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David McK (3576 KP) rated Catching Fire in Books
Jan 28, 2019
The second book in Suzanne Collins' <i>The Hunger Games</i> trilogy, this is a true sequel to the first in the sense that it shares the same characters and refers to the same events as the original (as opposed to 'only' being set in the same universe).
At the start of the novel, and having survived <i>The Hunger Games</i>, Katniss is back in District 12 in the company of her mother, sister, and Peeta. Things aren't entirely all rosy, however, as her stunt with the berries has enraged President Snow (and the Capitol), who is now looking for ways to further punish her, leading to her heading back into the arena ...
I have to say, the parallels between the Capitol and ancient Rome are even more pronounced this time round than previously, especially in an early(ish) scene where Katniss and Peeta attend a banquet in the Capitol: a banquet that provides it's guests with the means to be sick so they can eat more more, while those in the districts starve (the myth of the Roman Vomitorium, anyone?). Once again, this is told in the immediate first-person sense, with the novel also ending in a definite cliff-hanger for the final part of the trilogy.
At the start of the novel, and having survived <i>The Hunger Games</i>, Katniss is back in District 12 in the company of her mother, sister, and Peeta. Things aren't entirely all rosy, however, as her stunt with the berries has enraged President Snow (and the Capitol), who is now looking for ways to further punish her, leading to her heading back into the arena ...
I have to say, the parallels between the Capitol and ancient Rome are even more pronounced this time round than previously, especially in an early(ish) scene where Katniss and Peeta attend a banquet in the Capitol: a banquet that provides it's guests with the means to be sick so they can eat more more, while those in the districts starve (the myth of the Roman Vomitorium, anyone?). Once again, this is told in the immediate first-person sense, with the novel also ending in a definite cliff-hanger for the final part of the trilogy.
David McK (3576 KP) rated Dauntless (The Lost Fleet, #1) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
While I doubt this novel is going to win any awards for literature, I have to say that it is a good enough read: not brilliant, but not terrible either.
Written by a ex-navy man, it's easy to see the influnece of his career in the pages: this is 'real' science-fiction, not science-fantasy, with the space battles obeying the laws of physics as we know them. The plot outline is also somewhat remniscient of the new series of BattleStar Galactica, with a smaller rag-tag force being chased by a numerically superior foe. Ironically, this book was first released at around the same time as that series came on TV, with (in this edition) the author claiming that that WAS NOT an inspiration (in the interview at the end), as if he'd been thinking of BSG it woud've been the older series.
With the way the book opens I must also admit that, at first, I thought I'd missed something: the best corollary I can think of is as if the film Aliens (that's the one with the 'S') had started without the whole prologue of them finding Ripleys life pod: you'd be able to infer what had happened, but would be feeling a bit lost at first.
Written by a ex-navy man, it's easy to see the influnece of his career in the pages: this is 'real' science-fiction, not science-fantasy, with the space battles obeying the laws of physics as we know them. The plot outline is also somewhat remniscient of the new series of BattleStar Galactica, with a smaller rag-tag force being chased by a numerically superior foe. Ironically, this book was first released at around the same time as that series came on TV, with (in this edition) the author claiming that that WAS NOT an inspiration (in the interview at the end), as if he'd been thinking of BSG it woud've been the older series.
With the way the book opens I must also admit that, at first, I thought I'd missed something: the best corollary I can think of is as if the film Aliens (that's the one with the 'S') had started without the whole prologue of them finding Ripleys life pod: you'd be able to infer what had happened, but would be feeling a bit lost at first.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Summoned to Thirteenth Grave (Charley Davidson, #13) in Books
Jan 12, 2021
So this continues where book 12, The Trouble with Twelfth Grave, left off. Charley has been banned from Earth for bringing someone back from the dead after their soul had already left the body. It's been over 100 years and she's sad that she's missed the passing of all of her friends and family. She lands in the middle of the desert and within seconds can feel Reyes seductive heat surrounding her. Turns out that, on Earth, she's only been gone for ten days and she has to help destroy the hell dimension that they accidentally opened when Reyes broke the God glass a few books ago.
Hmm... I did enjoy this but I do feel like the series has not been fully completed. There's still the whole Beep facing Lucifer thing and where did Osh disappear to?
