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Eleanor Luhar (47 KP) rated Batman the Killing Joke in Books
Jun 24, 2019
I went to London Super Comic Con on Friday and bought a few image books/graphic novels (I can't wait to read them!) and decided to start taking advantage of my boyfriend's extensive comic/graphic novel collection. As I've been intending to read The Killing Joke for ages now, I decided to start with that.
The edition I read included an introduction by Tim Sales, an afterword by Brian Bolland, and a final scene written and illustrated by Bolland.
This is one of the most famous and successful novels - and I can see why. The story is just fantastic - the Joker tries to prove that anyone can go insane after just one bad day, using Jim Gordon as his example. The colour palettes are so cleverly thought out, giving an eerie, creepy tone to most scenes, while the Joker's (possible) origin story is mostly black and white with just small details in red.
Batman is obviously included, but is not a massive character in this story. The focus is on the Gordons and the Joker.
I really loved this. The origin story for the Joker that's included can be taken as true or false - the Joker makes a comment about not actually remembering his past, and liking it to be "multiple choice". This gives the reader the choice of believing it or not. And the Joker's ways of putting Jim Gordon through hell are definitely in line with his character.
The Joker always fascinates me, and I would love to read all his stories. But whether you're a "fan" of his or not, this book is definitely worth the read. 5 stars; an fantastic novel.
The edition I read included an introduction by Tim Sales, an afterword by Brian Bolland, and a final scene written and illustrated by Bolland.
This is one of the most famous and successful novels - and I can see why. The story is just fantastic - the Joker tries to prove that anyone can go insane after just one bad day, using Jim Gordon as his example. The colour palettes are so cleverly thought out, giving an eerie, creepy tone to most scenes, while the Joker's (possible) origin story is mostly black and white with just small details in red.
Batman is obviously included, but is not a massive character in this story. The focus is on the Gordons and the Joker.
I really loved this. The origin story for the Joker that's included can be taken as true or false - the Joker makes a comment about not actually remembering his past, and liking it to be "multiple choice". This gives the reader the choice of believing it or not. And the Joker's ways of putting Jim Gordon through hell are definitely in line with his character.
The Joker always fascinates me, and I would love to read all his stories. But whether you're a "fan" of his or not, this book is definitely worth the read. 5 stars; an fantastic novel.
Kara Skinner (332 KP) rated Mine Completely in Books
Sep 10, 2019
Money sucks.
It can be a good thing, but at the same time it can ruin relationships or at the very least cause fights and angst. Simon and Kara haven’t totally figured out how to deal with their money, even though they are engaged. Kara is still self-conscious about the income gap between them and wants a prenup. Simon is worried that Kara doesn’t think that he trusts her and wants to do anything and everything to prove that he does. Then there’s the little matter of Kara’s pregnancy.
While I enjoyed this Simon and Kara story very much, I only enjoyed reading it once. One read through is enough time to enjoy the romantic gestures and Simon’s and Kara’s hopeless love and attraction to each other. But like a significant other, the more time you spend with the story, the more you see flaws and annoying habits that make you cringe. Simon and Kara fight like two teenagers riddled with hormones and angst. While Simon is still smokin’ hot, and the sex scenes are well worth the read, Simon slowly loses his brain cells until he sounds more like a caveman and less like a video game designer with alpha male tendencies. I don’t know how many times he called Kara “his woman”, but it was enough to annoy me. Severely annoy me.
But like any other significant lover worth loving, you get over the flaws. The Billionaire’s Obsession is a fantastic, well detailed erotic romance that has fantastic sex scenes, great characters, and even a plot, which is a rare find in the dark and dangerous realm of erotica.
It can be a good thing, but at the same time it can ruin relationships or at the very least cause fights and angst. Simon and Kara haven’t totally figured out how to deal with their money, even though they are engaged. Kara is still self-conscious about the income gap between them and wants a prenup. Simon is worried that Kara doesn’t think that he trusts her and wants to do anything and everything to prove that he does. Then there’s the little matter of Kara’s pregnancy.
