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jmercado (1 KP) rated The Jewel (The Lone City, #1) in Books
Jan 15, 2018
My goodness. I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book and I struggled through the 1st have but that ending!!! Holy mangos was that good!
Royalty comes with its perks in the Jewel but it also comes with its flaws.
Royalty cannot bear their own children (well they can but they come out deformed and pass away).
So they seek and purchase Surrogates. Once a female who has hit puberty test positive to be a Surrogate they are taken and kept at a facility to be auctioned off to these Royals.
We follow the story of Violet and her journey after being sold.
This story does have a romance but the story is more politically driven.
There were some faults that made this book a 4 instead of a 5.
Firstly the beginning just exploded with information and didn't really easy you into the plot. There were multiple times I had to reread the sections to understand what was going on or who certain people were.
Secondly the romance in this didn't give us much build up. I mean I do like the couple but there was not much to go progression wise.
Other than that this book was beautifully written and once I pushed through the 1st half I could not put it down.
Can't wait to read the rest of the series.
Royalty comes with its perks in the Jewel but it also comes with its flaws.
Royalty cannot bear their own children (well they can but they come out deformed and pass away).
So they seek and purchase Surrogates. Once a female who has hit puberty test positive to be a Surrogate they are taken and kept at a facility to be auctioned off to these Royals.
We follow the story of Violet and her journey after being sold.
This story does have a romance but the story is more politically driven.
There were some faults that made this book a 4 instead of a 5.
Firstly the beginning just exploded with information and didn't really easy you into the plot. There were multiple times I had to reread the sections to understand what was going on or who certain people were.
Secondly the romance in this didn't give us much build up. I mean I do like the couple but there was not much to go progression wise.
Other than that this book was beautifully written and once I pushed through the 1st half I could not put it down.
Can't wait to read the rest of the series.
Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated Eden Lake (2008) in Movies
May 12, 2018
Contains spoilers, click to show
My boyfriend and I watched Eden Lake the other night, and I actually enjoyed it. With delightfully brutal, cringe-worthy scenes, it’s definitely a film I’ll watch again. It encompasses the typical romantic getaway gone wrong, but it does so with a disturbing beauty you can only find in a horror movie.
What can possibly go wrong when you piss off a bunch of angsty teenagers in the middle of nowhere? As Jenny and Steve, the aforementioned vacationing young couple, learn, a lot. After Steve accidentally kills the gang leader’s dog, all hell breaks loose.
It’s the scenes of death and torture that really give this film its rating. When my boyfriend warned me about how twisted some of the scenes were, “WTF” wasn’t how I expected to react. The age-old, unspoken rule about killing children definitely doesn’t apply here. It’s gritty and jaw-dropping, and perfect for fans of campy horror films.
It should be noted that this film comes without a happy ending–for anyone. That fact alone played a major role in my rating. I’m sick of seeing films where characters get out of an unlikely situation and go on with their lives; Eden Lake, on the hand, doesn’t follow that cliché. It does, however, rely a bit too heavily on coincidence and for that, I give it a rating of 4 out of 5.
What can possibly go wrong when you piss off a bunch of angsty teenagers in the middle of nowhere? As Jenny and Steve, the aforementioned vacationing young couple, learn, a lot. After Steve accidentally kills the gang leader’s dog, all hell breaks loose.
It’s the scenes of death and torture that really give this film its rating. When my boyfriend warned me about how twisted some of the scenes were, “WTF” wasn’t how I expected to react. The age-old, unspoken rule about killing children definitely doesn’t apply here. It’s gritty and jaw-dropping, and perfect for fans of campy horror films.
It should be noted that this film comes without a happy ending–for anyone. That fact alone played a major role in my rating. I’m sick of seeing films where characters get out of an unlikely situation and go on with their lives; Eden Lake, on the hand, doesn’t follow that cliché. It does, however, rely a bit too heavily on coincidence and for that, I give it a rating of 4 out of 5.
