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BobbiesDustyPages (1259 KP) rated Sadie in Books
Mar 26, 2019
Sadie freaking broke me.
“I wish his darkness lived outside of him, because you have to know it's there to see it. Like all real monsters, he hides in plain sight.”
Sadie freaking broke me.
I’ve never wanted to give up on a book and not put a book down so bad in my life.
This book was one of the few times I was really glad I didn’t know what I was getting into because if I did I probably wouldn’t have actually read it because of the subject matter (CW: pedophilia) it’s just one of those topics I really don’t like to read about. And while Sadie was a hard book to read it was amazingly written with characters you can’t help but feel for…. Whether those feelings are good or bad now that was what really made Sadie an amazing book.
I really liked the format of the book, switching between the podcast on Sadies POV was really unique and kept me reading because I was hooked on both POVs and could wait to get back to the other one.
Sadie freaking broke me.
I’ve never wanted to give up on a book and not put a book down so bad in my life.
This book was one of the few times I was really glad I didn’t know what I was getting into because if I did I probably wouldn’t have actually read it because of the subject matter (CW: pedophilia) it’s just one of those topics I really don’t like to read about. And while Sadie was a hard book to read it was amazingly written with characters you can’t help but feel for…. Whether those feelings are good or bad now that was what really made Sadie an amazing book.
I really liked the format of the book, switching between the podcast on Sadies POV was really unique and kept me reading because I was hooked on both POVs and could wait to get back to the other one.
Micky Barnard (542 KP) rated Magic Bites (Kate Daniels, #1) in Books
Apr 6, 2019
Fast paced, exciting and brimming with magic
I have been nudged to read this for over two years, in fact, book one was a gift. I just picked it up on a whim and it was the best whim I’ve had this year so far. Kate Daniels is the kind of heroine that doesn’t come along very often and I loved her. She’s strong, snarky, takes risks and is absolutely kick-ass.
I’ve come away from this read shuddering from the gore and violence that really isn’t my bag but the story was so good that I was able to forge through those moments. I actually would not want to be transplanted into this world because the creatures are something hideous and vampires are not handsome and glittery but damn I love reading about it.
So now I have 500,000 questions about all sorts and lots of interest in Curran and Kate sitting in a tree. I also feel like I’ve been let into a special club...IM SO GLAD TO BE HERE!
I’ve come away from this read shuddering from the gore and violence that really isn’t my bag but the story was so good that I was able to forge through those moments. I actually would not want to be transplanted into this world because the creatures are something hideous and vampires are not handsome and glittery but damn I love reading about it.
So now I have 500,000 questions about all sorts and lots of interest in Curran and Kate sitting in a tree. I also feel like I’ve been let into a special club...IM SO GLAD TO BE HERE!
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated The Evidence Against You in Books
May 22, 2019
It's the day Izzy's father will be released from jail.
She has every reason to feel conflicted - he's the man who gave her a childhood filled with happy memories.
But he has also just served seventeen years for the murder of her mother.
Now, Izzy's father sends her a letter. He wants to talk, to defend himself against each piece of evidence from his trial.
But should she give him the benefit of the doubt?
Or is her father guilty as charged, and luring her into a trap?
This is an utterly amazing thriller,
The story is told in a very good way in that the past and present are told in alternating way and we get to find out facts about the case in drips.
Lots of twists and turns and keeps you wanting to know whats going to happen next and leaves the best to the very end.
A must read for 2019!
Highly Recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin UK Michael Joseph and the author for the chance to review.
She has every reason to feel conflicted - he's the man who gave her a childhood filled with happy memories.
But he has also just served seventeen years for the murder of her mother.
Now, Izzy's father sends her a letter. He wants to talk, to defend himself against each piece of evidence from his trial.
But should she give him the benefit of the doubt?
Or is her father guilty as charged, and luring her into a trap?
This is an utterly amazing thriller,
The story is told in a very good way in that the past and present are told in alternating way and we get to find out facts about the case in drips.
Lots of twists and turns and keeps you wanting to know whats going to happen next and leaves the best to the very end.
