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Connelly’s First Great Team Up
Former FBI agent Terry McCaleb is enjoying his new life on Catalina when he is asked to come back to the mainland and consult on a bizarre case. He zeros in on a clue – a plastic owl. Where will that lead him? Meanwhile, Harry Bosch is working closely with the prosecution on a case that he investigated. The defendant is a Hollywood director. Is their case strong enough to win?
Fans of Michael Connelly will enjoy getting to see these two characters team up in one book. We even get appearances by some characters from other Connelly books, which is a treat for fans, although not knowing the backstory doesn’t hamper anything if you start with this book. The characters are sharp, both returning and new. The pacing was a bit off as times since we can guess one twist early and Bosch’s scenes in court tend to slow things down, but overall, this is another great book with a fantastic climax.
Fans of Michael Connelly will enjoy getting to see these two characters team up in one book. We even get appearances by some characters from other Connelly books, which is a treat for fans, although not knowing the backstory doesn’t hamper anything if you start with this book. The characters are sharp, both returning and new. The pacing was a bit off as times since we can guess one twist early and Bosch’s scenes in court tend to slow things down, but overall, this is another great book with a fantastic climax.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2526 KP) rated Waste of Space in Books
May 7, 2018
Can Dash Find the Right Suspect?
When someone tries to poison Lars Sjoberg, no one is really surprised. This trillionaire has rubbed everyone the wrong way since he arrived on Moon Base Alpha. In fact, the real question becomes who didn’t want the man dead. Dashiell Gibson is roped into helping with the investigation. How did the poison get on base? And who tried to kill Lars?
This is another fantastic mystery for kids of all ages. The setting is creative, fun, and realistically handled. The mystery is great with good twists and turns. I did feel the pacing slowed down a little in the middle for a series long sub-plot, but that is a minor complaint. The characters are still strong, and there are moments that are guaranteed to make kids laugh and cheer. This is our final trip to the moon with these characters, and the series is wrapped up in a very satisfying way.
This is another fantastic mystery for kids of all ages. The setting is creative, fun, and realistically handled. The mystery is great with good twists and turns. I did feel the pacing slowed down a little in the middle for a series long sub-plot, but that is a minor complaint. The characters are still strong, and there are moments that are guaranteed to make kids laugh and cheer. This is our final trip to the moon with these characters, and the series is wrapped up in a very satisfying way.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated The Death Of Stalin (2017) in Movies
Feb 10, 2019
Needs more Jason Isaacs
This film has one of the best ensemble casts I've seen in a long time. There are some fantastic actors in this from both sides of the pond, and there isn't a single one that I'd criticise. The film itself isn't hilarious, but it is pretty funny and raises quite a few laughs. Its an ingeniously satirical take on the death of Stalin, and I'd love to see similar historical events re-enacted in the same manner, as it'd make them a lot more entertaining. It flits from scene to scene very quickly & it can be a little difficult to follow what's going on, but I don't think that really matters. For me though, the best thing about this film was Jason Isaacs. His general with a Yorkshire accent was absolutely hilarious, and I just wish he'd been in this film a lot more, as I probably would've rated it higher if he was.
Mothergamer (1625 KP) rated Kingdom Hearts III in Video Games
Feb 14, 2019
Great Adventure
I love the Kingdom Hearts series because it offered great characters and fantastic worlds from so many favorite Disney movies. I was quite excited for Kingdom Hearts III when it finally arrived. The combat is definitely better here and moves more fluidly. The attraction attacks are a lot of fun, but a couple aren't so great. I did have some favorites though and it was always a blast to use them. The addition of mini games definitely adds to the fun of the game. The story itself is interesting with familiar characters and great nods to previous Kingdom Hearts games. I have never liked the gummi ship because the controls for it were always awful. The gummi ship controls are a little better here, but they're still not great. The game is a bit short, but it's still a great game with amazing graphics and fun gameplay making it worth the wait.
Micky Barnard (542 KP) rated The Wicked King (The Folk of the Air, #2) in Books
Feb 14, 2019 (Updated Feb 14, 2019)
Twisty stuff
Holy plots twists on a stick, I am agog. I thought I knew what was what and then Holly Black pulled the rug well and truly from under my feet and I cannot wait but will somehow have to wait until book three.
Jude Duarte remains a flawed relatable heroine. She's fierce, she overestimates her abilities and she has some hidden weaknesses - her family and that darn King. Carden was both weak and wiley in this book and frankly a little shocking. He continued to appeal to me but I felt a bit like Jude, I shouldn't like him. I am sick once again about Jude's family and where it all ends up.
I felt gripped to this story and enjoyed it more than THE CRUEL PRINCE, the storyline was totally gripping, from the undersea to Elfhame. This is shaping up to be a fantastic cresendo in book three. Sign me up.
Jude Duarte remains a flawed relatable heroine. She's fierce, she overestimates her abilities and she has some hidden weaknesses - her family and that darn King. Carden was both weak and wiley in this book and frankly a little shocking. He continued to appeal to me but I felt a bit like Jude, I shouldn't like him. I am sick once again about Jude's family and where it all ends up.
I felt gripped to this story and enjoyed it more than THE CRUEL PRINCE, the storyline was totally gripping, from the undersea to Elfhame. This is shaping up to be a fantastic cresendo in book three. Sign me up.
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Red in Books
Feb 15, 2019
Judging by thickness of the book, I thought there might be more story than there ended up being (74 pages, the rest sketches and the script). While the plot was decent, it seemed more like a prelude than a finished story. Though it had a beginning and middle, there was no end, just another beginning. I would have liked more. The artwork serves the story well and I had no trouble following the layout, though it is the color schemes that stood out to me. They were fantastic. From the subdued blues of darkened rooms to the sunnier colors when Paul is having a more carefree moment, they really brought the panels to life. Overall, a fine story but not something I'd care to read again.
