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Frank Black recommended Combat Rock by The Clash in Music (curated)

 
Combat Rock by The Clash
Combat Rock by The Clash
1982 | Rock
8.7 (3 Ratings)
Album Favorite

"I think Combat Rock has suffered a lot of bitching and whining because it’s when The Clash broke America. I was 17-years old when I heard 'Should I Stay Or Should I Go'. I wasn’t some hipster, punk dude. I didn’t know who The Clash were. I heard it on the radio. I heard 'Rock The Casbah' on the radio. Compared to a lot of other stuff being played it was like: “This is good!” For all the people who say it’s not London Calling, it’s not 'White Riot', well, I get that they were in the trenches and whatever. I’m not trying to disparage the early Clash but they matured into a proper rock band and they did something with it. Listen to 'Straight To Hell'. Fucking A! Listen to 'Know Your Rights'! I’ll be happy as a pig in shit if I can write a song as good as that. If they were ‘selling out’, you write 'Know Your Rights'! It’s why I picked Combat Rock. I don’t get where people are coming from who don’t like that record [sings the riff from 'Should I Stay Or Should I Go']. It doesn’t get any better than that. It’s a wonderful statement. I wish there was something out there right now as good as 'Straight To Hell'."

Source
  
Imminence (Connected #2)
Imminence (Connected #2)
Kat Stiles | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Imminence (Connected #2) by Kat Stiles
Imminence is the second book in the Connected series, and being as I loved book one, I couldn't wait to read this one. As it had been a while since I read book one, I took the opportunity to re-read that one, and can I just say that even knowing how it ended this time, I still fell in love with the characters and situations just as much! HOWEVER, this review is about the second book, not the first.

Imminence starts where Connected finished. Basically, Em puts the phone down on her dad - the one she had thought was dead for years - and tries to understand just what is going on. Also, whilst dealing with the adrenaline drop from the attack. Not easy for anyone, let alone a sixteen-year-old! The gorgeous Tommy is on hand though, to help her cope. And yes, this is one of those times that I felt like a complete cougar, lusting after a (much) younger man!! I blame Kat Stiles though - if she hadn't made him so scrummy, I wouldn't be needing counselling right now! ;)

Suffice it to say, this story is packed full of action and melting moments, plus you get to see Em's dad and why he did what he did. I loved that part, when it all became clear. If an author can make you relate to the 'big bad' then she is definitely doing it right. Lauren was a star in this book, and the repartee she has going on with Demetri had me laughing out loud.

Excellently written, with a fantastic storyline, and amazing characters, Imminence is a wonderful addition to the Connected series. Fair warning though, it does end on a cliffhanger that had me shouting out! Absolutely loved it, and definitely 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!
  
Hunter's Barbs (Prime Omegaverse #5)
Hunter's Barbs (Prime Omegaverse #5)
Allegra Rose | 2025 | Erotica, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
HUNTER'S BARBS is the fifth book in the Prime Omegaverse series, although it can be read as a standalone. If it's your first foray into this world, take note of the trigger warnings!

Before I start my review, I'm going to be honest here and say that Aria's story isn't my favourite for a number of reasons, which I will explain.

The first four chapters completely threw me off. Two are told by Aria, and two by Fritz. Unfortunately, it seemed like two alternative beginnings, where one needed to be removed before the book went live, as the timeline and descriptions of events made no sense apart from going back in time. Aria is described by Fritz in chapter two as having blonde hair, which matches the book cover. After that, she is described as having auburn hair. There is a lot of talk about their deepening connection, but not wanting to name it. And speaking of naming things and repeats, Aria names Fritz twice, but both are written as the first time. Seeing repeated phrases and descriptions has come up in these books before, but this one seemed as though there was just 'more'.

Saying all that, I did enjoy the story! Especially once Aria stopped going on about the dragons. I can honestly say I didn't like her much to begin with. Fritz was a wonderful character whom I loved learning about. I especially liked it when he thawed out enough to show his caring side. Seeing Aria and Fritz work and love together were the highlights of this story.

I am still thoroughly enjoying the Prime Omegaverse series and definitely want to continue with it. I just don't think this was one of the best, although I am sure it will be loved by many.

** 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!
Jun 2, 2025
  
An Ember in the Ashes (An Ember in the Ashes #1)
An Ember in the Ashes (An Ember in the Ashes #1)
Sabaa Tahir | 2015 | Young Adult (YA)
10
8.4 (19 Ratings)
Book Rating
I have been lucky enough to read a lot of amazing books recently, this one included!

I honestly don't know why I waited so long to read it, but I'm glad I finally picked it up. It definitely lived up to its hype (something not every book can say)!!

I loved the charcter development. Even when the characters themselves couldn't see it, it was amazing to watch them grow. Getting to see Laia grow stronger with each chapter, both emotionally and physically, made me very excited and I found myself rooting for her in every action she did! Laia and Elias are amazing. Yes, there were two (2!!) love triangles going on at the same time, but we weren't focused primarily on that. Plus, we know the endgame (am I right? Laias forever!). And to make it even better, POC CHARACTERS!!!!!! I have been loving the trend of more POC characters recently!! Authors, definitely keep up the amazing work with that!!!

The world was fascinating, the characters were beautifully described, and I was completely drawn in from the first page. The mystery and intrigue was just coy enough to keep us guessing, but not annoyingly over-the-top to where it was keeping important information from us. I thought that was very tastefully done. I loved how it was able to get gritty and dark without being disgusting or too graphic.