While I enjoyed this Simon and Kara story very much, I only enjoyed reading it once. One read through is enough time to enjoy the romantic gestures and Simon’s and Kara’s hopeless love and attraction to each other. But like a significant other, the more time you spend with the story, the more you see flaws and annoying habits that make you cringe. Simon and Kara fight like two teenagers riddled with hormones and angst. While Simon is still smokin’ hot, and the sex scenes are well worth the read, Simon slowly loses his brain cells until he sounds more like a caveman and less like a video game designer with alpha male tendencies. I don’t know how many times he called Kara “his woman”, but it was enough to annoy me. Severely annoy me.
But like any other significant lover worth loving, you get over the flaws. The Billionaire’s Obsession is a fantastic, well detailed erotic romance that has fantastic sex scenes, great characters, and even a plot, which is a rare find in the dark and dangerous realm of erotica.
Merissa (13089 KP) rated Running from My Heart (Rock Bottom #3) in Books
Oct 10, 2019
Running From My Heart is the third book in the Rock Bottom series but can be read as a standalone. I haven't read any of the others, and it certainly didn't have an impact on my enjoyment of it.
Ross and Arden are both drowning in grief, but dealing with it in very different ways. Arden has shut himself away from everyone and everything, whereas Ross is King of the One-Night-Stands. They are doing what works best for them. But then they meet in a grocery store and both their lives change for the better, although not painlessly.
This is a very emotional read as the two of them certainly go through the wringer. They have personal revelations that both help and hinder them in their recovery from such soul-destroying grief. I will admit to shedding a tear or two as the baby Osprey, but enough of that!
I have no idea if there were any errors in this book, but I don't think there were as I usually get jolted out of the storyline. With this book, I was completely engrossed from start to finish. The story is smooth, the pacing is perfect. There is a fantastic cast of characters, both main and supporting, that help bring this story to life. I definitely want to read book one, Foster and Justin's story, even though I know from this book they have their HEA.
Absolutely fantastic and definitely recommended by me.
* 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!
Ross and Arden are both drowning in grief, but dealing with it in very different ways. Arden has shut himself away from everyone and everything, whereas Ross is King of the One-Night-Stands. They are doing what works best for them. But then they meet in a grocery store and both their lives change for the better, although not painlessly.
This is a very emotional read as the two of them certainly go through the wringer. They have personal revelations that both help and hinder them in their recovery from such soul-destroying grief. I will admit to shedding a tear or two as the baby Osprey, but enough of that!
I have no idea if there were any errors in this book, but I don't think there were as I usually get jolted out of the storyline. With this book, I was completely engrossed from start to finish. The story is smooth, the pacing is perfect. There is a fantastic cast of characters, both main and supporting, that help bring this story to life. I definitely want to read book one, Foster and Justin's story, even though I know from this book they have their HEA.
Absolutely fantastic and definitely recommended by me.
* 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!
Sarah Blythe (22 KP) rated Fantastic Beasts: Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) in Movies
Aug 24, 2019
Characterisation (2 more)
Theming
Atmosphere
Continuity (1 more)
World canon
It's the Wizarding World, but not quite as we know it...
Contains spoilers, click to show
OK. So. I loved this movie as a continuation of the fantastic beasts universe. I think that the cast does an amazing job of portraying the characters, and I honestly can't imagine anyone other than Eddie Redmayne playing Newt. The atmosphere of the whole thing was built up really well, and the American and European Wizarding worlds that have been created are visually stunning and full of depth.
However, I have a few niggles. I have some minor misgivings about the idea of Jude Law as Dumbledore, not because I dont think he'll do a good job, but because his Dumbledore is so far removed from the one we know and love. I mean, seriously, how do you get from suits to full blown robes? They're opposite ends of the style scale! I think my biggest issue with the whole thing is the lack of continuity from the potter series. I don't understand the back story of Nagini, I want to know what happened between Albus and Grindelwald, and don't get me started on the revelation at the end?!? There was a whole story arc about a hidden Dumbledore child in the HP book series (I love Ariana) and yet here we are, supposed to believe there's another one! I just don't get it!
Overall it's a great film as part of the Fantastic Beasts franchise, and as part of the Wizarding World, but let's not link it too closely to the events of Harry Potter. If we try to work out that labyrinth, I fear all our brains may just explode!
