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Merissa (13469 KP) rated Arctic Spirit (Arctic Ice #1) in Books
Mar 30, 2018
Arctic Spirit (Arctic Ice #1) by Elena Kincaid
Arctic Spirit is the first book in a new series by Elena Kincaid. We start off with Charlotte. Her father was in the air force and one of the best moves he made was when he was stationed in Alaska. Why? Because Charlotte meets Drew and Chris, two brothers and her best friends. The day she has to leave them is the day that broke her heart. She does it though, knowing it is better this way as she would never be able to choose between them. They let her go, in pain as well, but knowing a secret that stops them from asking her to stay. As they are shifters, they have a fated mate out there, and it wouldn't be fair on Charlotte, or their mate, if they had to choose between them. The years pass by, and Charlotte agrees to meet up with them again. Things turn out differently to how she expected, and the story really gets going.
This was a brilliant way to begin. You have fated mates, a lovely ménage, jealousy, danger, humour - trust me, it's all here. The pacing of the story was smooth, and the scenes were delightfully descriptive. With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, this book flew by as I was totally engrossed from start to finish. Can't wait for the next book. 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 my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=26680
This was a brilliant way to begin. You have fated mates, a lovely ménage, jealousy, danger, humour - trust me, it's all here. The pacing of the story was smooth, and the scenes were delightfully descriptive. With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, this book flew by as I was totally engrossed from start to finish. Can't wait for the next book. 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 my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=26680
Awix (3310 KP) rated Victor Frankenstein (2015) in Movies
Feb 25, 2018 (Updated Feb 25, 2018)
I, Igor
If you're one of those people who thinks that the story of Frankenstein pays far too much attention to him actually making the monster, and not enough to the details and ups-and-downs of his relationship with Igor the hunchback, then this is the film for you (although if that's your attitude, you really don't deserve Frankenstein movies at all). Deformed circus clown becomes brilliant self-taught surgeon and anatomist, is rescued by unconventional medical student, gets put to work stitching.
James McAvoy could have been a great Frankenstein, but not with a script like this one - narration keeps banging on about how familiar we all are with this story, before going off into new and wildly eccentric territory - Igor has a romance with a trapeze artist, there are problems with steampunk zombie chimps, etc. Actual creation of famous monster only happens in last ten minutes. Film has zero feeling for historical setting (a version of Victorian London where nobody bats an eyelid if your name is Igor or Frankenstein).
All the major themes of Shelley's story are basically sidelined in favour of overwrought emotional drama. Best thing in it is possibly Andrew Scott as a detective looking to bust Dr F for interfering with zoo animals; his scenes with McAvoy are actually pretty interesting. The kind of film that seems to be afraid the audience will get bored and wander away if there isn't an outbreak of slow-mo or CGI or whatever every five minutes. How does Max Landis manage to keep selling scripts like this one? Moderately good-looking but a massive waste of potential.
James McAvoy could have been a great Frankenstein, but not with a script like this one - narration keeps banging on about how familiar we all are with this story, before going off into new and wildly eccentric territory - Igor has a romance with a trapeze artist, there are problems with steampunk zombie chimps, etc. Actual creation of famous monster only happens in last ten minutes. Film has zero feeling for historical setting (a version of Victorian London where nobody bats an eyelid if your name is Igor or Frankenstein).
All the major themes of Shelley's story are basically sidelined in favour of overwrought emotional drama. Best thing in it is possibly Andrew Scott as a detective looking to bust Dr F for interfering with zoo animals; his scenes with McAvoy are actually pretty interesting. The kind of film that seems to be afraid the audience will get bored and wander away if there isn't an outbreak of slow-mo or CGI or whatever every five minutes. How does Max Landis manage to keep selling scripts like this one? Moderately good-looking but a massive waste of potential.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Deadpool 2 (2018) in Movies
May 31, 2018
More Marvel films should be like this
Deadpool really makes me want to see more Marvel films like this. It's refreshing to watch a more "adult" Marvel film, with the violence and rude humour and aside from Logan, Deadpool is the only film to have ventured into this adult territory.
That's not to say it always works, as sometimes the jokes are a little too crude or offensive. But for the most part Deadpool 2 is pretty funny and even verging on hilarious at times, and the blood and gore is actually great to see. The plot itself is maybe a tad predictable, but it more than makes up for it with everything else. The title credits, post credits scene and a lot of the tongue in cheek references are particularly hilarious. The soundtrack is eclectic and a bit bonkers, but Deadpool a manages to pull it off.
The cast and characters are fantastic, both the returning favourites (I love Dopinder) and some of the new cast too. Josh Brolin has always been a favourite and he does very well in this, Deadpool even managed to throw in a genius reference to Thanos. Zazie Beetz too is a great new addition. There are also some brilliant cameos in this, which I won't spoil for anyone who hasn't seen it.
My main problem with this film is that parts of it are way too serious and sombre and these scenes really bring down the tone of the film. They do need something serious, but I think with this they've gone a little too heavy handed which is a shame.
That's not to say it always works, as sometimes the jokes are a little too crude or offensive. But for the most part Deadpool 2 is pretty funny and even verging on hilarious at times, and the blood and gore is actually great to see. The plot itself is maybe a tad predictable, but it more than makes up for it with everything else. The title credits, post credits scene and a lot of the tongue in cheek references are particularly hilarious. The soundtrack is eclectic and a bit bonkers, but Deadpool a manages to pull it off.
The cast and characters are fantastic, both the returning favourites (I love Dopinder) and some of the new cast too. Josh Brolin has always been a favourite and he does very well in this, Deadpool even managed to throw in a genius reference to Thanos. Zazie Beetz too is a great new addition. There are also some brilliant cameos in this, which I won't spoil for anyone who hasn't seen it.
My main problem with this film is that parts of it are way too serious and sombre and these scenes really bring down the tone of the film. They do need something serious, but I think with this they've gone a little too heavy handed which is a shame.
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.