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Merissa (11950 KP) rated Reap This Too (Oh So Happy Holidays #2) in Books
Nov 11, 2020 (Updated Aug 14, 2023)
Reap This Too is the second book in the Oh So Happy Holidays series and this time we meet up with Ian, Seamus' brother. He has been more interested in travelling than learning which colour candle means what but some of the things have stayed with him.
This is a fast-paced novella that takes you from the pyramids in Giza to Boston, just in time for Samhain. Seamus is there, of course, and we even get a cameo from Mine - but not in the way I hoped!!!
I think it would help if you have read book one because previous circumstances are mentioned in that book and it would give you a better idea of their family too. However, you COULD read this as a standalone if you really had to.
The connection between Khnurn and Ian is instantaneous but there is a depth to it that comes from their previous associations. I loved how sneaky Khnurn was toward the end and I'm sure these two have more adventures to tell us.
All in all, this was a great seasonal read with characters I either know and love or have loved getting to know. A great addition to the series and one I highly recommend. I just hope Mr Jadison has another story planned for Seamus and Mine!!!
* 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!
Nov 11, 2020
This is a fast-paced novella that takes you from the pyramids in Giza to Boston, just in time for Samhain. Seamus is there, of course, and we even get a cameo from Mine - but not in the way I hoped!!!
I think it would help if you have read book one because previous circumstances are mentioned in that book and it would give you a better idea of their family too. However, you COULD read this as a standalone if you really had to.
The connection between Khnurn and Ian is instantaneous but there is a depth to it that comes from their previous associations. I loved how sneaky Khnurn was toward the end and I'm sure these two have more adventures to tell us.
All in all, this was a great seasonal read with characters I either know and love or have loved getting to know. A great addition to the series and one I highly recommend. I just hope Mr Jadison has another story planned for Seamus and Mine!!!
* 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!
Nov 11, 2020
Harshini (25 KP) rated Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters (2013) in Movies
Jan 4, 2018 (Updated Jan 13, 2018)
Annabeth's hair and eye colour matched the books (1 more)
"Stop walking on my roof"
Some scenes that should have been in were cut (4 more)
Some scenes were in that shouldn't have been
Some scenes were in that weren't even a part of the book they were producing
The author of the books hates the movies
The initial scene is of something that is never mentioned in the books - and I'm still kind of confused as to what the actors' characters are meant to be doing
Big Fan of the Books, Not So Much of the Movies
Contains spoilers, click to show
I had a huge issue with the first movie as is, so this may end up being a rant.
I have been a massive fan of the books for about 9 years now and can say with a fair amount of certainty that this movie does not echo its book source. Yes, they had the same characters (for the most part), but the characters being from the book does not mean that it is the movie of the book. It means that the book gave inspiration. Sure, some events that were in the book were in the movie - such as Tyson's slip with the winds, or Tyson's story at all - but some fairly important scenes were not to be seen in the movie - such as (what should have been the initial scene) the dodgeball game that reveals Tyson's immunity to fire, Siren Bay, or Circe. Not to mention the events that were changed in the movie - such as the fact that Polyphemus' island became a fairground instead of a lush paradisal island with man-eating sheep, or that the ship Clarisse is commandeering doesn't end up in Charybdis' stomach and that they avoid the two monsters all together. I'm not even counting the scenes that the director placed in this movie that should have come much later - like Percy's fight with Kronos, which shouldn't have taken place until the absolute last movie. When I saw the first movie, I said something about the way it was made, and I'll say it again: it's like the director hired someone to read the book and tell him what happened, the person read all the books and then decided to pick and choose their favourite parts and create an absolute mess of the books. I mean, it's a sign if the author of said books is the person who hates the movies the most.
That being said, I can attest to there being some good things about the movie. Alexandra Daddario (who plays Annabeth Chase, daughter of Athena) did end up changing her hair and eye colour in the movie to the described blonde hair and grey eyes (though the eyes do look very fake). I am not sure whether or not this was just because so many fans were offended by her brown hair and eyes in the first movie (which was also terrible), but I am glad that it got changed to be more in-tune with the source material. Above all, I can say that there are about five seconds of this movie that I love - and that I will stomach the surrounding minute for - and that is when Luke Castellan tells Percy to 'stop walking on [his] roof'. It is by far the funniest part of the entire movie. However, I won't lie and say I'm not glad that the series isn't going to continue to be shown on the silver screen.