A must read for 2019!
Highly Recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin UK Michael Joseph and the author for the chance to review.
Dean (6927 KP) rated Aladdin (2019) in Movies
May 22, 2019 (Updated May 22, 2019)
Very entertaining family film
Well I have to say I was a bit surprised when I saw Guy Ritchie come up as the director at the start, especially after the King Arthur film. Gladly none of his usual editing techniques are on show here. I can only just remember the cartoon version when I was younger. The humour of the genie voiced by Robin Williams made the film for me.
So a tough act to follow. The film is visually dazzling, in the costumes, sets, CGI and SFX in general. It all looks very realistic. I'm not a big fan of the songs, some are better than others. Overall it's a bit unfair to compare it to the original. It's a fun and light hearted film that goes by at a good pace and doesn't feel like a long film. Naomi Scott does look like a Disney princess. Maybe not as funny as the original but it's still a film all ages should enjoy.
So a tough act to follow. The film is visually dazzling, in the costumes, sets, CGI and SFX in general. It all looks very realistic. I'm not a big fan of the songs, some are better than others. Overall it's a bit unfair to compare it to the original. It's a fun and light hearted film that goes by at a good pace and doesn't feel like a long film. Naomi Scott does look like a Disney princess. Maybe not as funny as the original but it's still a film all ages should enjoy.
TeeHi (11 KP) rated Avengers: Endgame (2019) in Movies
May 29, 2019
A Sufficient ENDing For This Phase
Contains spoilers, click to show
Even though I've seen all of the MCU movies to date, I wouldn't say that I was obsessed, but I AM a completionist, so I felt like I had to see it through... With that being said, I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, despite the sad goodbyes. Also, even though it was amusing, I didn't like the prolonged gag of Thor being overweight and out of shape. Aside from those two things, though, I thought it was really good. The pacing was excellent, and it didn't even "feel" like 3 hours. I was also satisfied with the amount of time each character got...with the exception of Captain Marvel; I would liked to have seen a bit more of her. In addition, I felt like the mix of humor and seriousness was spot-on. As to the story and resolution from the previous film, I thought it made sense, and it wasn't too difficult to follow, so I was happy with that aspect, too.
Peter Shephard (2822 KP) rated Terraforming Mars: Hellas & Elysium in Tabletop Games
Jun 4, 2019
Variation to the base game
The addition of two different maps for Mars is a welcome variation; the changes to the Milestones and Achievements is also a nice touch, as it changes the way people can score points from what they would usually aim for in the base game.
Although I do enjoy the different maps, and they are different enough, they dont really have a huge amount of "uniqueness" which the original one has. There are several cards which have been altered (Noctis City, for example) due to the location being on the other side of Mars. While this is an obvious side effect, it reduces the 'difficulty' of playing these cards hugely, so they feel less special.
It would have also been good to have had a small bundle of Hellas and Elysium cards included, even if it meant removing the original-location specific cards, but this opportunity was missed.
Out of all of the expansions, H&E adds the least, unless you have played the base map dozens and dozens of times.
Although I do enjoy the different maps, and they are different enough, they dont really have a huge amount of "uniqueness" which the original one has. There are several cards which have been altered (Noctis City, for example) due to the location being on the other side of Mars. While this is an obvious side effect, it reduces the 'difficulty' of playing these cards hugely, so they feel less special.
It would have also been good to have had a small bundle of Hellas and Elysium cards included, even if it meant removing the original-location specific cards, but this opportunity was missed.
Out of all of the expansions, H&E adds the least, unless you have played the base map dozens and dozens of times.
Ande Thomas (69 KP) rated Ma (2019) in Movies
Jun 10, 2019
There are a lot of instances where someone will complain about the whole movie being shown in the trailer and I just roll my eyes and move on. In general, I feel like it's more about how we get to the end of a story than it is about specific plot points or any twists there may be. In the case of Ma, however, I totally agree. It's not that there were any twists ruined or secrets revealed in the trailers, it's that the parts that weren't revealed were just filler. Literally nothing happened to expand on the presumptions we made about Ma. Every shocking part that would make us cringe as viewers was revealed before we even set foot in the theater. There's a good idea in here somewhere, it was just never allowed to bloom. Octavia Spencer is excellent, and I genuinely hope she takes more sinister roles from here on out. Truthfully, I can't fault any of the actors for their part. There just didn't turn out to be a whole lot to work with.
