Search

Search only in certain items:

40x40

Hazel (2934 KP) rated First Born in Books

Apr 28, 2022  
First Born
First Born
Will Dean | 2022 | Crime, Thriller
6
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Well, that was an interesting and head-bashing read and I don't even know where to start! You are either going to love it or not like it so much! If I'm honest, for most of the book, I was in the "not like it so much" camp but as the story unfolded, it grew on me more and more and by the end, I was totally invested.

I'm not going to go into any of the plot but will say that you need to be prepared to put aside reality at times, accept that the main character of Molly is not a particularly likeable character (for me anyway) and she does ramble on a bit, which became annoying at times, but if you can do that, you will enjoy this rollercoaster of a read.

Many thanks to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
  
My exposure to Dune - despite knowing the basics i.e. Science fiction, Sandworms, Arrakis - really only comes from the 2021 (Dune) and 2024 (Dune: part 2) movies.

Which I'm well aware, due to the nature of the medium, leaves a lot out.

As such, it's interesting reading this (after having read the previous 2 entries in the same graphic novel series) to see how much is familiar, and how much is changed.

Oh, the basics are there right enough (in the movies), but there are several differences to the story: Paul Atriedes sister (only teased in Part 2), here, being the most prominent example.

Not having read the 'original' original, I can't say how much was changed for the move from print to graphic novel medium, but I do believe that the authors/artists/stencillers here did try to stick as close as possible to that story.

I can understand why it was slimmed down for the move to the big screen.
  
40x40

ClareR (6067 KP) Apr 8, 2025

I’m interested to see your reviews on the first three of these graphic novels (are there more?), because my husband is angling for them for his birthday in August! We’re huge Dune fans. Read the books, watched the films. I wouldn’t say your ratings have put me off, but I might have to get him something else as well, just in case they fall a bit flat!

40x40

David McK (3705 KP) Apr 13, 2025

https://smashbomb.com/s/dune-the-graphic-novel-part-1 and https://smashbomb.com/s/frank-herberts-dune-the-graphic-novel-book-2-muaddib

Scream (1996)
Scream (1996)
1996 | Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Labeled a classic and dubbed as a mystery/slasher film, Scream is a film you can turn to for years to come when you’re in need of a blood bath. If you’re a 90s baby like me, then you probably have. I wouldn’t go so far as to say I consider it a favorite, but it is definitely a movie I like to watch when I need to relax.

One of the things that I really like about Scream is the fact that it serves a dual purpose: it sates my thirst for blood while simultaneously making a mockery of itself. If you’re new to the horror genre, then it’s an easy and entertaining way to learn the “rules” of horror movies – and then watch as the cast adheres to them without failure. Of course, these aren’t real rules in as much as they are unspoken. For prime examples of movies that highlight these rules, I point you to Halloween, The Nightmare on Elm Street, and Friday the 13th.

Scream is one of those films that is more likely to draw a bit of laughter from me than it is likely to scare me. To some degree, this is because I’ve seen it so many times. To another… it’s honestly hilarious.
  
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019)
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019)
2019 | Drama
First of all, for an unpopular opinion, Tom Hanks does not, "look exactly like Fred Rogers". I was so sick of hearing that before the movie came out. He looks like Tom Hanks, playing Fred Rogers, wearing Mister Rogers' outfits. I didn't need him to look exactly like Fred Rogers. Tom Hanks is an actor, and it's a movie. I did enjoy watching the movie. Not that I can say I enjoyed the story in a happy way, since it touched on some very real, very dark adult emotions that had been hidden away for the majority of the main character's life. The way that Lloyd was woven into an episode of Mister Rogers for effect was trippy at times. Since they started out that way, it felt strange, as if the story's execution was wrong at the beginning. But the story does make sense. I just think that the beginning was a little uncomfortable. It was an interesting story, overall, though. Mister Rogers was an amazing man. I'm glad that they found a way to make a story about him that was more focused on an adult issue. It gave the magic and love of Mister Rogers yet another dimension.
  