Nevertheless, this was once again full of Charley craziness and I do love her and her gang of friends. There were several mysteries thrown in to the mix for her to solve including one to do with her birth, secrets came out of the woodwork and a few little shocks thrown in too.
I can't say I'm disappointed with how the author finished this series... I just feel it hasn't been fully ended as mentioned above.
Hmm... I did enjoy this but I do feel like the series has not been fully completed. There's still the whole Beep facing Lucifer thing and where did Osh disappear to?
Nevertheless, this was once again full of Charley craziness and I do love her and her gang of friends. There were several mysteries thrown in to the mix for her to solve including one to do with her birth, secrets came out of the woodwork and a few little shocks thrown in too.
I can't say I'm disappointed with how the author finished this series... I just feel it hasn't been fully ended as mentioned above.
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated Deadpool 2 (2018) in Movies
Sep 25, 2019
I'll refrain from gushing, but needless to say, this movie was wonderfully entertaining mindless violence. Just what I look for in a film. I'm still cheesed off that there wasn't a midnight screening, but it was a wonderful showing with loads of us packed in to see it. There's no denying that a packed house makes for a better experience. We were all laughing and cringing together, such fun.
As you can see just a little further down the screen, I saw this another two times, and I'm still not convinced that I saw all the little nods to other things. Top tip for the DVD commentary... one with actual commentary, and one with Peter just telling you what all the little things were.
Speaking of Peter, he is definitely one of my top five things about DP2. He's magnificent, and I genuinely panicked when bad things started happening to X-Force... and damn the script writers for lulling me into a false sense of security.
Bit of a spoiler alert here if you haven't seen it... I love the credit scene... but who in their right mind would give Deadpool a time travel device?! What about that seemed sensible to you, Negasonic Teenage Warhead? WHAT?
As you can see just a little further down the screen, I saw this another two times, and I'm still not convinced that I saw all the little nods to other things. Top tip for the DVD commentary... one with actual commentary, and one with Peter just telling you what all the little things were.
Speaking of Peter, he is definitely one of my top five things about DP2. He's magnificent, and I genuinely panicked when bad things started happening to X-Force... and damn the script writers for lulling me into a false sense of security.
Bit of a spoiler alert here if you haven't seen it... I love the credit scene... but who in their right mind would give Deadpool a time travel device?! What about that seemed sensible to you, Negasonic Teenage Warhead? WHAT?
Merissa (13056 KP) rated Jesse's Diner (Hope, #2) in Books
Apr 16, 2023
This is a feel-good, sexy, romance novella in the Hope series. Steve and Tanner have known each other for a long time, and Tanner has had a crush on Steve since the very beginning. When he receives a call from Mike, his best friend and Steve's son, saying that he is worried about his dad, Tanner feels like he has to check in on him to make sure he's okay.
There is a revelation from Steve which has the possibility to destroy their relationship before it even gets started. Instead, I was very impressed with Tanner's reaction and subsequent research/knowledge, whatever you want to call it.
I adored this book - every single word. This is a hug-in-a-book, with some incredibly sensual scenes too. And just in case, the story itself isn't enough, the dedication brought a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes. And there are not many dedications that I can say that about!
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!
Sep 29, 2015
There is a revelation from Steve which has the possibility to destroy their relationship before it even gets started. Instead, I was very impressed with Tanner's reaction and subsequent research/knowledge, whatever you want to call it.
I adored this book - every single word. This is a hug-in-a-book, with some incredibly sensual scenes too. And just in case, the story itself isn't enough, the dedication brought a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes. And there are not many dedications that I can say that about!
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!
Sep 29, 2015
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Road to Winter (Fae’s Captive #2) in Books
Oct 29, 2021
180 of 250
Kindle
Road to Winter ( Fae’s Captive book 2)
By Lily Archer
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
The fae king is growing on me. Every touch, look, and night spent in his arms is slowly melting my resistance. When his feral side takes over, something inside me wants to let go and give him everything. With each passing day, the pull is getting harder to deny. But the road to the winter realm is full of danger, and I need to concentrate on finding my way home, not on the promises of pleasure Leander whispers in my ear at night. Even so, how long can I resist the intoxicating kiss of winter?
