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Tom Jones recommended Talking Book by Stevie Wonder in Music (curated)
Kevin Smith recommended Do the Right Thing (1989) in Movies (curated)
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Dead Man's Grave (DS Max Craigie #1) in Books
Jul 16, 2021
One of the best books I have read this year and one of the best in this genre I have read for a very long time!
I have never read anything by Neil Lancaster before but the blurb sounded right up my street so gave it a punt and I'm so glad I did because what a brilliant start to a series.
Max is a very interesting character with a strong back story which most definitely adds to the story as a whole. There are some dark moments interspersed with lighter times and I particularly like the relationship Max has with his boss, Ross, and colleague, Janie, which felt authentic.
What can I say ... brilliant characters, gripping story line, excellent pace, full of tension and action featuring historical feuds, revenge, dirty coppers, gangsters and all set in beautiful Scotland ... just a fantastic book all round really and I can't wait for the next instalment.
Thank you HQ Digital and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
I have never read anything by Neil Lancaster before but the blurb sounded right up my street so gave it a punt and I'm so glad I did because what a brilliant start to a series.
Max is a very interesting character with a strong back story which most definitely adds to the story as a whole. There are some dark moments interspersed with lighter times and I particularly like the relationship Max has with his boss, Ross, and colleague, Janie, which felt authentic.
What can I say ... brilliant characters, gripping story line, excellent pace, full of tension and action featuring historical feuds, revenge, dirty coppers, gangsters and all set in beautiful Scotland ... just a fantastic book all round really and I can't wait for the next instalment.
Thank you HQ Digital and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Tracy (238 KP) rated Midnight Sun (Twilight, #5) in Books
Oct 12, 2020
Edward is darker than he’s portrayed in the 1st book. (1 more)
Stephanie Meyer is a much better writer than when she first started. I’d say that this is well written.
Edward is a prude (7 more)
I can’t tell if my boredom with the book was because I’ve moved on from this story emotionally, or if I just didn’t find Edward’s version of things compelling enough to care.
I almost dnf’ed it.
Wtf with that ugly cover?! I know why they used a pomegranate (it’s explained in the book) but it’s a bad choice IMO.
This book came too late. If this had come out at the height of the series popularity, I think I would have loved it. But it’s been what, 15 years?
It’s ridiculous that Edward is such a whiny, brooding virgin. His self righteousness about it is a huge turn off. What a d-bag
Can Rosalie just be written out of the series or something? Let her get eaten by a bear
I don’t love these characters anymore.
It turns out Edward is more boring and clingy than Bella
Erika (17789 KP) rated War and Peace in Books
Feb 16, 2019
While reading this book, I went from loving it, to hating it, to loving it. This book is widely talked about because of its length, but how many people have actually read the unabridged novel?
The main character I was annoyed with, that made me hate it, was Natasha. Some of her decisions were so stupid, but then I had to remind myself that I was once a dumb 16 year old that made stupid decisions.
At the beginning, it was hard to pick out which characters were actually considered to be the main characters. For sure, Natasha and Pierre, but the others I questioned.
This novel is a very interesting meditation (that's what I'm going to call it), on the differences between war, peace, and the cause and effect that follows.
Something I found very interesting was that Tolstoy would have sections of historical analysis and theory. I really enjoyed these parts, since I have a degree in history. The way it was juxtaposed with the novel kept it interesting for me. Though, I might be in the minority there.
I'm glad I finally read this novel, and can now say, proudly, that I made it through the whole thing.
The main character I was annoyed with, that made me hate it, was Natasha. Some of her decisions were so stupid, but then I had to remind myself that I was once a dumb 16 year old that made stupid decisions.
At the beginning, it was hard to pick out which characters were actually considered to be the main characters. For sure, Natasha and Pierre, but the others I questioned.
This novel is a very interesting meditation (that's what I'm going to call it), on the differences between war, peace, and the cause and effect that follows.
Something I found very interesting was that Tolstoy would have sections of historical analysis and theory. I really enjoyed these parts, since I have a degree in history. The way it was juxtaposed with the novel kept it interesting for me. Though, I might be in the minority there.
I'm glad I finally read this novel, and can now say, proudly, that I made it through the whole thing.
Jeremy King (346 KP) rated Tolkien (2019) in Movies
May 16, 2019
Ok lets just come out and say i have enjoyed JRR Tolkien's work since i was 13, I remember going to a used book store looking for comics and D&D. The old man said here check this out and showed me a boxset of books LOTR. He said if I buy them he would throw in the Hobbit. Ok here is $3.00. I am 44, still have them and my kids each have a set as well. Ok enough of that back to the film.