I have been a massive fan of the books for about 9 years now and can say with a fair amount of certainty that this movie does not echo its book source. Yes, they had the same characters (for the most part), but the characters being from the book does not mean that it is the movie of the book. It means that the book gave inspiration. Sure, some events that were in the book were in the movie - such as Tyson's slip with the winds, or Tyson's story at all - but some fairly important scenes were not to be seen in the movie - such as (what should have been the initial scene) the dodgeball game that reveals Tyson's immunity to fire, Siren Bay, or Circe. Not to mention the events that were changed in the movie - such as the fact that Polyphemus' island became a fairground instead of a lush paradisal island with man-eating sheep, or that the ship Clarisse is commandeering doesn't end up in Charybdis' stomach and that they avoid the two monsters all together. I'm not even counting the scenes that the director placed in this movie that should have come much later - like Percy's fight with Kronos, which shouldn't have taken place until the absolute last movie. When I saw the first movie, I said something about the way it was made, and I'll say it again: it's like the director hired someone to read the book and tell him what happened, the person read all the books and then decided to pick and choose their favourite parts and create an absolute mess of the books. I mean, it's a sign if the author of said books is the person who hates the movies the most.
That being said, I can attest to there being some good things about the movie. Alexandra Daddario (who plays Annabeth Chase, daughter of Athena) did end up changing her hair and eye colour in the movie to the described blonde hair and grey eyes (though the eyes do look very fake). I am not sure whether or not this was just because so many fans were offended by her brown hair and eyes in the first movie (which was also terrible), but I am glad that it got changed to be more in-tune with the source material. Above all, I can say that there are about five seconds of this movie that I love - and that I will stomach the surrounding minute for - and that is when Luke Castellan tells Percy to 'stop walking on [his] roof'. It is by far the funniest part of the entire movie. However, I won't lie and say I'm not glad that the series isn't going to continue to be shown on the silver screen.
Ivana A. | Diary of Difference (1171 KP) rated Chroma Crossing Chronicles: Blood Moon Part 2 in Books
Apr 20, 2020
Blood Moon: Part 2 is the continuation of Blood Moon: Part 1. The second part starts where the first book ended. Candy entered a world with no colour and met a very handsome hunter, who tells her of the dangers she will face on the “Needing Moon”.
First of all - we have this monochromatic world covered in just beige colour and no other colours. The author made sure to note this a couple of times throughout the book, with no explanation whatsoever on why this is happening. Not even a clue or an event to prompt some curiosity in my way. I simply did not care about this colourless world.
Then, we have Candy in a new world and this man, her saviour, makes her his mate and becomes overprotective of her for no apparent reason. Yes, they have a passion bond forming, but he decides to keep her away from anyone, not let her get out of his palace and is about to kill anyone that even looks at her the wrong way. Yes - this is how males behave in this beige-world, but this still counts as captivity. She never addressed a wish to leave, but if she did - do you honestly think he will let her? Ha! I doubt it!
Then we have the “Needing Moon”.
Every full moon is a needing moon, where everything is about intercourse. And not just that, but devouring women and taking their dignity in the most harsh way. Apparently it affects everyone and no one can resist this sudden urge, and suddenly we have scenes of orgies and what not, and I am not sure what to think of all this…
During this Needing Moon event, Candy and this hunter spend a night or two having coitus, and then Candy has an accident that makes her forget everything about him. But the hunter needs to go on a journey, and not wanting to leave his missus at the palace, he makes her come with him and his soldiers - all men who think of her as a prey, but are too afraid to do anything because of their fear from the hunter, who also happens to be a king.
During the journey, they start to get to know each other again, playing a game of ego and arrogance. There is passion they have for each other but neither of them will confess first. And on top of that, in the end we find out that Candy did remember a little bit about him, after all. So she was lying throughout the book.
