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Merissa (13419 KP) rated Emerge (Immortals of Indriell #1) in Books
Apr 19, 2023
This is the first book in a fantastic new series that I have loved every word of. This is a world of Immortals and mortals, where you can't die but you can be murdered, where the amount of power you have corresponds to how people react to you.
Allie has lived an unconventional life so far, globetrotting with her parents but always alone. She has made few friends as most people seem to be uncomfortable around her. She no longer questions this, but instead accepts it as inevitable. Just as she thinks she is making headway with a friend/boyfriend, her parents tell her they are moving again. This time she ends up in America. Whilst psyching herself up for starting a new school, she meets a boy called Aidan and a whole new world opens up for her.
This is incredibly well-written and I was completely drawn into the story. I LOVED Allie and her sarcasm. She seriously made me snort out loud on more than one occasion, much to the amusement of my family. The interaction and banter between her and Aidan is fantastic. I will say this, I usually hate love triangles, and I mean loathe them! This somehow didn't seem like that though, and although I like Vince, I really REALLY don't want Allie to be with him. Trust me when I say I have fingers, toes and other body parts crossed for Aidan.
If I had to say anything against this book, I would say that with the number of characters involved, and their convoluted relationships/bonds, it sometimes made it a bit confusing to figure out just who was what in relation to whom. However, this is something very minor and quickly becomes irrelevant as you become more immersed in the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this book and found it to be over far too quickly, even though it is a good-sized book. Not only can I highly recommend this book, but I will also be on the lookout for the next in the series and waiting with bated breath!
* I received this book in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 10, 2015
Allie has lived an unconventional life so far, globetrotting with her parents but always alone. She has made few friends as most people seem to be uncomfortable around her. She no longer questions this, but instead accepts it as inevitable. Just as she thinks she is making headway with a friend/boyfriend, her parents tell her they are moving again. This time she ends up in America. Whilst psyching herself up for starting a new school, she meets a boy called Aidan and a whole new world opens up for her.
This is incredibly well-written and I was completely drawn into the story. I LOVED Allie and her sarcasm. She seriously made me snort out loud on more than one occasion, much to the amusement of my family. The interaction and banter between her and Aidan is fantastic. I will say this, I usually hate love triangles, and I mean loathe them! This somehow didn't seem like that though, and although I like Vince, I really REALLY don't want Allie to be with him. Trust me when I say I have fingers, toes and other body parts crossed for Aidan.
If I had to say anything against this book, I would say that with the number of characters involved, and their convoluted relationships/bonds, it sometimes made it a bit confusing to figure out just who was what in relation to whom. However, this is something very minor and quickly becomes irrelevant as you become more immersed in the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this book and found it to be over far too quickly, even though it is a good-sized book. Not only can I highly recommend this book, but I will also be on the lookout for the next in the series and waiting with bated breath!
* I received this book in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 10, 2015
Merissa (13419 KP) rated Darkness Falling (Light Up the Dark, #1) in Books
Aug 4, 2023
WOW!!! Just... WOW!!!
DARKNESS FALLING is the first book in the Light Up the Dark series and it is simply brilliant!
In a world similar yet different to the one we currently live in, Lex and Mike are soul mates, platonic ones, much to Lex's disappointment. He has loved Mike for years but hides it, knowing Mike is straight. Mike, well, he thinks he's straight, but he can't help certain feelings towards Lex. The question is, will these actually talk about it before the world ends?
The quick answer is yes, yes they do. I loved these two young men, I really did. It is a big world they live in, with plenty of characters and situations to keep you turning the pages. I loved the flow of this story, as it took you from the streets of New Orleans, to training, to Afghanistan, and then on a trek across both land and sea as they tried to return home.
They are ably supported by a fantastic cast of characters - military guys, witches, shifters, mages, and let's not forget Andie. I love her addition and can't wait to see more of her in the next book. She's going to keep the boys on their toes, that's for sure.
There is so much I could rave about - the natural relationship of Mike and Lex - the brotherhood of the MagCorps - the magical EMP that causes such devastation - Lex's enthusiasm for history - honestly, I'd be here for hours! This was a novel that I started at night, figuring I'd just read a little before bed. Instead, I was glued to the pages, only putting it down when I simply couldn't focus any longer, only to pick it up first thing the following morning to continue and finish their story.
Absolutely fantastic and I can't wait for Book 2. 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!
Aug 4, 2023
DARKNESS FALLING is the first book in the Light Up the Dark series and it is simply brilliant!
In a world similar yet different to the one we currently live in, Lex and Mike are soul mates, platonic ones, much to Lex's disappointment. He has loved Mike for years but hides it, knowing Mike is straight. Mike, well, he thinks he's straight, but he can't help certain feelings towards Lex. The question is, will these actually talk about it before the world ends?
The quick answer is yes, yes they do. I loved these two young men, I really did. It is a big world they live in, with plenty of characters and situations to keep you turning the pages. I loved the flow of this story, as it took you from the streets of New Orleans, to training, to Afghanistan, and then on a trek across both land and sea as they tried to return home.
