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Gail (4 KP) rated Frozen Over in Books
Jun 4, 2018
Frozen Over by Tarrah Anders
Four stars
I was captivated by this story. The loss of control and the need to posse someone. Tyson is a man who knows what he wants and doesn’t hold back because of feelings. He’s into one night stands and wham bam thank you ma'am. He’s an butthole and he doesn’t hide it from those around him. You get 100% honesty and realness. Allison is strong minded and determined. She does beg or cry for attention. She knows her worth and doesn’t settle. When she finally has a career break through she didn’t know it would come with the attention of the CEO. When Tyson first saw her he didn’t know that hell was getting ready to freeze over. I really enjoyed the story. I liked the conversation between the main characters it wasn’t forced or lacking in emotion. You could feel Tyson's struggle with coming to term with his emotions. I really liked that he kept his honesty and didn’t let himself hold back. Great read and I hope there is more to come. This author gave me something new and I hope her writing style only gets better.
Four stars
I was captivated by this story. The loss of control and the need to posse someone. Tyson is a man who knows what he wants and doesn’t hold back because of feelings. He’s into one night stands and wham bam thank you ma'am. He’s an butthole and he doesn’t hide it from those around him. You get 100% honesty and realness. Allison is strong minded and determined. She does beg or cry for attention. She knows her worth and doesn’t settle. When she finally has a career break through she didn’t know it would come with the attention of the CEO. When Tyson first saw her he didn’t know that hell was getting ready to freeze over. I really enjoyed the story. I liked the conversation between the main characters it wasn’t forced or lacking in emotion. You could feel Tyson's struggle with coming to term with his emotions. I really liked that he kept his honesty and didn’t let himself hold back. Great read and I hope there is more to come. This author gave me something new and I hope her writing style only gets better.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Get a Move On, Neuron! in Books
Jun 18, 2018
Get a Move On, Neuron! by Philip R. Kennedy presents a basic description of brain function to young readers who enjoy science.
Throughout the book the reader goes on a tour of the brain learning about different brain functions. The reader learn about some interesting issues during the tour; such as, memory, self-awareness, and emotions. Each brief chapter ends with a series of questions that recap and review the material. I find the questions a bit distracting since the answers are not provided. The illustrations are nice and helpful. The illustrations are not overly busy, in fact, they help emphasize the topic being discussed. A friendly looking neuron is the "instructor".
Young readers who enjoy science will enjoy this book and will learn a lot of interesting brain facts from this book. This book could be used within the science classroom for going beyond the lesson when discussing brain function.
I give this book 3/5 stars being of the continual repetition which caused the book to come off as boring at times.
I received this book from Choice Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Throughout the book the reader goes on a tour of the brain learning about different brain functions. The reader learn about some interesting issues during the tour; such as, memory, self-awareness, and emotions. Each brief chapter ends with a series of questions that recap and review the material. I find the questions a bit distracting since the answers are not provided. The illustrations are nice and helpful. The illustrations are not overly busy, in fact, they help emphasize the topic being discussed. A friendly looking neuron is the "instructor".
Young readers who enjoy science will enjoy this book and will learn a lot of interesting brain facts from this book. This book could be used within the science classroom for going beyond the lesson when discussing brain function.
I give this book 3/5 stars being of the continual repetition which caused the book to come off as boring at times.
I received this book from Choice Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Awix (3310 KP) rated The Incredibles 2 (2018) in Movies
Jul 19, 2018
A very good film by any objective standards, with a wonderful aesthetic, solid plot and brilliantly-directed animation. It's role-reversal time in the Parr household as Elastigirl is obliged to go out and fight crime while Mr Incredible has to stay at home and take care of the children - needless to say another supervillain is lurking who will require the whole family to come together in order for good to triumph.
The thing is, for a Pixar film (and especially an Incredibles sequel) to be simply 'very good' is somehow not quite good enough, especially when they've had 14 years to work on it. The script sort of lets the whole thing down a bit - it's not quite as sharp or as tight as it needs to be, with a middle section that feels distinctly saggy. Apparently the release date was moved up by a year, which may explain why the film has this not-quite-completely-done air about it. It's a good, entertaining watch, but not as smart or as original as the first one; it never quite grabs the emotions, either.
The thing is, for a Pixar film (and especially an Incredibles sequel) to be simply 'very good' is somehow not quite good enough, especially when they've had 14 years to work on it. The script sort of lets the whole thing down a bit - it's not quite as sharp or as tight as it needs to be, with a middle section that feels distinctly saggy. Apparently the release date was moved up by a year, which may explain why the film has this not-quite-completely-done air about it. It's a good, entertaining watch, but not as smart or as original as the first one; it never quite grabs the emotions, either.
ashezbookz (32 KP) rated The Empress (The Diabolic, #2) in Books
Jul 5, 2018
4/5 - definitely not as awesome as book 1 but still just as good, there was a few lulls in action therefore that's why it got a 4/5 - i remember book 1 being non-stop action for me and I missed that in this book. Not to say there was not a lot of action - it was a LOT of action, but there was a few chapters of things that were, like I've read, very politically inclined - it is kind of the whole point of the book though so alas can I truly be mad at it??
there was quite a whirlwind of characters too - not new/special ones but ... I love this one, no I HATE them, oh I LOVE them again, no WAIT I hate them.. I mean, can you play with my emotions anymore?!?! Oh my gosh that was a lot! A wringer, a long one, but a good one.