Which is slightly annoying.
And on top of all this, we don’t even see the characters that were mentioned in the first book. The end was somewhat unfinished, and it left things to reveal itself in the next book.
So it seemed that the first book was a prequel to the second, but the second book is a prequel to the third, and to be quite honest with you, I wouldn’t read the third book just to find out. I have gambled enough and I didn’t get what I came for in two books, so I don’t see myself finishing this series in this lifetime. Or the next.
I had really high hopes for this series, because even though the first book wasn’t my favourite, it did capture my attention, which is why I gave this book a chance. But this one disappointed me too much.
First of all - we have this monochromatic world covered in just beige colour and no other colours. The author made sure to note this a couple of times throughout the book, with no explanation whatsoever on why this is happening. Not even a clue or an event to prompt some curiosity in my way. I simply did not care about this colourless world.
Then, we have Candy in a new world and this man, her saviour, makes her his mate and becomes overprotective of her for no apparent reason. Yes, they have a passion bond forming, but he decides to keep her away from anyone, not let her get out of his palace and is about to kill anyone that even looks at her the wrong way. Yes - this is how males behave in this beige-world, but this still counts as captivity. She never addressed a wish to leave, but if she did - do you honestly think he will let her? Ha! I doubt it!
Then we have the “Needing Moon”.
Every full moon is a needing moon, where everything is about intercourse. And not just that, but devouring women and taking their dignity in the most harsh way. Apparently it affects everyone and no one can resist this sudden urge, and suddenly we have scenes of orgies and what not, and I am not sure what to think of all this…
During this Needing Moon event, Candy and this hunter spend a night or two having coitus, and then Candy has an accident that makes her forget everything about him. But the hunter needs to go on a journey, and not wanting to leave his missus at the palace, he makes her come with him and his soldiers - all men who think of her as a prey, but are too afraid to do anything because of their fear from the hunter, who also happens to be a king.
During the journey, they start to get to know each other again, playing a game of ego and arrogance. There is passion they have for each other but neither of them will confess first. And on top of that, in the end we find out that Candy did remember a little bit about him, after all. So she was lying throughout the book.
Which is slightly annoying.
And on top of all this, we don’t even see the characters that were mentioned in the first book. The end was somewhat unfinished, and it left things to reveal itself in the next book.
So it seemed that the first book was a prequel to the second, but the second book is a prequel to the third, and to be quite honest with you, I wouldn’t read the third book just to find out. I have gambled enough and I didn’t get what I came for in two books, so I don’t see myself finishing this series in this lifetime. Or the next.
I had really high hopes for this series, because even though the first book wasn’t my favourite, it did capture my attention, which is why I gave this book a chance. But this one disappointed me too much.
Sam (74 KP) rated One of us is Lying in Books
Mar 27, 2019
I love it when the edges of the pages in a book are bright colours! It makes me so happy to find books that look like this, and it automatically makes me want to read the book more. It’s a lovely touch.
However, I feel like the cover could have been better. It definitely doesn’t sell the book with how simplistic it is and I feel that it doesn’t fit the novel too well. This is just my opinion, but for a whodunnit I expected a darker colour scheme for the cover.
I’ve actually never read a whodunnit within the YA genre, and I really feel like it’s a gap that wants covering more.
It did take me a short while to get into the book, but after the first hundred pages, I quickly finished the book within a few hours. It had me gripped with all of the twists and turns.
I was making theories all the way through of who killed Simon, but I wasn’t ever even close to being right. This is so cleverly written that you really have no idea at all until the final few pages.
The characters were definitely realistic. I really liked that there was a real mixture of personalities rather than sticking with just one clichéd group.
The only reason that I can’t get past three stars with this one is just the fact that I almost gave up on it. The start seems to drag a bit and get a bit boring.
Other than that, though, One Of Us Is Lying is really thrilling and mysterious, and definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for something different to read.