K-Li (5 KP) rated Betrayal at House on the Hill in Tabletop Games
May 25, 2018
Lots of rules to remember. (1 more)
Depending on a couple factors, the game can last for minutes or hours
Quit following me with that monkey
We recently played this with some friends and loved it. It's a tile game with an RPG element, during which the players construct a creepy mansion, then once activating the Haunt (the mission) one player is turned against everyone else, and the game shifts from tile exploration to a mission.
Each room added to the house has an event to play out, item to pick up or leave there, or omen that may behave like an event or item but also may trigger The Haunt, depending on die rolls.
The part I enjoyed was strategizing once The Haunt was triggered - once it happens, the scenario you play depends on the room you were in, and the cards drawn. The enemy has their own rule book, and everyone else shares another rule book. It really is great fun.
*We were preyed upon by aliens intent on taking us back to the mothership.*
I think the biggest downside to this game is the amount of things to remember, but I've heard the 2nd edition greatly improved on the first, which is what we played.
Each room added to the house has an event to play out, item to pick up or leave there, or omen that may behave like an event or item but also may trigger The Haunt, depending on die rolls.
The part I enjoyed was strategizing once The Haunt was triggered - once it happens, the scenario you play depends on the room you were in, and the cards drawn. The enemy has their own rule book, and everyone else shares another rule book. It really is great fun.
*We were preyed upon by aliens intent on taking us back to the mothership.*
I think the biggest downside to this game is the amount of things to remember, but I've heard the 2nd edition greatly improved on the first, which is what we played.
Leila (5 KP) rated Gwendy's Button Box in Books
Feb 3, 2019 (Updated Feb 3, 2019)
I'll admit, I checked this book out of the library and let it sit for a few months (I'm terrible, I know), but not for lack of interest, I just didn't have the time to sit down and read. Once I finally got around to it, I had completely forgotten why I had grabbed it up! The cover did not immediately scream "Stephen King" so I was a bit apprehensive starting out, willing myself to push through the first couple of pages.
To my surprise, I needn't have given myself such a talking to, as the book drew me in from first word. The main character has relatable relationships with the people around her, portrayed as the kid we all knew (or were) growing up, the one that just wanted to fit in and was always just on the outskirts. Things change of course, with the help of a special box, and we get a very real glimpse into how humanity deals with great power and responsibility.
My only criticism is that for once, I wasn't satisfied at the end of a King book, wishing there was a bit more, especially concerning the box itself. But then, if we always got all the answers, it wouldn't be a King book, now would it?
To my surprise, I needn't have given myself such a talking to, as the book drew me in from first word. The main character has relatable relationships with the people around her, portrayed as the kid we all knew (or were) growing up, the one that just wanted to fit in and was always just on the outskirts. Things change of course, with the help of a special box, and we get a very real glimpse into how humanity deals with great power and responsibility.
My only criticism is that for once, I wasn't satisfied at the end of a King book, wishing there was a bit more, especially concerning the box itself. But then, if we always got all the answers, it wouldn't be a King book, now would it?
Merissa (13169 KP) rated For Fox Sake (Fetish Alley #1) in Books
Feb 6, 2019
For Fox Sake (Fetish Alley #1) by Susan Mac Nicol
Featuring a couple of characters from the Men of London series, For Fox Sake is the first book in the Fetish Alley series, which I am sure is going to provide me with lots of excellent reading.
Clay and Tate are happy together, and with their investigation business. When an old flame of Clay's calls him with details of a suspicious death that the police have ruled as natural, it opens up a whole new 'alley' for them.
The heat is high in this book - both in and out of the sheets. It was fantastic to hear references to the 'Unholy Trinity', and it made me want to reacquaint myself with them all over again. Clay and Tate are perfect for each other, even when they have issues. There is no lack of communication between them, which made this a delight to read.
There is mystery, wit aplenty, excellent characters, brilliant scene-setting - all wrapped up in Susan Mac Nicol's writing style. With no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed, this is a wonderful addition to Ms. Mac Nicol's repertoire, and definitely 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!
Clay and Tate are happy together, and with their investigation business. When an old flame of Clay's calls him with details of a suspicious death that the police have ruled as natural, it opens up a whole new 'alley' for them.
