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Fahrenheit 451 (2018)
5.0
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In the future, after a second civil war, most reading in America is confined to the Internet, called...
dystopian future
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Gray Mountain in Books
Feb 13, 2018
It's a little unfair to John Grisham, but I probably would have rated this book 4 stars if he didn't write it. It was a pretty good book, but I kept waiting for the typical Grisham-flair to pop up - a huge courtroom battle, an epic good versus evil duel, etc.
Instead, the battle and storyline I would have really wanted to read about goes on in the background as a secondary storyline. The main plot follows Samantha Kofer, a young law associate at a powerful firm in New York City. However, when the recession hits in '08, Samantha finds herself furloughed and in order to keep her health insurance, and to potentially get her old job back, must intern at a rural legal aid clinic in Brady, Virginia.
There Samantha meets a cast of characters, including Mattie, who runs the clinic; her nephew, Donovan, also a lawyer; Donovan's shady brother, Jeff; and a host of other rural townsfolk. She also gets her first taste of real law. We, the reader, learn about the atrocities of Big Coal and strip mining, including Black Lung Disease, which the book goes into in great detail (and which personally, makes me want to become a lawyer or social worker, as it's all awful).
It's interesting to have Grisham write in the voice of a young female. It takes me back to Darby Shaw (of "The Pelican Brief" - one of my all-time favorite Grisham novels), though Samantha is *no* Darby Shaw, by any stretch of the imagination. She's a bit spineless, though, really, she's not given much story to work with. The first 3/4 of the book I mostly enjoyed and then the last 1/4 just sort of tapers off. It almost seems as if a sequel is in order, but who knows.
Again, I think I might have liked Samantha and her story a bit more if it wasn't Grisham, as I might have expected a bit less. It's a good read, but leaves you wanting more.
Instead, the battle and storyline I would have really wanted to read about goes on in the background as a secondary storyline. The main plot follows Samantha Kofer, a young law associate at a powerful firm in New York City. However, when the recession hits in '08, Samantha finds herself furloughed and in order to keep her health insurance, and to potentially get her old job back, must intern at a rural legal aid clinic in Brady, Virginia.
There Samantha meets a cast of characters, including Mattie, who runs the clinic; her nephew, Donovan, also a lawyer; Donovan's shady brother, Jeff; and a host of other rural townsfolk. She also gets her first taste of real law. We, the reader, learn about the atrocities of Big Coal and strip mining, including Black Lung Disease, which the book goes into in great detail (and which personally, makes me want to become a lawyer or social worker, as it's all awful).
It's interesting to have Grisham write in the voice of a young female. It takes me back to Darby Shaw (of "The Pelican Brief" - one of my all-time favorite Grisham novels), though Samantha is *no* Darby Shaw, by any stretch of the imagination. She's a bit spineless, though, really, she's not given much story to work with. The first 3/4 of the book I mostly enjoyed and then the last 1/4 just sort of tapers off. It almost seems as if a sequel is in order, but who knows.
Again, I think I might have liked Samantha and her story a bit more if it wasn't Grisham, as I might have expected a bit less. It's a good read, but leaves you wanting more.
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Villains (2019) in Movies
Mar 10, 2021
This one struck a chord with me, and hit all the right notes along the way.
Villains is a witty, often funny, often dark thriller, with a sprinkling of horror for good measure. It's beautifully shot from start to finish and has fantastic performances all round from its small cast. Bill Skarsgård and Maika Monroe are extremely likeable "protagonists", as two amateur crooks on the run after robbing a gas station hoping to gather enough cash to start a new life together. The chemistry between the two of them is wonderful. When they run out of fuel during their getaway, they break into a nearby house in an attempt to either siphon some gas, or straight up steal a car but are quickly embroiled in a life or death situation when the homeowners return, two people who aren't quite as they seem. Jeffrey Donovan and Kyra Sedgwick are just as great as the two homeowners, both playing up their parts with villanous glee. Donovan's character may just be one of the most likable "bad guys" in recent history.
