate to in the slightest...*cough*cough*...😏 She has survived so much heartache. By God's grace, she is finding life and purpose again. And oh! What a life it is! Full of color, love, spirit, and confidence.
There were numerous times while reading I was found laughing out loud and then gasping in shock then next minute, it's a wonder my husband doesn't think I'm crazy (well...we won't get into that). Jen Turano is by far one of the most talented authors that I know. To weave humor, romance, subterfuge, and danger so seamlessly is brilliant! Not to mention several twists that will catch you by surprise.
If you are looking for a good story that will give you laughs while giving you a grand adventure, you won't want to miss this book.
I received a complimentary copy of Caught by Surprise from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated A Lesson in Love and Murder (Herringford and Watts Mysteries, #2) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
From the iconic cover through to the Epilogue, Rachel McMillan has delivered another thrilling Herringford & Watts adventure. Filled with love and mystery, sorrow and murder, trust and anarchy...You will be drawn into the story and fight alongside Merinda and Jem for justice and freedom. Can I just say..."Mounties"...Even this redneck American girl can appreciate the Royal North-West Mounted Police. And I was giddy with delight that Rachel incorporated them into this story. I loved this book so much (more than the first one I think). There was so much going on in history at this time. It was interesting to watch those with the desire to bring change, they had the passion and drive to see things through to the end...But they had a warped view of how to go about it. Unfortunately, it reminds me of society today. It breaks my heart knowing that not much has changed in that aspect. Protests, bombings, violence and murder...These are not the answers. That is all I will say about that...Back to the book...Full of the same witty dialogue and precarious circumstances that I have come to expect (and adore) from Herringford & Watts. The footnotes also make their appearance in this story, which I still think is BRILLIANT! If you are interested in mystery, humour, and romance, these are the books for you. You will want to start with the first book, A Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder. Trust me, you don't want to miss out on this adventure. I received a free copy of A Lesson in Love & Murder in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Daniel Boyd (1066 KP) rated Bird Box (2018) in Movies
Jan 7, 2019 (Updated Jan 7, 2019)
Fantastic direction and cinematography, full of great shots (3 more)
Great ensemble cast
Vague enough to keep you guessing while still giving you enough to care about the players involved
Fantastic use of tension
The Movie That A Quiet Place Wishes It Was
For me, A Quiet Place was one of the biggest let downs of the year. I was so hyped based on the trailers beforehand and I was ultimately left extremely underwhelmed.
This movie hit the mark that A Quiet Place missed in my opinion and is an example of a stellar horror/thriller that does it's job of keeping it's audience on the edge of their seat throughout.
Sandra Bullock puts in one of the greatest performances of her career here and proves that her remarkably consistent career hasn't just happened by accident, she is an actress at the top of her game and has stood the test of time for a reason. The rest of the cast are also great, with Sarah Paulson, Trevante Rhodes, Tom Hollander and John Malkovich standing out as highlights.
I loved the way that the filmmakers built legitimate tension and dread without resorting to bog standard lazy modern horror techniques such as throwing in an abundance of jumpscares and hoping that at least a couple of them work. The movie does a fantastic job at keeping you the edge of your seat throughout and throwing in a few twists to keep the momentum going until the end.
I don't want to say too much more as you are best going into this movie as blind as possible (pun intended,) but it is a brilliant thriller that is definitely worth your time.
This movie hit the mark that A Quiet Place missed in my opinion and is an example of a stellar horror/thriller that does it's job of keeping it's audience on the edge of their seat throughout.
Sandra Bullock puts in one of the greatest performances of her career here and proves that her remarkably consistent career hasn't just happened by accident, she is an actress at the top of her game and has stood the test of time for a reason. The rest of the cast are also great, with Sarah Paulson, Trevante Rhodes, Tom Hollander and John Malkovich standing out as highlights.
I loved the way that the filmmakers built legitimate tension and dread without resorting to bog standard lazy modern horror techniques such as throwing in an abundance of jumpscares and hoping that at least a couple of them work. The movie does a fantastic job at keeping you the edge of your seat throughout and throwing in a few twists to keep the momentum going until the end.
I don't want to say too much more as you are best going into this movie as blind as possible (pun intended,) but it is a brilliant thriller that is definitely worth your time.
Merissa (12066 KP) rated Natasha (Blackbird #2) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
This series started with a bang when we met Ivy and her beloved Alpha Gits, Steve and Gareth. Would this book be able to match that one? The simple answer is yes, yes it can. As this book is about Natasha and Darren, they are obviously the main ones we see. However, we do still see Ivy, Gareth and Steve as well as the others from Blackbird Security as Ivy once more tries to remain out of the Auctioneer's clutches.
Darren and Natasha have a history together, a difficult history. So much so that Darren needed all the help of his pack to keep him together after their last meeting. Will it be any different this time? I love Ivy's answer to Natasha as they are talking about it - “You know what I love about history?” Ivy stood from the couch she‟d been curled up on to make her way into the kitchen to start making tea. “It‟s in the past. You don‟t have to give a damn about it, unless you want to.”
This is a wonderful, fast paced addition to the Blackbird Series, written in Dahlia Donovan's inimitable style. I loved seeing Ivy and her gits again and I think I always will. What was brilliant though was being able to 'meet' some of the others and learn more about them. I can't wait for the other stories that I hope won't be too long in making an appearance but for some reason, I am especially looking forward to Elaine's. She's prickly and stand-offish and I love her.