The heat is high in this book - both in and out of the sheets. It was fantastic to hear references to the 'Unholy Trinity', and it made me want to reacquaint myself with them all over again. Clay and Tate are perfect for each other, even when they have issues. There is no lack of communication between them, which made this a delight to read.
There is mystery, wit aplenty, excellent characters, brilliant scene-setting - all wrapped up in Susan Mac Nicol's writing style. With no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed, this is a wonderful addition to Ms. Mac Nicol's repertoire, and definitely 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!
Sam (74 KP) rated Bookshop Girl in Books
Mar 27, 2019
Paige Turner works at a bookshop in her hometown alongside going to school, but then she gets the news that it’s closing down. When she finds this out, she decides she has to do something to save it.
I read this one within a couple of days. It’s a nice quick read to take on holiday, and is a good laugh. Although I did cringe slightly at the protagonist’s name, it was a good book overall with a decent plot.
It was very typically YA, so if you’re a massive YA fan you’ll love it. I like YA, but not cheesy YA romance, which I feel that this book verged on a little too much for my liking. It was a bit too lighthearted.
There’s also a plot twist further on to do with the boy Paige has a crush on which felt all a bit forced and a bit like it was just desperately grabbing for any plot possible. I’m not sure that the twist was the right thing to put in and I feel like it let down the novel a lot.
I’m not sure I’d read this again, but like I said, if you love cheesy YA, you will definitely love this. And it’s a really good lighthearted read to quickly read in an afternoon.
I read this one within a couple of days. It’s a nice quick read to take on holiday, and is a good laugh. Although I did cringe slightly at the protagonist’s name, it was a good book overall with a decent plot.
It was very typically YA, so if you’re a massive YA fan you’ll love it. I like YA, but not cheesy YA romance, which I feel that this book verged on a little too much for my liking. It was a bit too lighthearted.
There’s also a plot twist further on to do with the boy Paige has a crush on which felt all a bit forced and a bit like it was just desperately grabbing for any plot possible. I’m not sure that the twist was the right thing to put in and I feel like it let down the novel a lot.
I’m not sure I’d read this again, but like I said, if you love cheesy YA, you will definitely love this. And it’s a really good lighthearted read to quickly read in an afternoon.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Pet Sematary (2019) in Movies
Apr 17, 2019
A little lacklustre
I'm a little unsure what to make of this film. Despite it being a fairly close adaptation of the book and quite a short film (less than 2 hours), I found myself feeling ridiculously bored watching this. It just seemed to lack a little bit magic and came across as a bit flat, and isn't nearly as creepy as it could have been. They've opted for obvious jump scares rather than something a little more subtle, and I hate it when films do this. However that said, the physical effects were pretty good.
Acting wise apart from Ellie, I didn't think any of the cast to be particularly noteworthy. Even the usually wonderful John Lithgow was vastly underused. For the most part this sticks rather faithfully to the book, apart from a couple of bigger changes. I'm a little indifferent about these changes, one of which was spoilt by showing in the trailer. And the ending I still can't decide if I like or not. Whilst definitely creepier than the book ending, for me it seems to be doing the characters and their development a disservice.
Overall I came out of this film feeling a bit meh and unimpressed. Maybe its because there isn't a massive difference between this film and the original one, and this is just another unnecessary remake.
Acting wise apart from Ellie, I didn't think any of the cast to be particularly noteworthy. Even the usually wonderful John Lithgow was vastly underused. For the most part this sticks rather faithfully to the book, apart from a couple of bigger changes. I'm a little indifferent about these changes, one of which was spoilt by showing in the trailer. And the ending I still can't decide if I like or not. Whilst definitely creepier than the book ending, for me it seems to be doing the characters and their development a disservice.
Overall I came out of this film feeling a bit meh and unimpressed. Maybe its because there isn't a massive difference between this film and the original one, and this is just another unnecessary remake.
