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Cube 2: Hypercube (2002)
Cube 2: Hypercube (2002)
2002 | Sci-Fi
2
5.1 (7 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Christ, I did not have fun with this. Cube 2: Hypercube is unfortunately a downgrade of its predecessor in every single way, so I'll start with a couple of positives - 1. Kari Matchett gives us a likable enough lead to follow. 2. When the film first introduces parallel dimensions around 30 minutes in, it became vaguely interesting for about two minutes. And that's about your lot.

Every single character is a walking cliché. The introductions to all these people go on for waaayy too long, and I found myself pretty much immediately wanting them to die, but we're not even allowed to enjoy that aspect. The little gore on display looks awful, nothing done practically, and instead with CGI that looks like deep fried turd, CGI that is draped liberally all over the movie.
Then there's the titular cube itself. Gone are the intricate and Hellraiser-esque aesthetics of the first film, to make way for a clinical white series of Cube rooms (with a grey trim just to spice things up a bit). It just looks terrible.
The narrative isn't too compelling either, with twist after twist thrown at the viewer, but none which have any impact. It even throws in one at the very end which just isn't explained in any capacity. A lazy script with a lazy plot.

I'm pretty sure I had even more negatives to say about Cube 2, but honestly, I'm getting bored just thinking about this film, so yeah, it's poo.
  
Eleanor & Park
Eleanor & Park
Rainbow Rowell | 2016 | Young Adult (YA)
Read the original review: https://bookmarkedreading.wordpress.com/2015/10/20/book-review-eleanor-park/

I've heard so much about this; everyone seems to have read and fallen in love with it. I decided it was about time I give it a go!

It is a wonderful book. It tells the story of Park, a half-Korean punk-music-loving boy in Omaha. And it tells the story of Eleanor, the big red-headed girl who's moved back in with her large family after being kicked out by her step-dad.

I love how this tells their individual stories as well as the story of them as a couple. The problems Park encounters with his dad, and the horrible things Eleanor endures from her nasty step-father. And the way the pair of them began to fall in love during their time together on the school bus.

Romances aren't really my thing, but this was rather cute. I must admit that I have to question the reality of some of it; it seemed to happen so quickly and almost perfectly. Actually, that's a lie. It isn't perfect. It is realistically imperfect in the way that they have their doubts and problems. But it was just all so fast... I don't know. I'm not exactly an expert in these things!

The ending was heartbreaking. It was unexpected, too, though I suppose I should have seen it coming to an extent. Rainbow Rowell (great name!) has made this relate-able and emotional and easy to read. 4 stars for Eleanor & Park.
  
A Fire Story
A Fire Story
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is similar to The Best We Could Do in that it is both a series of comics and a memoir. It's the story of the Californian fire, and how it affected Brian Fies and his wife's lives.

Fies begins by illustrating how the couple awoke on the night of the fire, and how they began to frantically yet methodically pack up their belongings. He details the escape, the bewilderment they felt and the huge sense of loss. Later, he really emphasises how much a person grieves for the loss of their home and belongings. It's not the value that's important, it's the memories.

Throughout the book there are also several other people's experiences. Some were also in their home at the time of the fire, while others were on holiday abroad, watching the events unfold through social media. All of these accounts had one particular thing in common: they all mention how they did not expect to be gone from their homes forever. They thought they would be able to return soon, and did not plan on leaving everything behind for the final time.

This was a fantastic book. Fies included little comics illustrating "a day in the life" after the fire, where the little, seemingly insignificant things reminded them of their loss. He also follows up with the process of reconstructing their house - and outlines some of the difficulties they never expected to face.

The art was lovely, with enough detail to clearly illustrate the events. The dialogue was perfect and sounded completely authentic, and expressed the emotions well. 5 stars.
  
Lost & Found by Polar Youth
Lost & Found by Polar Youth
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Polar Youth is a 24-year-old producer from Ghent, Belgium. Not too long ago, she released a lovely electro-R&B duet, entitled, “Call Out”, featuring WAYI & Lani Rose.

