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David McK (3245 KP) rated The Horse and His Boy (Chronicles of Narnia, #5) in Books
Jan 28, 2019
Firstly, is this the third Narnia book, or is it the fifth?
The answer to that is whether you go by chronological setting (in which case it's the third), or by publication date (it's the fifth).
This is also a story that I didn't remember reading as a child; however, when I was recently re-reading it I was finding plot elements to be a little-bit-more-familiar than I was otherwise expecting: perhaps I did, and had just forgotten.
Unlike [b: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe|100915|The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (Chronicles of Narnia, #1)|C.S. Lewis|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1353029077s/100915.jpg|4790821], this does not follow the Pevensie children, but rather the journey of a young boy named Shasta who discovers he was adopted and is running away to Narnia when his adoptive father is about to sell him into slavery; running away alongside/with the help of the talking horse Bree. Along the way they fall in with a girl named Aravis and her talking horse Hwin, who are also making the same escape.
While I've heard arguments recently that, in this book, CS Lewis is displaying his own racist xenophobia ('fair and white ... accursed but beautiful Barbarians'), personally I think that is reading too much into what is simply intended to be a children's Arabian Nights esque fairytale
The answer to that is whether you go by chronological setting (in which case it's the third), or by publication date (it's the fifth).
This is also a story that I didn't remember reading as a child; however, when I was recently re-reading it I was finding plot elements to be a little-bit-more-familiar than I was otherwise expecting: perhaps I did, and had just forgotten.
Unlike [b: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe|100915|The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (Chronicles of Narnia, #1)|C.S. Lewis|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1353029077s/100915.jpg|4790821], this does not follow the Pevensie children, but rather the journey of a young boy named Shasta who discovers he was adopted and is running away to Narnia when his adoptive father is about to sell him into slavery; running away alongside/with the help of the talking horse Bree. Along the way they fall in with a girl named Aravis and her talking horse Hwin, who are also making the same escape.
While I've heard arguments recently that, in this book, CS Lewis is displaying his own racist xenophobia ('fair and white ... accursed but beautiful Barbarians'), personally I think that is reading too much into what is simply intended to be a children's Arabian Nights esque fairytale
J Elizabeth Klug (21 KP) rated I'm Not Cinderella in Books
Dec 14, 2019
I received this book as a gift from my best friend who insisted I read it. (Thanks, Krystal. Darn you!) I ended up enjoying it more than I thought I would.
The story follows Brinlee, a 17-year-old girl from Idaho, as she accidentally switches places with Cinderella after finding a secret door in her attic bedroom. While stuck in this fairytale world, Brinlee threatens the happily ever after of this beloved tale; now with new mysteries surrounding the characters, Brinlee is determined to uncover those secrets. Along the way, she meets some new friends and finds unexpected love.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. Especially given the fact that I almost gave up on it. It started out slow and didn’t really hold my attention until about halfway through, at which point the story took off including an unexpected twist that had me hooked and anxious to see how it would play out.
Once the story picked up, I found it hard to put down. However, I was slightly disappointed with the ending and the introduction or revelation of the identities of characters that were only vaguely introduced to begin with.
Overall, I found it to be a good clean read that I would recommend to any fan of Cinderella.
The story follows Brinlee, a 17-year-old girl from Idaho, as she accidentally switches places with Cinderella after finding a secret door in her attic bedroom. While stuck in this fairytale world, Brinlee threatens the happily ever after of this beloved tale; now with new mysteries surrounding the characters, Brinlee is determined to uncover those secrets. Along the way, she meets some new friends and finds unexpected love.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. Especially given the fact that I almost gave up on it. It started out slow and didn’t really hold my attention until about halfway through, at which point the story took off including an unexpected twist that had me hooked and anxious to see how it would play out.
Once the story picked up, I found it hard to put down. However, I was slightly disappointed with the ending and the introduction or revelation of the identities of characters that were only vaguely introduced to begin with.
Overall, I found it to be a good clean read that I would recommend to any fan of Cinderella.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2099 KP) rated Pumpkin Spice Peril in Books
Apr 29, 2020
Exhibiting a Murder
Over the years that best friends Mel Cooper and Angie Harper have run Fairytale Cupcakes, they have made friends with some of their customers. Near the top of that list are husband and wife artists Peter and Rene. Every Friday, Peter comes in to pick up cupcakes for Rene, who is currently putting the finishing touches on a major art installation to be unveiled in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Mel and Angie are providing the cupcakes for the opening night party. However, the night before the big event, someone dies under suspicious circumstances. Has Mel been pulled into another murder?
