Search
Search results
Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated The Sixteen Trees of the Somme in Books
Mar 15, 2018
Im going to start this review off with an apology at the quality of it. Ive 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 Id 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, Im 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 youve finished the book you realise you didnt 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 youre 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 cant 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. Im glad I stepped a little out of my comfort zone with this one because I did enjoy it, but its not the type of book I could read a lot.
I know I enjoyed it, not as much as Id 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, Im 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 youve finished the book you realise you didnt 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 youre 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 cant 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. Im glad I stepped a little out of my comfort zone with this one because I did enjoy it, but its not the type of book I could read a lot.
Merissa (13878 KP) rated Joy (The Dreughan #3) in Books
Nov 13, 2018
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!
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!
Debbiereadsbook (1694 KP) rated The Earl's Awakening in Books
Sep 19, 2023
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
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
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Rough Night (2017) in Movies
May 9, 2018
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.
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.
Stephen (210 KP) rated The Dark (2018) in Movies
Mar 26, 2019
After watching the trailer for this, I had really high hopes. However, this turned out to be one of the worst films I have ever seen.
I don’t like writing bad reviews in general, but after sitting through this movie I felt compelled to express my views.
Remember that’s exactly what they are - MY views. I’m sure many others would enjoy this film, it’s just not for me.
For a start, the subject matter sets the story line up to fail, I don’t see how anyone could have achieved what the director was setting out to do.
The two main characters have both been subjected to terrible abuse, however only the female character’s history is fully explained - details of the male character’s abuse is merely hinted at.
I can honestly say that there was absolutely nothing I could find to like in this movie, and I really struggled to sit through it. And, like so many other movies of this genre, the ending was really confusing.
As I have previously stated, these are just my honest opinions - but I would be interested to know what other people think after watching this.
I don’t like writing bad reviews in general, but after sitting through this movie I felt compelled to express my views.
Remember that’s exactly what they are - MY views. I’m sure many others would enjoy this film, it’s just not for me.
For a start, the subject matter sets the story line up to fail, I don’t see how anyone could have achieved what the director was setting out to do.
The two main characters have both been subjected to terrible abuse, however only the female character’s history is fully explained - details of the male character’s abuse is merely hinted at.
I can honestly say that there was absolutely nothing I could find to like in this movie, and I really struggled to sit through it. And, like so many other movies of this genre, the ending was really confusing.
As I have previously stated, these are just my honest opinions - but I would be interested to know what other people think after watching this.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated The Best Man (Wilde's, #1) in Books
Jan 8, 2021
For that bit near the end I have to say: GO LIAM, GO LIAM, GO LIAM!
As for the rest of the story, I loved the connection between Liam and Jon. It was instantaneous and I knew that something good was going to happen between them. We didn't even have to wait that long for it to happen, within the first 10% or so. I had goose-bumps!
I think that Jon was a little blind to Liam's behaviour. From before the half way point I could tell that something was happening in his life and it didn't take too much thinking about to figure it out.
That showdown at the end was really good though, hence my little cheer at the top. I'm so proud of Liam!
One thing that made me mark it down a little was the amount of sex in the book. Don't get me wrong, I love them together as a couple and some of the sweeter moments between them happened in bed but I can only read so many sex scenes before I get a little bored...
Other than that I really liked it!
As for the rest of the story, I loved the connection between Liam and Jon. It was instantaneous and I knew that something good was going to happen between them. We didn't even have to wait that long for it to happen, within the first 10% or so. I had goose-bumps!
I think that Jon was a little blind to Liam's behaviour. From before the half way point I could tell that something was happening in his life and it didn't take too much thinking about to figure it out.
That showdown at the end was really good though, hence my little cheer at the top. I'm so proud of Liam!
One thing that made me mark it down a little was the amount of sex in the book. Don't get me wrong, I love them together as a couple and some of the sweeter moments between them happened in bed but I can only read so many sex scenes before I get a little bored...
Other than that I really liked it!
Justin Long recommended Way Out West (1937) in Movies (curated)
Mo (66 KP) rated Scythe in Tabletop Games
Feb 20, 2019
Different mechanics each game (1 more)
Many different means to win
It is a good game over all
This was an interesting game. I had heard a lot of good stuff about it and had to try it. In the beginning I can say I hated it, there was nothing to really do and the game seemed overly complex. Later in the game I still looked at it unfavorably, winning combat was difficult and most of the game you are shepherded by the person who first manages to get to the main bit of land on the map. In the end I started to enjoy it, with the strategies which could come into play, actually sneaking in the points, and the multipliers for being a liked person in the game. This game has a lot of potential and I hope future expansions find a way to improve the experience
The Fox at the Manger
P.L. Travers and Gillian Tyler
Book
For the first time since the war, the Christmas peal is ringing at St Paul's Cathedral. There is...
