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Merissa (12051 KP) rated Muse (Descended From Myth #1) in Books
May 31, 2023
This book is written from the perspectives of both Anna and Daniel, so we get to see both sides. Anna is a bit of an anomaly as she is unaware of being a Talent, or anything that it entails. Daniel has grown up knowing what it is like to have a parent more interested in his charge, than with his family and is determined not to follow the same path. That intention gets blown out of the water as soon as he meets Anna.
This is a fast-paced young adult romance, filled with quirks and quips guaranteed to keep me amused whilst reading. I loved Anna's sense of humour and especially the Yoda quote she gives. That about killed me đ Daniel is hot in every way, well aware of the line between protective and obsessive.
Absolutely loved this book, and can't wait for more. Bring on book 2, Talent! Highly recommended.
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 21, 2016
This is a fast-paced young adult romance, filled with quirks and quips guaranteed to keep me amused whilst reading. I loved Anna's sense of humour and especially the Yoda quote she gives. That about killed me đ Daniel is hot in every way, well aware of the line between protective and obsessive.
Absolutely loved this book, and can't wait for more. Bring on book 2, Talent! Highly recommended.
* I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 21, 2016
BookishWoo (317 KP) rated The Inner Palette in Books
May 30, 2020
Careful and considered approach to aid in childrenâs mental health
We are constantly being told that mental health is a common occurrence for school age children and worryingly this is becoming an increasing issue for those at Primary age.
When Daniel approached me and asked if I would review his book, I was all ready to say no, not because I wasnât interested, but more because I would not usually review books for Primary ages as my children are now adults and thankfully havenât made me a grandmother yet! I am really not ready to be called Grandma, Nan or Nanna!
However, out of consideration to Daniel, I took a look at the synopsis and realised that the subject matter of his book resonated with me as one of my children has had and continues to have mental health issues of varying degrees although thankfully not to a detrimental effect.
This was honestly a beautiful little story and an equally beautifully illustrated book. Daniel takes a very careful and considered approach to explaining to children how to cope when our minds are drowned out by bad thoughts and feelings.
One could argue that this same approach could be used in equal measures for adults too, as lets face it we all struggle mentally at some point.
My only criticism is that I thought there were some lengthy words for the very young but that is counterbalanced by the illustrations and it is a book that you would read together as a family to aid in opening honest discussions so if necessary, a parent, guardian or carer could use easier words in place of, to avoid having to explain the meaning.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone with children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews and to anyone who works with children.
When Daniel approached me and asked if I would review his book, I was all ready to say no, not because I wasnât interested, but more because I would not usually review books for Primary ages as my children are now adults and thankfully havenât made me a grandmother yet! I am really not ready to be called Grandma, Nan or Nanna!
However, out of consideration to Daniel, I took a look at the synopsis and realised that the subject matter of his book resonated with me as one of my children has had and continues to have mental health issues of varying degrees although thankfully not to a detrimental effect.
This was honestly a beautiful little story and an equally beautifully illustrated book. Daniel takes a very careful and considered approach to explaining to children how to cope when our minds are drowned out by bad thoughts and feelings.
One could argue that this same approach could be used in equal measures for adults too, as lets face it we all struggle mentally at some point.
My only criticism is that I thought there were some lengthy words for the very young but that is counterbalanced by the illustrations and it is a book that you would read together as a family to aid in opening honest discussions so if necessary, a parent, guardian or carer could use easier words in place of, to avoid having to explain the meaning.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone with children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews and to anyone who works with children.
Jamie (57 KP) rated Parenting From the Inside Out in Books
Nov 28, 2018
Finally finished! Took me 8 months to read it, but was so worth the read. The reason it took me a long time was all the processing through the valuable information this book presented. Yes, it's a parenting book, since I am not a parent, I initially started reading it with my sister in law Kris and sister Carri for the soul purpose of learning to build healthier relationships with the people in my life.
