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Tamsin Clark (15 KP) rated Pixel Puzzles in Video Games
Jan 23, 2018 (Updated Jan 23, 2018)
Over 1000 achievements to boost Steam (2 more)
Lots of variously themed puzzle packs
Lots of customisation
The goddamn music (2 more)
Packs need to be bought
Time sink
Surprisingly addictive
I actually ended up with Pixel Puzzles from a G2A random game pack and left it in my Steam library for almost a year until I saw someone mention it again recently. I expected poor quality but actually, this is a really fun jigsaw puzzle game. There's a ton of achievements to be gained and by doing puzzles you 'earn' tokens that you can buy things within the in-game shop that you can customise your game with (backgrounds, music, cursors, even extra puzzles). The puzzles come in various piece amounts from 60 into the hundreds, and they are often created in various styles so it's not just the same old jigsaw pieces with different images.
The game is a time sink; before you know it you've spent 2 hrs on a puzzle or 3. There's so much in there and considering you can get packs for a couple of pounds in various places, it's a really fun thing to have in your library. However once you're through those cheap packs the new ones can cost a fortune, which is where this game loses points. Personally, I expect to be able to buy the game with all the puzzles, not have to fork out more and more money just to get new images.
The game is a time sink; before you know it you've spent 2 hrs on a puzzle or 3. There's so much in there and considering you can get packs for a couple of pounds in various places, it's a really fun thing to have in your library. However once you're through those cheap packs the new ones can cost a fortune, which is where this game loses points. Personally, I expect to be able to buy the game with all the puzzles, not have to fork out more and more money just to get new images.
tonidavis (353 KP) rated Love, Simon (2018) in Movies
Jan 25, 2018
Nick Robinson (3 more)
Tony Hale
Plot/premise
Subject matter well handled
So close to 10 out of 10
This was a beautiful stunning film. If you like Rom coms or teenage films then this is a must see.
Nick Robinson not only does Simon justice. He is truely captivating at holding each and every scene. His character and presence is remarkable. I truely believe he is a superstar on the rise.
Every cast member in this film was good and some really suprised me. I Think the most surprising for me was Tony Hale preformance as the vice principal in the book this is a character I have very little emotion or love for on screen he makes the characharacter cter vibrant.
I have read the book and so went into this film with certain expectations. Whilst I understand you will never get an exact book to screen represetation (more the pity) I do get annoyed if film makers throw premise out of the window or do what I call hollywoodising it to make it dramtic for rating. Until this film was nearly finished I was sat going oh my god they done a brilliant representation then an event happens and for a couple of scence I though it lost it way but unlike most films. This film brought it back to premise and story and had a great ending.
Nick Robinson not only does Simon justice. He is truely captivating at holding each and every scene. His character and presence is remarkable. I truely believe he is a superstar on the rise.
Every cast member in this film was good and some really suprised me. I Think the most surprising for me was Tony Hale preformance as the vice principal in the book this is a character I have very little emotion or love for on screen he makes the characharacter cter vibrant.
I have read the book and so went into this film with certain expectations. Whilst I understand you will never get an exact book to screen represetation (more the pity) I do get annoyed if film makers throw premise out of the window or do what I call hollywoodising it to make it dramtic for rating. Until this film was nearly finished I was sat going oh my god they done a brilliant representation then an event happens and for a couple of scence I though it lost it way but unlike most films. This film brought it back to premise and story and had a great ending.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2395 KP) rated When the Grits Hit the Fan in Books
Mar 9, 2018
To help make money in the cold February winter, Robbie Jordan has opened up her restaurant for dinner two Friday’s a month to the Sociology department of a nearby college. Any thoughts she had about this being a calm exchange of ideas goes out the window when one of the professors, Charles, picks fights with two different people. The next afternoon, Robbie is out with her friend Lou when they find Charles under the ice in the nearby lake. Since Lou had fought with Charles the night before, the police are looking at her as a suspect. But with Charles as universally hated as he was, surely Robbie can find a better suspect, right?
Charles’s habit of making enemies serves us plenty of suspects. The lack of clues to point the finger at any single person makes for lots of fun. I was never bored watching the plot unfold. A couple of the series regulars weren’t around for this book, but those who were around were certainly delightful. The suspects were all strong and viable, and the climax was creative and page turning. Can I just say how much I would love to visit Robbie’s restaurant? Seriously, it sounds delightful. (Well, when a murder isn’t taking place, of course.)