However, I feel like the cover could have been better. It definitely doesn’t sell the book with how simplistic it is and I feel that it doesn’t fit the novel too well. This is just my opinion, but for a whodunnit I expected a darker colour scheme for the cover.
I’ve actually never read a whodunnit within the YA genre, and I really feel like it’s a gap that wants covering more.
It did take me a short while to get into the book, but after the first hundred pages, I quickly finished the book within a few hours. It had me gripped with all of the twists and turns.
I was making theories all the way through of who killed Simon, but I wasn’t ever even close to being right. This is so cleverly written that you really have no idea at all until the final few pages.
The characters were definitely realistic. I really liked that there was a real mixture of personalities rather than sticking with just one clichéd group.
The only reason that I can’t get past three stars with this one is just the fact that I almost gave up on it. The start seems to drag a bit and get a bit boring.
Other than that, though, One Of Us Is Lying is really thrilling and mysterious, and definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for something different to read.
BadgerMuffin (48 KP) rated Magic: The Gathering in Tabletop Games
Jun 3, 2019
Many Groups Across the UK (2 more)
Quick to Play
Great to play anywhere
Not the easiest to learn (1 more)
Not a Cheap Hobby
A Game That After Years Still Isn't Tapped.
First thing's First. Some advice one of my closest friends gave me when I started.
'Buy a basic deck, play it, once you see the flaws THEN upgrade it. Don't buy cards and try to make a new deck if you haven't played.'
This is great advice for this hobby. Me being me. I didn't follow it, and I have regretted it.
BUT, on with the review.
So firstly, the artwork.
The artwork is insanely good, and all cards are different. The quality is fantastic and the amount of detail they put into each card is incredible. I now collect cards just for the artwork.
Secondly, Gameplay.
There are about 30 different variations of colour combinations, meaning you can make multiple decks and play each of them hundreds of ways. You can kill players by making them run out of cards or by bringing their health down to zero. Each deck built will work differently.
I personally play this casually, meaning I can use any card from any version, this means you don't need to keep checking the date on your cards. (Plus it allows you to screw over your friends much more).
All in All, I love this game, and it allows you to play games anywhere. I tend to carry a deck everywhere I go. This is a great way to pass time while waiting for a train or food.
TL;DR
-Great Fun
-Not Cheap to Play
-Quick games (or can take a few hours)
'Buy a basic deck, play it, once you see the flaws THEN upgrade it. Don't buy cards and try to make a new deck if you haven't played.'
This is great advice for this hobby. Me being me. I didn't follow it, and I have regretted it.
BUT, on with the review.
So firstly, the artwork.
The artwork is insanely good, and all cards are different. The quality is fantastic and the amount of detail they put into each card is incredible. I now collect cards just for the artwork.
Secondly, Gameplay.
There are about 30 different variations of colour combinations, meaning you can make multiple decks and play each of them hundreds of ways. You can kill players by making them run out of cards or by bringing their health down to zero. Each deck built will work differently.
I personally play this casually, meaning I can use any card from any version, this means you don't need to keep checking the date on your cards. (Plus it allows you to screw over your friends much more).
All in All, I love this game, and it allows you to play games anywhere. I tend to carry a deck everywhere I go. This is a great way to pass time while waiting for a train or food.
TL;DR
-Great Fun
-Not Cheap to Play
-Quick games (or can take a few hours)
Marylegs (44 KP) rated The Walking Dead: v. 1: Days Gone Bye in Books
Aug 14, 2019
So I have finally got started on reading these graphic novels. I have been an avid fan of the TV remake and am fully aware that the series and graphic novels do not run exactly scene for scene. Some characters have had longer roles or shorter roles, other characters added or omitted. That is not what I am concerning myself with whilst reading this novel.
What I am concerned with is how the book felt as I read it. I thought the frames were well drawn, if you take the time to look over each picture you really feel the emotions of each of the characters. At no point does it feel lacking from the sole use of greyscale, colour is unnecessary in this story. Considering there is limited writing used, the conversations between characters have been orchestrated to portray all the information and emotions needed.