This might just be me, but every time the C.I.A. Director, Michael Beesely, popped up, I thought <i>"Principal Flutie!"</i> (Ken Lerner) from Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV series. :D
This might just be me, but every time the C.I.A. Director, Michael Beesely, popped up, I thought <i>"Principal Flutie!"</i> (Ken Lerner) from Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV series. :D
Rache (174 KP) rated True Crime Garage in Podcasts
Feb 17, 2019
Good research (3 more)
In depth discussions
Beer reviews
Chemistry of the hosts
Grab a Chair, Grab a Beer...
Nic provides some fantastically in-depth research into a lot of the cases you know, and many that you've never heard of. And where it's a case you know? Nic will find something you didn't.
The stories are told in a relatively somber way, but not depressing or too clinical - it almost feels like sitting and listening in on a couple of friends who are discussing cases they know over a beer.
There is occasional foul language, but it's usually for good reason, and Nic and The Captain have a good chemistry as hosts.
The only flaw in this fantastic podcast is very occasional comments that may appear to be derogatory or misogynistic. While this is unlikely to be the intent, as both Nic and The Captain seem to have respect for most, it can occasionally be a little jaring.
The stories are told in a relatively somber way, but not depressing or too clinical - it almost feels like sitting and listening in on a couple of friends who are discussing cases they know over a beer.
There is occasional foul language, but it's usually for good reason, and Nic and The Captain have a good chemistry as hosts.
The only flaw in this fantastic podcast is very occasional comments that may appear to be derogatory or misogynistic. While this is unlikely to be the intent, as both Nic and The Captain seem to have respect for most, it can occasionally be a little jaring.
Auburn (57 KP) rated Blood Heir (Blood Heir, #1) in Books
Apr 10, 2019
Told from opposing POV this book is long. The world building requires the length. You learn about a new world with Affinities and slave trading. Princess Ana and Con-man Ramson have to race against the empire and themselves to save everyone.
I enjoyed this book but I didn't love it. The plot was fantastic but it was so long. It took me a few days to finish which is weird because normally when I start a great book I rush through it. The slow burn was there and the characters had growth. But it's book 1 in the series and we all know what that means.
The Affinities were something that really got me into the book. I wish they had more of a presence. Otherwise I have all good things for this book. It was great and interesting the slow burn enemies to lovers is a favorite trope of mine.
I enjoyed this book but I didn't love it. The plot was fantastic but it was so long. It took me a few days to finish which is weird because normally when I start a great book I rush through it. The slow burn was there and the characters had growth. But it's book 1 in the series and we all know what that means.
The Affinities were something that really got me into the book. I wish they had more of a presence. Otherwise I have all good things for this book. It was great and interesting the slow burn enemies to lovers is a favorite trope of mine.
Film and stuff (30 KP) rated Don't Breathe (2016) in Movies
May 15, 2019
Scared the sh*t out of me
Director: Fede Alvarez
Writers: Fede Alvarez, Rodo Sayagues
Stars: Stephen Lang, Jane Levy and Dylan Minnette
What's it about?
Alex is a young carer for his father who has resorted to burglary to pay his way. He and his two friends decide to hit the house of a blind man who is sitting on a potential $300k so they can give up crime for good. What they get however is a deadly surprise.
Is it scary?
Gripping, tense and suspenseful. Stephen Lang is on top form.
What were the best bits?
If you ever want to see a man embody a murderous animal then this is for you.The way in which Silence is used to build tension is fantastic. The sense of dread for these helplessly out matched burglars is terrifying. All I'll say is "the pitch black scene"
How does it compare to other horrors?
It's right up there with the best
Writers: Fede Alvarez, Rodo Sayagues
Stars: Stephen Lang, Jane Levy and Dylan Minnette
What's it about?
Alex is a young carer for his father who has resorted to burglary to pay his way. He and his two friends decide to hit the house of a blind man who is sitting on a potential $300k so they can give up crime for good. What they get however is a deadly surprise.
Is it scary?
Gripping, tense and suspenseful. Stephen Lang is on top form.
What were the best bits?
If you ever want to see a man embody a murderous animal then this is for you.The way in which Silence is used to build tension is fantastic. The sense of dread for these helplessly out matched burglars is terrifying. All I'll say is "the pitch black scene"
How does it compare to other horrors?
It's right up there with the best
Elli H Burton (1288 KP) rated Snatch (2001) in Movies
Jun 14, 2019
Do ya like dags?
The direction is fantastic, Guy Richie is such an amazing Director! The introduction scene with the diamond is awesome, the music is perfect and the story is brilliant.
Brad Pitt was rumoured to have approached Guy Richie after Lock Stock, but he couldn't get the cockney accent right so he was cast as Mickey. When someone told me (before I had seen it) that an American was playing an Irish Traveller I was seriously sceptical. No need to be, he did it perfectly.
The story flows so well and the way everyone links together works so well, that kind of storyline can fall apart but it goes smoothly and keeps you interested right until the end.
An awesome film everyone should atleast try and watch - it might not be everyones cup of tea but it should be tried.
Brad Pitt was rumoured to have approached Guy Richie after Lock Stock, but he couldn't get the cockney accent right so he was cast as Mickey. When someone told me (before I had seen it) that an American was playing an Irish Traveller I was seriously sceptical. No need to be, he did it perfectly.
The story flows so well and the way everyone links together works so well, that kind of storyline can fall apart but it goes smoothly and keeps you interested right until the end.
An awesome film everyone should atleast try and watch - it might not be everyones cup of tea but it should be tried.