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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2357 KP) rated Nightfall: Keeper of the Lost Cities in Books
Mar 9, 2018
This book picks up moments after book five in the series ends as Sophie is dealing with the fact that the Neverseen have kidnapped her human parents. After getting her human sister hidden away, Sophie begins to hunt for them. The only clue is Nightfall, a clue that leads to Keefe’s mother, Lady Gisela. But can she be trusted? Or is she using Sophie and her friends for her own purpose?
I’ve been waiting a year to get the next chapter in Sophie’s story after the cliffhanger of the last book, and I wasn’t disappointed. This really is a next chapter, so if you haven’t read these books, don’t start here since you will be lost. But fans will quickly find themselves turning the 800 pages in this book. The plot really stalls only once about two thirds of the way, but it isn’t too long before we are ramping up for the climax. Meanwhile, all our favorite characters get some development and their moments to shine while we meet a fantastic new character.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-nightfall-by-shannon.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I’ve been waiting a year to get the next chapter in Sophie’s story after the cliffhanger of the last book, and I wasn’t disappointed. This really is a next chapter, so if you haven’t read these books, don’t start here since you will be lost. But fans will quickly find themselves turning the 800 pages in this book. The plot really stalls only once about two thirds of the way, but it isn’t too long before we are ramping up for the climax. Meanwhile, all our favorite characters get some development and their moments to shine while we meet a fantastic new character.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-nightfall-by-shannon.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated Redhead in Books
Jun 7, 2018
I received this book for free through the Goodreads First Reads program.
Oh wow, where do I start? I loved, loved, loved this book! When I first read about it, I was a bit skeptical as it's not normally something I would read, but it's about redheads and my son is a redhead. Plus, I have a lot of family members with red hair, so I thought I'd give it a go.
I am so happy that I decided to read it. It is fast paced and has a very interesting story line. In fact, I would say it's one of the most original story lines I have ever read. There is a lot of mythology in the book about redheads which I also found very interesting.
I loved Rebecca's character and hated Neferatu which shows how good the characters are written. I did find the characters of Jim and Syreeta a bit annoying though.
However, this is definitely a book that deserves 5 out of 5 stars. If there were to be a sequel, I'd definitely buy it and read it as soon as.
A really fantastic read =D
Oh wow, where do I start? I loved, loved, loved this book! When I first read about it, I was a bit skeptical as it's not normally something I would read, but it's about redheads and my son is a redhead. Plus, I have a lot of family members with red hair, so I thought I'd give it a go.
I am so happy that I decided to read it. It is fast paced and has a very interesting story line. In fact, I would say it's one of the most original story lines I have ever read. There is a lot of mythology in the book about redheads which I also found very interesting.
I loved Rebecca's character and hated Neferatu which shows how good the characters are written. I did find the characters of Jim and Syreeta a bit annoying though.
However, this is definitely a book that deserves 5 out of 5 stars. If there were to be a sequel, I'd definitely buy it and read it as soon as.
A really fantastic read =D
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) in Movies
Jun 9, 2018
Better than The Last Jedi
Did we really need a Han Solo origin story? Even after watching this I'm not entirely sure.
The cast are fantastic, there are some great performances here and you can't really go wrong when you throw Woody Harrelson into the mix. The film plods along at a fairly decent pace and the plot is engaging, albeit fairly predictable. Some of the dialogue is a bit stilted and the humour seems very misplaced. With l3 it seems like they've tried to add a new version of K2S0 from Rogue One to generate some laughs, but sadly unlike K2S0, L3 just doesn't really work.
I feel like this film is just trying to tick some boxes and cover the Solo basics (how he meets Chewie, Lando, and wins the Falcon), and it seems to gloss over all of these in a few minutes. Far too quickly. As an origin story it should almost show us how Han changes into the person he is in the later films, but it doesn't. You don't see the jaded untrusting cynic he becomes.
Don't get me wrong this film is fairly fun and enjoyable, it's just a little forgettable.
The cast are fantastic, there are some great performances here and you can't really go wrong when you throw Woody Harrelson into the mix. The film plods along at a fairly decent pace and the plot is engaging, albeit fairly predictable. Some of the dialogue is a bit stilted and the humour seems very misplaced. With l3 it seems like they've tried to add a new version of K2S0 from Rogue One to generate some laughs, but sadly unlike K2S0, L3 just doesn't really work.
I feel like this film is just trying to tick some boxes and cover the Solo basics (how he meets Chewie, Lando, and wins the Falcon), and it seems to gloss over all of these in a few minutes. Far too quickly. As an origin story it should almost show us how Han changes into the person he is in the later films, but it doesn't. You don't see the jaded untrusting cynic he becomes.
Don't get me wrong this film is fairly fun and enjoyable, it's just a little forgettable.