Highly recommended.
Darren and Natasha have a history together, a difficult history. So much so that Darren needed all the help of his pack to keep him together after their last meeting. Will it be any different this time? I love Ivy's answer to Natasha as they are talking about it - “You know what I love about history?” Ivy stood from the couch she‟d been curled up on to make her way into the kitchen to start making tea. “It‟s in the past. You don‟t have to give a damn about it, unless you want to.”
This is a wonderful, fast paced addition to the Blackbird Series, written in Dahlia Donovan's inimitable style. I loved seeing Ivy and her gits again and I think I always will. What was brilliant though was being able to 'meet' some of the others and learn more about them. I can't wait for the other stories that I hope won't be too long in making an appearance but for some reason, I am especially looking forward to Elaine's. She's prickly and stand-offish and I love her.
Highly recommended.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Chao (Tessa Avery book1) in Books
Oct 27, 2019
For most girls at eighteen, life is just beginning: graduation, college, getting their own place. Unlike them, however, I’ve trained my whole life to be an Ischyra, an immortal soldier of the Olympian gods, and when high school ends, I’m going to Olympus to face my destiny, leaving all that I know behind.
I’m a nervous wreck, of course, but making the transition from mortal to immortal, not to mention finding out what my affinity will be, has me over the moon. Finally, I’ll be tasting what I was born for.
But not all is a bed of roses. Meeting the gods and the grueling training is nothing compared to the nightmares I’ve been having. Controlling my newly awakened powers is more of a struggle than I'd anticipated. Add to the mix a hot guy who I can’t make heads or tails of. And if that wasn’t enough, a bunch of the Titans who were defeated thousands of years ago have begun to gather forces, hoping to retake Olympus for their own.
As an Ischyra, my duty is to protect Earth from those who would seek to harm it, but first I have to get through my training year. Yet as my powers start to take on a mind of their own, I begin to realize the gods might have other plans in store.
<strong>So good</strong>
I enjoyed this book so much! Tessa is a brilliant character I love her sass. It was good to read a book that portrayed the gods in this way. It was easy to read and kept you wanting to read more!
Recommended!!

I’m a nervous wreck, of course, but making the transition from mortal to immortal, not to mention finding out what my affinity will be, has me over the moon. Finally, I’ll be tasting what I was born for.
But not all is a bed of roses. Meeting the gods and the grueling training is nothing compared to the nightmares I’ve been having. Controlling my newly awakened powers is more of a struggle than I'd anticipated. Add to the mix a hot guy who I can’t make heads or tails of. And if that wasn’t enough, a bunch of the Titans who were defeated thousands of years ago have begun to gather forces, hoping to retake Olympus for their own.
As an Ischyra, my duty is to protect Earth from those who would seek to harm it, but first I have to get through my training year. Yet as my powers start to take on a mind of their own, I begin to realize the gods might have other plans in store.
<strong>So good</strong>
I enjoyed this book so much! Tessa is a brilliant character I love her sass. It was good to read a book that portrayed the gods in this way. It was easy to read and kept you wanting to read more!
Recommended!!

Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated The Brilliant Death in Books
Jan 16, 2019
It's not often that I like a relationship more than I like the separate parts of it, but that's the case with The Brilliant Death. I love Teo and Cielo together. As a couple they are amazing. I like them individually, but together they are something unique and lovely. By the end of the book, they can both switch genders at will, and they love each other for who they are, not what bodies they happen to be wearing.
This book plays with the gender binary, giving us two characters who dance from boy to girl and back again when it's convenient for them. Teo uses this ability to masquerade as her brother, going to the capital city when summoned by the ruler of her country after the assassination of her father.
If Teo's name and the use of the word "strega" hadn't given it away, the book is very Italian-inspired. The family ties, the landscape, the names, the atmosphere is unmistakably Italian. While that's still a Western European culture, it's not one we actually see in fantasy that often, which makes this book more enthralling.
While Teo juggles loyalties to family, country, and friends, Cielo is on a mission to find out what happened to their mother. Falling in love isn't in the plan for either of them, but when is it, really?
I loved the magic, the characters, and the setting of this one, and I really hope there's going to be a sequel. The plot was definitely left open enough to allow for one, though I could be happy with this as a standalone, too.
You can read all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.com
This book plays with the gender binary, giving us two characters who dance from boy to girl and back again when it's convenient for them. Teo uses this ability to masquerade as her brother, going to the capital city when summoned by the ruler of her country after the assassination of her father.
If Teo's name and the use of the word "strega" hadn't given it away, the book is very Italian-inspired. The family ties, the landscape, the names, the atmosphere is unmistakably Italian. While that's still a Western European culture, it's not one we actually see in fantasy that often, which makes this book more enthralling.
While Teo juggles loyalties to family, country, and friends, Cielo is on a mission to find out what happened to their mother. Falling in love isn't in the plan for either of them, but when is it, really?
I loved the magic, the characters, and the setting of this one, and I really hope there's going to be a sequel. The plot was definitely left open enough to allow for one, though I could be happy with this as a standalone, too.
You can read all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.com