The ending - as always in a series, makes me just scream for more, and now I have to wait an age for the next book, my life is over *cries*
there was quite a whirlwind of characters too - not new/special ones but ... I love this one, no I HATE them, oh I LOVE them again, no WAIT I hate them.. I mean, can you play with my emotions anymore?!?! Oh my gosh that was a lot! A wringer, a long one, but a good one.
The ending - as always in a series, makes me just scream for more, and now I have to wait an age for the next book, my life is over *cries*
Steph (468 KP) rated Poison Study (Study, #1) in Books
Jul 9, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was wel-written, fast-paced, and complex. I thought Snyder did an excellent job creating well-rounded characters. I absolutely adored Yelena and Valek and their relationship throughout the book! The plot was extremely well-done. There was just the right amount of complexity to leave you satisfied with the political intrigue and not be overwhelmed with detail.
My only complaint was the ending/resolution. I thought the Commander was unnecessarily uncompromising and ungrateful. Surely since Yelena had just saved his life and his country? Empire? he would bend a little. Especially since they had just formed that bond. What use is Yelena to him in the south? I think his excuse about the rules is bullshit too. Who of the generals would even know that he had saved her life and such?
Also I was a little I satisfied with how relaxed Yelena and Valek are about parting. Maybe it's their confidence that they will see each other again and find a way to make it work, but I just didn't really feel the depth of their emotions like I had in the rest of the book. It was a little fast.
My only complaint was the ending/resolution. I thought the Commander was unnecessarily uncompromising and ungrateful. Surely since Yelena had just saved his life and his country? Empire? he would bend a little. Especially since they had just formed that bond. What use is Yelena to him in the south? I think his excuse about the rules is bullshit too. Who of the generals would even know that he had saved her life and such?
Also I was a little I satisfied with how relaxed Yelena and Valek are about parting. Maybe it's their confidence that they will see each other again and find a way to make it work, but I just didn't really feel the depth of their emotions like I had in the rest of the book. It was a little fast.
Leah (: (569 KP) rated Millions (Dollar book 5) in Books
Jul 31, 2018
This final book in the series is possibly even better than the rest. Most of the darkness from the previous books is gone allowing us to really explore Pim and Elder and dare to hope for happiness.
That being said this is by no means a happy carefree book, there is of course pain, physical and emotional, threats and near death experiences to keep you on your toes right till the very end.
We even get a brief glimpse into the mystery of Selix and some of his reasons for being Elder’s shadow. However this small snippet gives some closure but does build hope for more of his story later on.
The end is completely satisfying, we get a multi perspective epilogue, then an extended epilogue and then the final epilogue. I felt it really finished off the story so there were no unanswered questions. Without the fault of some epilogues, which skip forward a few years so that you get information but not necessarily the emotions.
I think this series was the perfect length to tell Pim and Elder’s story but without getting lost in the middle as I feel some series can.
That being said this is by no means a happy carefree book, there is of course pain, physical and emotional, threats and near death experiences to keep you on your toes right till the very end.
We even get a brief glimpse into the mystery of Selix and some of his reasons for being Elder’s shadow. However this small snippet gives some closure but does build hope for more of his story later on.
The end is completely satisfying, we get a multi perspective epilogue, then an extended epilogue and then the final epilogue. I felt it really finished off the story so there were no unanswered questions. Without the fault of some epilogues, which skip forward a few years so that you get information but not necessarily the emotions.
I think this series was the perfect length to tell Pim and Elder’s story but without getting lost in the middle as I feel some series can.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Love...Under Different Skies in Books
Aug 22, 2018
Another fun instalment
As ive said before, Nick Spalding will never win any literary prizes for this series of books, he really does well to sum up real life situations and emotions. The writing is good but what really makes this story entertaining is the characters. Laura and Jamie are a very relatable couple and their diary/blog entries are so down to earth and realistic. I doubt anyone could read this book (or any others in the series) and not find a handful of comments, thoughts or situations that they’ve experienced in their own life. This story is also pretty funny and I found myself laughing out loud on many occasions.
It may not be the most thought provoking or insightful of reads, but this is a great fun and lighthearted story that is refreshingly short. There are parts in this book that are a little far fetched and scepticism does sink in at times, but I that’s really what you expect from a work of fiction. This kept me highly entertained when I had to get public transport into work this week, although I did have to restrain my laughter at times!