Bethany Fletcher (17 KP) rated Goodreads: Book Reviews in Apps
Jun 26, 2018
I love using Goodreads. It helps me keep track of all of my reading year by year. I like being able to see my yearly progress and compare it to previous reading years. You can follow other users and keep updated on what they are reading and thinking about a book. Along those lines Goodreads is a great way to keep up to date with your favourite authors, publications dates, cover releases. Basically anything you could want. The app is very easy to navigate and simple to use. The website has more options. For example stats, giveaways, finding book groups. Goodreads do lots of book giveaways for free. No review needed to win.
My only gripe is you can only rate a book up to 5 stars. This doesn’t give you a lot of leeway. For example I recently read a book that was not as bad as others I had rated 3 stars but not as good as my 4 star ratings. So what should I do? That is just me being picky. Goodreads is a fantastic way to keep track of you reading and if you are an avid reader I would highly recommend using Goodreads.
My only gripe is you can only rate a book up to 5 stars. This doesn’t give you a lot of leeway. For example I recently read a book that was not as bad as others I had rated 3 stars but not as good as my 4 star ratings. So what should I do? That is just me being picky. Goodreads is a fantastic way to keep track of you reading and if you are an avid reader I would highly recommend using Goodreads.
Kristin (149 KP) rated The Brown House (The Visitor's Series #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely love scary stories, ones that keep you on your toes, trying to figure out what's going on, and this one definitely has the creepy factor. Christy has said the house used to be her husband's home growing up, and some of the experiences described in the book happened to him and his family. Whoa!!!
I couldn't help but get engrossed in the story, especially the developing relationship between Ephraim and Brylee, as well as her friendship with Lynley. Then there would be parts that made me just want to scream at the book, throw it across the room, something, because that's how drawn into it I was. Oh, and I read it in one day, because I just couldn't put it down, THAT'S how great it is. Although, because of the ending, I'm on pins and needles waiting for more. I'm so glad my book club read this one this month, so awesome!! I'd highly recommend to anyone who likes supernatural stories, ghost stories, haunted houses, and the like. Fantastic!!
5 stars =)
I absolutely love scary stories, ones that keep you on your toes, trying to figure out what's going on, and this one definitely has the creepy factor. Christy has said the house used to be her husband's home growing up, and some of the experiences described in the book happened to him and his family. Whoa!!!
I couldn't help but get engrossed in the story, especially the developing relationship between Ephraim and Brylee, as well as her friendship with Lynley. Then there would be parts that made me just want to scream at the book, throw it across the room, something, because that's how drawn into it I was. Oh, and I read it in one day, because I just couldn't put it down, THAT'S how great it is. Although, because of the ending, I'm on pins and needles waiting for more. I'm so glad my book club read this one this month, so awesome!! I'd highly recommend to anyone who likes supernatural stories, ghost stories, haunted houses, and the like. Fantastic!!
5 stars =)
Kristin (149 KP) rated Unknown (The Elements Trilogy, #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Princess Kyla is a feisty teenager. She'd rather run around through the woods in her brothers' clothes, learning how to use a bow and sword, than acting like the queen-to-be that she is. Perpetuating her antics is her childhood friend, Jethro, who just so happens to be the cousin of her fiancee. Their friendship has waned since the announcement of her future marriage, but something strange and long-foretold may shove them alongside one another once again, whether they like it or not.
I fell in love with the story from the start. I could readily identify with the characters, especially Kyla, and they just pulled me in deeper and deeper into the story. Melissa has a way with words that makes you feel like you're actually a part of the story, and that makes it so much easier to become engrossed throughout. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop, and I'm anxious to get started on Unseen!! Great start to what I'm sure will be a fantastic series =)
5 stars
Princess Kyla is a feisty teenager. She'd rather run around through the woods in her brothers' clothes, learning how to use a bow and sword, than acting like the queen-to-be that she is. Perpetuating her antics is her childhood friend, Jethro, who just so happens to be the cousin of her fiancee. Their friendship has waned since the announcement of her future marriage, but something strange and long-foretold may shove them alongside one another once again, whether they like it or not.
I fell in love with the story from the start. I could readily identify with the characters, especially Kyla, and they just pulled me in deeper and deeper into the story. Melissa has a way with words that makes you feel like you're actually a part of the story, and that makes it so much easier to become engrossed throughout. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop, and I'm anxious to get started on Unseen!! Great start to what I'm sure will be a fantastic series =)
5 stars
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Lies in Books
Dec 9, 2018
Rollercoaster of twists and lies
Wow! I am a frequent reader of psychological thrillers and nearly always can figure out the twists, turns and the obligatory “big reveal”. With T.M. Logan’s “Lies”, I found myself on a rollercoaster of twists and lies. This quick read book felt as if each chapter ended on a cliffhanger that made the book impossible to put down.
The author did such a fantastic job at making the characters so realistic I sympathized with them, but was also suspicious of each of them at different parts of the book.
When I realized I was nearly finished the book but the story was not complete, I thought the author was going to rush the ending. Some authors end a story as if they have reached their minimum amount of words needed for an assignment. Rest assured, Logan did not.
In one of the blurbs, Nancy Macfarlane (Fiction Addiction), described “Lies” as “one of the scariest…”. I do not think it was scary but definitely was a page turner. I added T.M. Logan to my list of authors to read.