These books are so bloody frustrating! I’d love to give it 4 or even 5 stars but as soon as you get into the story the book ends! Also ends on a little cliffhanger and yes I could go straight to the next book but I have a huge tbr pile to get through and have ocd about reading in a certain order. I’ll say what I said in the book 1 review it shows so much promise! They also read as novellas rather than a full book.
Kindle
Road to Winter ( Fae’s Captive book 2)
By Lily Archer
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
The fae king is growing on me. Every touch, look, and night spent in his arms is slowly melting my resistance. When his feral side takes over, something inside me wants to let go and give him everything. With each passing day, the pull is getting harder to deny. But the road to the winter realm is full of danger, and I need to concentrate on finding my way home, not on the promises of pleasure Leander whispers in my ear at night. Even so, how long can I resist the intoxicating kiss of winter?
These books are so bloody frustrating! I’d love to give it 4 or even 5 stars but as soon as you get into the story the book ends! Also ends on a little cliffhanger and yes I could go straight to the next book but I have a huge tbr pile to get through and have ocd about reading in a certain order. I’ll say what I said in the book 1 review it shows so much promise! They also read as novellas rather than a full book.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Skylarking in Books
Sep 4, 2022
158 of 230
Book
Skylarking
By Kate Mildenhall
⭐️⭐️
Lucy TreloarKate and Harriet are best friends growing up together on an isolated Australian cape. As the daughters of the lighthouse keepers, the two girls share everything, until a fisherman, McPhail, arrives in their small community.When Kate witnesses the desire that flares between him and Harriet, she is torn by her feelings of envy and longing. An innocent moment in McPhail's hut then occurs that threatens to tear their peaceful community apart.Inspired by a true story, Skylarking is a spellbinding tale of friendship and desire, memory and truth, which questions what it is to remember and how tempting it can be to forget.
Oh I hate giving low stars but I was just so so very very bored and it took me 5 days to read a book that’s just over 200 pages when usually I’d have it done in an hour or so. It wasn’t badly written just seriously bored me. That’s not to say someone else may find it that way this is just my opinion. The one thing I wasn’t expecting was the ending with would have been very emotional if I had been invested in the characters which I just wasn’t.
Book
Skylarking
By Kate Mildenhall
⭐️⭐️
Lucy TreloarKate and Harriet are best friends growing up together on an isolated Australian cape. As the daughters of the lighthouse keepers, the two girls share everything, until a fisherman, McPhail, arrives in their small community.When Kate witnesses the desire that flares between him and Harriet, she is torn by her feelings of envy and longing. An innocent moment in McPhail's hut then occurs that threatens to tear their peaceful community apart.Inspired by a true story, Skylarking is a spellbinding tale of friendship and desire, memory and truth, which questions what it is to remember and how tempting it can be to forget.
Oh I hate giving low stars but I was just so so very very bored and it took me 5 days to read a book that’s just over 200 pages when usually I’d have it done in an hour or so. It wasn’t badly written just seriously bored me. That’s not to say someone else may find it that way this is just my opinion. The one thing I wasn’t expecting was the ending with would have been very emotional if I had been invested in the characters which I just wasn’t.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated His Game: The First Time in Books
Feb 5, 2024
🔞🔞🔞🔞
23 of 220
Kindle
His Game: The First Time
By Tirzah M.M. Hawkins
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trigger warning and crap content
Rachel's your average teenage girl, fresh out of high school, excited about the secret trip her boyfriend surprised her with. She's been waiting forever for him to pop the question.
However, John isn't your average teenage boy. And his idea of a fun trip is far from a proposal.
John's growing into his tastes. Tastes for things unmentionable in polite society. Read this coming-of-age story about how a violent artist got his start.
Each book in the His Game series is a standalone story and can be read in any order.
So I read His Game: The woods as an arc a while ago and I just needed to read this one too this is how John starts his game and it’s a pretty twisted tale. This is not for everyone it’s graphic and dark. It’s always hard to say I liked these kind of books but when they are well written and provoke a response that the author sets out to achieve then they are worth the read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
23 of 220
Kindle
His Game: The First Time
By Tirzah M.M. Hawkins
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trigger warning and crap content
Rachel's your average teenage girl, fresh out of high school, excited about the secret trip her boyfriend surprised her with. She's been waiting forever for him to pop the question.
However, John isn't your average teenage boy. And his idea of a fun trip is far from a proposal.