The last chapter a new door opened up for me, a chance to help a 12 year old girl and the last chapter gave me some relevant reading material and journaling opportunities for me to work with her and myself. It's amazing how God does that. I recommend this book to anyone who wishes to learn about how our brains develop in children, ourselves, and how we relate to each other. AWESOME! is all I have to say about "Parenting From The Inside Out" By Daniel J Siegel and Mary Hartzell.
The last chapter a new door opened up for me, a chance to help a 12 year old girl and the last chapter gave me some relevant reading material and journaling opportunities for me to work with her and myself. It's amazing how God does that. I recommend this book to anyone who wishes to learn about how our brains develop in children, ourselves, and how we relate to each other. AWESOME! is all I have to say about "Parenting From The Inside Out" By Daniel J Siegel and Mary Hartzell.
BackToTheMovies (56 KP) rated The Haunting of Sharon Tate (2019) in Movies
Jun 21, 2019
With it being 50 years since the tragic Manson murders in California we have a year of Manson movies. We have the independent film Charlie Says which explores Manson and his cult in sensitive detail before the tragic night. We have Tarantinoâs Once Up A Time In Hollywood which has been given the go-ahead from Sharon Tateâs sister to be made. Then we have this. The Haunting of Sharon Tate. An overly exploitative piece that twists truths to create a narrative and completely trashes the legacy of the late actress.
August 8, 1969, the night that Sharon Tate, Jay Sebring, Wojciech Frykowski, Abigail Folger and Steven Parent were brutally murdered. The film focuses on the days before the tragic event. The movie dramatizes the slayings and plays on the notion that Sharon Tate predicted her own death in the days leading up to the slaughter.
Surrounded by bad acting and awful scripting it was a very poor choice to make this film in the first place. Writer-director Daniel Farrands has created an offensive and frankly insulting âthrillerâ. Hilary Duff stars as Sharon Tate and whilst she somewhat looks the part, she doesnât have that raw magic and flair that Sharon had. This tragic event has been turned into some stock-horror slash um up movie with a psychic paranormal twist.
At one point Mansonâs song âCease to Existâ plays to Sharon over a tape player and the Manson Family stalks Tate and her friends around her home. It really is that bad. The introduction of the movie shows real-life footage as a black and white Hilary Duff talks about her own death. The opening scene of the movie is enough to want me to turn off the film instantly.
The Haunting of Sharon Tate still
With no care or respect being paid to the real-life counterparts, the movie has very little to say other than âyouâre going to die soonâ. Thereâs no feeling of empathy. The Haunting of Sharon Tate is just a 90-minute exploitation of a horrific night in Hollywoodâs history.
https://backtothemovies.com/exploitative-trash-the-haunting-of-sharon-tate-review/
August 8, 1969, the night that Sharon Tate, Jay Sebring, Wojciech Frykowski, Abigail Folger and Steven Parent were brutally murdered. The film focuses on the days before the tragic event. The movie dramatizes the slayings and plays on the notion that Sharon Tate predicted her own death in the days leading up to the slaughter.
Surrounded by bad acting and awful scripting it was a very poor choice to make this film in the first place. Writer-director Daniel Farrands has created an offensive and frankly insulting âthrillerâ. Hilary Duff stars as Sharon Tate and whilst she somewhat looks the part, she doesnât have that raw magic and flair that Sharon had. This tragic event has been turned into some stock-horror slash um up movie with a psychic paranormal twist.
At one point Mansonâs song âCease to Existâ plays to Sharon over a tape player and the Manson Family stalks Tate and her friends around her home. It really is that bad. The introduction of the movie shows real-life footage as a black and white Hilary Duff talks about her own death. The opening scene of the movie is enough to want me to turn off the film instantly.
The Haunting of Sharon Tate still
With no care or respect being paid to the real-life counterparts, the movie has very little to say other than âyouâre going to die soonâ. Thereâs no feeling of empathy. The Haunting of Sharon Tate is just a 90-minute exploitation of a horrific night in Hollywoodâs history.
https://backtothemovies.com/exploitative-trash-the-haunting-of-sharon-tate-review/
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Best Horror of the Year Volume 1 in Books
Apr 30, 2021
56 of 250
Book
The Best Horror of the Year Volume 1
Edited by Ellen Datlow
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments!