ClareR (5945 KP) rated The Last Widow (Will Trent #9) in Books
Jun 14, 2019
This latest book in the Will Trent series is centred around far right extremists (Alt-right, Nazi ideology - there’s a lot of ‘Blood and Soil’ being shouted about). I have to hold my hands up here, and admit that I haven’t read the other 8 books in the series, but that didn’t stop me enjoying this. I LOVED it. If it wasn’t for the fact that I had to wait for each ‘stave’ to be released on The Pigeonhole for 12 days, I would have read it all in a couple of sittings. ‘Gripping’ is not the word to describe this - or rather it IS the word, but I’d add ‘exciting, ‘tense’ and ‘oh blimey, I really ought to breathe now!’.
Seriously, it’s a really very good book - loads of great detail about Alt-right/ Nazi groups, a great storyline explaining the relationship between Will and Sara (for those of us who need to catch up), and how the group Sara is kidnapped by operates.
I don’t want to say anymore, because spoiling a book is not on, but I should perhaps warn that it does go into details of rape, torture and paedophilia. If these subjects are not for you, then you’d best avoid this book. However, if these subjects don’t turn you away from a book, just do yourself a favour and read it!!
Seriously, it’s a really very good book - loads of great detail about Alt-right/ Nazi groups, a great storyline explaining the relationship between Will and Sara (for those of us who need to catch up), and how the group Sara is kidnapped by operates.
I don’t want to say anymore, because spoiling a book is not on, but I should perhaps warn that it does go into details of rape, torture and paedophilia. If these subjects are not for you, then you’d best avoid this book. However, if these subjects don’t turn you away from a book, just do yourself a favour and read it!!
starwarsluvr (236 KP) rated Marie's World: The Aftermath in Books
Jan 30, 2018
Wow.. I went into this story not knowing what to expect. I ended up loving it and reading nonstop until it was over and I was left in this world wanting more of this world. It was amazing. In the beginning I did have to seriously follow which character was who because I did get a little bit confused off and on but once I had everyone down and figured it all out following it was easy and a lot of fun. The characters were fast paced... they were sexy and mysterious.. Marie was an amazing woman.. strong, sad, happy and everything else you can think of. At times I really didn't like Marie.. she would do something and I'd think.. you are an idiot.. but then a couple pages later something would happen and I'd go... ohhhhh, now I get it. lol The ending was a bit sad for me.. I wanted it to go another direction and I was hoping for another way because Marie had been through a lot but the ending at the same time made sense and leaves it open for what I hope will be another and that it will explain even more. Kristal did an amazing job with her writing and her imagery in this story and her muse was amazing :)
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2395 KP) rated Crime and Poetry (Magical Bookshop, #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
When Violet Waverly arrives in Cascade Springs, New York, she finds that her grandmother isn’t sick like she’d been told. Instead, her grandmother needs to tell her some family secrets involving the old bookstore that she runs. Violet isn’t interested in learning about them, however, and plans to leave the next morning. Only in the morning, her grandmother’s beau is found strangled. With her grandmother a suspect, Violet must stick around to figure out what happened, and she will get some help from a very unlikely source.
I normally try to avoid magic in my mysteries, but this concept sounded like so much fun I had to give it a try. I’m glad I did since I enjoyed the story very much. Magic does play a part, but only a small part, in solving the mystery. Most of the book is still spent following Violet around as she attempts to figure out what is happening. The characters are strong, and I can see them feeling like old friends soon. A couple of sub-plots felt predictable and slow things down a tad at times, but that’s a minor issue overall.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in hopes I would review it.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/06/book-review-crime-and-poetry-by-amanda.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I normally try to avoid magic in my mysteries, but this concept sounded like so much fun I had to give it a try. I’m glad I did since I enjoyed the story very much. Magic does play a part, but only a small part, in solving the mystery. Most of the book is still spent following Violet around as she attempts to figure out what is happening. The characters are strong, and I can see them feeling like old friends soon. A couple of sub-plots felt predictable and slow things down a tad at times, but that’s a minor issue overall.
NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in hopes I would review it.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/06/book-review-crime-and-poetry-by-amanda.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.