“In a way, you told me lies, in a way you let me go. In a way, you said goodbye, my heart jumped on the floor. Felt it all the way outside the door when you said you didn’t need me anymore. Felt the pain in my heart when you said, ‘let me go’.” – lyrics

‘Call Out’ tells a bittersweet tale of a once budding couple who experience an emotional breakup.

Apparently, the guy is the one who broke off the problematic relationship, and now the woman feels like falling.


The likable tune contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and mellow instrumentation flavored with atmospheric pop synths and ethereal electronic sounds.

“The main inspiration behind ‘Call Out’ is something everyone has felt at some point in their life. Loving someone so hard but being pushed away, leaving you desperate and heartbroken.” – Polar Youth

Polar Youth prides herself in adding heart & pop melodies in electronic music.

Her recipe has earned her Red Bull Elektropedia’s Most Promising Artist Award, a remix released under Majestic Casual, and a collaboration with DJ Fresh.

For this release, she put the spotlight on WAYI, who is endorsed by BBC 1Xtra and Elton John, and 21-year-old St. Louis-based singer Lani Rose.

‘Call Out’ is featured on her debut EP, entitled, “Lost & Found”. The 6-track project also features Fortress, Trent the HOOLiGAN, Sangstaa, and ËMIA.
  
Size of Relief by Young & Sick
Size of Relief by Young & Sick
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Polar Youth is a 24-year-old producer from Ghent, Belgium. Not too long ago, she released a lovely electro-R&B duet, entitled, “Call Out”, featuring WAYI & Lani Rose.

“In a way, you told me lies, in a way you let me go. In a way, you said goodbye, my heart jumped on the floor. Felt it all the way outside the door when you said you didn’t need me anymore. Felt the pain in my heart when you said, ‘let me go’.” – lyrics

‘Call Out’ tells a bittersweet tale of a once budding couple who experience an emotional breakup.

Apparently, the guy is the one who broke off the problematic relationship, and now the woman feels like falling.

The likable tune contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and mellow instrumentation flavored with atmospheric pop synths and ethereal electronic sounds.

“The main inspiration behind ‘Call Out’ is something everyone has felt at some point in their life. Loving someone so hard but being pushed away, leaving you desperate and heartbroken.” – Polar Youth

Polar Youth prides herself in adding heart & pop melodies in electronic music.

Her recipe has earned her Red Bull Elektropedia’s Most Promising Artist Award, a remix released under Majestic Casual, and a collaboration with DJ Fresh.

For this release, she put the spotlight on WAYI, who is endorsed by BBC 1Xtra and Elton John, and 21-year-old St. Louis-based singer Lani Rose.

‘Call Out’ is featured on her debut EP, entitled, “Lost & Found”. The 6-track project also features Fortress, Trent the HOOLiGAN, Sangstaa, and ËMIA.
  
Mind Sweeper (Mind Sweeper #1)
Mind Sweeper (Mind Sweeper #1)
A.E. Jones | 2014
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I won this book via Goodreads' First Reads program (and I'm so happy I did! Thank you for the goodies, too, A.E. :D)

<a href="http://s216.photobucket.com/user/leannecrab/media/DSCN3257.jpg.html"; target="_blank"><img src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc19/leannecrab/DSCN3257.jpg"; border="0" alt=" photo DSCN3257.jpg"/></a>

4.5 stars.

This book has everything that I like in a paranormal read; action, romance, investigations... I really, really, really liked it!

<a href="http://s216.photobucket.com/user/leannecrab/media/DSCN3258.jpg.html"; target="_blank"><img src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc19/leannecrab/DSCN3258.jpg"; border="0" alt=" photo DSCN3258.jpg"/></a>

"Happy Reading"? It definitely was for me!

I literally read every word of this, which I don't always do as it is generally just filler/too much information for my liking, but I felt like I would miss something if I missed any one word of this. And still managed to finish it within three days

The case took up all the book and I have to admit that I had no idea who was behind it all but I loved how the author had linked everything together.

