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Merissa (12971 KP) rated A Wolf's Love: A Paranormal Romance Short Read (Flame #5.1) in Books
Nov 20, 2017
A Wolf's Love: A Paranormal Romance Short Read (Flame #5.5) by Caris Roane
A Wolf's Love is a short story addition to the Flame series. Cole and Lauren were together, until Lauren did something that Cole couldn't accept, and he called it off. However, when a teenager is kidnapped, Cole is the one that Lauren turns to, even though he refuses to help (at first). What follows is the two of them putting another's needs before their own, and working together to save her.
As with all Caris Roane's books, this is very well-written. It may only be a short story, but a full story is here. Nothing has been skimped on, instead you can settle in for a very good read. Personally, I would recommend that you start at book one, just to get the full enjoyment of the world of the Flame, but it isn't fully necessary. You 'could' read them in any order and as a standalone, but I do feel that you would miss something out of this well-developed world. With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, I can highly recommend this short story.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
As with all Caris Roane's books, this is very well-written. It may only be a short story, but a full story is here. Nothing has been skimped on, instead you can settle in for a very good read. Personally, I would recommend that you start at book one, just to get the full enjoyment of the world of the Flame, but it isn't fully necessary. You 'could' read them in any order and as a standalone, but I do feel that you would miss something out of this well-developed world. With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, I can highly recommend this short story.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (12971 KP) rated Cosmic Cabaret in Books
Dec 12, 2017
Cosmic Cabaret: Science Fiction Romance Anthology
Cosmic Cabaret is an anthology of science fiction romance stories that all take place upon the LS Quantum. Each story is individual, with separate characters and situations.
This is an AMAZING anthology. You could even say it was out of this world! (Sorry, it had to be done!) Some of the stories involve insta-love, some of them have loved from afar for years. Some are people on the run, some are princes and princesses, some are both prince/princess AND on the run. What I'm trying to say is that there is something here for everyone.
Each story is very well written, with characters and situations that are completely relate-able, so long as you keep the sci-fi theme fresh in your mind. From doctors to spies to male dancers to Burlesque dancers, this anthology has it all. I didn't feel like a single story let it down, although I do obviously have my favourites. I have found some new (to me) authors that I will be reading more of, which is always a good thing. Absolutely recommended by me, and I'm hoping for more to come!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is an AMAZING anthology. You could even say it was out of this world! (Sorry, it had to be done!) Some of the stories involve insta-love, some of them have loved from afar for years. Some are people on the run, some are princes and princesses, some are both prince/princess AND on the run. What I'm trying to say is that there is something here for everyone.
Each story is very well written, with characters and situations that are completely relate-able, so long as you keep the sci-fi theme fresh in your mind. From doctors to spies to male dancers to Burlesque dancers, this anthology has it all. I didn't feel like a single story let it down, although I do obviously have my favourites. I have found some new (to me) authors that I will be reading more of, which is always a good thing. Absolutely recommended by me, and I'm hoping for more to come!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Kaz (232 KP) rated I Am Mother (2019) in Movies
Jun 14, 2019
A Great Sci-Fi Thriller
I watched this yesterday afternoon and I thought is was a very enjoyable sci-fi thriller.
I'm a fan of films which explore interesting ideas and have twists and turns and so 'I am Mother' ,was just my kind of film.
The acting was very good, particularly by the young actress who plays 'daughter'. At first, because the actress is younger, I thought this was going to be a stereotypical teen dystopian movie with some cheesy teen romance through in for good measure, but I was pleasantly surprised how it was more mature than that.
The interesting relationship 'daughter' has with 'Mother' was really interesting. Even though 'Mother' is a machine, the two main characters have some real emotion in their relationship. I think that might have something to do with 'Mother' voice not being metallic, but more 'human'.
This film explores thought provoking ideas, as well has having great tension and action. I also liked the twist towards the end of the film.
The only slight complaint that I had with this film, was that the ending was a tad predictable. However, I still feel that this is satisfactory.
This film is really thought provoking sci-fi film and I would definitely recommend watching it.
I'm a fan of films which explore interesting ideas and have twists and turns and so 'I am Mother' ,was just my kind of film.
The acting was very good, particularly by the young actress who plays 'daughter'. At first, because the actress is younger, I thought this was going to be a stereotypical teen dystopian movie with some cheesy teen romance through in for good measure, but I was pleasantly surprised how it was more mature than that.