They are ably supported by a fantastic cast of characters - military guys, witches, shifters, mages, and let's not forget Andie. I love her addition and can't wait to see more of her in the next book. She's going to keep the boys on their toes, that's for sure.
There is so much I could rave about - the natural relationship of Mike and Lex - the brotherhood of the MagCorps - the magical EMP that causes such devastation - Lex's enthusiasm for history - honestly, I'd be here for hours! This was a novel that I started at night, figuring I'd just read a little before bed. Instead, I was glued to the pages, only putting it down when I simply couldn't focus any longer, only to pick it up first thing the following morning to continue and finish their story.
Absolutely fantastic and I can't wait for Book 2. 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!
Aug 4, 2023
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Born To Be Blue (2016) in Movies
Sep 26, 2017
Seriously depressing, a masterful musician and his addiction
As a fan of jazz great Chet Baker, Born to be Blue is an honest and brutal portrayal of the trumpeter, especially during his worst time battling addiction. After a mysterious but vicious assault Baker, portrayed by Ethan Hawke, he is left unable to play and kicked out of the industry on parole.
While it is mostly accurate, his love interest is an amalgamation of his three ex-wives and so there is a bit of artistic licence. And at times it flips into flashbacks of black and white, which is a film in a film, when Baker played himself in his biopic. But mostly it's his relationship with heroin which he took until the end of his life in 1988, though the film only concentrates on his growing insecurity between 1950 and 1960.
It's sad knowing how it ends, too many talents lost in the haze of drugs.
While it is mostly accurate, his love interest is an amalgamation of his three ex-wives and so there is a bit of artistic licence. And at times it flips into flashbacks of black and white, which is a film in a film, when Baker played himself in his biopic. But mostly it's his relationship with heroin which he took until the end of his life in 1988, though the film only concentrates on his growing insecurity between 1950 and 1960.
It's sad knowing how it ends, too many talents lost in the haze of drugs.
Clare Parrott (294 KP) rated Savage Secrets (Titan, #4) in Books
Nov 21, 2017 (Updated Nov 21, 2017)
A Must Read, Wow.
This has to be the BEST book in the series so far. Absolutely fantastic military romance. This book is set in London, Virginia, and Spain and as the title suggests Rocco Savage has a secret but then so does Mi6 interrogator Caterina Cruz. The chemistry between the pair of them is super hot and I love the way Cat gets Rocco going by talking Spanish to him and the way she handles a weapon whether it be a gun or a super large knife held between her teeth. If big hot guys with big guns who pull out all the stops to save the girl is your cup of tea then this is defiantly for you.
**WARNING** This story has a violent sexual scene and Cristin Harber has done a great job of portraying the horror of the attack without making it overly graphic and I would also join Cristin in saying that..."Rape is a crime. Talking about it isn't. There are many resources out there, Including After Silence to help in the healing process"
This has to be the BEST book in the series so far. Absolutely fantastic military romance. This book is set in London, Virginia, and Spain and as the title suggests Rocco Savage has a secret but then so does Mi6 interrogator Caterina Cruz. The chemistry between the pair of them is super hot and I love the way Cat gets Rocco going by talking Spanish to him and the way she handles a weapon whether it be a gun or a super large knife held between her teeth. If big hot guys with big guns who pull out all the stops to save the girl is your cup of tea then this is defiantly for you.
**WARNING** This story has a violent sexual scene and Cristin Harber has done a great job of portraying the horror of the attack without making it overly graphic and I would also join Cristin in saying that..."Rape is a crime. Talking about it isn't. There are many resources out there, Including After Silence to help in the healing process"
Sarah (7800 KP) rated La La Land (2016) in Movies
Nov 23, 2017
Don't understand the hype
I saw this first at the cinema and had such high hopes from all of the praise, and I really hated it. Having watched it again recently, I do appreciate it a little more now but it still doesn't deserve all the hype.
I love musicals, but this is not the right kind of musical. The songs and music are actually very good, but sadly there just isn't enough of them. Where's the people bursting into song every 5 minutes? I'm also not a fan of the old school musical, although i do appreciate why they've gone down this route.
Performance wise, I think Emma Stone does well and the dialogue between her and Ryan Gosling is quite funny and witty. Not too sure on Gosling, he seems to play the same character in everything and his singing voice isn't great. I also think JK Simmons is vastly underused, which is a shame as he's a fantastic actor.
Sadly not my kind of musical.
I love musicals, but this is not the right kind of musical. The songs and music are actually very good, but sadly there just isn't enough of them. Where's the people bursting into song every 5 minutes? I'm also not a fan of the old school musical, although i do appreciate why they've gone down this route.
Performance wise, I think Emma Stone does well and the dialogue between her and Ryan Gosling is quite funny and witty. Not too sure on Gosling, he seems to play the same character in everything and his singing voice isn't great. I also think JK Simmons is vastly underused, which is a shame as he's a fantastic actor.
Sadly not my kind of musical.