The romance was slow growing; it wasn't insta-love and I really felt it happening which was great. I love Kyle and Joe as a couple. I'd love to read more of them (nudge, nudge ;-))

I'm definitely looking forward to reading more books by the author if there is more along this line coming. Great book for a debut!
  
    Goldesel - Geld verdienen

    Goldesel - Geld verdienen

    Lifestyle and Shopping

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Lies Lies Lies
Lies Lies Lies
Adele Parks | 2019 | Fiction & Poetry, Thriller
7
8.3 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
"Millie was a miracle. Conceived without any medical intervention. A miracle. She saved us."

This was my first book by Adele Parks, and I found she sucked me into the story from the very beginning. For me, the plot was easily the star here. This was a twisty thriller that kept me guessing, often wondering which path it was going to lead us down next. While I had an inkling about one particular plot point, others took me by complete surprise, which was fun. I always love a mystery that keeps me on my toes and goes down completely unexpected paths.

"People with secrets rarely sleep soundly. Fact."

One strength of the book is the fact that it's told from both Daisy and Simon's perspectives. Neither are particularly sympathetic, but it's easy to get caught up in their worlds. Daisy comes across as a doormat, who cannot stand up to her alcoholic husband. And Simon, of course, a drunk who endangers his family on a regular basis. You want to shake some sense into both of them. But there's certainly a twisted web of lies and secrets behind the foundation of this couple. Nothing is as it seems, and as time goes on, you can start to at least understand some of their motivations.

Overall, I enjoyed this one. I welcomed a different plot, which had some surprises in store. The ending was a bit ambiguous, but overall still a solid read. 3.75 stars, rounded to 4 here.
  
Fire in the Rain (Wraidd Elfennol #4)
Fire in the Rain (Wraidd Elfennol #4)
Morgan Sheppard | 2018 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
Fire in the Rain is the fourth and final book in the Wraidd Elfennol series and brings this fantastical series to a fitting end.

Afon and Necia are a married couple, which makes a nice change, who have been together for five years. They are both Chosen to bring back the balance once more although Necia copes with it easier than Afon does.

Just the same as with Of Land and Sky, time has moved on and we meet the great-grandchildren of Bran and Shyla, Rhosyn and Opal. I love how past characters are brought into the story whilst each story stands by itself, although I would recommend reading them as a series as there is an overall story arc.

This book has a faster pace than the others but it is just as nail-biting in places. Packed full of emotions, this story deals with self-confidence and self-worth as well as other subjects.

This has been a full-on fantasy series that I have thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend to all fantasy lovers, especially if you have a love of Welsh mythology.

"The one thing that always remained true, no matter what other change occurred, was the love to be found within the silence of beats of the heart of Wraidd Elfennol."

* 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!
  
Hollyberry Homicide
Hollyberry Homicide
Sharon Farrow | 2020 | Mystery
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Will Marlee Make it on Stage as a Ghost?
Marlee Jacobs is looking forward to celebrating Christmas, but before she can get there, she has a few things on her plate. In addition to the usual decorating and present buying, there’s the town hollyberry festival. Plus, she’s taking over the role of Jacob Marley in the town’s annual adaptation of A Christmas Carol at the last minute. The actor who normally plays the part died unexpectedly. Well, maybe not quite so unexpectedly since he was ninety-five. While everyone is certain it was natural causes, something feels off to Marlee. Couple that with the rumors that the play is cursed, and Marlee will have to find time to add sleuthing to her December schedule. What will she uncover?

As you might have guessed, this book’s plot unfolds a little differently from the typical cozy mystery, and I loved it all the more for that fact. Don’t worry, there is always something happening to keep your attention, and I loved how Marlee unraveled everything in the end. The characters in this series are charming, and that’s the case here once again. We get plenty of Christmas spirit in the pages of this book, which is a must for a Christmas entry in a series. Rounding out the book, we get three berry inspired recipes at the end. When you are making a list of Christmas cozies to read this December, make sure this book is on it. No need to check it twice, you’ll definitely enjoy it.