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/03/book-review-when-grits-hit-fan-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Charles’s habit of making enemies serves us plenty of suspects. The lack of clues to point the finger at any single person makes for lots of fun. I was never bored watching the plot unfold. A couple of the series regulars weren’t around for this book, but those who were around were certainly delightful. The suspects were all strong and viable, and the climax was creative and page turning. Can I just say how much I would love to visit Robbie’s restaurant? Seriously, it sounds delightful. (Well, when a murder isn’t taking place, of course.)
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/03/book-review-when-grits-hit-fan-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Fates and Furies in Books
Feb 13, 2018
This novel details the story of Lotto and Mathilde, who meet as their college days are ending and marry shortly thereafter. Lotto and Mathilde appear to all as a glamorous and lovely couple-- adored by all their friends. However, their marriage and relationship may not be all it appears - even to each other.
Groff starts off the book from Lotto's point of view and then halfway through, we get Mathilde's side. (Therefore, everyone must compare it to "Gone Girl," which is driving me crazy. Can we just stop using "Gone Girl" as the marker to which to compare every book written since?! Thank you.) It's an interesting and well-done plot device, in Groff's deft hands, and you find yourself amazed at how the relationship differs between the two perspectives.
There's a lot of discussion of Lotto and Mathilde's parties (a bit much for me) and a backstory to Lotto's childhood (and eventually Mathilde's). Groff does an excellent job of showing how Lotto and Mathilde's childhood formed the people they became as adults -- and how they acted as spouses. I won't lie - I enjoyed Mathilde's section a bit more, even if I didn't perhaps like her as much as Lotto as a person - she's an interesting character. The end is a little much, but the novel is still well-done. I'd rate it as 3.5 stars - some of it dragged a bit for me, but I certainly enjoyed it.
Groff starts off the book from Lotto's point of view and then halfway through, we get Mathilde's side. (Therefore, everyone must compare it to "Gone Girl," which is driving me crazy. Can we just stop using "Gone Girl" as the marker to which to compare every book written since?! Thank you.) It's an interesting and well-done plot device, in Groff's deft hands, and you find yourself amazed at how the relationship differs between the two perspectives.
There's a lot of discussion of Lotto and Mathilde's parties (a bit much for me) and a backstory to Lotto's childhood (and eventually Mathilde's). Groff does an excellent job of showing how Lotto and Mathilde's childhood formed the people they became as adults -- and how they acted as spouses. I won't lie - I enjoyed Mathilde's section a bit more, even if I didn't perhaps like her as much as Lotto as a person - she's an interesting character. The end is a little much, but the novel is still well-done. I'd rate it as 3.5 stars - some of it dragged a bit for me, but I certainly enjoyed it.
Alicia S (193 KP) rated The Boy and His Ribbon in Books
Jun 18, 2018
Growing up changes us and sometimes life, and our hearts, have other plans...
Admittedly, I'm a sucker for anything Pepper Winters writes and in the past, she had originally drawn me in with multiple dark romance/suspense series. A Boy and His Ribbon is unlike most of her well-known works, yet similar to Unseen Messages (one of my all-time favorites), as both stories are based on characters living wild. A scenario that speaks to my wanderlust soul and moves me like no other topic. The story follows Ren and Della, two children who escape abuse and a fate worse than even any animal should endure. Growing up alone, fending for themselves, this story takes us through years of this unlikely pair growing up uneducated, unsocialized and learning from each other. And with such fierce love, devotion and determination from children so young... We've all had to deal with the ups and downs of growing up. Imagine facing your teenage years that come with messy feelings and changes, without any guidance or expectations? This Coming of Age/Romance teeters between not quite right and completely understandable. Like every other Pepper Winters title in the past, I devoured this book. It tore my heart out, leaving me in suspense until book 2 in the Ribbon Series, The Girl and Her Ren is released in June.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Son of the Shadows (Sevenwaters, #2) in Books
Jul 12, 2018
Well... This book took me quite a long time to finish. Aka, I didn't have as much of a commute for the past 2 weeks.