It may not be the most thought provoking or insightful of reads, but this is a great fun and lighthearted story that is refreshingly short. There are parts in this book that are a little far fetched and scepticism does sink in at times, but I that’s really what you expect from a work of fiction. This kept me highly entertained when I had to get public transport into work this week, although I did have to restrain my laughter at times!
Becs (244 KP) rated When We Were Young in Books
Sep 5, 2018
Grammatical errors throughout. (3 more)
Hardly any background or character development.
Beginning was a bore.
Parts didn't make sense.
Not the greatest read.
The beginning was very boring and did not grab my attention at all. There were grammatical errors littered throughout the entirety of the novel and parts that didn't make any sense.
Will I reread? No. Not really my cup of tea. Do I recommend? I mean if you like stories that are a bit juvenile and feel like they were rushed, with hardly any character or background development - then sure.
○ interested in its physical book
○ a continuous read / page-turner
○ diverse in any way
● something’s lacking
● took me a long time to finish
○ an LMAO read
○ I laughed more than a few times
● it’s j u s t awkward
○ gave me goosebumps
○ one of the best books I’ve read
● painful & sad
○ tear-jerker
○ a roller-coaster of emotions
○ thrilling
● confusing
○ sooo relatable
● it is kind of annoying
○ it has a lot of flashbacks
○ it moved me
○ would recommend!
○ great even for a reread
○ definitely a YAY
● I’m sorry it’s a NAY
○ it’s between YAY and NAY
Will I reread? No. Not really my cup of tea. Do I recommend? I mean if you like stories that are a bit juvenile and feel like they were rushed, with hardly any character or background development - then sure.
○ interested in its physical book
○ a continuous read / page-turner
○ diverse in any way
● something’s lacking
● took me a long time to finish
○ an LMAO read
○ I laughed more than a few times
● it’s j u s t awkward
○ gave me goosebumps
○ one of the best books I’ve read
● painful & sad
○ tear-jerker
○ a roller-coaster of emotions
○ thrilling
● confusing
○ sooo relatable
● it is kind of annoying
○ it has a lot of flashbacks
○ it moved me
○ would recommend!
○ great even for a reread
○ definitely a YAY
● I’m sorry it’s a NAY
○ it’s between YAY and NAY
Aurora (9 KP) rated The Witchfinder's Sister in Books
Nov 7, 2018 (Updated Nov 7, 2018)
Historically-accurate setting (4 more)
Gripping
Emotional
Dramatic
Well-written characters
Emotional and Dramatic Historical Fiction
This book had me hooked from the start. I adore the amount of research done by Underdown to create the world of Alice Hopkins so artfully and accurately. Not only does the author capture the turbulence of the English civil war and the complex social systems of the time, but she also brings the reader into that world through the intensely relatable emotions felt by Alice throughout the story. Underwood expertly develops the personalities and flaws of each character in really believable ways, creating the complex relationships that we often see in real life. The story is also often pushed forward by gossip and secrets which the reader must choose whether or not to believe, adding an extra element of mystery to an already thrilling read.
After visiting many of the towns mentioned in the book (Manningtree, Mistley Wells, Colchester, Ipswich), I am in awe of the detail that Underdown used to bring these places to life. While some artistic license was taken (and described in the Author's Note), this book remains a beautiful and chilling glimpse into England's dark past.
After visiting many of the towns mentioned in the book (Manningtree, Mistley Wells, Colchester, Ipswich), I am in awe of the detail that Underdown used to bring these places to life. While some artistic license was taken (and described in the Author's Note), this book remains a beautiful and chilling glimpse into England's dark past.
Elizabeth Ritchie (17 KP) rated Red Plus Zone in Books
Nov 10, 2018 (Updated Nov 10, 2018)
The characters. (1 more)
The unique storyline.
Hands down, one of the best books I have ever read!
This is the first Crime book I have ever read in my entire life, and I've got to say it will also be the last. The last, due to the fact that no other crime book past, present or future, will ever come anywhere close comparing to the absolutely astounding story of Red Plus Zone.
All I wanted to do with my days was read this book. When I was at work or busy with house chores etc, all I could think of was this book, and what it would be like to live in the post apocalyptic world described by the author, what it would be like being Sam McCall as a post apocalyptic detective. The book is so well written and the story line is so captivating that I connected with all of the characters, I felt their emotions and I felt their pain, and at times I felt like I was actually living in the post-shattered world (which isn't a good thing when you ask a waitress in a cafe what time zone we are in).
All I wanted to do with my days was read this book. When I was at work or busy with house chores etc, all I could think of was this book, and what it would be like to live in the post apocalyptic world described by the author, what it would be like being Sam McCall as a post apocalyptic detective. The book is so well written and the story line is so captivating that I connected with all of the characters, I felt their emotions and I felt their pain, and at times I felt like I was actually living in the post-shattered world (which isn't a good thing when you ask a waitress in a cafe what time zone we are in).