I will post in comments a short comment on each story!
An Air Force Loadmaster is menaced by strange sounds within his cargo; a man is asked to track down a childhood friend... who died years earlier; doomed pioneers forge a path westward as a young mother discovers her true nature; an alcoholic strikes a dangerous bargain with a gregarious stranger; urban explorers delve into a ruined book depository, finding more than they anticipated; residents of a rural Wisconsin town defend against a legendary monster; a woman wracked by survivor's guilt is haunted by the ghosts of a tragic crash; a detective strives to solve the mystery of a dismembered girl; an orphan returns to a wicked witch's candy house; a group of smugglers find themselves buried to the necks in sand; an unanticipated guest brings doom to a high-class party; a teacher attempts to lead his students to safety as the world comes to an end around them...
What frightens us, what unnerves us? What causes that delicious shiver of fear to travel the lengths of our spines? It seems the answer changes every year. Every year the bar is raised; the screw is tightened. Ellen Datlow knows what scares us; the twenty-one stories and poems included in this anthology were chosen from magazines, webzines, anthologies, literary journals, and single author collections to represent the best horror of the year.
Legendary editor Ellen Datlow (Poe: New Tales Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe), winner of multiple Hugo, Bram Stoker, and World Fantasy awards, joins Night Shade Books in presenting The Best Horror of the Year, Volume One.
1. Cargo by E.Michael Lewis
So chilling and so sad! This is short I dedication to the families of those children in Jonestown and the men and women who brought the bodies home.
2. If Angels Fight by Richard Bowes
This is about a man searching for his friend who was possessed by an Angel. On this journey you see and find out that this Angel left his friend and left a trail behind him to follow. His family never gave up he managed to find his friend and Angel Michael and return him to his home one last time. Only question was did he bring him home to find his sister to posses or to say goodbye to his mother?.
3. The Clay Party by Steve Duffy
A group of settlers embark on a journey for a new life in California in 1846, the journey does not go as expected. I was a bit bored at the beginning but certainly had a twist at the end.
4. Penguins of the Apocalypse by William Browning Spencer
This is brilliant! A man fighting his personal battles with alcohol! Now is the pulka and penguin freedom movement real or a fragment of his imagination while under the influence? Either way it was entertaining!
5. Esmeralda by Glen Hirshberg
This is a very strange little story involving the end of all books,pens and paper! Very odd!
6. The Hodog by Trent Hergenrader
A good old fashioned urban legend!
7. Very Low Flying Aircraft by Nicholas Royle
Not one for me didnt really grip me.
8. When the Gentlemen Go By. By Margaret Ronald
This was a bit chilling and I would love to have read more about these âGentlemenâ who come at night to make bargains!
9. The Lagerstatte by Laird Barron
Grief does strange things to our minds and body! This was quite chilling.
10. Harry and the Monkey by Euan Harvey
This really plays on every fear a parent has when their kids go missing especially in a place and time where children are vanishing!
11 Dress Circle by Miranda Siemeinowicz
12. The Rising River. By Daniel Kaysen
This was strange and after reading it Iâm still not sure whatâs happening đđ
13 Loup-Garou by R.B. Russell
I enjoyed this strange litte story set in my hometown of Birmingham. A little french film causes a little drama in this mans life.
14. Girl in pieces by Graham Edwards
This was my favourite! So far fetched into a world of monsters a detective helps a Golum save a girl cut to pieces! So much fun
15 It washed up by Joe R. Lonsdale
Wow how to pack a punch in 2 pages! Loved it!
16 The Man from the Peak by Adam Golaski
Brilliant short full of mystery blood and gore! Very well written.
17. The Narrows by Simon Bestwick
This actually chilled me Iâd hate sending my child to school and have something like this happen which of course is totally possible.