What follows is an incredibly entertaining and suspenseful film, with a few shocks and the odd splash of violence. The screenplay is brilliant, the pacing is perfect, and the music score is beautiful.
Underneath all of the craziness though, is a story I found to be incredibly sad. None of these people are perfect, some worse than others, but even the worst of the bunch aren't completely awful. These characters are well fleshed out, and are easy to sympathise with. This ensures some well earned emotional moments that really land and the cast are just fantastic sharing the screen together.
I wasn't quite sure what to expect from Villains but it really got me. I can safely say it's one of my favourites of 2019, which is something considering how many excellent movies there were that year.
Villains is a witty, often funny, often dark thriller, with a sprinkling of horror for good measure. It's beautifully shot from start to finish and has fantastic performances all round from its small cast. Bill Skarsgård and Maika Monroe are extremely likeable "protagonists", as two amateur crooks on the run after robbing a gas station hoping to gather enough cash to start a new life together. The chemistry between the two of them is wonderful. When they run out of fuel during their getaway, they break into a nearby house in an attempt to either siphon some gas, or straight up steal a car but are quickly embroiled in a life or death situation when the homeowners return, two people who aren't quite as they seem. Jeffrey Donovan and Kyra Sedgwick are just as great as the two homeowners, both playing up their parts with villanous glee. Donovan's character may just be one of the most likable "bad guys" in recent history.
What follows is an incredibly entertaining and suspenseful film, with a few shocks and the odd splash of violence. The screenplay is brilliant, the pacing is perfect, and the music score is beautiful.
Underneath all of the craziness though, is a story I found to be incredibly sad. None of these people are perfect, some worse than others, but even the worst of the bunch aren't completely awful. These characters are well fleshed out, and are easy to sympathise with. This ensures some well earned emotional moments that really land and the cast are just fantastic sharing the screen together.
I wasn't quite sure what to expect from Villains but it really got me. I can safely say it's one of my favourites of 2019, which is something considering how many excellent movies there were that year.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Something New - Single by Ollie Gabriel in Music
Jul 10, 2019
Ollie Gabriel is a talented soul singer and songwriter based in Los Angeles, California. Not too long ago, he released an adorable music video for his “Something New (From “Songland”)” single.
“We’re living in a world so fast. Not a lot of things that last. But there’s one thing that’s gon stay. I still got that old kind of loving. The kind that don’t leave, that don’t bend, that don’t break. I still got that old kinda loving.” – lyrics
‘Something New’ tells an evergreen tale of a young guy who cherishes an idealistic moment shared between him and his significant other.
While looking into her beautiful eyes, he reveals that his love for her will remain until they are old and grey. Therefore, they should close their eyes, take their time, and hang on to every second like it’s their last.
Later, he admits that a love like theirs doesn’t come around every day, so that’s why they should try something new and bring back that old thing again.
‘Something New’ contains a timeless love story and ear-welcoming vocals. Also, the lovable tune possesses lush instrumentation flavored with R&B and classic soul ingredients.
Ollie Gabriel, a Louisiana native, was introduced to the American public by way of NBC’s new groundbreaking series, entitled, Songland.
During the show, five songwriters competed and performed their original song for the chance to have it recorded by a celebrity artist.
Long-story-short, Gabriel performed and pitched his original song to John Legend, and the rest is history.
Ollie Gabriel’s inspirational debut single, “Running Man”, has over 22M streams online via Spotify.
He has performed around the world, televised to millions and to concert audiences of 40,000+ fans. Also, he’s a talented producer with over 500 sync placements in film and tv since 2009.
His music has been featured on Grey’s Anatomy, Ray Donovan, Shameless, and Deadliest Catch to name a few.
“In 2017, Ollie Gabriel married his longtime girlfriend who inspired the song he performed on NBC’s Songland.”
“We’re living in a world so fast. Not a lot of things that last. But there’s one thing that’s gon stay. I still got that old kind of loving. The kind that don’t leave, that don’t bend, that don’t break. I still got that old kinda loving.” – lyrics
‘Something New’ tells an evergreen tale of a young guy who cherishes an idealistic moment shared between him and his significant other.