Overall, I absolutely adored this novel. I can see why it got picked up for a movie deal so quickly! It deserved it!!
  
Escaping Mortality (Escape Trilogy #3)
Escaping Mortality (Escape Trilogy #3)
Sara Dobie Bauer | 2019 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
a very fitting end!!
I was gifted my copy of this book, direct from the author, that I write a review was not required. But since I read and reviewed the other two parts, it's only fitting I review this one, too, don't you think??

This is the third and final book in the Escape trilogy and you rally MUST read the other two books first. You need to know how Edmund and Andrew found themselves in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, looking for an Elder!

Only Andrew has a say in these books, and THIS one, more than the other two, I NEEDED Edmund I really did! Some things happen here, that made me want to hear what he had to say, so bloody bad and he doesn't. I KNEW that he probably would not have a say, but a girl can hope, right?

Edmund and Andrew and their friends are on a boat to England and to find the Elder. Once the Elder has located and Edmund turned, they continue on to visit Edmund's sick mother. The "friend" looking after her is vile and dealing with her and the gifts the Elder has bestowed upon him, pushes Edmund to his limits. Then WHY the Elder gave Edmund these gifts becomes clear and Edmund has a choice: Andrew or the Elder.

I found this one a little less sexy than the others, but a whole lot more bloody! The way Edmund deals with the friend was scary, but needed I think. The Elder? Well he choose his path, once it became clear that there is, and there will only ever be, ONE person for Edmund.

I did not see what the "friend" was up to, looking after Edmund's mother, nor did I see what the Elder had planned fro Edmund, so it was nice to be surprised by those things.

I LOVED the epilogue! Seriously well played with that one!

I have enjoyed these three short bursts of Andrew and Edmund, but I really think had Edmund been given a voice too, these would have been all 5 star reads.

Thank you, for letting me read your books, Ms Dobie Bauer!

4 solid stars

**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
  
    One Simple Shopping List

    One Simple Shopping List

    Shopping and Productivity

    (0 Ratings) Rate It

    App

    "One simple shopping list" is exactly THAT! ...one simple shopping list! Nothing more, nothing less....

D(
Destiny (Rogue Angel, #1)
5
3.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
The idea (1 more)
Fight scenes
Getting pulled out of the narrative (2 more)
Mary Sue-ish character
The execution of the idea
Yeah , I finished the book, I'm not sure why.
There was something about the use of passive voice or phrasing that pulled me out of the story. If it was obvious in its rudeness I usually rolled my eyes and moved on, it was the subtle stuff that had me going am I supposed to be reading it this way?

The fight scenes where well choreographed that's the best I can say about this book. That and the anthropology and archeology which can be a dangerous profession especially for women (as my teachers repeatedly told me with anecdotes). But sometimes when they talked about it, I felt like they (the author) was chasing rabbits.
I tried to like the main character, Annja, but she was too full of cliches that even though she was quippy it fell short. Like the author was trying too hard. And there was so much plot armor in actually put the book down during fight scenes because there wasn't a sense of danger.

I'm not continuing with the series and will be rehoming this book, either giving it away or selling to a used bookstore, so that someone who can appreciate it has a chance to find it.
  
The Dark Knight (2008)
The Dark Knight (2008)
2008 | Action, Crime
Heath Ledger's Joker... Seriously do I need to say more. (0 more)
Best of the Nolan films and second only to Batman Returns for me.
I can honestly say that the opening scene alone is enough to give this movie a 10 star rating, for me it is hands down the best opening to any movie I've ever seen.

Heath Ledger's Joker stole the entire movie the sheer depth and realness he brought to the character even to this day even though I've seen this movie a dozen times still just blows me away. He takes the Joker to such a high tier and honestly noone's ever going and a top him for me. Bale's take on Batman/Bruce is good but not a favorite for me. The rest of the cast is wonderful as well and they all just play off each other so well.
  
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The Marinated Meeple (1853 KP) Apr 2, 2018

Although I lean toward agreeing with you about the opening scene, I think Inglorious Bastards with Christoph Waltz is a better opening scene, but this one is probably top 5... Kudos to you if I had any left... I will hit you up tomorrow.

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BobbiesDustyPages (1259 KP) Apr 2, 2018

The opening scene to IB is freaking amazing but after watching both of them one after another I gotta stay on the DK side of the fence. It was just such an amazing intro to not only one of the most iconic characters in comic books but it blew away absolutely any doubts I originally had about Heath Ledger playing The Joker which I will be the first to admit I had my doubts when it was first announced.

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Jay Wright (4 KP) rated Venom (2018) in Movies

May 13, 2019  
Venom (2018)
Venom (2018)
2018 | Action, Sci-Fi
Tom Hardy as both Eddie Brock and Venom (2 more)
Carlton Drake
Humour
Side characters (0 more)
It was really good. It is unfair and REALLY unclear as to how it can possibly be compared to Catwoman and the 2015 Fantastic 4. It was so much better than the critics give it. I would say, though, it's not the best comic book movie. It's more on the Ant-Man level of quality. The way Tom Hardy showed the Eddie Brock/Venom relationship was really good. Michelle Williams' Anne Wenning, Eddie's ex girlfriend, was kind of bland but was still a good character. Riz Ahmed's Carlton Drake was a REALLY good villain. They really played up the you-must-hate-him vibe. Apart from those three, the other characters were meh at the most, and wasted in ways. The humour was good and well placed. I DEFINITELY recommend seeing this. Forget what the critics say.