40x40

Kate (493 KP) rated New Kid In Town in Books

Jun 30, 2020  
New Kid In Town
New Kid In Town
Jacky Gray | 2017 | Romance, Young Adult (YA)
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Can only purchase the books on Amazon (0 more)
This book was for a younger audience however I did enjoy it. It was easy reading and reminded me of my days at school. So I would say the intended audience was probably teenagers who are going through school. They would probably be really able to relate. I would recommend this book to this audience.
The blurb grabbed my attention but it was a shame the story didn't end when the book did. I wanted to read the full details of how Ray became disabled as we were only teased with a bit of information about it in this book. The books are only available on Amazon and I have a Kobo so am unable to read them. Kobo do not support Amazon books.
The author's writing helped each character have their own personality which helped distinguish each character. Their personalities shone though.
The character's changed slightly throughout the book. This looks to be all down to Ray but also people change as they go through the school year and when new people come into their friendship group.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
  
40x40

Beth Ditto recommended First Take by Roberta Flack in Music (curated)

 
First Take by Roberta Flack
First Take by Roberta Flack
1969 | Rock
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Favorite

"Roberta Flack speaks to me in that same way that Melanie speaks to me. She's such a beautiful songwriter and composer and pianist and I don't think she gets enough credit either. She's such a beautiful songwriter and she's, to me, up there with Joni Mitchell. She covers 'Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye' by Leonard Cohen so beautifully. And that piano part, I think it's a minor key, it's a small part that's been sampled by Lil' Kim and I think Notorious BIG. It's so subtle and I don't think you would notice it unless you loved that record. It's so good. It's also so curated perfectly from start to end. I am no spring chicken and making the new album, it was my first record where the Spotify playlist was what mattered the most, and it's really difficult because that beauty in curating the song-list and what comes where, really thinking about it, and the titles of the tracks, that mood, is gone. It's all gone. No one cares about albums anymore. The labels want you to put the songs that they've chosen to be singles first and before you would never put the single first. Ever. First Take is very visual. I can see it in my head."

Source
  
40x40

Merissa (13770 KP) rated Torn (Reflections, #2) in Books

Apr 4, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)  
Torn (Reflections, #2)
Torn (Reflections, #2)
Dean Murray | 2013 | Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Finally, a complete book which tells the story from the other perspective. You find out in this book why Alec reacted in certain situations the way he did. You also find out more about the lives of Alec and his shapeshifter family, the Coun'hij, how his mum became the way she is and more importantly the fight between Alec and Brandon from Alec's point of view. You know, I've read this scene twice now from two different points of view and it still takes my breath away!

This is the twin to Broken and as such I would say is more of a 'guy' book. There is lots of violence as the packs fight, there is in-fighting within the packs as some members jostle for ranking. However, as a 'girl' I read this book and thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.

After reading Broken and Torn, I would definitely recommend to any YA, shapeshifter, Twilight fan. I can see this series just getting better and better.
 
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
 
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
August 6, 2016
  
Bakeries and Buffoonery (Magical Mystery Book Club #4)
Bakeries and Buffoonery (Magical Mystery Book Club #4)
Elizabeth Pantley | 2023 | Mystery, Paranormal
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!


The snapdragon inn is the setting of a cozy mystery book club with a difference they get transported into the stories to find out whodunit!


This time they are trying to find out who hates cake so much, in the town of Frosting that they have caused chaos, mayhem, and murder. Can they do it before the next murder happens?


This is such a delightful series they really are a pleasure to read. Elizabeth does such an amazing job at pulling you into the story as if you are one of the characters and I must say I am rather fond of all the characters, I'm sad we've lost one but happy for her circumstances and hope we do find out how she gets on.


Although this is a series I personally think you could read it as a stand-alone, but it's much more fun reading the series as you get to find out more about everyone.


I highly recommend and give 5/5


** 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
  
Secret Burdens (Stories of Lorst #3)
Secret Burdens (Stories of Lorst #3)
Suzanna J. Linton | 2018 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Secret Burdens (Stories of Lorst #3) by Suzanna J. Linton
Secret Burdens is the third book in the Stories of Lorst series, and I was happy to dive back into this world. However, Clara wasn't at her best, and I was left wondering what was going and why - pretty much like everyone else in the book! It didn't take long before I was sucked into the story, with all of its glorious twists and turns that kept my attention, and definitely left me needing to read 'just one more page'.

This is an intricate story, and my admiration for Suzanna J. Linton knew no bounds, as the story effortlessly flowed. How she managed to keep up with the writing, making it easy to read, which still maintaining the mystery, I will never know!

The characters are a delight to return to, and in fact, has left me wanting to return to Clara, just so I can start the series again. With no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed, I have no hesitation in recommending this story. Absolutely brilliant, and I can't wait to read more.

If you're wondering why I didn't give it 5-stars when I've been raving so much, it is down to something that happens right at the end. I won't say what, as it would spoil the story. That being said, I can't wait to see where the story is taken next. Read it for yourself, and you'll become hooked on these books too!

* 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!