Joni Thomas (33 KP) rated A Court of Wings and Ruin in Books
Jan 25, 2018
Completely engrossing
I couldn't read this book fast enough. I feel like we really got a good look at Feyre's character and just how brave she is. Her time with Tamlin at the beginning of the book was fascinating, seeing how to made everything work to her advantage. I thought I was going to dread it at first but I should have known better. The fighting scenes are rich with detail, I could see it all in my mind as I read. I was so happy to see a return of the Suriel. I also loved seeing and finding out about the other High Lords as well as seeing some of the other Courts. The last half of the book had me breathless. I was laughing and then crying and then on the edge of my seat and then that awkward relief laughing that turns to tears. I felt it all.
Now to wait for ACOFAS. I keep telling myself its not a long wait but it already feels endless.
Now to wait for ACOFAS. I keep telling myself its not a long wait but it already feels endless.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2672 KP) rated What Pet Should I Get? in Books
Mar 9, 2018
When a brother and a sister arrive in a pet shop to pick out a new pet, they are faced with so many wonderful choices. Will they pick a dog, a cat…or something more exotic?
You can tell that Dr. Seuss didn’t think this was his best work and that’s why he gave up on it. The rhymes are almost there, but they aren’t as good as some of his books. Same with the rhythm of the lines. By the time we get to some of Seuss’s trademark imaginary creatures (and there are only two of them), they feel forced into the book. Never mind the fact that we never answer the title question. Fortunately, the illustrations live up to the Seuss name. It’s not a bad book, but it’s not one to rush out and buy, either, which is what I suspected before picking it up.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/07/book-review-what-pet-should-i-get-by-dr.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
You can tell that Dr. Seuss didn’t think this was his best work and that’s why he gave up on it. The rhymes are almost there, but they aren’t as good as some of his books. Same with the rhythm of the lines. By the time we get to some of Seuss’s trademark imaginary creatures (and there are only two of them), they feel forced into the book. Never mind the fact that we never answer the title question. Fortunately, the illustrations live up to the Seuss name. It’s not a bad book, but it’s not one to rush out and buy, either, which is what I suspected before picking it up.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/07/book-review-what-pet-should-i-get-by-dr.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Godzilla 2000 (1999) in Movies
Mar 17, 2018 (Updated May 30, 2019)
Not quite the two-thousandth Godzilla movie, though it might feel that way to non-fans of this kind of thing. Aliens who've spent sixty million years asleep at the bottom of the sea wake up and try to steal Godzilla's DNA; things do not go according to plan, with bad results for everyone (except perhaps Godzilla himself).
The first Japanese movie to follow the reviled American Godzilla reboots the series again; you would have thought this was a splendid opportunity for Toho to show just how this sort of thing should be done. Alas no: there are some good bits here, and baddie monster Orga is quite impressive (though not in the film for long enough), but the film has the usual problem of not seeming to be that interested in Godzilla himself - it's not clear whether Godzilla is meant to be anti-hero or antagonist, either. Some duff CGI on display, too. Rather than being a showcase for the series, this is a dull and derivative movie that's not especially interesting to look at.
The first Japanese movie to follow the reviled American Godzilla reboots the series again; you would have thought this was a splendid opportunity for Toho to show just how this sort of thing should be done. Alas no: there are some good bits here, and baddie monster Orga is quite impressive (though not in the film for long enough), but the film has the usual problem of not seeming to be that interested in Godzilla himself - it's not clear whether Godzilla is meant to be anti-hero or antagonist, either. Some duff CGI on display, too. Rather than being a showcase for the series, this is a dull and derivative movie that's not especially interesting to look at.