I went in think this is going to be about how he came up with the stories and that kind of stuff. WOW how I was wrong it was about his life as boy to man and ends with him starting to write the Hobbit.
It can be slow at times but i enjoyed it. I would even watch it a couple of more times. Sound was great, acting was great, the shots were great.
Saying that i think it will not be in theater long but i am sure it will win awards. People wont see it as a movie about friends, love, war but just a the creator of hibbits and that is a shame.
GO SEE IT
I went in think this is going to be about how he came up with the stories and that kind of stuff. WOW how I was wrong it was about his life as boy to man and ends with him starting to write the Hobbit.
It can be slow at times but i enjoyed it. I would even watch it a couple of more times. Sound was great, acting was great, the shots were great.
Saying that i think it will not be in theater long but i am sure it will win awards. People wont see it as a movie about friends, love, war but just a the creator of hibbits and that is a shame.
GO SEE IT
Merissa (13123 KP) rated Quantico - Season 1 in TV
Jan 29, 2019
Quantico Season 1
I only found this when I was surfing Prime for something to watch, so I took a chance and I'm so very glad I did.
This is a twisted, intriguing story involving FBI trainees, or NATs as they are known. The timeline flashes between present and past in quite a stylised manner, but if you can get past that AND keep up with the when of what you're watching, then you are in for a treat.
I loved how this series kept you on your toes right to the very end. Every character is more than they first show, and it takes you through each of them, as you learn more about them and their lives.
If I had to say anything bad, it would be I got a bit bored between Ryan and Alex, and found it to be repetitive as the season moved on. This did NOT affect my overall enjoyment of it though, and I was still sat with my heart in my mouth for the grand finale. I also had a big box of kleenex as my eyes kept leaking, but I won't go into that!
I binge-watched this series, and loved all of it. Absolutely recommended by me!
This is a twisted, intriguing story involving FBI trainees, or NATs as they are known. The timeline flashes between present and past in quite a stylised manner, but if you can get past that AND keep up with the when of what you're watching, then you are in for a treat.
I loved how this series kept you on your toes right to the very end. Every character is more than they first show, and it takes you through each of them, as you learn more about them and their lives.
If I had to say anything bad, it would be I got a bit bored between Ryan and Alex, and found it to be repetitive as the season moved on. This did NOT affect my overall enjoyment of it though, and I was still sat with my heart in my mouth for the grand finale. I also had a big box of kleenex as my eyes kept leaking, but I won't go into that!
I binge-watched this series, and loved all of it. Absolutely recommended by me!
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Ivan (Her Russian Protector, #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I should start by saying that I dont usually read this
these tropes. I am not into the whole mobster idea or the female lead running to some "dangerous" man for protection because hes the only one who can help her.
I made an exception in this case and I was not disappointed. The only negative comment I can make about this novel was that it felt like the couple had instalove. This is a trope I have always disliked. I am not saying I dont believe people can have an immediate connection. I just dont like when from the moment they meet, the couple knows that the other person is the one for them.
That being said, I felt that the author did a pretty good job for such a short story. I wish there had been more character development and build up to their relationship but it didn't detract from the story. Ivan was so sweet to Erin. He seemed to genuinely care about her and was honest with her the entire time. Don't get me wrong, in some places, it was super cheesy and some of the dialogue during the sex scenes should have been left out. Everything he seemed to do centered around making her happy and protecting her. And she appreciated it! She wasn't some spoiled feale either. She can take care of herself if need be.
What I really appreciated, however, smart Erin acted. She realized that she was delving into a world where she was at a disadvantage so when Ivan asked her to do something, she did it. She knew that when he was instructing her to do something, it was because it was the best route. She didnt just do whatever she wanted and make the situation worse. I am not saying a woman has to blindly follow what their man tells them to do. I just loath when the female lead does whatever she wants because, in reality, had shethought about her actions a little longer, she would realize it probably wasnt the best to take.
What I am trying to say, is that Ivan and Erin were a team that listened and talked to each other. They genuinely cared about each other and worked together towards a common goal. They spent the entire novel loving each other instead of fighting. I just dont understand those novels..
I made an exception in this case and I was not disappointed. The only negative comment I can make about this novel was that it felt like the couple had instalove. This is a trope I have always disliked. I am not saying I dont believe people can have an immediate connection. I just dont like when from the moment they meet, the couple knows that the other person is the one for them.
