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Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated Blessed Fury (Angels of Fate, #1) in Books
May 22, 2019
Once you face the devils, theres no going back.
Guardian angel Ava Lightway has spent a century watching over her charges, whispering the words of the gods in their ears. But her peaceful existence ends when shes assigned to Liam Striker, a supernatural detective with no memory of his past.
Liam might be Avas biggest challenge yet. Stubborn and dangerously captivating, hell stop at nothing to find the demon who murdered his father. Even if it costs him his life.
Keeping death away from her new partner is an impossible task. And even if their investigation doesnt destroy Ava, succumbing to Liams smoldering touch just may.
Read the sizzling, breath-taking tale of angels gone bad!
Wow; this was an absolute amazing read.
This is an epic adventure of angels, demons, vampires, werewolves, Warriors and Erudites.
I love that it has so many different paranormals in this.
So action packed but at the same time there are so many sweet moments that happen with the forbidden romance that is happening.
Really loved the plot and storyline.
I am in love wiyh the characters and can't wait to see them develop further.
I can't wait to get stuck into the next one now.
Recommend reading.
I received an ARC from the very talented author and this is my honest voluntary review.
Guardian angel Ava Lightway has spent a century watching over her charges, whispering the words of the gods in their ears. But her peaceful existence ends when shes assigned to Liam Striker, a supernatural detective with no memory of his past.
Liam might be Avas biggest challenge yet. Stubborn and dangerously captivating, hell stop at nothing to find the demon who murdered his father. Even if it costs him his life.
Keeping death away from her new partner is an impossible task. And even if their investigation doesnt destroy Ava, succumbing to Liams smoldering touch just may.
Read the sizzling, breath-taking tale of angels gone bad!
Wow; this was an absolute amazing read.
This is an epic adventure of angels, demons, vampires, werewolves, Warriors and Erudites.
I love that it has so many different paranormals in this.
So action packed but at the same time there are so many sweet moments that happen with the forbidden romance that is happening.
Really loved the plot and storyline.
I am in love wiyh the characters and can't wait to see them develop further.
I can't wait to get stuck into the next one now.
Recommend reading.
I received an ARC from the very talented author and this is my honest voluntary review.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Rocketman (2019) in Movies
May 29, 2019
One day it may be possible to review Rocketman without comparing it to Bohemian Rhapsody (same director, very similar subject matter, same grab-bag of familiar music), but clearly not today. Musical prodigy Reggie Dwight learns to tinkle the ivories, meets lyricist Bernie Taupin, reinvents himself as glam-rock superstar Elton John, but must contend with both success (350 million records sold) and heartbreak (Watford lose the 1984 FA cup final 2-0).
A generally upbeat portrait of the music legend (as one might expect, given he exec-produced and his husband produced it) Dexter Fletcher's film features an unexpectedly good performance from Taron Egerton and, as a full-blown musical it isn't afraid to embrace elements of fantasy (the story still plays fast and loose with the facts a bit). On the other hand, it doesn't have a big iconic moment like Live Aid to build up to, the only real option being Elton singing at the funeral in 1997 (which would require a movie with a wholly different tone). In the end the movie handles the rags rather better than the riches, goes to pieces a little bit just as its subject did, but in the end proves to be a surprisingly touching tale of a man exorcising his personal demons. Great soundtrack, too, obviously.
A generally upbeat portrait of the music legend (as one might expect, given he exec-produced and his husband produced it) Dexter Fletcher's film features an unexpectedly good performance from Taron Egerton and, as a full-blown musical it isn't afraid to embrace elements of fantasy (the story still plays fast and loose with the facts a bit). On the other hand, it doesn't have a big iconic moment like Live Aid to build up to, the only real option being Elton singing at the funeral in 1997 (which would require a movie with a wholly different tone). In the end the movie handles the rags rather better than the riches, goes to pieces a little bit just as its subject did, but in the end proves to be a surprisingly touching tale of a man exorcising his personal demons. Great soundtrack, too, obviously.
Peter Shephard (2821 KP) rated Call to Adventure in Tabletop Games
Jun 4, 2019
Different, in a very good way
This is unlike any game I have played before. It is totally possible to create a whole life story in one game, and with a little leap of imagination, the created character could be the Big Bad (or Main Support) for just about any fantasy role playing game.
The game uses a standard format for abilities (strength etc) but "casting runes" instead of rolling dice is quick to work out and able to be done quickly.
