Search

Search only in certain items:

A Spark Of Light
A Spark Of Light
Jodi Picoult | 2018 | Contemporary, Crime
8
8.0 (14 Ratings)
Book Rating
A thought provoking book (1 more)
Looked at some difficult topics in typical Jodi style
I didn't love the characters as I usually do. (0 more)
Not her best but still a great read
As usual, I got this book as soon as it was released and begun reading it immediately. However, it took me longer than usual to complete, I can only put this down to me not enjoying it as much as her others.

That's not to say it isn't a great book, it is. It covers some very difficult topics and creates thought provoking moments as is typical of Jodi Picoult. However, I think I was less engaged with the characters than I usually am. I wasn't as invested in the outcomes. This could well be because the story travels back in time, so you begin by knowing the end, or it could just be that the characters weren't as likeable this time.

Saying that though, it is still a very good book and anyone who enjoys Jodi Picoult, or wants a good read, should read this.
  
Explosions in the Glass Palace by Rain Parade
Explosions in the Glass Palace by Rain Parade
(0 Ratings)
Album Favorite

"Again, a similar time in my life; I was listening to a few American psychedelic bands. There was a band called Long Ryders who did a track called ‘Looking for Lewis and Clark’ that I played, learned, used to sit and sing although I had no idea what the lyrics were. I was pretty much singing nonsense, although the song did get me into Tim Hardin! Anyway, they were one of a few bands [that were important to me], like Opal, Screaming Trees and Rain Parade, but Rain Parade was the one that changed me. This album was like an explosion in my mind. I don’t know what program it was, but I saw them perform ‘No Easy Way Down’ on TV, a filmed concert, and it was like, ‘Here is something I can fully get behind.’ It’s a slow, sludgy, drone rock anthem; the guitarist is doing the Kevin Shields tremolo thing with the guitar, but in 1985. It’s just incredible, and I have to say would have been pretty influential on the early Ride sound for sure."

Source
  
40x40

Blake Anderson recommended Flockaveli by Waka Flocka Flame in Music (curated)

 
Flockaveli by Waka Flocka Flame
Flockaveli by Waka Flocka Flame
2010 | Rap
1.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Favorite

"I think that it pretty much changed the game. You can say what you want about Waka or whatever. like, ‘Oh he can’t rap.’ He always is like, ‘I’m not a rapper anyway.’ The proof is when this dude drops his album, if 80 percent of It just makes me want to shoot machine guns. that genre of music changes to sound like him, you know you did something right. Everybody is trying to be hype and get Lex Luger beats and all that. Everybody is just all about that energy that I don’t think anyone matches as well as Waka. He just brings this almost punk-rock energy but it’s so hood and hip-hop. I just remember kind of taking a gamble getting the album and it’s just one of those times...I was sitting at Universal Studios about to ride some rides, but I just kicked it in the parking lot because as soon as I turned it on, I was like, ‘Whoa.’ It just makes me want to shoot machine guns. I love Waka, he’s the shit."

Source
  
Real (Real, #1)
Real (Real, #1)
Katy Evans | 2013
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Why did I not read this sooner?!?! It's been idly waiting on my kindle for a few months and jeez, I so should have read it sooner.

It is AWESOME!
Remington 'Riptide' Tate is AWESOME!
Brooke is AWESOME!
Their love story is EPICALLY AWESOME!

I've read so many good reviews for this and I had high expectations for it, and let me tell you it did not disappoint.

The first few pages where there's the build up to Remy entering the ring, I was grinning like an idiot at everyone's reaction and I was waiting for my first glimpse of him. Phwoar! He is HOT! And just reading about how easily he knocks his opponents out...well, what can I say *fans self*.

Then when he meets Brooke's gaze...some really hot chemistry going on there and I was all "Go Brooke, go Brooke, go Brooke!"

These two are probably one of my favourite book couples and I cant wait to read Mine, Remy, Ripped and Raw...eeeeh! Excited!
  
Crossover (The Chosen One Trilogy #1)
Crossover (The Chosen One Trilogy #1)
Mireille Chester | 2015 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
What can I say? I loved this book! It is fast-paced and well-written with fantastic characters that jump off the page. Having 'cats' and 'dogs' on either side of the war is a stroke of genius but the general storyline itself is fresh and interesting. I loved how Hayden is not backwards in coming forwards and has no difficulty in showing Jasper that she is interested.

This series has a lot of potential for me as there was so much I thoroughly enjoyed about it. The shifters, the 'bond' between the guards and the Queen, Darian, Brice, Tara, Shay - it's all there. I can't wait to read more and follow this series through.

A romantic fantastical read that was absolutely brilliant to read. Witty, funny, focused, and mysterious are all words I would use to describe it. Highly recommended.

* 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!
Jul 10, 2015
  
40x40

Dana (24 KP) rated The Hearts We Sold in Books

Mar 23, 2018  
The Hearts We Sold
The Hearts We Sold
Emily Lloyd-Jones | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry, Romance, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
Okay, so I got this in one of my Owlcrate boxes and I very much enjoyed it. For some reason, I haven't actually read a lot of the books I have gotten in my boxes, but this cover looked really cool, so I wanted to give it a read.

I loved the opening scene. I mean, come on, if you saw a demon knitting, wouldn't you want to see what is up about it? I know I would. That is what immediately drew me in.

The story itself was very well thought out. I loved the pacing and all of the intricacies in the book itself. The rag tag crew of misfit deal makers was fun. I loved whenever they would just hang out. Granted them actually going on missions was really exciting because you could see all of their skills coming out to play.

Whenever they would interact with their demon, I imagined him like a disgruntled mother figure for some reason. I loved him so much.