It always takes me a few pages to get into a graphic novel, the switch to reading pictures and not written descriptions takes some getting used to, but this story is so gripping that it isn’t hard to get lost in it. Nothing is too gruesome or overdone (not that I mind gruesome) but some people may be put off as it is a tale set in a zombie ridden world, but actually this is a story about the effect on the people left standing. How they cope in this new harsh existence, and how they decide to make a new future for themselves. This is a great start to a series and I will be carrying on gladly and with a great deal of enthusiasm.
What I am concerned with is how the book felt as I read it. I thought the frames were well drawn, if you take the time to look over each picture you really feel the emotions of each of the characters. At no point does it feel lacking from the sole use of greyscale, colour is unnecessary in this story. Considering there is limited writing used, the conversations between characters have been orchestrated to portray all the information and emotions needed.
It always takes me a few pages to get into a graphic novel, the switch to reading pictures and not written descriptions takes some getting used to, but this story is so gripping that it isn’t hard to get lost in it. Nothing is too gruesome or overdone (not that I mind gruesome) but some people may be put off as it is a tale set in a zombie ridden world, but actually this is a story about the effect on the people left standing. How they cope in this new harsh existence, and how they decide to make a new future for themselves. This is a great start to a series and I will be carrying on gladly and with a great deal of enthusiasm.
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Frozen II (2019) in Movies
Dec 7, 2019 (Updated Jan 22, 2020)
Frozen II is a genuinely fantastic sequel that build on the original in every way.
It's feels more mature for a start. It's still a magical, kid friendly, animated adventure for sure, but the film manages to touch upon subjects such as death, loss, depression, how it's ok to feel angry, and all without veering too far away from a family feature.
The more mature tone comes with more mature animation - and it's really something. The animation is pretty much flawless. The contrasting colour pallets - the icy cold blues and white of Arendelle, to the autumnal greens and oranges of the forest - are all pleasing to look at.
I'm not one for musicals, and I wasn't keen on the songs from the original, but the music in Frozen II is way more tolerable. Well written, and sometimes epic, and that Lost in the Woods song is a banger - the fact that Weezer did a recording of it just earns the movie bonus points in my eyes.
The plot is easy to follow, whilst offering a twist here and there, but the overall message is once again, the importance of family, and the importance of writing wrongs from the last. Interestingly, there is no villain in Frozen II. The focus is purely on the good guys trying to make the world a better place for everyone. It's all rather wholesome.
The characters are all great in their own ways, and the creature designs are fantastic.
I have nothing bad to say about Frozen II. It's a damn solid sequel that easily surpasses the first film. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go and listen to Weezer all night.
It's feels more mature for a start. It's still a magical, kid friendly, animated adventure for sure, but the film manages to touch upon subjects such as death, loss, depression, how it's ok to feel angry, and all without veering too far away from a family feature.
The more mature tone comes with more mature animation - and it's really something. The animation is pretty much flawless. The contrasting colour pallets - the icy cold blues and white of Arendelle, to the autumnal greens and oranges of the forest - are all pleasing to look at.
I'm not one for musicals, and I wasn't keen on the songs from the original, but the music in Frozen II is way more tolerable. Well written, and sometimes epic, and that Lost in the Woods song is a banger - the fact that Weezer did a recording of it just earns the movie bonus points in my eyes.
The plot is easy to follow, whilst offering a twist here and there, but the overall message is once again, the importance of family, and the importance of writing wrongs from the last. Interestingly, there is no villain in Frozen II. The focus is purely on the good guys trying to make the world a better place for everyone. It's all rather wholesome.
The characters are all great in their own ways, and the creature designs are fantastic.
I have nothing bad to say about Frozen II. It's a damn solid sequel that easily surpasses the first film. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go and listen to Weezer all night.
ClareR (5674 KP) rated This Lovely City in Books
May 1, 2020
The beginnings of the Windrush generation.
The only thing I didn’t like about This Lovely City by Louise Hare, were the attitudes of a lot of the (predominantly) white, male Londoners. And there’s not a thing that the author could do about that.