While the murder happens a little late in the book, the time is well used to introduce us to characters and provide plenty of conflict. I was never bored, and that only increased once the murdered happened and Mel started uncovering secrets. The series regulars all sparkle as always, and I enjoyed getting to spend time with them. The new characters are just as strong. The book has a more somber tone than some of the others in the series, but it fits the events of the plot. Don’t worry, there are still some good laughs along the way. We get four new cupcake recipes at the end that sound delicious. I raced through this book like always. This is another fun entry in one of my favorite series.
While the murder happens a little late in the book, the time is well used to introduce us to characters and provide plenty of conflict. I was never bored, and that only increased once the murdered happened and Mel started uncovering secrets. The series regulars all sparkle as always, and I enjoyed getting to spend time with them. The new characters are just as strong. The book has a more somber tone than some of the others in the series, but it fits the events of the plot. Don’t worry, there are still some good laughs along the way. We get four new cupcake recipes at the end that sound delicious. I raced through this book like always. This is another fun entry in one of my favorite series.
Mothergamer (1521 KP) rated the PlayStation 4 version of Trials of Mana in Video Games
Jul 13, 2020
I remember playing the original Trials Of Mana and enjoying it for the story and gameplay. This Trials Of Mana is a remake and instead of a 2D topdown, it is now fully 3D with updated graphics and modernized gameplay. The story while simple is good and the game itself is charming because of the characters, music, and combat system. Battles are fun and grinding doesn't feel like a chore at all because of the more modern feel. You have 6 different characters to choose from for your main character and can choose 2 characters to be your companions to round out your party. This gives you different story chapters showing you different origin stories for each character as well as different villains. The world in the game is fairly linear with just the main quest and no real side quests, but that doesn't detract from the game too much because there is a lot of replay value with new game plus and the chance to play the game with new characters. The game is about 30 hours and for me personally it was fun and had a nice fairytale feel to it and it appealed to my nostalgia of the original and introduced my daughters to a new JRPG that they really liked. Full Mothergamer review is here: http://lorrie28-mothergamer.blogspot.com/2020/07/mothergamer-plays-trials-of-mana.html
Merissa (11805 KP) rated Eira in Books
Aug 5, 2021
EIRA is a standalone novella giving The Snow Queen a FF fairytale retelling.
The descriptions of the national park, the weather, the hut, all those sorts of things were absolutely brilliant. I could see them so clearly in my mind as I read, which is always a good thing.
What I didn't like so much were the main characters themselves, which kinda makes it awkward! I didn't really feel any connection between them, not helped by the long periods of time that slipped them both by without them being in contact.
The other thing was when Kay had been told about the curse. She goes to the library and searches out information on Gwyn, finding out she was a historical figure who just disappeared. Then she makes a connection to fairy tales and decides - with no real proof, just a hunch - that Gwyn is The Snow Queen and she knows how to save her. I love fantasy and paranormal but even I found this to be a stretch of the imagination.
Overall, this was a nice coffee break book that I enjoyed but it is a one-and-done for me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
The descriptions of the national park, the weather, the hut, all those sorts of things were absolutely brilliant. I could see them so clearly in my mind as I read, which is always a good thing.
What I didn't like so much were the main characters themselves, which kinda makes it awkward! I didn't really feel any connection between them, not helped by the long periods of time that slipped them both by without them being in contact.
The other thing was when Kay had been told about the curse. She goes to the library and searches out information on Gwyn, finding out she was a historical figure who just disappeared. Then she makes a connection to fairy tales and decides - with no real proof, just a hunch - that Gwyn is The Snow Queen and she knows how to save her. I love fantasy and paranormal but even I found this to be a stretch of the imagination.
Overall, this was a nice coffee break book that I enjoyed but it is a one-and-done for me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Hook’s Pan ( Kingdom book 5) in Books
Oct 11, 2022
185 of 230
Kindle
Hook’s Pan ( Kingdom book 5)
By Marie Hall
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trishelle Page has known pain in her life, but instead of it making her weak, she's stronger. Confident. That is until the day a fairy kidnaps her during her staring role in Peter Pan's play and tells her not only do fairy tales exist, but that she's the soulmate of the pirate they call Hook, making her question everything she ever thought she knew.
Captain James Hook is a man at the end of his rope. He's not the villainous bastard tales have made him out to be. So when the curvaceous blonde drops literally at his feet, he aims to prove it to her. If only to get her into his bed.