However, I have a few niggles. I have some minor misgivings about the idea of Jude Law as Dumbledore, not because I dont think he'll do a good job, but because his Dumbledore is so far removed from the one we know and love. I mean, seriously, how do you get from suits to full blown robes? They're opposite ends of the style scale! I think my biggest issue with the whole thing is the lack of continuity from the potter series. I don't understand the back story of Nagini, I want to know what happened between Albus and Grindelwald, and don't get me started on the revelation at the end?!? There was a whole story arc about a hidden Dumbledore child in the HP book series (I love Ariana) and yet here we are, supposed to believe there's another one! I just don't get it!
Overall it's a great film as part of the Fantastic Beasts franchise, and as part of the Wizarding World, but let's not link it too closely to the events of Harry Potter. If we try to work out that labyrinth, I fear all our brains may just explode!
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Nothing to Hide (DC Constance Fairchild #2) in Books
Aug 26, 2019
This is the second book in the Constance Fairchild Series and a follow on from "No Time To Cry" which I absolutely loved and enjoyed so much that I was a little apprehensive to read this just in case it didn't live up my expectations ... I needn't have worried, this one was just as good and, yes, you've guessed it, I loved it!
"Nothing to Hide" can be read as a standalone but I would strongly recommend you read the first one otherwise I think you could potentially be lost as to why DC Fairchild is in the place she is, i.e. suspended and a pariah amongst a lot of her fellow officers and a magnet for the media and paparazzi. "No Time To Cry" also provides a lot of back story and history that this book can only touch upon otherwise it would be a tome!
DC Constance Fairchild, or Con for short, is a fantastic, strong, female character whose strength, bravery and steely determination is highlighted within the pages of this book. Con is not however the only fantastic character in this story ... it's full of them and all of them have a part to play, big and small, in what is a totally engrossing and enthralling read from start to finish.
At the end of "No Time To Cry", I said I couldn't wait for the next one in the series and as I have said, I wasn't disappointed ... so .... when's the next one out???
Many thanks to the Publisher and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.
"Nothing to Hide" can be read as a standalone but I would strongly recommend you read the first one otherwise I think you could potentially be lost as to why DC Fairchild is in the place she is, i.e. suspended and a pariah amongst a lot of her fellow officers and a magnet for the media and paparazzi. "No Time To Cry" also provides a lot of back story and history that this book can only touch upon otherwise it would be a tome!
DC Constance Fairchild, or Con for short, is a fantastic, strong, female character whose strength, bravery and steely determination is highlighted within the pages of this book. Con is not however the only fantastic character in this story ... it's full of them and all of them have a part to play, big and small, in what is a totally engrossing and enthralling read from start to finish.
At the end of "No Time To Cry", I said I couldn't wait for the next one in the series and as I have said, I wasn't disappointed ... so .... when's the next one out???
Many thanks to the Publisher and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Unmechanical
Games
App
Unmechanical is all about the adventure of a little helicopter trapped in a strange, but fascinating...
Merissa (13089 KP) rated The Shifter (Legends of Pern Coen: Fated #1) in Books
Apr 20, 2023
THE SHIFTER is the first book in the Legends of Pern Coen: Fated series and we meet with Bran and Seren. Bran is a shapeshifter, as such, he is sentenced to death by the Ri, who is Seren's father. There is a lack of loving feelings towards his daughter though. Seren helps Bran escape, along with many others, making her a traitor in her father's eyes. When she is kidnapped and ransomed, her father refuses to pay it, leaving Bran - who had found himself with that gang - to make a decision with long-ranging effects.
Oh, what a story this is! There is so much going on and so much against Bran and Seren, I honestly can't wait for their story to continue. Domhnall is a fly in the ointment and needs to get over being the fourth son! As for Aengus, I can guess his relationship, but I want to know more about how it all came to be.
This is a fantastic foray into Pern Coen, giving me just as much to enjoy as Rhiannon and Connor's story. The world-building is first class and the story is character-led. It doesn't finish on a cliffhanger, per se, but it will fill you with the need for the next book so you can continue with the story.