Having set "story points" which you need to advance your story, but being able to decide whether you take the positive/noble, or negative/shady path gradually builds to give a really developed character.
From one of the games I played, I was an acolyte; I went to war, but was greatly disillusioned by what I saw, so ended up leaving the faith and joining with the thieves. I encountered a childhood sweetheart, and we stayed together for ages. Finally, during my battle with a demon, to complete my return to favour with the diety I had abandoned, my sweetheart was murdered by the demons followers. Although I succeeded, it was at a huge cost....
This was all determined from the cards played; it's very varied and really well thought out.
Highly, highly recommended
The game uses a standard format for abilities (strength etc) but "casting runes" instead of rolling dice is quick to work out and able to be done quickly.
Having set "story points" which you need to advance your story, but being able to decide whether you take the positive/noble, or negative/shady path gradually builds to give a really developed character.
From one of the games I played, I was an acolyte; I went to war, but was greatly disillusioned by what I saw, so ended up leaving the faith and joining with the thieves. I encountered a childhood sweetheart, and we stayed together for ages. Finally, during my battle with a demon, to complete my return to favour with the diety I had abandoned, my sweetheart was murdered by the demons followers. Although I succeeded, it was at a huge cost....
This was all determined from the cards played; it's very varied and really well thought out.
Highly, highly recommended
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Language Arts in Books
Feb 13, 2018
Charles Marlow is an English teacher at a private high school. His life, therefore, is filled with language and words. However, all the language in the world cannot help him communicate with his son, Cody, who is autistic. Cody's diagnosis took a toll on his marriage and now Charles finds himself alone in the house -- all his kids are out of the house, his marriage has ended -- and he's wrestling with his demons.
I absolutely loved Kallos' "Broken For You," so I was extremely excited to pick up her latest novel. It definitely took some time for this one to grow on me. The book got off to a slow start and Charles is not the most likable of characters. Still, once I got into the plot, it's a lovely tale and extremely moving. Kallos does an amazing job of tying together her ancillary characters into a beautiful way--not one that's trite, per se, but a manner that seems fitting for each.
Overall, the book is a touching tribute to language, in many forms, and to art, as well. It's also a very insightful look at autism and the toll it can take on a family, but also some of the gifts that those termed as "disabled" by the general public can give to us. Definitely worth reading - just be patient.
I absolutely loved Kallos' "Broken For You," so I was extremely excited to pick up her latest novel. It definitely took some time for this one to grow on me. The book got off to a slow start and Charles is not the most likable of characters. Still, once I got into the plot, it's a lovely tale and extremely moving. Kallos does an amazing job of tying together her ancillary characters into a beautiful way--not one that's trite, per se, but a manner that seems fitting for each.
Overall, the book is a touching tribute to language, in many forms, and to art, as well. It's also a very insightful look at autism and the toll it can take on a family, but also some of the gifts that those termed as "disabled" by the general public can give to us. Definitely worth reading - just be patient.
BeRad89 (48 KP) rated The Moth and Moon in Books
Mar 23, 2018
In 1780, Blashy Cove is a very progressive town, with running water and legal same sex marriages. An unexpected hurricane drives most of it residents into the cavernous the Moth & Moon, local tavern and inn. While they wait out the storm, fisherman Robin Shipp is forced to face demons from his past. Can the town and Robin pull together in the aftermath of the storm and pick up from the devastation to their homes and lives?
A wonderful combination of action, adventure, emotion, and romance. Once you start reading you will not want to stop! Full of real, relatable characters. They have flaws both physical and emotional; no one is picture perfect in Blashy Cove! However, most are lovable.
I like the descriptions given to the buildings and the surrounding area. It helps immerse the reader into the story. My favorite part of this book, however, is the idea of Blashy Cove, a place where homophobia does not exist. Same sex marriages are common and the norm. No one has to fight for their place. It is refreshing.
My only negative comment is that the physical description of The Moth & Moon gets repetitive throughout the first few chapters.
I highly enjoyed this read and definitely would recommend it to anyone. I give it 5 out of 5 stars
A wonderful combination of action, adventure, emotion, and romance. Once you start reading you will not want to stop! Full of real, relatable characters. They have flaws both physical and emotional; no one is picture perfect in Blashy Cove! However, most are lovable.
I like the descriptions given to the buildings and the surrounding area. It helps immerse the reader into the story. My favorite part of this book, however, is the idea of Blashy Cove, a place where homophobia does not exist. Same sex marriages are common and the norm. No one has to fight for their place. It is refreshing.