What neither one knows is that fate and magic are conspiring and they can deny the attraction all they want but their happily ever after is already written, it's just a matter of getting there.
This has to be one of my favourite fairytale retell series. Marie Hall just gets that balance of classic details and adult revamp just right. This I think was my favourite so far I absolutely love Hook. These books never take me long to read as they are just so much fun!
Kindle
Hook’s Pan ( Kingdom book 5)
By Marie Hall
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trishelle Page has known pain in her life, but instead of it making her weak, she's stronger. Confident. That is until the day a fairy kidnaps her during her staring role in Peter Pan's play and tells her not only do fairy tales exist, but that she's the soulmate of the pirate they call Hook, making her question everything she ever thought she knew.
Captain James Hook is a man at the end of his rope. He's not the villainous bastard tales have made him out to be. So when the curvaceous blonde drops literally at his feet, he aims to prove it to her. If only to get her into his bed.
What neither one knows is that fate and magic are conspiring and they can deny the attraction all they want but their happily ever after is already written, it's just a matter of getting there.
This has to be one of my favourite fairytale retell series. Marie Hall just gets that balance of classic details and adult revamp just right. This I think was my favourite so far I absolutely love Hook. These books never take me long to read as they are just so much fun!
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Pan (Neverland, #1) in Books
May 21, 2019
Fresh take on a beloved faery tale
I bought this book as part of #IndieApril. Unfortunately, my Advanced Reader Copy schedule was too tight, so I wasn’t able to read any of the books I bought until May. As you all know, my the last IndieApril book didn’t impress me, so I figured I would read something by an author that I’ve been dying to read.
Not going to lie, I’ve always wanted to read Gina L. Maxwell simply because she is fantastic to follow on Twitter. She engages with readers and is just so much fun to follow (seriously, you need to follow her @Gina_L_Maxwell). Even though I love her tweets, I was nervous to read one of her books. It’s like that moment when you meet a celebrity, you never know if they’re going to be what you expect or be a disappointment. Well, I can now say that Gina’s writing is perfect. I’m judging myself for taking this long to read one of her books.
Pan is one of my favorite books this year. It’s fun, bright, and the banter was phenomenal. I couldn’t help but swoon after Peter, want to be best friends with Wendy, and at times smack Tinkerbell. It was just perfect. I loved that this was a fresh take on Peter Pan that features no magic. Seriously, the only magic in this book is what Peter can do in the bedroom. Peter is a mechanic, that is sure to make you look at your mechanic differently. Every character that you loved in the original fairytale is in this book. Gina really brought together the aspects of the classic novel and intertwined them into a new unique take. There are so many callbacks to the classic that many Peter Pan fans will squee in enjoyment.
As you all know by now, I’m a sucker for good characters, and this book doesn’t disappoint. Each character is well written. They are not flawless, which makes the story more believable. I loved the chemistry between all of the characters. You can see the love between the Lost Boys, Tinkerbell, and Peter, which was really lovely to see.
The relationship between Wendy & Peter was beautiful to watch. I genuinely enjoyed watching them fall in love in both the past and the present. Seeing how each of them grew up was fascinating and incredibly well written. I also liked learning more about the relationship between Peter and Hook. They’re so similar yet different. I cannot wait to learn more about Hook in the next book! I hope that the comradery and differences are explored.
All in all, this was such a fun read. Gina L. Maxwell was able to put a fresh take on a beloved fairytale. It was steamy, and so much fun! I highly recommend this to any romance reader. Even if you’re not a fan of Peter Pan, this fresh take will make you fall in love.
Not going to lie, I’ve always wanted to read Gina L. Maxwell simply because she is fantastic to follow on Twitter. She engages with readers and is just so much fun to follow (seriously, you need to follow her @Gina_L_Maxwell). Even though I love her tweets, I was nervous to read one of her books. It’s like that moment when you meet a celebrity, you never know if they’re going to be what you expect or be a disappointment. Well, I can now say that Gina’s writing is perfect. I’m judging myself for taking this long to read one of her books.
Pan is one of my favorite books this year. It’s fun, bright, and the banter was phenomenal. I couldn’t help but swoon after Peter, want to be best friends with Wendy, and at times smack Tinkerbell. It was just perfect. I loved that this was a fresh take on Peter Pan that features no magic. Seriously, the only magic in this book is what Peter can do in the bedroom. Peter is a mechanic, that is sure to make you look at your mechanic differently. Every character that you loved in the original fairytale is in this book. Gina really brought together the aspects of the classic novel and intertwined them into a new unique take. There are so many callbacks to the classic that many Peter Pan fans will squee in enjoyment.