Absolutely fantastic and 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 20, 2023
Oh, what a story this is! There is so much going on and so much against Bran and Seren, I honestly can't wait for their story to continue. Domhnall is a fly in the ointment and needs to get over being the fourth son! As for Aengus, I can guess his relationship, but I want to know more about how it all came to be.
This is a fantastic foray into Pern Coen, giving me just as much to enjoy as Rhiannon and Connor's story. The world-building is first class and the story is character-led. It doesn't finish on a cliffhanger, per se, but it will fill you with the need for the next book so you can continue with the story.
Absolutely fantastic and 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 20, 2023
Merissa (13089 KP) rated Crystal Shard (Paladins of Crystal. #1) in Books
Jul 26, 2022 (Updated Jul 26, 2023)
CRYSTAL SHARD is the first book in the Paladins of Crystal series, a new reverse harem series that promises to be a blast! In a nutshell, Crystal is living with her brother and s-i-l, in a dead-end job. One bad day later and she's hiding in a garden when her muse, whom she didn't know she had, decides to take matters into her own hands. Crystal is transported to a new world and ends up meeting five royal Paladins (Buff Lords). There you go.
Of course, there's more to it than that. I am hoping there will be a book for each of the Paladins but this one was Anton's. Crystal feels attracted to all of them but Anton is the one she spends the most time with. The sparks fly but Anton can't act on his wants and needs, not if he wants his mother to live.
The world-building here is exceptional, just what I've come to expect from this author. The characters are multi-dimensional and, in Crystal's case, snarky and headstrong. This leads to some fantastic situations that you can see clearly.
This book ended way too soon for me. I feel it's going to be a series to read one after the other! Absolutely fantastic. I loved every word and can't wait to read more. 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 20, 2022
Of course, there's more to it than that. I am hoping there will be a book for each of the Paladins but this one was Anton's. Crystal feels attracted to all of them but Anton is the one she spends the most time with. The sparks fly but Anton can't act on his wants and needs, not if he wants his mother to live.
The world-building here is exceptional, just what I've come to expect from this author. The characters are multi-dimensional and, in Crystal's case, snarky and headstrong. This leads to some fantastic situations that you can see clearly.
This book ended way too soon for me. I feel it's going to be a series to read one after the other! Absolutely fantastic. I loved every word and can't wait to read more. 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 20, 2022
Book Divas (227 KP) rated Asylum (Asylum, #1) in Books
Dec 12, 2017
I cannot begin to express just how much I loved reading this book. I wasn't even halfway through it and I had already purchased the second book in this series.
This is truly a creepy read as it blends young adults, an old and abandoned asylum with portions of it turned into dorm rooms, vintage pictures and of course an eerily paranormal factor. Edge of your seat, spine tingling read that pulls you in right from the very beginning and overwhelms your senses with a strong story line, well developed characters and the world building was fantastic.
I can't wait to start reading the second book as I must say that I was completely impressed by the author's skill at storytelling and the goosebumps I got while reading this book.
This is truly a creepy read as it blends young adults, an old and abandoned asylum with portions of it turned into dorm rooms, vintage pictures and of course an eerily paranormal factor. Edge of your seat, spine tingling read that pulls you in right from the very beginning and overwhelms your senses with a strong story line, well developed characters and the world building was fantastic.
I can't wait to start reading the second book as I must say that I was completely impressed by the author's skill at storytelling and the goosebumps I got while reading this book.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Let the Dead Speak (Maeve Kerrigan, #7) in Books
Jan 12, 2018
Once again, I have not been disappointed by Jane Casey; she has delivered and written an excellent book that I really enjoyed. Great story line that is full of suspense and keeps you enthralled. The characters are fantastic and believable; I particularly like the working relationship between Kerrigan and Derwent which comes across as being very genuine. Highly recommended read to anyone and you don't have to have read the previous books in the series as this holds up as a stand-alone however, I would suggest you do as you won't be disappointed.
A massive thank you to the publisher, HarperCollins UK, and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
<a href="https://readingstuffnthings.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/when-eighteen-year-old-chloe-emery.html">Reading Stuff 'n' Things</a>
A massive thank you to the publisher, HarperCollins UK, and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
<a href="https://readingstuffnthings.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/when-eighteen-year-old-chloe-emery.html">Reading Stuff 'n' Things</a>