
BookInspector (124 KP) rated The Other Twin in Books
Sep 24, 2020
I had a chance to read many great reviews about this book, so I was very excited to receive it from publisher. After reading it, I noticed, that even though this book is not very long, it carries a very important message, and I am very glad the author shared it with the world.
The main character in this book was Poppy, a sister of a girl who killed herself by jumping from the bridge. She has to come back to Brighton, and is trying to figure out ,why India jumped from that bridge. I really enjoyed, that this story was sister’s investigation and no detectives were participating. I found this novel really realistic and believable, just a sister trying to find out the truth. Nevertheless, all characters in this book where very realistic, just like ordinary people you would meet in the street, with their flaws and strengths. I found the characters really well thought through and interesting. They had really mysterious personalities, and I loved the way Poppy was trying to figure everything out.
The narrative of this book was very smartly created, jumping between two different stories, the one of Poppy’s investigation and the other one, mysterious one, which kept me guessing and very intrigued, and I will admit, that outcome really surprised me. I really enjoyed the way L.V. Hay described Brighton in this book, I loved the details and the described spirit of this great place. Even though it is a crime novel, I admired the way L.V. Hay incorporated her message, by showing what struggles some LGBT communities people are facing. I would love to talk more about it, but it would spoil the reading experience.
The writing style of this book is easy to read and those lovely short chapters makes this book a quick and pleasant read for those naughty rainy summer days. Every chapter opened up a new clue and made this book really fast paced read. There were plenty of turns and twists and very unexpected climax. So, to conclude, I would strongly recommend this intense crime thriller, full of difficult family relations, unforgotten love and surprising outcome.
Was given this book by publisher for honest review.

LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated A Christmas Horror Story (2015) in Movies
Dec 24, 2020
They vary in quality of course. One of them is a ghost story, as three students go about exploring the abandoned crime scene of two people murdered in ritual sacrifice on Christmas the year before. This one was plain boring. It was creepy in places, and is presented occasionally in a found footage style. The characters here are pretty unlikable, and doesn't really offer much to the overall film bar a couple of predictable jump scares.
Another revolves around a couple who's child goes missing whilst chopping down a Christmas tree for their home. They find the child, but eventually find out that he is in fact a shapeshifting troll. Chaos ensues. This one was ok, some good performances by Adrian Holmes and Olunike Adeliyi certainly help it carry more gravitas.
A third story revolves around Krampus preying on a family trying to make amends with some long lost relatives. Again, this one was ok. It's quite visually pleasing in its setting, but it's a pretty standard short revolving around a story we've already heard a hundred times. Krampus looks good enough considering it's a dude in make up.
And the the fourth story is easily the best of the bunch. It revolves around Santa fending off his elves in Christmas Eve when they succumb to a zombie style virus. Santa stomping around decapitating zombie elves by the bucket load is exactly what I signed up for. It also has the films best twist, which is pretty damn bleak, and features a Santa vs Krampus showdown. The film's worth watching for this segment alone!
Overall, A Christmas Horror Story is entertaining enough to justify a Yuletide watch. It has half decent production values (if you ignore the occasional piss poor CGI), some passable gore, and all the stories are inter cut by mother fucking William Shatner of all people, who actually seems to be having a good time here. Don't go in expecting a masterpiece and I'm sure you'll find something to enjoy.

Eleanor Luhar (47 KP) rated I'll Give You the Sun in Books
Jun 24, 2019
(Self-portrait: Book Remakes Girl)
Oh my Clark Gable. I'll Give You the Sun is simply amazing. It's a piece or artwork in itself, a definite new favourite of mine.
Alternating between twins Noah and Jude, I'll Give You the Sun is two alternating stories that twist together in ways so unexpected and so perfect that you'll undoubtedly want to read to the end without putting the book down. The Invisible Museum of Noah, aged 13 to 14, and The History of Luck, 16-year-old's Jude's story, are amazing on their own, but then they start to fit together so tremendously, and every little thing makes so much sense... I can't describe how amazing I found this book.
Jude and Noah were close; Noah was always painting, inside his head and out, and Jude was out being a badass daredevil, and building her flying women in the sand. But a horrific accident involving their mother sends them both tumbling, and the relationship between them is ruined.
But although all hope seems lost, the now-boycotting Jude finds the answer in such an unexpected way and suddenly everything falls back into place.
And Noah, after having his heart ripped out by his own actions, has to decide between telling the truth about his mother or keeping her secrets hidden beneath lies.
I love the style and layout of this book. The cover alone is wonderful, but the pages themselves are all so unique and interesting, I loved it at soon as I turned to the first page. It's not too busy or intricate, just simple little doodles and such giving each page a bit of character. And every cover I've seen is nice and minimalistic too. (If you want to look the book up and see the over editions and covers you can look at it on Goodreads.)
A story of family struggles, individual troubles, love and heartbreak, I'll Give You the Sun is simply beautiful. I'm dying to read it again, even after finishing it just ten minutes ago! A full 5 stars for this gorgeous book.

Darren (1599 KP) rated Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016) in Movies
Sep 16, 2019
Performances – Sam Neill easily gives one of his best performances of his career here, showing the heart the character needs along with the determination to do the right thing too. Julian Dennison is fantastic in this role, he has the innocent side while also showing the front of toughness that the character requires.
Story – The story is a coming of age tale, between a foster kid and his reluctant new father who wasn’t prepared for the responsibility placed upon him. The two go on an adventure through the wilderness which gathers national news and a nationwide manhunt. It shows how two different people from different backgrounds of different ages can work together, teaching each other important life lesson, in what is one of the most enjoyable stories you will see.
Adventure/Comedy – The adventure takes us through the New Zealand wilderness, seeing sights of wonder along the way. The film is told in a comic tone that will make you laugh plenty of times along the journey.
Settings – The wilderness of New Zealand makes for the stunning settings being used, nearly all the scenes have a breath-taking view.
Scene of the Movie – The last run.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – Certain slang turns can go over your head.
Final Thoughts – This is one of the most fun coming of age movies I have ever seen, the adventure is fantastic, the comedy hits and the pairing works all day long.
Overall: Must watch cinema for the family.

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Merissa (12723 KP) rated Avenged by Fire (Between Ruin and Salvation #3) in Books
Apr 12, 2023
I won't rehash the storyline - you've got the blurb for that. Suffice it to say it is full-on action once again. Now Ava has beaten Alpha Thomas, she has set her sights on the Council. After all, they do have her parents, child, and mother-in-law! Together with Makaii, they set off around America to form alliances in a bid to take them down. While doing that, the full horror of what the council is doing comes to light - and there is no way that Protector Ava or her associates are going to stand for that!!!
Ava is just as kick-ass as in the other stories and I am finally warming up to Makaii. In fact, I actually felt for him in this book as he tries his best to go against his instincts to wrap Ava up in cotton wool to keep her safe. I may not have been that keen on him but I love their relationship. There are mistakes being made, give and take between two very strong individuals. They haven't just immediately fallen into this perfect life.
Ava also gets to meet more of her family - together with a Fae Prince who is a bit of a jerk, if I'm honest. Mind you, Ava does manage to bring him into line in spectacular fashion. That may be my favourite scene out of the whole book.
Oh, and Bailey sniffs out her mate but avoids him like the plague. I know which one I want for her but I will have to wait and see.
One helluva cliffhanger wraps up one helluva book! I really can't wait for the conclusion and to see Ava in action again. HIGHLY recommended by 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 12, 2023