That being said, I felt that the author did a pretty good job for such a short story. I wish there had been more character development and build up to their relationship but it didn't detract from the story. Ivan was so sweet to Erin. He seemed to genuinely care about her and was honest with her the entire time. Don't get me wrong, in some places, it was super cheesy and some of the dialogue during the sex scenes should have been left out. Everything he seemed to do centered around making her happy and protecting her. And she appreciated it! She wasn't some spoiled feale either. She can take care of herself if need be.
What I really appreciated, however, smart Erin acted. She realized that she was delving into a world where she was at a disadvantage so when Ivan asked her to do something, she did it. She knew that when he was instructing her to do something, it was because it was the best route. She didnt just do whatever she wanted and make the situation worse. I am not saying a woman has to blindly follow what their man tells them to do. I just loath when the female lead does whatever she wants because, in reality, had shethought about her actions a little longer, she would realize it probably wasnt the best to take.
What I am trying to say, is that Ivan and Erin were a team that listened and talked to each other. They genuinely cared about each other and worked together towards a common goal. They spent the entire novel loving each other instead of fighting. I just dont understand those novels..
BookwormLea (3034 KP) rated The Inheritance Games in Books
Jan 3, 2021
Every game of cluedo you've ever played, with a twist!
Contains spoilers, click to show
This book was fantastic. I finished it in a matter of hours because I simply couldn't put it down. I wouldn't.
I love games. Puzzles. Riddles. I'm good at them. Maybe not Avery or Hawthorne good at them but I can hold my own. I also love guessing the endings of books and movies. I'm not always right but maybe 90% of the time I am. This book reminded me of every game of cluedo I've ever played. Every riddle I've ever read. And Knives Out the movie, one of my favourites. I love the small subtle romance, its not in your face like most books. I loved the sister bond despite their lack of parents. I love the idea that even though the brothers are so handsome and rich, they aren't desirable because of a few rumours. And I love the idea that Avery isn't a random girl whose birthday held some meaning. This puzzling was fantastic! I was continually guessing who Avery was, who shot her in the woods, who Toby was to her.
Now I have to say that I'm suprised I got the big twist in the first few chapters. Toby Hawthorne II is Harry her chess partner? Called it. Obviously.
But the rest was just masterful. As good as my imagination is, I wish it was a movie so I could see the puzzles and riddles in motion.
I love games. Puzzles. Riddles. I'm good at them. Maybe not Avery or Hawthorne good at them but I can hold my own. I also love guessing the endings of books and movies. I'm not always right but maybe 90% of the time I am. This book reminded me of every game of cluedo I've ever played. Every riddle I've ever read. And Knives Out the movie, one of my favourites. I love the small subtle romance, its not in your face like most books. I loved the sister bond despite their lack of parents. I love the idea that even though the brothers are so handsome and rich, they aren't desirable because of a few rumours. And I love the idea that Avery isn't a random girl whose birthday held some meaning. This puzzling was fantastic! I was continually guessing who Avery was, who shot her in the woods, who Toby was to her.
Now I have to say that I'm suprised I got the big twist in the first few chapters. Toby Hawthorne II is Harry her chess partner? Called it. Obviously.
But the rest was just masterful. As good as my imagination is, I wish it was a movie so I could see the puzzles and riddles in motion.
Becs (244 KP) rated Cross Her Heart in Books
Oct 22, 2018
Page turning psychological read
OH MY GOD. This book had me flipping through pages like the Black Plague was coming for me and the only cure was to finish Cross Her Heart. I have never read anything by Sarah Pinborough until I picked this for my September Book of the Month box. I will say that Pinborough will be getting the rest of her novels added to my bookshelf as this is an author that needs to be watched, very closely.
I love how the different POV's worked within this little but punchy novel. It never caused any confusion with the other main character's stories and actually added a wonderful quality to the overall story. Cross Her Heart was such a psychological ride that I now don't know if I'll be able to read anything else that can even compare to this novel. Seriously, everyone needs to watch this author and read her books. This is what thrillers are supposed to be like!
You can find the full review on my blog at: bookingwayreads.wordpress.com
I love how the different POV's worked within this little but punchy novel. It never caused any confusion with the other main character's stories and actually added a wonderful quality to the overall story. Cross Her Heart was such a psychological ride that I now don't know if I'll be able to read anything else that can even compare to this novel. Seriously, everyone needs to watch this author and read her books. This is what thrillers are supposed to be like!
You can find the full review on my blog at: bookingwayreads.wordpress.com