The character relationships were awesome. I loved how everyone interacted with one another, especially when it wasn't a romantic interest. (even though I loved those too)

The ending (spoiler) was heartbreaking, but beautiful. I loved it so much even though I cried.

I can definitely say that the crew at Owlcrate did an excellent job picking this book out and I can't wait to actually read more of the books from the boxes!
  
The Sixteen Trees of the Somme
The Sixteen Trees of the Somme
Lars Mytting | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry, History & Politics
8
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
I’m going to start this review off with an apology at the quality of it. I’ve tried and tried to think of some things to say about this book but my mind is drawing a blank. I read this novel during a bit of a slump and I feel as though I just drifted through it.

I know I enjoyed it, not as much as I’d hoped, but enough to not dislike it. And I know that it got very emotional and I had a bit of a cry fest at the end. But from there, I’m a bit stuck… How do I do this review thing again?

Characters in this one are different. You feel like you really get to know them throughout the story, but when you’ve finished the book you realise you didn’t really know them at all. They were well developed and were talked about enough, but it was as though they were behind a screen. The characters themselves talked about how another character was hiding behind a mask, but you come to realise that all the characters were wearing masks, not just from each other, but from the reader too.

The story is a bit of a strange one and I felt it losing me in some points. It was a story about love, loss, grief and mystery. But very different to the kinds of mystery you’re used to seeing on my page. This one is certainly unique, but is definitely a slow mover, so anyone looking for something fast-paced, pass this one up.

I can’t work out what more to say. If you like emotional, slow moving novels in moody settings with distant characters, this book is definitely something for you. I’m glad I stepped a little out of my comfort zone with this one because I did enjoy it, but it’s not the type of book I could read a lot.
  
Joy (The Dreughan #3)
Joy (The Dreughan #3)
Lena North | 2015 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Joy (The Dreughan #3) by Lena North
Joy is the third and final book in the Dreughan series, and this time it is Troy's turn. I have been waiting for his story, because he has shown hints of not being the 'clown' all the time, and I couldn't wait to see deeper into his character. Let me just say, I was NOT disappointed.

Not only do we see more of Troy, and how he feels about Vilda and Sannah, but we also see more about who he is, how he works, and just what he will do for those he calls family. I am happy to say Valerian is his brother, so we get more of him. We see Troy really coming into his own, with the full and complete support of Rinna backing him up.

This amazing story would get more than 5 out of 5 if I could, but I don't think you can do 6 or more stars out of 5. I was sobbing throughout parts of this story, the emotions were there and would not be denied. The epilogue just about killed me, it was sheer perfection.

I have said throughout this series, that there have been errors. Just simple ones like words being misspelt, or the wrong group being blamed for a murder, but I have to emphasise to you - THIS DID NOT MATTER. Yes, I noticed them, and then I dismissed them as I was too wrapped up in the characters and the story.

This is a spectacular ending to this series, and lucky me, I have the Birds of a Feather series to read next. I bought this series on the back of ONE book by this author, and I am so glad I did. It is money well-spent in my opinion. I have loved the world she has built, the characters who have grown so much, and of course - Dragons!

* Verified Purchase ~ July 2018. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
  
The Earl's Awakening
The Earl's Awakening
Joy Lynn Fielding | 2023 | LGBTQ+, Romance
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
would have preferred a slow burn, rather than the insta-lust
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is the second book I've read of this author in quick succession. And I find myself comparing the two, which I maybe shouldn't, so I'll try to keep the comparison to a minimum!

Leander, Earl of Ockley, is a widow and his mother keeps finding new young YOUNG ladies to throw at him, he needs an heir after all! But Leander isn't in a rush. Meeting the Duke of Arden throws Leander into a tailspin, especially when his brother warns Leander off Arden, but Leander will do what he wants. He's a grown man, after all. Arden has a reputation for all things that "polite" society shun. Leander can't keep away, and finds himself drawn into Arden's circle, and his bed.

I'm not sure I liked this book. There are pages of Leander's internal ramblings and I found myself skimming, far more than usual, huge paragraphs. Possibly, if Arden had been given a say, I would have enjoyed this book more, but he doesn't get a say and that's one point I didn't like.

I didn't feel the romance element here. Leander kinda jumps into things with Arden and I think I would have preferred a longer slow-burn plot, rather than the inst-lust thing. The smexy times were good though!

There's lots of descriptions of rules and regulations of the time. Usually, when reading historical romance, I can get my head around the why and wherefores, but I struggled a bit here.

I DID like that we don't get Arden's given name til right to the very end. I thought that was a great idea.

I did like HOW it was written, rather than WHAT was written, if that makes any sense. I like the way Fielding writes, I just wasn't too fussed with this particular story, you know?

I did finish it, but it was a close thing.

3 stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
Rough Night  (2017)
Rough Night (2017)
2017 | Comedy
Not my kind of film
I’ll be frankly honest, I have a very particular sense of humour and mainstream comedies like this really aren’t my thing. So I’d potentially take what I say with a pinch of salt, as I knew I wouldn’t like this before I even watched it.

For me, the humour just wasn’t my thing and apart from a few odd remarks, I didn’t find the film particularly funny. The story itself is very predictable and it’s obviously trying to repeat the success of Bridesmaids, with a pretty poor result. I really don’t like Scarlett Johansson in this, it’s not really her usual type of film and this shows as her acting comes across as pretty poor. And I also absolutely despised the character of Alice (the best friend), she was that irritating I almost wanted to turn the film off. The only shining light in this film really is Kate McKinnon. She’s the only one who is actually any good and you can tell comedy is her thing. She was the best thing about this film (same as Ghostbusters too imo), and I dread to think how dire it would have been without her.