While looking into her beautiful eyes, he reveals that his love for her will remain until they are old and grey. Therefore, they should close their eyes, take their time, and hang on to every second like it’s their last.
Later, he admits that a love like theirs doesn’t come around every day, so that’s why they should try something new and bring back that old thing again.
‘Something New’ contains a timeless love story and ear-welcoming vocals. Also, the lovable tune possesses lush instrumentation flavored with R&B and classic soul ingredients.
Ollie Gabriel, a Louisiana native, was introduced to the American public by way of NBC’s new groundbreaking series, entitled, Songland.
During the show, five songwriters competed and performed their original song for the chance to have it recorded by a celebrity artist.
Long-story-short, Gabriel performed and pitched his original song to John Legend, and the rest is history.
Ollie Gabriel’s inspirational debut single, “Running Man”, has over 22M streams online via Spotify.
He has performed around the world, televised to millions and to concert audiences of 40,000+ fans. Also, he’s a talented producer with over 500 sync placements in film and tv since 2009.
His music has been featured on Grey’s Anatomy, Ray Donovan, Shameless, and Deadliest Catch to name a few.
“In 2017, Ollie Gabriel married his longtime girlfriend who inspired the song he performed on NBC’s Songland.”
Assassin's Creed: Gold
7.0
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Assassin’s Creed: Gold is a stand-alone tale from the Assassin's Creed universe in which we meet...
Merissa (12051 KP) rated The Unexpected Santa (The Sin Bin #5) in Books
Dec 20, 2017
The Unexpected Santa (The Sin Bin #5) by Dahlia Donovan
The Unexpected Santa is the fifth book in The Sin Bin series, and this story focuses on a particular holiday, which you can guess by the title. Scottie is one of the Sin Bin members that I have always had trouble warming up. He is brash, obnoxious, and is more than happy to throw his own pity party - drink included. With stalker tendencies, and an amazing ability to sulk when things don't go his way, I wasn't 100% sure about reading this book. However, after seeing how Gray dealt with him in Akash's book, I was willing to give him a go.
I'm glad I did!
Now, don't get me wrong - Scottie is still a big pain in the posterior! He has a lot of learning to do, and I think that Gray is just the one to help him. In the meantime, Gray has promised that he will look out for the twins, and will protect them from everyone and everything - even Scottie. In turn, the twins help tone down some of Scottie's rough edges, as even he can't be awful all the time. With the twins and Gray on his case, Scottie doesn't stand a chance. He just doesn't realise it yet. He is just what Gray has been looking for, and in return, Gray will give Scottie everything he needs. In turn, I'm hoping that Scottie will become a character I can read about without giving myself eye-strain as they involuntarily roll so much.
With seasonal cheer from two Christmas grumps, this book is an unexpected delight, and a wonderful addition to The Sin Bin series. No editing or grammatical errors disrupted my reading flow, and the pacing was smooth throughout. With enough to satisfy and yet still keep you wanting more, I have no hesitation in recommending this book or the series.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
I'm glad I did!
Now, don't get me wrong - Scottie is still a big pain in the posterior! He has a lot of learning to do, and I think that Gray is just the one to help him. In the meantime, Gray has promised that he will look out for the twins, and will protect them from everyone and everything - even Scottie. In turn, the twins help tone down some of Scottie's rough edges, as even he can't be awful all the time. With the twins and Gray on his case, Scottie doesn't stand a chance. He just doesn't realise it yet. He is just what Gray has been looking for, and in return, Gray will give Scottie everything he needs. In turn, I'm hoping that Scottie will become a character I can read about without giving myself eye-strain as they involuntarily roll so much.
With seasonal cheer from two Christmas grumps, this book is an unexpected delight, and a wonderful addition to The Sin Bin series. No editing or grammatical errors disrupted my reading flow, and the pacing was smooth throughout. With enough to satisfy and yet still keep you wanting more, I have no hesitation in recommending this book or the series.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (12051 KP) rated The Botanist (The Sin Bin #2.5) in Books
Sep 16, 2017
The Botanist: Short Story (The Sin Bin #2.5) by Dahlia Donovan
The Botanist is part of The Sin Bin series, and let me tell you, this may be classed as a short story, but it is full of everything you could wish for... apart from one thing, which I'll get to later!