As you all know by now, I’m a sucker for good characters, and this book doesn’t disappoint. Each character is well written. They are not flawless, which makes the story more believable. I loved the chemistry between all of the characters. You can see the love between the Lost Boys, Tinkerbell, and Peter, which was really lovely to see.
The relationship between Wendy & Peter was beautiful to watch. I genuinely enjoyed watching them fall in love in both the past and the present. Seeing how each of them grew up was fascinating and incredibly well written. I also liked learning more about the relationship between Peter and Hook. They’re so similar yet different. I cannot wait to learn more about Hook in the next book! I hope that the comradery and differences are explored.
All in all, this was such a fun read. Gina L. Maxwell was able to put a fresh take on a beloved fairytale. It was steamy, and so much fun! I highly recommend this to any romance reader. Even if you’re not a fan of Peter Pan, this fresh take will make you fall in love.
T.N. Nova (30 KP) rated What's In A Name? in Books
Jun 22, 2018
What’s in a name? by Pat Henshaw is a short novella about a Barista by the name of Jimmy Patterson who gets dumped at a bar on his birthday by his boyfriend Alex. The burly bartender who we first know as Alex 2 then later as “Guy”, comes in to save the day when Jimmy gets drunk off his backside and finds himself in the bathroom with his head over the toilet bowl. All Jimmy wants is to know the bartender’s first name. The story starts unfolding when “Guy” makes a deal with Jimmy. He has seven days to guess “Guy”’s first name; one guess each day.
While each day for the next week, Jimmy and Guy’s relationship becomes deeper to the point where they end up falling in love and do find their HEA, there is so much more to this story than just your typical boy meets boy, boy falls in love with boy, they live happily ever after type scenario. Jimmy and his co-owner of Penny’s coffee shop learn that not everything is going to be a bed of roses as thriving business owners when someone ends up trashing their mall branch shop. Jimmy and Guy have their own issues that they need to work out through the week that they’re together as well.
What I found interesting as well as refreshing about What’s in a Name? is that right from the very beginning the book had a fairytale feel to it. First there was the feel of a Rumpelstiltskin story in so far as having to guess Guy’s name and getting seven guess’s to figure out out. I’m not going to give away the ending of the book or the answer in this regards but the fairytale overlays continue throughout the book.
There were quite a few twists and turns to What’s in a Name along with unexpected surprises that pop up throughout the read such as Jimmy’s ex boyfriend Alex, who we meet at the beginning of the book, showing up later. There was some mystery to this story as well and the person we thought was the culprit wasn’t the one “Who done it” after all.
The one big downfall that I found while reading the story was that “Guy’s” first name became predictable by at least the middle of the story for me. Luckily that wasn’t the main plot otherwise there was a good chance I would have lost interest in the book. There were quite a few underlying and overlying aspects to What’s in a name that it kept me coming back to see what happened between the two men. What’s in a name is a quick read that I got through in a day and it took me that long only because it was during the weekend when I had other things going on. I would definitely recommend this to my friends.
While each day for the next week, Jimmy and Guy’s relationship becomes deeper to the point where they end up falling in love and do find their HEA, there is so much more to this story than just your typical boy meets boy, boy falls in love with boy, they live happily ever after type scenario. Jimmy and his co-owner of Penny’s coffee shop learn that not everything is going to be a bed of roses as thriving business owners when someone ends up trashing their mall branch shop. Jimmy and Guy have their own issues that they need to work out through the week that they’re together as well.
What I found interesting as well as refreshing about What’s in a Name? is that right from the very beginning the book had a fairytale feel to it. First there was the feel of a Rumpelstiltskin story in so far as having to guess Guy’s name and getting seven guess’s to figure out out. I’m not going to give away the ending of the book or the answer in this regards but the fairytale overlays continue throughout the book.
There were quite a few twists and turns to What’s in a Name along with unexpected surprises that pop up throughout the read such as Jimmy’s ex boyfriend Alex, who we meet at the beginning of the book, showing up later. There was some mystery to this story as well and the person we thought was the culprit wasn’t the one “Who done it” after all.