In 1948 answering a call from the Homeland, Lawrie and hundreds of mainly young men like him, arrived in London, fresh off the Empire Windrush from Jamaica. They were there to help rebuild England after the Blitz and the end of the Second World War. We see this story mainly from Lawrie’s point of view, so we see the racism, the way he was turned away from jobs because the other men wouldn’t want to work with ‘his type’. It was a shock to see the use of the ‘n’ word so often, and the blatant hostility towards Lawrie and his friends.
This story isn’t just about that though. There’s a bit of a love story and a mystery to solve as well. Lawrie makes an upsetting discovery, and rather than being thanked for it, he is immediately under suspicion. Again, solely down to the colour of his skin.
I loved this book. It gave me an insight into the lives of the Windrush generation as they began their lives here. Lawrie and his girlfriend Evie were great characters to read about - I WANTED all to be well for them, as I did for the other Jamaican characters, if I’m honest.
If this is Louise Hare’s first book, I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next.
Many thanks to NetGalley and HQ for my copy of this wonderful book.
In 1948 answering a call from the Homeland, Lawrie and hundreds of mainly young men like him, arrived in London, fresh off the Empire Windrush from Jamaica. They were there to help rebuild England after the Blitz and the end of the Second World War. We see this story mainly from Lawrie’s point of view, so we see the racism, the way he was turned away from jobs because the other men wouldn’t want to work with ‘his type’. It was a shock to see the use of the ‘n’ word so often, and the blatant hostility towards Lawrie and his friends.
This story isn’t just about that though. There’s a bit of a love story and a mystery to solve as well. Lawrie makes an upsetting discovery, and rather than being thanked for it, he is immediately under suspicion. Again, solely down to the colour of his skin.
I loved this book. It gave me an insight into the lives of the Windrush generation as they began their lives here. Lawrie and his girlfriend Evie were great characters to read about - I WANTED all to be well for them, as I did for the other Jamaican characters, if I’m honest.
If this is Louise Hare’s first book, I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next.
Many thanks to NetGalley and HQ for my copy of this wonderful book.
Merissa (11950 KP) rated Changed (The Made Ones Saga #2) in Books
Sep 23, 2020
Changed is the second book in The Made Ones Saga and this time we meet with Bree and her Catman, Gato. We caught a glimpse of her in Kit's book but this time the focus is all on her!
Initially, Bree is slightly annoyed 😉 that all her armour has disappeared. Instead, she is stuck with her natural hair colour, no tattoos, no piercings. Luckily for her, she is around people who help her to realise her armour was actually camouflage. And as for Gato, well, he loves her red hair.
This was a fantastic second book. The world is now more familiar which helped but, for me, the best part was Bree's attitude. She is attacked how many times, by people she thought were friends, and she still manages to come out of it with a smile on her face. Audi and Fortis are just sublime and I really hope to see more of them in the last book. I wasn't too sure about Arina to begin with but she is also someone I am hoping will get their HEA.
The interweaving between Kit's book and Bree's is wonderfully done. Once again, as with Kit and Rafe, Bree and Gato are supported by an amazing cast. I loved seeing Kit and Rafe again in this one.
A fantastic addition to the series and now I will (im)patiently wait for Awakened. Absolutely recommended by me!
* 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!
Initially, Bree is slightly annoyed 😉 that all her armour has disappeared. Instead, she is stuck with her natural hair colour, no tattoos, no piercings. Luckily for her, she is around people who help her to realise her armour was actually camouflage. And as for Gato, well, he loves her red hair.
This was a fantastic second book. The world is now more familiar which helped but, for me, the best part was Bree's attitude. She is attacked how many times, by people she thought were friends, and she still manages to come out of it with a smile on her face. Audi and Fortis are just sublime and I really hope to see more of them in the last book. I wasn't too sure about Arina to begin with but she is also someone I am hoping will get their HEA.
The interweaving between Kit's book and Bree's is wonderfully done. Once again, as with Kit and Rafe, Bree and Gato are supported by an amazing cast. I loved seeing Kit and Rafe again in this one.
A fantastic addition to the series and now I will (im)patiently wait for Awakened. Absolutely recommended by me!
* 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!