Wyatt (Earp) Hardy is a Navy Seal, on a combined exercise with the UK. They come across a boat that shouldn't be there, and their scans reveal four bodies on-board, when there should only be one. It turns into a rescue mission, and Wyatt lays eyes on Aled for the first time. Aled has been tortured, and is in a state of shock. However, he is returned home, and Hamish and Wyatt hope that he will be okay.
He's not.
I am a long-term fan of Ms. Donovan's; she has never disappointed me with any of her stories - and trust me when I say this one is right up there! Wyatt is a giant of a man, with a heart to match. He wants to push Aled in some ways, but never bad ways. He goes above and beyond to do what he thinks will help. Aled, what a brave and courageous guy, even when he thinks he isn't. The rapport that these two have is off the charts, and I loved the pair of them.
With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, this was one helluva story that packs a mighty punch for being short. And that, right there, is the only problem I have with it! I NEEDED MORE!!!! I seriously wasn't ready for this book to be over. I loved every single word. There just weren't enough of them to please me ?
Do I recommend this book? Absolutely!
Do I recommend any of Dahlia Donovan's work? You betcha!
Do I want more from Aled and Wyatt? YES!!!!!!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comment here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Wyatt (Earp) Hardy is a Navy Seal, on a combined exercise with the UK. They come across a boat that shouldn't be there, and their scans reveal four bodies on-board, when there should only be one. It turns into a rescue mission, and Wyatt lays eyes on Aled for the first time. Aled has been tortured, and is in a state of shock. However, he is returned home, and Hamish and Wyatt hope that he will be okay.
He's not.
I am a long-term fan of Ms. Donovan's; she has never disappointed me with any of her stories - and trust me when I say this one is right up there! Wyatt is a giant of a man, with a heart to match. He wants to push Aled in some ways, but never bad ways. He goes above and beyond to do what he thinks will help. Aled, what a brave and courageous guy, even when he thinks he isn't. The rapport that these two have is off the charts, and I loved the pair of them.
With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, this was one helluva story that packs a mighty punch for being short. And that, right there, is the only problem I have with it! I NEEDED MORE!!!! I seriously wasn't ready for this book to be over. I loved every single word. There just weren't enough of them to please me ?
Do I recommend this book? Absolutely!
Do I recommend any of Dahlia Donovan's work? You betcha!
Do I want more from Aled and Wyatt? YES!!!!!!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comment here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Christina Haynes (148 KP) rated Being Alpha in Books
Sep 18, 2018
Being Alpha
Tessa and Dastien are now finally married and are on their well overdue honeymoon. Dastien wants to relax and enjoy himself with Tessa but like always she's on edge and a good thing too, because something is lurking around the corner and like always it's after her...
This book features the aftermath of what Luciana was trying to do, the whole summoning of demons. This time the demon she was trying to bring to our world is only a few moments away. The gang are back together in order to bring this demon down, except Meredith and Donovan as they are having their own problems. We get introduced to a new character along the way. This character has a pretty cool ability.
Like each book before this one we experience upset, drama and danger. All of which come together to create a good story.
I feel that this book didn't really need to happen if I'm honest, because that's what I want my reviews to be... honest. The reason I felt this is because we already defeated Luciana, we didn't then need to defeat what she did again. I like that this book was in this series and I do have mixed feelings about this and I don't know if it's because for the last seven weeks I've been reading the same series and I'm getting bored of it. Or because there is something after seven books that I don't really like about Tessa but I loved more with the other characters. This book was good, but it didn't need to happen. The buildup for the next book could of happened in the sixth and this one could of been the eighth book if that makes sense. I find that really this book should of been half of what it was, so maybe it could of just happened as a shorter story or tied in with the last book and made it long?
Anyway I am looking forward to the next book where we get to see more of Chris and his soul mate!!!