I loved this book of small tales and discovering those writers I wouldnât normally be exposed too!
Book
The Best Horror of the Year Volume 1
Edited by Ellen Datlow
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments!
I will post in comments a short comment on each story!
An Air Force Loadmaster is menaced by strange sounds within his cargo; a man is asked to track down a childhood friend... who died years earlier; doomed pioneers forge a path westward as a young mother discovers her true nature; an alcoholic strikes a dangerous bargain with a gregarious stranger; urban explorers delve into a ruined book depository, finding more than they anticipated; residents of a rural Wisconsin town defend against a legendary monster; a woman wracked by survivor's guilt is haunted by the ghosts of a tragic crash; a detective strives to solve the mystery of a dismembered girl; an orphan returns to a wicked witch's candy house; a group of smugglers find themselves buried to the necks in sand; an unanticipated guest brings doom to a high-class party; a teacher attempts to lead his students to safety as the world comes to an end around them...
What frightens us, what unnerves us? What causes that delicious shiver of fear to travel the lengths of our spines? It seems the answer changes every year. Every year the bar is raised; the screw is tightened. Ellen Datlow knows what scares us; the twenty-one stories and poems included in this anthology were chosen from magazines, webzines, anthologies, literary journals, and single author collections to represent the best horror of the year.
Legendary editor Ellen Datlow (Poe: New Tales Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe), winner of multiple Hugo, Bram Stoker, and World Fantasy awards, joins Night Shade Books in presenting The Best Horror of the Year, Volume One.
1. Cargo by E.Michael Lewis
So chilling and so sad! This is short I dedication to the families of those children in Jonestown and the men and women who brought the bodies home.
2. If Angels Fight by Richard Bowes
This is about a man searching for his friend who was possessed by an Angel. On this journey you see and find out that this Angel left his friend and left a trail behind him to follow. His family never gave up he managed to find his friend and Angel Michael and return him to his home one last time. Only question was did he bring him home to find his sister to posses or to say goodbye to his mother?.
3. The Clay Party by Steve Duffy
A group of settlers embark on a journey for a new life in California in 1846, the journey does not go as expected. I was a bit bored at the beginning but certainly had a twist at the end.
4. Penguins of the Apocalypse by William Browning Spencer
This is brilliant! A man fighting his personal battles with alcohol! Now is the pulka and penguin freedom movement real or a fragment of his imagination while under the influence? Either way it was entertaining!
5. Esmeralda by Glen Hirshberg
This is a very strange little story involving the end of all books,pens and paper! Very odd!
6. The Hodog by Trent Hergenrader
A good old fashioned urban legend!
7. Very Low Flying Aircraft by Nicholas Royle
Not one for me didnt really grip me.
8. When the Gentlemen Go By. By Margaret Ronald
This was a bit chilling and I would love to have read more about these âGentlemenâ who come at night to make bargains!
9. The Lagerstatte by Laird Barron
Grief does strange things to our minds and body! This was quite chilling.
10. Harry and the Monkey by Euan Harvey
This really plays on every fear a parent has when their kids go missing especially in a place and time where children are vanishing!
11 Dress Circle by Miranda Siemeinowicz
12. The Rising River. By Daniel Kaysen
This was strange and after reading it Iâm still not sure whatâs happening đđ
13 Loup-Garou by R.B. Russell
I enjoyed this strange litte story set in my hometown of Birmingham. A little french film causes a little drama in this mans life.
14. Girl in pieces by Graham Edwards
This was my favourite! So far fetched into a world of monsters a detective helps a Golum save a girl cut to pieces! So much fun
15 It washed up by Joe R. Lonsdale
Wow how to pack a punch in 2 pages! Loved it!
16 The Man from the Peak by Adam Golaski
Brilliant short full of mystery blood and gore! Very well written.
17. The Narrows by Simon Bestwick
This actually chilled me Iâd hate sending my child to school and have something like this happen which of course is totally possible.
I loved this book of small tales and discovering those writers I wouldnât normally be exposed too!