My only negative comment is that the physical description of The Moth & Moon gets repetitive throughout the first few chapters.
I highly enjoyed this read and definitely would recommend it to anyone. I give it 5 out of 5 stars
Andy K (10821 KP) rated Halloween (2007) in Movies
Oct 10, 2018
A successful re-imagining but turned up to 11!
When I first heard director Rob Zombie was going to have a hand at Halloween, I couldn't have been more excited. His films up to that point had been intense, scary, gruesome, gothic, sexual and down-rite awesome!
This reinvention had big shoes to fill since the original Halloween is not only a scary movie classic, but invented or perfected a lot of horror elements still used in films today.
The additions to the story proved successful seeing a lot more scenes of Michael as a child, his dysfunctional family roots (which could have been part of his inner demons) and more details around his escape from the psychiatric hospital. Then the original story plays out as you are familiar; although, more intense and evil.
The third act does seem to drag out just a bit as the movie is around 2 hours in length.
Great to see a lot of "B" movie actors appear in the film including Malcolm McDowell, Clint Howard, Brad Dourif, Dee Wallace and Richard Lynch. Also Danielle Harris who was the little girl in parts 4 & 5 is also there as another homage.
Overall, a successful reboot with enough mixture of old and new to keep me very well entertained.
This reinvention had big shoes to fill since the original Halloween is not only a scary movie classic, but invented or perfected a lot of horror elements still used in films today.
The additions to the story proved successful seeing a lot more scenes of Michael as a child, his dysfunctional family roots (which could have been part of his inner demons) and more details around his escape from the psychiatric hospital. Then the original story plays out as you are familiar; although, more intense and evil.
The third act does seem to drag out just a bit as the movie is around 2 hours in length.
Great to see a lot of "B" movie actors appear in the film including Malcolm McDowell, Clint Howard, Brad Dourif, Dee Wallace and Richard Lynch. Also Danielle Harris who was the little girl in parts 4 & 5 is also there as another homage.
Overall, a successful reboot with enough mixture of old and new to keep me very well entertained.
David McK (3169 KP) rated Thin Air (Weather Warden, #6) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Picking up almost exactly from where Firestorm left off, this novel starts with Joanne Baldwin waking up naked and freezing cold in a forest with no idea of who she is, or how she got there.
In other words, the good old amnesia plot.
As the novel progresses, Joanne must (re)learn how to use her powers, as well as struggling with the emergence of a new (to her) power, and with trying to reconnect with her past life. Alongside this, further insight is given into the state of affairs in ther Djinn 'nation' (is that the right word?), and we finally see a culmination to what has been brewing in the last couple of novels regarding Demons.
With all that in mind, and despite the fact that amnesia, in many ways, could provide a 'clean slate', this is definitely NOT a good chocie to enter the series on, with recurring characters and references to previous events (even if Joanne can't remember them, the people bringing them up can). For a change, this novel also does have an ending in its own right - indeed, it could be viewed as ending the plot strands introduced over the last 2 or 3 books in the series - while also leaving scope for more novels to be set in the same world with the same characters.
In other words, the good old amnesia plot.
As the novel progresses, Joanne must (re)learn how to use her powers, as well as struggling with the emergence of a new (to her) power, and with trying to reconnect with her past life. Alongside this, further insight is given into the state of affairs in ther Djinn 'nation' (is that the right word?), and we finally see a culmination to what has been brewing in the last couple of novels regarding Demons.
With all that in mind, and despite the fact that amnesia, in many ways, could provide a 'clean slate', this is definitely NOT a good chocie to enter the series on, with recurring characters and references to previous events (even if Joanne can't remember them, the people bringing them up can). For a change, this novel also does have an ending in its own right - indeed, it could be viewed as ending the plot strands introduced over the last 2 or 3 books in the series - while also leaving scope for more novels to be set in the same world with the same characters.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Beast in Books
Jun 21, 2019
Abbott Savage is very mercurial. But one constant in his life has been his love for London. He loves her so much that he knows he's not right for her. Giving her to his best friend, Kyle. Now Kyle has died and London is pregnant with his child. What is Abbott to do? He doesn't want anyone else to take care of London, but he has so many demons in his past, he's not sure if he can take care of her himself.
Thank you to C.M. Seabrook for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I wish I would have known that this was part of a series, now I want to read the rest of the Savage's stories.