☕☕☕ - NOT A BAD BOOK
Love,
Christina xx
This book features the aftermath of what Luciana was trying to do, the whole summoning of demons. This time the demon she was trying to bring to our world is only a few moments away. The gang are back together in order to bring this demon down, except Meredith and Donovan as they are having their own problems. We get introduced to a new character along the way. This character has a pretty cool ability.
Like each book before this one we experience upset, drama and danger. All of which come together to create a good story.
I feel that this book didn't really need to happen if I'm honest, because that's what I want my reviews to be... honest. The reason I felt this is because we already defeated Luciana, we didn't then need to defeat what she did again. I like that this book was in this series and I do have mixed feelings about this and I don't know if it's because for the last seven weeks I've been reading the same series and I'm getting bored of it. Or because there is something after seven books that I don't really like about Tessa but I loved more with the other characters. This book was good, but it didn't need to happen. The buildup for the next book could of happened in the sixth and this one could of been the eighth book if that makes sense. I find that really this book should of been half of what it was, so maybe it could of just happened as a shorter story or tied in with the last book and made it long?
Anyway I am looking forward to the next book where we get to see more of Chris and his soul mate!!!
☕☕☕ - NOT A BAD BOOK
Love,
Christina xx
Debbiereadsbook (1197 KP) rated Dead In The Garden (Grasmere Cottage Mystery #1) in Books
Oct 11, 2018
No idea where this is going but loved it!
Valor and Bishan have a good life in Grasmere. They run a successful business and Bishan has his music. So why is there a dead body in their garden, and why do the police think Bish did it?
A step away from Ms Donovan's usual fair, but thoroughly enjoyable one!
After the discovery of the body in the garden, Valor takes it upon himself to try to figure out who is out to get him and Bish, especially after Bish is arrested. Valor speaks with old Harrow school pals and teachers, trying to channel is inner tv detective, just like his favourite shows. Bish struggles away from home, he likes things just so, and the police cell makes him itchy.
I have just one one niggle here, and that it's only Valor who has a voice. I really wanted to hear from Bishan at key points along the way, and I wanted to hear how his mind would process everything. I love that Ms Donovan writes with Autistic characters playing front and centre. Bishan does, though, have the majority voice in book two, Dead in the Pond, so really looking forward to that!
For a murder/mystery, its not overly graphic, just enough to get the point across. There IS romance here, but not a great deal, since Valor and Bishan spend much of the book apart.
I loved the support network Bish and Valor have. Bish's family especially, but Valor's family?? Not so much! I STILL think they might have something to do with it all!
I really have no idea where this is going, nor do I really mind which way it goes, I just wanna read them! I want to see if I can put the clues together fast enough to watch it all play out the way I think it will, or if I'm too slow and don't get the whodunnit til it's all revealed!
So, ONLY because Bishan doesn't get a say here...
4 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
A step away from Ms Donovan's usual fair, but thoroughly enjoyable one!
After the discovery of the body in the garden, Valor takes it upon himself to try to figure out who is out to get him and Bish, especially after Bish is arrested. Valor speaks with old Harrow school pals and teachers, trying to channel is inner tv detective, just like his favourite shows. Bish struggles away from home, he likes things just so, and the police cell makes him itchy.
I have just one one niggle here, and that it's only Valor who has a voice. I really wanted to hear from Bishan at key points along the way, and I wanted to hear how his mind would process everything. I love that Ms Donovan writes with Autistic characters playing front and centre. Bishan does, though, have the majority voice in book two, Dead in the Pond, so really looking forward to that!
For a murder/mystery, its not overly graphic, just enough to get the point across. There IS romance here, but not a great deal, since Valor and Bishan spend much of the book apart.
I loved the support network Bish and Valor have. Bish's family especially, but Valor's family?? Not so much! I STILL think they might have something to do with it all!
I really have no idea where this is going, nor do I really mind which way it goes, I just wanna read them! I want to see if I can put the clues together fast enough to watch it all play out the way I think it will, or if I'm too slow and don't get the whodunnit til it's all revealed!
So, ONLY because Bishan doesn't get a say here...
4 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**