John's growing into his tastes. Tastes for things unmentionable in polite society. Read this coming-of-age story about how a violent artist got his start.
Each book in the His Game series is a standalone story and can be read in any order.
So I read His Game: The woods as an arc a while ago and I just needed to read this one too this is how John starts his game and it’s a pretty twisted tale. This is not for everyone it’s graphic and dark. It’s always hard to say I liked these kind of books but when they are well written and provoke a response that the author sets out to achieve then they are worth the read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Book Divas (227 KP) rated Unseen (The Unseen Trilogy, #1) in Books
Dec 12, 2017
It's been some time since I've read a book that is deserving of more than five stars as such is this book.
This is the story of Mackenzie, a woman who at a young age lost her parents and was raised by a detestable aunt but through it all and with the love and support of her best friend Maddie, Mackenzie has still managed to accomplish whatever goals she has set for herself. However, Mackenzie has a secret; she can hear what people are thinking and little does she know that more devastating losses are coming her way. I can't go into any further details as I don't want to spoil the story for you.
I will say that:
1) Wow!!! I loved the heck out of this book.
2) Stephanie Erickson is an extremely talented writer who cleverly transports you into the story line by placing the reader front and center to the point where you are in its grip and don't want to put the book down.
3) The story itself moved at a steady pace filled with well developed characters and mind altering, emotional revelations.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I look forward to reading more from this talented author. Don't let this be the book that you pass by as I genuinely believe you too will enjoy it.
This is the story of Mackenzie, a woman who at a young age lost her parents and was raised by a detestable aunt but through it all and with the love and support of her best friend Maddie, Mackenzie has still managed to accomplish whatever goals she has set for herself. However, Mackenzie has a secret; she can hear what people are thinking and little does she know that more devastating losses are coming her way. I can't go into any further details as I don't want to spoil the story for you.
I will say that:
1) Wow!!! I loved the heck out of this book.
2) Stephanie Erickson is an extremely talented writer who cleverly transports you into the story line by placing the reader front and center to the point where you are in its grip and don't want to put the book down.
3) The story itself moved at a steady pace filled with well developed characters and mind altering, emotional revelations.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I look forward to reading more from this talented author. Don't let this be the book that you pass by as I genuinely believe you too will enjoy it.
Kevin Wilson (179 KP) rated MAC and Me (1988) in Movies
Jul 17, 2018
Bad acting (2 more)
Horrible costumes
Terrible CGI
Horrible movie but entertaining with friends
This was a horrible movie but entertaining since I watched it with friends.
Released 6 years after ET, which is comparable. Yet the CGI was worse and the costumes were horrible. I don't understand the plot exactly and the ending was just weird and bad.
The characters were not likeable, the acting was terrible. So much product placement from McDonald's and coca cola. We laughed at the aliens but they were just annoying.
Not sure if this was self aware about how bad it is but that's what it is. Bad. Don't even ask about that ending. I am as confused as anyone.
***Spoiler alert*** chased by government which soon goes away and suddenly the aliens are granted us citizenship with noone questioning anything. Oh and the daddy alien is wearing a suit.....yeah this movie was weird ***end spoiler***
I would still say give it a watch but watch it with friends so you can laugh at it. This is like the lower budget ET except no emotion osr redeeming qualities. The characters reactions to the aliens were too calm and rational and I have no idea of the point of the government chasing them. Didn't build to anything.
The lesson I came away with was that coca cola seems to solve everything.
Released 6 years after ET, which is comparable. Yet the CGI was worse and the costumes were horrible. I don't understand the plot exactly and the ending was just weird and bad.
The characters were not likeable, the acting was terrible. So much product placement from McDonald's and coca cola. We laughed at the aliens but they were just annoying.
Not sure if this was self aware about how bad it is but that's what it is. Bad. Don't even ask about that ending. I am as confused as anyone.
***Spoiler alert*** chased by government which soon goes away and suddenly the aliens are granted us citizenship with noone questioning anything. Oh and the daddy alien is wearing a suit.....yeah this movie was weird ***end spoiler***
I would still say give it a watch but watch it with friends so you can laugh at it. This is like the lower budget ET except no emotion osr redeeming qualities. The characters reactions to the aliens were too calm and rational and I have no idea of the point of the government chasing them. Didn't build to anything.
The lesson I came away with was that coca cola seems to solve everything.