This book is beautiful. Juliet Marillier is truly a master at weaving a story. This book was recommended to me by my sister and I cannot believe that it took me this long to finally read it. A couple years ago, I did a reading challenge where I asked my family and close friends what book they would want me to read. Naturally, my sister chose the first in this series with the knowledge that I would relate better to the second. I'm glad that I took the time to listen to the audiobook of this novel. The narrator was wonderful and truly made the series come alive. For the past two days, I have actually gone out of my way to listen to the book when normally I would just listen to it on my drive into work.
The characters in this book are spectacular. I loved how Juliet Marillier captured the anguish, joy, and all the emotions in between. I fell in love with the relationships that were written in this series. The characters were realistic and had great depth to them.
If you're looking for a beautiful fantasy with some romance, this is the book for you. Seriously, you need to read this book.
This book is beautiful. Juliet Marillier is truly a master at weaving a story. This book was recommended to me by my sister and I cannot believe that it took me this long to finally read it. A couple years ago, I did a reading challenge where I asked my family and close friends what book they would want me to read. Naturally, my sister chose the first in this series with the knowledge that I would relate better to the second. I'm glad that I took the time to listen to the audiobook of this novel. The narrator was wonderful and truly made the series come alive. For the past two days, I have actually gone out of my way to listen to the book when normally I would just listen to it on my drive into work.
The characters in this book are spectacular. I loved how Juliet Marillier captured the anguish, joy, and all the emotions in between. I fell in love with the relationships that were written in this series. The characters were realistic and had great depth to them.
If you're looking for a beautiful fantasy with some romance, this is the book for you. Seriously, you need to read this book.
Lee (2222 KP) rated Hotel Artemis (2018) in Movies
Jul 21, 2018
This review is probably a little unfair in that I actually managed to fall asleep for the last 20 minutes of it! It was a very hot cinema, very comfortable seating and the end of a very long week for me, so not my fault. Who am I kidding, I'm just an old aged lightweight!
Anyway, the year is 2028, we're in Los Angeles and there is currently rioting on the streets. In among all of this, Jodie Foster is running Hotel Artemis, an emergency hospital and recuperation area where criminals who have paid for membership can go to get patched up. Dave Bautista is her assistant, he's basically Drax the hospital porter.
A small number of criminals are already recuperating in the hotel and are soon joined by a couple of guys fresh off a job and in need of medical attention. Unknowingly though, one of the guys has stolen something he shouldn't have done, a pen vault containing some very previous gems...
What I saw of the movie was a bit of a slow burn. It's all very John Wick, but without the action, and nowhere near as good. However, you just know that the action is coming and everything is building up to it. Unfortunately though, that's where I checked out for a while, and I can't tell you how annoyed I was when I woke up again, 2 minutes from the end!
Anyway, the year is 2028, we're in Los Angeles and there is currently rioting on the streets. In among all of this, Jodie Foster is running Hotel Artemis, an emergency hospital and recuperation area where criminals who have paid for membership can go to get patched up. Dave Bautista is her assistant, he's basically Drax the hospital porter.
A small number of criminals are already recuperating in the hotel and are soon joined by a couple of guys fresh off a job and in need of medical attention. Unknowingly though, one of the guys has stolen something he shouldn't have done, a pen vault containing some very previous gems...
What I saw of the movie was a bit of a slow burn. It's all very John Wick, but without the action, and nowhere near as good. However, you just know that the action is coming and everything is building up to it. Unfortunately though, that's where I checked out for a while, and I can't tell you how annoyed I was when I woke up again, 2 minutes from the end!
Roxanne (13 KP) rated Beat Depression Fast: 10 Steps to a Happier You Using Positive Psychology in Books
Nov 14, 2018
3.5 stars
As I have mentioned before in another review I find it difficult to rate self help books. The reason for this is because I cannot state if the activities within these pages will actually work. Recovery from depression is a very long journey, longer than this book takes to read and so I can't really comment on if these theories work as I'm yet to delve deeper. I was struggling between 3 stars and 4 stars so I settled with a 3.5. Some of the terminology was a bit much to understand in places and I thought there was perhaps a bit too much repetition, also there were a couple mistakes which could actually offend some people. On the other hand, this book was filled with some great information. I have read a fair few self help books on depression and so I was surprised to come across some new information I didn't already know. I was able to discover more ways in which depression can take hold and actually found out I drastically need to change my diet...I never really thought about it before but after doing one of the exercises I discovered how poor my diet actually is. The meditation parts in this book were ok, easy to follow and understand but I'm yet to know if they will work. The journey of recovery will continue long after this book is returned to the library.
