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Mothergamer (1571 KP) rated The Last of Us Part II in Video Games
Jun 29, 2020
I really wanted to like this game. There have been so many issues with the leaks and misleading trailers. Initially the game starts out pretty strong showing Ellie and Joel living in Jackson peacefully. That doesn't last long of course and the main theme of the story is about how the cycle of revenge and violence hurts everyone. The gameplay is good for the most part, but the storytelling comes across as very heavy handed and having to switch between Ellie and Abby feels frustrating. I understand the intent behind what the writers were trying to do showing both sides of the situation but it comes across as clunky and sloppy writing. I also took issue with the handling of a trans character in the game. They made this trans character a target for constant abuse and trauma, including deadnaming them something that is incredibly hurtful to a trans person. The fact that the writers did not get any input from trans writers is frankly grossly irresponsible because we LGBT people are more than trauma and we're tired of this constant trauma trope. It's not okay and it's very lazy writing. The story is not completely bad, but it's not great either and I feel we didn't really need this sequel. You can read my full review with spoilers here: http://lorrie28-mothergamer.blogspot.com/2020/06/the-last-of-us-part-ii-good-but-not.html
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Doom: Annihilation (2019) in Movies
Jul 19, 2020
Pretty dire
Let’s be honest, the first Doom film was never going to win any Oscars but it at least had a lot of cheesy and fun charm alongside a fairly star studded cast. Sadly this reboot has no such qualities.
To start with, you can tell this is a very low budget film. The whole thing just looks cheap, from the poorly built sets to the costumes and props. It just has an overall feel of a cheap made for TV movie. And then there’s the cast and the script, both of which are incredibly dire. The acting for the most part is terrible, although I did have a soft spot for the rather over the top and hilarious Australian Winslow. One good thing about this is they at least use mostly physical effects, which is probably because the CGI is awful when it is eventually used. That said, some of the physical effects are pretty atrocious too. The creatures when they eventually show up (after the weird zombie like creatures that aren’t Doom in the slightest), they’re obviously just a bloke in a suit and a very badly made suit at that. The creatures aren’t scary, they’re just funny and actually reminded me of the bad guys you used to see on Power Rangers.
There are some films that are so bad they’re good, but sadly this isn’t one of them. This is just plain awful and really didn’t need to be made.
To start with, you can tell this is a very low budget film. The whole thing just looks cheap, from the poorly built sets to the costumes and props. It just has an overall feel of a cheap made for TV movie. And then there’s the cast and the script, both of which are incredibly dire. The acting for the most part is terrible, although I did have a soft spot for the rather over the top and hilarious Australian Winslow. One good thing about this is they at least use mostly physical effects, which is probably because the CGI is awful when it is eventually used. That said, some of the physical effects are pretty atrocious too. The creatures when they eventually show up (after the weird zombie like creatures that aren’t Doom in the slightest), they’re obviously just a bloke in a suit and a very badly made suit at that. The creatures aren’t scary, they’re just funny and actually reminded me of the bad guys you used to see on Power Rangers.
There are some films that are so bad they’re good, but sadly this isn’t one of them. This is just plain awful and really didn’t need to be made.
Adam Green recommended track This Springtime by Turner Cody in 60 Seasons by Turner Cody in Music (curated)
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated The Outlaw's Daughter (The Haywire Brides, #3) in Books
Feb 24, 2021
The Outlaws Daughter is the third book in the Haywire Brides Series by Margaret Brownley. It can be read as a standalone (I haven’t read the other in this series yet and got along just fine), I will be going back and reading the rest of the books in this series though.
I loved Texas Ranger Matt Taggert in this book! His balance between doing his job and his feelings for Ellie-May was interesting to see. I thought that there was good chemistry between the two main characters and that Matt showed respect for everyone involved. Ellie-May is a great southern Momma (at night when she hears a noise, her first thought is to reach for her shotgun under her pillow!), she is a well-behaved lady who takes care of those around her, and she loves her kids. She is someone I would love to meet in real life. The plot of this story was interesting, it had fast-paced scenes and slower-paced scenes, and I liked the western feel to the town. It kept me engaged throughout the story. I liked the small town where everyone knew everyone, which is not always a good thing, but it was cool to see the town interact with the characters.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the fun characters, the cool western town, and the storyline
I loved Texas Ranger Matt Taggert in this book! His balance between doing his job and his feelings for Ellie-May was interesting to see. I thought that there was good chemistry between the two main characters and that Matt showed respect for everyone involved. Ellie-May is a great southern Momma (at night when she hears a noise, her first thought is to reach for her shotgun under her pillow!), she is a well-behaved lady who takes care of those around her, and she loves her kids. She is someone I would love to meet in real life. The plot of this story was interesting, it had fast-paced scenes and slower-paced scenes, and I liked the western feel to the town. It kept me engaged throughout the story. I liked the small town where everyone knew everyone, which is not always a good thing, but it was cool to see the town interact with the characters.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the fun characters, the cool western town, and the storyline
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Flight (The Crescent Chronicles, #1) in Books
Jan 6, 2021
2.5 stars.