Abbott is also known as The Beast of Port Clover. He's a boxer, who uses his fists inside and outside of the ring. The only constant in his life is London. She's been in his life for most of it and knows his heart better than anyone. Can Abbott put his life of debauchery aside in order to get the girl he's always wanted? In this book, I really felt for Abbott. His heart is damaged from his own doing and he doesn't see that it can be healed.
I will definitely go and read the rest of this series.
Thank you to C.M. Seabrook for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I wish I would have known that this was part of a series, now I want to read the rest of the Savage's stories.
Abbott is also known as The Beast of Port Clover. He's a boxer, who uses his fists inside and outside of the ring. The only constant in his life is London. She's been in his life for most of it and knows his heart better than anyone. Can Abbott put his life of debauchery aside in order to get the girl he's always wanted? In this book, I really felt for Abbott. His heart is damaged from his own doing and he doesn't see that it can be healed.
I will definitely go and read the rest of this series.
Gareth von Kallenbach (965 KP) rated Insidious : The Last Key (2018) in Movies
Jul 8, 2019
Dr. Elise Rainier was blessed with the ability to communicate with the dead, a gift that, at times, seemed more like a curse. In Insidious: The Last Key we see how the this gift was not always welcome for her growing up in New Mexico as it leads to the destruction of her family.
Years later, she is forced to return and face down the demons that scarred her and led to a complete estrangement from her family.
The film is very ambitious in hoping that audiences who are loyal to the franchise will return to the next installment. Unfortunately, fans will be sorely disappointed as this film seems to be nothing more than a fan-fiction version. The dialogue is pedestrian, at best. The storyline is shallow, predictable, and confusing.
There are elements of the story that seem out of place. Even the demon that appears onscreen us underwhelming. There is very little (other than a few moments that may have a few people in the audience jump) purpose to the film. It seems rushed. The film deserved to be nothing more than a backstory that could have been offered as part of Elise as part of conversation in a better-developed film.
Insidious: The Last Key is decent for those wishing to introduce themselves the Insidious franchise, but does little to offer any substantial foothold into the horror genre.
Years later, she is forced to return and face down the demons that scarred her and led to a complete estrangement from her family.
The film is very ambitious in hoping that audiences who are loyal to the franchise will return to the next installment. Unfortunately, fans will be sorely disappointed as this film seems to be nothing more than a fan-fiction version. The dialogue is pedestrian, at best. The storyline is shallow, predictable, and confusing.
There are elements of the story that seem out of place. Even the demon that appears onscreen us underwhelming. There is very little (other than a few moments that may have a few people in the audience jump) purpose to the film. It seems rushed. The film deserved to be nothing more than a backstory that could have been offered as part of Elise as part of conversation in a better-developed film.
Insidious: The Last Key is decent for those wishing to introduce themselves the Insidious franchise, but does little to offer any substantial foothold into the horror genre.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Bared to You (Crossfire, #1) in Books
Nov 21, 2019
Gideon Cross came into my life like lightning in the darkness. He was beautiful and brilliant, jagged and white-hot. I was drawn to him as I'd never been to anything or anyone in my life. I craved his touch like a drug, even knowing it would weaken me. I was flawed and damaged, and he opened those cracks in me so easily.
Gideon knew. He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each other's most private wounds and desires.
The bonds of his love transformed me, even as I prayed that the torment of our pasts didn't tear us apart
This is possibly my 10th reread I have lost track. So I ask myself why do I keep coming back to this book and series? Well I can honestly say I just love how Sylvia Day writes I've read almost everything she has written. I enjoy reading the Cross series especially this one. Gideon Cross is just so yummy I adore Eva and Cary. I do have people who just don't understand why these books are so enticing to me and no it's not just the sex!! I think this says to me that no matter how hard your life is or how screwed up your past is you can still find love in the darkest places!!
Gideon knew. He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each other's most private wounds and desires.
The bonds of his love transformed me, even as I prayed that the torment of our pasts didn't tear us apart
This is possibly my 10th reread I have lost track. So I ask myself why do I keep coming back to this book and series? Well I can honestly say I just love how Sylvia Day writes I've read almost everything she has written. I enjoy reading the Cross series especially this one. Gideon Cross is just so yummy I adore Eva and Cary. I do have people who just don't understand why these books are so enticing to me and no it's not just the sex!! I think this says to me that no matter how hard your life is or how screwed up your past is you can still find love in the darkest places!!