The interesting relationship 'daughter' has with 'Mother' was really interesting. Even though 'Mother' is a machine, the two main characters have some real emotion in their relationship. I think that might have something to do with 'Mother' voice not being metallic, but more 'human'.
This film explores thought provoking ideas, as well has having great tension and action. I also liked the twist towards the end of the film.
The only slight complaint that I had with this film, was that the ending was a tad predictable. However, I still feel that this is satisfactory.
This film is really thought provoking sci-fi film and I would definitely recommend watching it.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated Anna Dressed in Blood (Anna, #1) in Books
Jun 7, 2018
4.5 stars for Anna Dressed in Blood.
If you ever wanted to know how to write a decent and great ghost story, this is it! I had high hopes for this book, and it didn't disappoint.
However, I was expecting it to be a bit more scary, but I didn't find it scary at all. I wouldn't consider it as a horror book. Paranormal ghost story, yes.
I loved, loved, loved the character of Anna. I loved her so much, in fact, that I was wishing that she actually did exist so we could be friends.
I also loved the fact that it had swearing in it that wasn't OTT like a lot of older teen books. The way Cas swears made him feel more like a real teenage boy. What 17 year old boy doesn't swear!?!
The plot was quite good although, when it came to the story line of how Anna died and why she was the way she was, it was quite predictable...This is what made me give the book 4.5 stars instead of 5...well, that and it wasn't scary which I was hoping for.
Overall, this is definitely a good read! I can't wait to read Girl of Nightmares to find out more about (hopefully) Anna, Cas, Carmel, and Thomas.
This is a book not to be missed!
If you ever wanted to know how to write a decent and great ghost story, this is it! I had high hopes for this book, and it didn't disappoint.
However, I was expecting it to be a bit more scary, but I didn't find it scary at all. I wouldn't consider it as a horror book. Paranormal ghost story, yes.
I loved, loved, loved the character of Anna. I loved her so much, in fact, that I was wishing that she actually did exist so we could be friends.
I also loved the fact that it had swearing in it that wasn't OTT like a lot of older teen books. The way Cas swears made him feel more like a real teenage boy. What 17 year old boy doesn't swear!?!
The plot was quite good although, when it came to the story line of how Anna died and why she was the way she was, it was quite predictable...This is what made me give the book 4.5 stars instead of 5...well, that and it wasn't scary which I was hoping for.
Overall, this is definitely a good read! I can't wait to read Girl of Nightmares to find out more about (hopefully) Anna, Cas, Carmel, and Thomas.
This is a book not to be missed!
Lindsay (1760 KP) rated The Misadventures of Michael McMichaels, Vol. 3: The Creepy Campers in Books
Aug 30, 2018
If you are looking for a book that will last a lifetime for your child or children? The Misadventures of Michael McMichaels is a good one to put on their bookshelf or bookshelves? This time i have read “The Misadventures of Michael McMichaels, The Creepy Campers”.
It about learning that cheating is not always the best to do. Kids feel the pressure sometime to win and then guess what happens. Sometimes kids start thinking that winning is everything. They may end up cheating from the pressure or the need to always win. Winning is not everything. It fine if you win fairly.
There are lessons on lying and bullying and intimidation. Michael is faced with this? What to do and how to go about it. Lying and bullying and intimidation is not all great either when it all winning and getting prizes.
This book teaches you that lesson. It as teachable moments for your child or children. It also mentions about “The Borrowed Bracelet” and “The Angry Alligator”. Those two are books 1 and 2 from this series “The Misadventures of Michael McMichaels.”
Children will enjoy the pictures throughout the book. These books are good for younger readers. Parents can read them to your child. This book is a fast read. The lesson is taught through the book.
It about learning that cheating is not always the best to do. Kids feel the pressure sometime to win and then guess what happens. Sometimes kids start thinking that winning is everything. They may end up cheating from the pressure or the need to always win. Winning is not everything. It fine if you win fairly.
There are lessons on lying and bullying and intimidation. Michael is faced with this? What to do and how to go about it. Lying and bullying and intimidation is not all great either when it all winning and getting prizes.