This book has been taunting me on Amazon since its release. The cover really grabbed my attention but with how many books I already had to read I just ignored it for a long time. However, yesterday, I remembered the gift card I got for my birthday and decided to buy it.
I don't know what it was but I didn't easily gel with the story. It started fairly good but then with the use of a lot of talking between the characters and not much description--which strangely for me, considering i'm not normally a fan of lots of description, I actually wanted--and I feel it wasn't as good as I was expecting. I guess by the cover that I was expecting something quite sexy and it just wasn't. Not for me, anyway.
At the same time I kinda want to smack Allie. For many reasons. One: her not wanting to get involved with anyone but then giving into him so easily despite all her protests. Two: her acceptance of Levi and his friends so easily was just strange. Surely you'd run off screaming? And three: her behaviour at the end. Okay, it wasn't unfounded. He didn't explain himself before doing what he did but at the same time, she didn't want to hear anything he had to say, so what was he supposed to do?
Not sure yet if I'll be continuing the series or not.
This book has been taunting me on Amazon since its release. The cover really grabbed my attention but with how many books I already had to read I just ignored it for a long time. However, yesterday, I remembered the gift card I got for my birthday and decided to buy it.
I don't know what it was but I didn't easily gel with the story. It started fairly good but then with the use of a lot of talking between the characters and not much description--which strangely for me, considering i'm not normally a fan of lots of description, I actually wanted--and I feel it wasn't as good as I was expecting. I guess by the cover that I was expecting something quite sexy and it just wasn't. Not for me, anyway.
At the same time I kinda want to smack Allie. For many reasons. One: her not wanting to get involved with anyone but then giving into him so easily despite all her protests. Two: her acceptance of Levi and his friends so easily was just strange. Surely you'd run off screaming? And three: her behaviour at the end. Okay, it wasn't unfounded. He didn't explain himself before doing what he did but at the same time, she didn't want to hear anything he had to say, so what was he supposed to do?
Not sure yet if I'll be continuing the series or not.
Charlotte (184 KP) rated Orestin's Own in Books
Oct 21, 2020
A Knight, a Priestess and a Necromancer set off on a quest......
What could go wrong? Enough to break my heart to be fair. Not bad to say I wasn't sure I'd be able to read Orestin's Own at all. I'm not normally a reader of things written in a medieval time period but I'm so glad I read this.
I love the way the characters grow, how they each become more than you'd expect.
Caelesta, the Priestess, is by all accounts still a child in her mid-teens, full of hope and naivety. She's the one I think I feel for the most. She is sent out into a world that even an experienced adult would be hard pushed to find their way through......She does what is needed but the cost is high.
Solarys, the Knight, is a wary warrior. He's seen and done things that nobody should have to but still he does his duty to protect his people and honour his God.
Melèbrand, the Necromancer, for all the evil he has done, has a weakness where caelesta is concerned.....it's almost bittersweet.
I would love an epilogue to help fully close the book so to speak......unless L. Alyssa Austin is going to treat us to a follow up?
Orestin's Own is a solid 4 out of 5 for me. The right level of detail, good characters and good continuity, no random jumps that make you wonder what's happening.
What could go wrong? Enough to break my heart to be fair. Not bad to say I wasn't sure I'd be able to read Orestin's Own at all. I'm not normally a reader of things written in a medieval time period but I'm so glad I read this.
I love the way the characters grow, how they each become more than you'd expect.
Caelesta, the Priestess, is by all accounts still a child in her mid-teens, full of hope and naivety. She's the one I think I feel for the most. She is sent out into a world that even an experienced adult would be hard pushed to find their way through......She does what is needed but the cost is high.
Solarys, the Knight, is a wary warrior. He's seen and done things that nobody should have to but still he does his duty to protect his people and honour his God.
Melèbrand, the Necromancer, for all the evil he has done, has a weakness where caelesta is concerned.....it's almost bittersweet.
I would love an epilogue to help fully close the book so to speak......unless L. Alyssa Austin is going to treat us to a follow up?
Orestin's Own is a solid 4 out of 5 for me. The right level of detail, good characters and good continuity, no random jumps that make you wonder what's happening.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Stillhouse Lake in Books
Oct 8, 2019
Really good
Contains spoilers, click to show
Gina Royal is the definition of average—a shy Midwestern housewife with a happy marriage and two adorable children. But when a car accident reveals her husband’s secret life as a serial killer, she must remake herself as Gwen Proctor—the ultimate warrior mom.
With her ex now in prison, Gwen has finally found refuge in a new home on remote Stillhouse Lake. Though still the target of stalkers and Internet trolls who think she had something to do with her husband’s crimes, Gwen dares to think her kids can finally grow up in peace.
But just when she’s starting to feel at ease in her new identity, a body turns up in the lake—and threatening letters start arriving from an all-too-familiar address. Gwen Proctor must keep friends close and enemies at bay to avoid being exposed—or watch her kids fall victim to a killer who takes pleasure in tormenting her. One thing is certain: she’s learned how to fight evil. And she’ll never stop.