Book Divas (227 KP) rated Of Poseidon (The Syrena Legacy, #1) in Books
Dec 12, 2017
I use to ask myself what rock I'd been living under whenever I read a book that had come out two even three years ago but I've realized it wasn't a rock; I've just broadened my horizons, expanded my genres and sub genres and now delve into a bit of everything and I'm glad I have because I keep finding new and exciting authors and their books. I loved this fantastic book and the author's take on Poseidon and Triton. Beautifully written story with gorgeous characters and I simply had a hard time putting this book down.
Emma is enjoying her summer vacation with her best friend Chloe unaware that she will soon experience a devastating loss and learn a secret that will forever change her life and alter her perspective on reality. This author's creativity and underwater world building will quickly captivate you and enthrall you and I cannot wait for book two to arrive in the mail because my jaw completely unhinged with the cliff hanging ending. This is a MUST read.
Emma is enjoying her summer vacation with her best friend Chloe unaware that she will soon experience a devastating loss and learn a secret that will forever change her life and alter her perspective on reality. This author's creativity and underwater world building will quickly captivate you and enthrall you and I cannot wait for book two to arrive in the mail because my jaw completely unhinged with the cliff hanging ending. This is a MUST read.
DMcQ (4 KP) rated Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977) in Movies
Dec 13, 2017
From the first moment I saw this as a kid, years ago, even til now, I still feel the same sense of wonder, of magic, of mystery and adventure when I see this film. George Lucas created a classic that will surely live on and on long after we're gone. The story sucked me in. Of course, as a kid I was immediately more interested in the weapons/gadgets and how could I recreate them with what resources I had? But as I grew to understand the characters, the story, which really didn't take me long, I loved the story that much more. They kind of became extended family. The interaction between the main trio of course (Han, Leia, Luke) was hysterical. The at times strained friendship between R2 and 3P0 made them that much more real. And how could you not love Yoda and Chewie? I could go on for hours, truly, but I'll leave it at this. Wonderful movie! Great message for everyone, fantastic fun for the family!
LoganDX (19 KP) rated The Librarians - Season 1 in TV
Jan 1, 2018
A gem of a find
After watching The Librarians, I have a love for the magical fantasy show. Revolving around the secret actions of the Librarian to collect and protect magic artifacts from the common population. Most people don't know that magic even exists.
When the Library becomes threatened, the current Librarian and his new guardian must rescue some past candidates as well as save the Library itself.
The show is a blast, the team heads out to so many awesome places and whole yes, some of the effects are bit stretched, they do an admirable job for a first season cable show.
There's many a cameo to be had in the show as, including past cast mates from Leverage, the show main star Christian Kane was on. Look for cult icon Bruce Campbell in a great role.
I have binged all three seasons on Hulu and am trying to blaze thru the current season 4 now. Go watch folks!
When the Library becomes threatened, the current Librarian and his new guardian must rescue some past candidates as well as save the Library itself.
The show is a blast, the team heads out to so many awesome places and whole yes, some of the effects are bit stretched, they do an admirable job for a first season cable show.
There's many a cameo to be had in the show as, including past cast mates from Leverage, the show main star Christian Kane was on. Look for cult icon Bruce Campbell in a great role.
I have binged all three seasons on Hulu and am trying to blaze thru the current season 4 now. Go watch folks!
Paul "xenomorph" Warren (15 KP) rated Beauty and the Beast (2017) in Movies
Jun 17, 2017
The beast cgi is lacking (1 more)
The whole movie feels hollow
More beast than beauty
After watching jon favreau's fantastic the jungle book I was hyped to see what disney did with their 2nd attempt at a live action remake of their animated library of classics. Unfortunately it's no where near as polished imo. There is some good performances though. Josh gad is hilarious as LeFou and contributes the majority of the comedy. However the lack of emotion in what's supposed to be an emotional romance is lost in this movie. The choice to use a cgi beast baffles me. And there is so many opportunities with a cast as strong as this but unfortunately Bill Condon fails to stir up the romance and emotion that the animation did in 1991. Emma Watson took me off guard me with her singing which was a pleasant surprise. Overall it was fairly entertaining however with the calibre of talent on show i kinda expecred more.
Nick Friesen (96 KP) rated Stranger Things - Season 1 in TV
Jul 12, 2017
David Harbour (4 more)
All of the kids
That theme music
The pitch-perfect retro atmosphere
Barb!
Nostalgia Perfected
Stranger Things is everything I wanted J.J. Abrams' Super 8 to be, and more. The atmosphere of the show is pitch-perfect and well established from the very first episode. The creeping tension builds until it touches the viewer's core and finally "resolves" in a full-on creature feature of a final episode. Like any good mystery/thriller TV show, it saves plenty of mysteries for future seasons. Here's to hoping the Duffer brothers don't bungle it up like Hemlock Grove after the interesting mysteries in its first season. Stranger Things is a much better show, however, and the Duffer brothers seem to have a much better idea of where this story is going. The child actors are all fantastic, and of the few notable adults/teens, David Harbour is my favorite. I cannot wait for season two in October (the kids have Ghostbusters Halloween costumes!).