The author did such a fantastic job at making the characters so realistic I sympathized with them, but was also suspicious of each of them at different parts of the book.
When I realized I was nearly finished the book but the story was not complete, I thought the author was going to rush the ending. Some authors end a story as if they have reached their minimum amount of words needed for an assignment. Rest assured, Logan did not.
In one of the blurbs, Nancy Macfarlane (Fiction Addiction), described “Lies” as “one of the scariest…”. I do not think it was scary but definitely was a page turner. I added T.M. Logan to my list of authors to read.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Anon (2018) in Movies
Jul 18, 2018
Plot doesn't live up to the technology
I don't want to be judgemental, but when a film gets released on Sky Movies the same day it apparently comes out at the cinema, it isn't a good sign. Whilst Anon isn't terrible, it isn't particularly good or memorable either.
The technology ideas in this film are fantastic. They're so relevant with today's society and obviously relate to all of the current issues around data and privacy. I think GDPR would have a field day with it all! The problem is that the rest of the film and story is just so dull in comparison with the technological ideas. The effects are okay but a little rough around the edges, but the plot itself isn't much of a thriller. It was trying to be stylish and insightful but instead it was boring and I was just waiting for it to end. Gattaca it isn't. It was good to see Clive Owen back as he isn't in much nowadays, but the rest of the cast were mostly immemorable. Except Amanda Seyfried - what on earth were they thinking with that damn awful wig?!
The technology ideas in this film are fantastic. They're so relevant with today's society and obviously relate to all of the current issues around data and privacy. I think GDPR would have a field day with it all! The problem is that the rest of the film and story is just so dull in comparison with the technological ideas. The effects are okay but a little rough around the edges, but the plot itself isn't much of a thriller. It was trying to be stylish and insightful but instead it was boring and I was just waiting for it to end. Gattaca it isn't. It was good to see Clive Owen back as he isn't in much nowadays, but the rest of the cast were mostly immemorable. Except Amanda Seyfried - what on earth were they thinking with that damn awful wig?!
TheDefunctDiva (304 KP) rated American Gods in TV
Jul 23, 2018 (Updated Jul 23, 2018)
Note the Highlighted Letters in the Sign
I am about halfway through season one and I thought I would drop my thoughts down in this app like a deus ex machina. Cue angels singing. The visual representations of the mythical are quite powerfully brought to life by the show.
Ian McShane is delightful as Mr. Wednesday. Gillian Anderson is versatile and surprising as Media. The principal character is fleshed out more in the small screen adaptation, which I think was necessary but it also deviates from the book.
Anyhow, Shadow Moon is no longer such a sponge or an empty vessel. Pick your metaphor. In the book, he was seemingly void of much personal detail. He was little more than the sum of his fantastic experiences and I did like that about the book. They also brought his character's wife more to life in the show, which I think was a mistake because she is so mysterious and downright creepy in the novel.
Definitely worth watching even if, like me, you prefer the book. Think of them as two separate entities and you'll get through just fine.
Ian McShane is delightful as Mr. Wednesday. Gillian Anderson is versatile and surprising as Media. The principal character is fleshed out more in the small screen adaptation, which I think was necessary but it also deviates from the book.
Anyhow, Shadow Moon is no longer such a sponge or an empty vessel. Pick your metaphor. In the book, he was seemingly void of much personal detail. He was little more than the sum of his fantastic experiences and I did like that about the book. They also brought his character's wife more to life in the show, which I think was a mistake because she is so mysterious and downright creepy in the novel.
Definitely worth watching even if, like me, you prefer the book. Think of them as two separate entities and you'll get through just fine.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2357 KP) rated That Touch of Ink in Books
Jul 24, 2018
More Than a Touch of Fun
When decorator Madison Night receives a five thousand dollar bill in the mail, she realizes this rare denomination is a message from her past. Sure enough, her ex-boyfriend Brad is soon back in her life trying to reconcile even after he lied to her to get her out of her life. But Madison has other things to worry about, like the dead body she stumbled upon. What has Brad gotten her involved in?
Warning: allow plenty of time when you pick up this book because you will not be able to put it down. The story is filled with twists and turns that will keep you engaged from start to finish. The plot is a bit more teen sleuth than usual cozy murder mystery, but that’s not an issue at all, and everything makes sense by the end. This is combined with fantastic characters, led by Madison who gets some real growth here. Fans of Doris Day will spot a couple of winks to the movie That Touch of Mink here, but if you haven’t seen the movie, you are still in for a delightful read.
Warning: allow plenty of time when you pick up this book because you will not be able to put it down. The story is filled with twists and turns that will keep you engaged from start to finish. The plot is a bit more teen sleuth than usual cozy murder mystery, but that’s not an issue at all, and everything makes sense by the end. This is combined with fantastic characters, led by Madison who gets some real growth here. Fans of Doris Day will spot a couple of winks to the movie That Touch of Mink here, but if you haven’t seen the movie, you are still in for a delightful read.