This book teaches you that lesson. It as teachable moments for your child or children. It also mentions about “The Borrowed Bracelet” and “The Angry Alligator”. Those two are books 1 and 2 from this series “The Misadventures of Michael McMichaels.”
Children will enjoy the pictures throughout the book. These books are good for younger readers. Parents can read them to your child. This book is a fast read. The lesson is taught through the book.
Merissa (12971 KP) rated Sparks (Shock Me, #2) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
I received this book from Barclay Publicity in return for a fair and honest review.
This book continues where Shock Me finished and you are left not knowing who to trust or where to turn. Donna, Spencer and Rebecca feel that they can only trust each other and Donna also feels the extra responsibility of trying to keep them safe too. There are a few more new players which help keep this book fresh and moving forwards. Donna, Spencer and Rebecca find answers to questions they had but also uncover more secrets. Just how long has this been going on and how widespread is it? Throw into the story the usual self confidence angst and boy troubles that high school brings and you are swept away into Donna's story.
The intriguing part for me about this series isn't so much the story, as fantastic as it is, but the characters themselves. Each character is individual with their own thoughts, feelings and flaws. You are never sure when reading what you will get - a bad boy who decides to be good, a good guy who does something against his conscience, an unknown who acts in a way different to that you expected - it's all here and much more.
A brilliant continuation to the series which leaves you gasping for breath on a cliff hanger ending. Highly recommended.
This book continues where Shock Me finished and you are left not knowing who to trust or where to turn. Donna, Spencer and Rebecca feel that they can only trust each other and Donna also feels the extra responsibility of trying to keep them safe too. There are a few more new players which help keep this book fresh and moving forwards. Donna, Spencer and Rebecca find answers to questions they had but also uncover more secrets. Just how long has this been going on and how widespread is it? Throw into the story the usual self confidence angst and boy troubles that high school brings and you are swept away into Donna's story.
The intriguing part for me about this series isn't so much the story, as fantastic as it is, but the characters themselves. Each character is individual with their own thoughts, feelings and flaws. You are never sure when reading what you will get - a bad boy who decides to be good, a good guy who does something against his conscience, an unknown who acts in a way different to that you expected - it's all here and much more.
A brilliant continuation to the series which leaves you gasping for breath on a cliff hanger ending. Highly recommended.
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Depraved (2019) in Movies
Dec 29, 2019
Good but Needed a More Inventive Story
In this intriguing retelling of Frankenstein’s monster, a man finds himself the victim of a kidnapping and gruesome science experiment.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 10
Characters: 10
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
Conflict: 8
Entertainment Value: 4
Memorability: 1
Pace: 10
One of the things Depraved does extremely well is keep you engaged. We move from one scene to the next at a pretty quick clip. Even during scenes with heavier dialogue, there are no lingering moments which I appreciate. Thoroughly enjoyed the speed as the movie didn’t feel like two hours in the slightest.
Plot: 5
The sum of the story’s parts doesn’t really pass the smell test. Fast is good, yes, but there are some speed bumps that are hard to overlook. It felt like it was trying so hard to mirror Frankenstein at times that it never fully tried to do its own thing.
Resolution: 5
Overall: 73
I try to support indie movies as often as I can. And not just Fox Searchlight type of movies but those up and coming from lesser known studios. Films like Depraved can find themselves outgunned and overmatched but I appreciate what directors like Larry Fessenden are able to do with less. I hope to see more of his work in the future.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 10
Characters: 10
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
Conflict: 8
Entertainment Value: 4
Memorability: 1
Pace: 10
One of the things Depraved does extremely well is keep you engaged. We move from one scene to the next at a pretty quick clip. Even during scenes with heavier dialogue, there are no lingering moments which I appreciate. Thoroughly enjoyed the speed as the movie didn’t feel like two hours in the slightest.
Plot: 5
The sum of the story’s parts doesn’t really pass the smell test. Fast is good, yes, but there are some speed bumps that are hard to overlook. It felt like it was trying so hard to mirror Frankenstein at times that it never fully tried to do its own thing.
Resolution: 5
Overall: 73
I try to support indie movies as often as I can. And not just Fox Searchlight type of movies but those up and coming from lesser known studios. Films like Depraved can find themselves outgunned and overmatched but I appreciate what directors like Larry Fessenden are able to do with less. I hope to see more of his work in the future.
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