The one big downfall that I found while reading the story was that “Guy’s” first name became predictable by at least the middle of the story for me. Luckily that wasn’t the main plot otherwise there was a good chance I would have lost interest in the book. There were quite a few underlying and overlying aspects to What’s in a name that it kept me coming back to see what happened between the two men. What’s in a name is a quick read that I got through in a day and it took me that long only because it was during the weekend when I had other things going on. I would definitely recommend this to my friends.
Stephen (210 KP) rated Muriel's Wedding (1995) in Movies
Mar 1, 2019 (Updated Mar 2, 2019)
Euphoria... To The Tune Of ABBA
Contains spoilers, click to show
I was shocked when I realised it’s been 25 years since I saw this at the cinema. Filled with nostalgia I just had to leave a review here for what is one of my all time favourite movies.
The film relies heavily on the music of ABBA (although many other artists feature, check out the soundtrack), and the life of ugly ducking Muriel Heslop (played by the always wonderful Toni Collette).
A truly modern fairytale, with a real heart and soul, this movie with have you laughing and crying, with outstanding performances from all the cast.
Highlights are the scene where Muriel and friend Rhonda perform ‘Waterloo’ at karaoke (timed PERFECTLY to blend in with the aftermath of Rhonda putting Muriel’s bitchy as hell, so called ‘friends’ in their place), and the scene when Muriel walks down the aisle to ‘I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do.’ I have to confess I cried tears of joy when that song started playing.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a film that has left me feeling so euphoric after watching it, as rom coms go, this one sets the standard amazingly high. And the scene where Rhonda says: “Stick your drink up your arse, Tanya, I would rather swallow razor blades than drink with you” will make anyone who has ever been picked on cheer along.
The film relies heavily on the music of ABBA (although many other artists feature, check out the soundtrack), and the life of ugly ducking Muriel Heslop (played by the always wonderful Toni Collette).
A truly modern fairytale, with a real heart and soul, this movie with have you laughing and crying, with outstanding performances from all the cast.
Highlights are the scene where Muriel and friend Rhonda perform ‘Waterloo’ at karaoke (timed PERFECTLY to blend in with the aftermath of Rhonda putting Muriel’s bitchy as hell, so called ‘friends’ in their place), and the scene when Muriel walks down the aisle to ‘I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do.’ I have to confess I cried tears of joy when that song started playing.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a film that has left me feeling so euphoric after watching it, as rom coms go, this one sets the standard amazingly high. And the scene where Rhonda says: “Stick your drink up your arse, Tanya, I would rather swallow razor blades than drink with you” will make anyone who has ever been picked on cheer along.
Micky Barnard (542 KP) rated Geekerella (Once Upon a Con #1) in Books
Dec 6, 2018
Sweet but forgettable
This book was cuteness-incarnate with a slice of grit, a retake on Cinderella with a geeky fandom context that worked in a way that was fun and easy to connect. I found myself sucked into this story of Elle and Darien. Darien is something of a beta-male character and I’m always here for that.
As you might imagine, Elle lives with her stepmother and step sisters, things are pretty grim and abusive at home and that made for difficult reading at certain moments. Darien is playing the lead role in a film depicting a fandom Elle has been immersed in since childhood thanks to her late dad’s love of it.
The serendipitous connection through text between these two was a lovely, sweet slow build but the masking of their identities was bound to lead to complications. The events in the storyline were occasionally fresh outside of the fairytale but mostly predictable too, especially when it came to the meeting of these two. There were some very clever aspects like the pumpkin, the cosplaying elements were enjoyable and the side characters were superb. Sage was a highlight from a side character perspective. The character diversity was oozing from the pages in an unforced and natural way. I appreciated how this was conceptualised. .
This was enjoyable, easy YA reading with a delightful geek-fandom. I think this book would appeal to many.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
As you might imagine, Elle lives with her stepmother and step sisters, things are pretty grim and abusive at home and that made for difficult reading at certain moments. Darien is playing the lead role in a film depicting a fandom Elle has been immersed in since childhood thanks to her late dad’s love of it.
The serendipitous connection through text between these two was a lovely, sweet slow build but the masking of their identities was bound to lead to complications. The events in the storyline were occasionally fresh outside of the fairytale but mostly predictable too, especially when it came to the meeting of these two. There were some very clever aspects like the pumpkin, the cosplaying elements were enjoyable and the side characters were superb. Sage was a highlight from a side character perspective. The character diversity was oozing from the pages in an unforced and natural way. I appreciated how this was conceptualised. .
This was enjoyable, easy YA reading with a delightful geek-fandom. I think this book would appeal to many.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.