As I have mentioned before in another review I find it difficult to rate self help books. The reason for this is because I cannot state if the activities within these pages will actually work. Recovery from depression is a very long journey, longer than this book takes to read and so I can't really comment on if these theories work as I'm yet to delve deeper. I was struggling between 3 stars and 4 stars so I settled with a 3.5. Some of the terminology was a bit much to understand in places and I thought there was perhaps a bit too much repetition, also there were a couple mistakes which could actually offend some people. On the other hand, this book was filled with some great information. I have read a fair few self help books on depression and so I was surprised to come across some new information I didn't already know. I was able to discover more ways in which depression can take hold and actually found out I drastically need to change my diet...I never really thought about it before but after doing one of the exercises I discovered how poor my diet actually is. The meditation parts in this book were ok, easy to follow and understand but I'm yet to know if they will work. The journey of recovery will continue long after this book is returned to the library.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Close to You in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Kara Isaac took my breath away with such a beautiful story. I can't wait to get my hands on her next release coming out in just a few weeks! Filled with so many dynamics, I was biting my nails, laughing out loud, sighing with relief, and at times, even yelling at the book. I have always been a fan of Tolkien and so I found the setting both brilliant and intriguing. This story hit close to home in the fact that I know what it is to be hurt and have a fear of trusting people. It was so encouraging though to watch Allie and Jackson's journey. Cheering them on and hoping they find their healing in Lord along the way. Filled with quotes from Tolkien and random #NerdGirl knowledge, I had so much fun reading Close to You. This is THE book that I chose to read on my way home from Nashville. I think the people on my flights thought I was crazy for the giggling that commenced a couple of times. If you enjoy a good, clean romance, Lord of the Rings, and New Zealand, you will fall head over teakettle for Kara Isaac and Close to You!
I received a free copy of Close to You in my "Swag Bag" from Christian Fiction Readers Retreat, Nashville, 2016. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I received a free copy of Close to You in my "Swag Bag" from Christian Fiction Readers Retreat, Nashville, 2016. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
David McK (3600 KP) rated Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers (Red Dwarf #1) in Books
Jan 28, 2019 (Updated Sep 1, 2019)
Back in the late 80s/early 90s, there was a TV show on British terrestial channles, that gained a bit of a cult following: 'Red Dwarf'.
Set on a 6-mile long mining ship in deep space, the early years of Red Dwarf were centred around the odd-couple pairing of Dave Lister (the last known Human alive, who was in a stasis booth - released thousands of years later - when a radiation leak wiped out the crew of the eponymous ship) and Arnold J Rimmer: a hologram of his dead bunk-mate, and perhaps the most annoying man in existence. Added to this are the ships now-senile computer Holly and the Cat: a creature evolved from a cat that Lister had smuggle aboard (and why he was in the stasis booth in the first place).
To this, and round about season 3 (although he first made an appearance in season 2), was added Kryten: a mechanoid with an overactive guilt chip.
Some novels based on a TV show seem to pretty much just repeat the episode scene for scene; others seem to share nothing in common with hteir source material except the name. This, I felt, falls somewhere in the middle: while certain segments of the novel do indeed follow (very) closely to their source, others only use that as their starting-off point. It aslo does a better job of tying the episodes together than the TV show ever could!
Set on a 6-mile long mining ship in deep space, the early years of Red Dwarf were centred around the odd-couple pairing of Dave Lister (the last known Human alive, who was in a stasis booth - released thousands of years later - when a radiation leak wiped out the crew of the eponymous ship) and Arnold J Rimmer: a hologram of his dead bunk-mate, and perhaps the most annoying man in existence. Added to this are the ships now-senile computer Holly and the Cat: a creature evolved from a cat that Lister had smuggle aboard (and why he was in the stasis booth in the first place).
To this, and round about season 3 (although he first made an appearance in season 2), was added Kryten: a mechanoid with an overactive guilt chip.
Some novels based on a TV show seem to pretty much just repeat the episode scene for scene; others seem to share nothing in common with hteir source material except the name. This, I felt, falls somewhere in the middle: while certain segments of the novel do indeed follow (very) closely to their source, others only use that as their starting-off point. It aslo does a better job of tying the episodes together than the TV show ever could!