<strong>Brilliant</strong>
This was a little something different from Rachel came and I loved it! If Bihar one small but bare was how much she kept repeatedly saying she was in hiding and some bits I thought were unnecessary. But saying that it was a really good book.
I was genuinely sickened by her husband and enjoyed the suspension. Although I did call Sam's role!
With her ex now in prison, Gwen has finally found refuge in a new home on remote Stillhouse Lake. Though still the target of stalkers and Internet trolls who think she had something to do with her husband’s crimes, Gwen dares to think her kids can finally grow up in peace.
But just when she’s starting to feel at ease in her new identity, a body turns up in the lake—and threatening letters start arriving from an all-too-familiar address. Gwen Proctor must keep friends close and enemies at bay to avoid being exposed—or watch her kids fall victim to a killer who takes pleasure in tormenting her. One thing is certain: she’s learned how to fight evil. And she’ll never stop.
<strong>Brilliant</strong>
This was a little something different from Rachel came and I loved it! If Bihar one small but bare was how much she kept repeatedly saying she was in hiding and some bits I thought were unnecessary. But saying that it was a really good book.
I was genuinely sickened by her husband and enjoyed the suspension. Although I did call Sam's role!
Good Grief: Heal Your Soul
Book
The star of TLC’s Long Island Medium and New York Times bestselling author Theresa Caputo provides...
Biography Spirituality
Merissa (12955 KP) rated Adjoining Rooms in Books
Apr 3, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
ADJOINING ROOMS is a standalone novella about two (used to be) best friends who were in the closet during school and still sort of are. They shared one "half-kiss" (that still seems like a real kiss) before Knox left town and ghosted Trevor until four years later when he returns - but only because he has to because of work.
This is an extremely fast-paced novella, with plenty of flashbacks and memories to give you the back story. The current story I found to be a little confusing as they change extremely quickly from yes, to no, to maybe, to knock on my door and see what happens... and back again!
I feel this story would have been better as a full-length novel, where the back story was given time to shine, the characters would have a chance to reconnect before falling into bed, and their emotions really would make a difference between them. The most impactful moment, for me, in the book was the surfboard scene in the current time. Then I felt the connection between them for sure.
On the whole, it's a good, quick coffee-break read about second-chance romance.
** 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
April 3, 2023
This is an extremely fast-paced novella, with plenty of flashbacks and memories to give you the back story. The current story I found to be a little confusing as they change extremely quickly from yes, to no, to maybe, to knock on my door and see what happens... and back again!
I feel this story would have been better as a full-length novel, where the back story was given time to shine, the characters would have a chance to reconnect before falling into bed, and their emotions really would make a difference between them. The most impactful moment, for me, in the book was the surfboard scene in the current time. Then I felt the connection between them for sure.
On the whole, it's a good, quick coffee-break read about second-chance romance.
** 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
April 3, 2023
ClareR (5890 KP) rated Lessons In Chemistry in Books
Mar 19, 2023
I loved this - every page of it. And to think I’d held off reading it because everyone was saying how good it was (I don’t even understand my own logic sometimes!). Actually, I think I was worried I wouldn’t like it. No need to be concerned though!
There’s a serious theme behind the laugh out loud moments. Elizabeth Zott is a single parent and what’s more, she was never married. And to add insult to injury, she wants to work as an actual scientist - a chemist (believe me, I live in a house of scientists, and it’s a serious business!). And she’s a very good scientist.
The 1950’s were no time to have a career if you were female. The general feeling I get from this, is that they (the men) wanted women to look pretty, pop out babies and do the cooking and cleaning. I think I may be the antithesis of the 1950’s woman…
I loved Elizabeth Zott. She’s funny, intelligent, and she takes no nonsense. I’ve seen reviews where people say she’s clearly autistic, but I’m not so sure. Elizabeth had a difficult childhood, a hard time at university, and she’s constantly having to prove herself. I don’t know as I’d feel too chipper in her shoes.
But I laughed a lot. Her daughter is charming, her friends are the best, and the dog is clearly the star of the show!
Highly recommended.
There’s a serious theme behind the laugh out loud moments. Elizabeth Zott is a single parent and what’s more, she was never married. And to add insult to injury, she wants to work as an actual scientist - a chemist (believe me, I live in a house of scientists, and it’s a serious business!). And she’s a very good scientist.
The 1950’s were no time to have a career if you were female. The general feeling I get from this, is that they (the men) wanted women to look pretty, pop out babies and do the cooking and cleaning. I think I may be the antithesis of the 1950’s woman…
I loved Elizabeth Zott. She’s funny, intelligent, and she takes no nonsense. I’ve seen reviews where people say she’s clearly autistic, but I’m not so sure. Elizabeth had a difficult childhood, a hard time at university, and she’s constantly having to prove herself. I don’t know as I’d feel too chipper in her shoes.
But I laughed a lot. Her daughter is charming, her friends are the best, and the dog is clearly the star of the show!
Highly recommended.