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Merissa (12069 KP) rated Ashes and Blood (Book One of the Dayla Series) in Books

Jun 19, 2020  
Ashes and Blood (Book One of the Dayla Series)
Ashes and Blood (Book One of the Dayla Series)
Katie Zaber | 2020 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Ashes and Blood is the first book in the Dalya series and it starts off with a very weird tree! Even though this book is listed as New Adult I still, somehow, managed to convince myself it was Young Adult. So it was a bit of a shock when I read about them drinking and swearing. Still, it was my error and one I quickly got over as I immersed myself in their adventure.

The details in this story are simply amazing. The descriptions given help the reader to see every tree, person, and situation so clearly. The action is non-stop and with enough twists and turns to keep anyone happy. There is romance but not with the main character (or at least, not yet. I'm hopeful for the future!) which made a nice change.

And speaking of characters, the ones in here will jump out at you. They are so well described and three-dimensional, you will have no issue with remembering who is whom. I loved the girls' different attitudes and capabilities PLUS how Tristan was the one to watch, even though he came across as the most easy-going!

This was a fantastic start to the series and I really can't wait to read more and return to Dalya. Absolutely 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!
  
Show all 3 comments.
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Merissa (12069 KP) Jun 20, 2020

@BookishWoo I really enjoyed it once I got past thinking it was Young Adult LOL I really want to know when book 2 is going to be out!
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BookishWoo (317 KP) Jun 20, 2020

It does come across as a YA in the synopsis that’s for sure
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Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post

Jun 21, 2020  
Visit my blog, and read a fantastic excerpt from the contemporary Christian romance novel THE KEY TO EVERYTHING by Valerie Fraser Luesse. Enter the #GIVEAWAY to #win a copy of the book, a necklace, and a $25 Barnes & Noble GIFT CARD or a $10 #Starbucks GIFT CARD!

**BOOK SYNOPSIS**
Based on a true story, Valerie Fraser Luesse’s new novel takes readers on an incredible journey of self-discovery. The poignant prose, enchanting characters, and captivating settings in The Key to Everything make this a moving story that readers won’t soon forget. Peyton Cabot’s fifteenth year will be a painful and transformative one. His father, the reluctant head of a moneyed Savannah family, has come home from WWII a troubled vet, drowning his demons in bourbon, and distancing himself from his son. When a tragic accident separates Peyton from his parents, and the girl of his dreams seems out of reach, he struggles to cope with a young life upended.

Pushed to his limit, Peyton makes a daring decision: he will retrace a slice of the journey his father took at fifteen by riding his bicycle all the way from St. Augustine to Key West, Florida. Part loving tribute, part search for self, Peyton’s journey will unlock more than he ever could have imagined, including the key to his distant father, a calling that will shape the rest of his life, and the realization that he’s willing to risk absolutely everything for the girl he loves.

https://alltheupsandowns.blogspot.com/2020/06/book-blog-tour-and-giveaway-key-to.html
      
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LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Happy Death Day 2U (2019) in Movies

Dec 31, 2020  
Happy Death Day 2U (2019)
Happy Death Day 2U (2019)
2019 | Horror, Mystery
6
6.5 (36 Ratings)
Movie Rating Watch
There is enough increasing absurdity in Happy Death Day 2U to ensure that it's just as fun and entertaining as the first movie. It's sadly less rooted in horror this time around, and instead opts for a sci-fi/comedy approach, with the occasional sprinkle of PG-13 slasher tropes.

Jessica Rothe is honestly, for a second time, fantastic. Neither of these films would work half as well without her. Her character Tree, is hugely likable, and has great chemistry with the other cast members. This goes double for when director Christopher Landon decides to blindside the audience with an emotional beat. There's one scene in particular with Tree and her Mother that has all the potential to be a cheesy mess, but thanks to Rothe and Missy Yager, hits all the right notes. It's all good stuff that is unexpected from what is a standard family friendly Blumhouse flick on the surface.

As mentioned, the plot is so silly, but it's attempts to explain how the events of the first film even happened are admirable, and shakes up the formula enough to ensure it doesn't get boring, even though it has familiar moments. Some of the twists are a little convoluted, and the comedy aspects go a tad overboard sometimes, but overall the dumb narrative works a treat.

Happy Death Day 2U is a great if flawed switch-off popcorn movie, that's frequently funny, and has just enough horror elements to belong in the genre. Worth checking out!
  
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LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated The Howling (1981) in Movies

Oct 30, 2020  
The Howling (1981)
The Howling (1981)
1981 | Horror
8
7.6 (9 Ratings)
Movie Rating
A fair few werewolf horror movies came out during the 80s, but whilst American Werewolf in London is generally considered to be the best of the bunch, The Howling definitely deserves a look in for that honour.

The plot takes a little while to kick in, but the slow first half actually allows the audience time to get to know the characters. Karen White (Dee Wallace) takes the lead, and is a hugely likable protagonist to carry the story forward. By the time the monstrous shenanigans kick off, you genuinely want her to win. Everyone else is a little disposable, allowing the rest of the focus to go towards werewolf characters, mainly Eddie Quist (Robert Picardo) and Marsha (Elisabeth Brooks), two characters that are sick of hiding their true nature, and want to live free, like wild animals should, feeding in humans and all. Unfortunately, the slow burn first half leaves little time to properly explore this aspect of the narrative.

The transformation effects are fucking great. Do they look dated? Sure, but considering that this released in 1981, the practical effects used are fantastic. I'm a fan of the bubbling effects in particular. When the transformation is complete, the aesthetic mostly avoids looking like a guy in a suit (not completely mind) and this is probably down to the make up work on the faces. The creatures look pretty damn mean.

A solid screenplay, a decent cast, and some great effects work ensure that The Howling stands out in a decade of gratuitous horror. Love it.