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Kirsten Myra Edwards (303 KP) rated Deceptions of Chenille in Books
Jan 19, 2021
Worth a read
For starters: Wow! What a rollercoaster. This fast paced novel keeps you on your toes and once you start you can't put it down.
You either follow the story from either Daniel; the one left behind; or from the side of Chenille; the one you learn to love despite her mistakes.
Despite the pace of the book; moving weeks months within a matter of pages; and the switching of sides it is easy to follow with plenty of twists to keep you turning the pages.
If you do have to put it down it is very easy to pick right back up without too much hassle.
You learn so much about these characters you feel their emotions; you cry for them, you fight for them and you care for them as of they are your own.
If you are after a good read to read wherever you are; on the school run (guilty!), on the bus or tube or snuggled by the fire with a hot chocolate then this is the one for you.
You either follow the story from either Daniel; the one left behind; or from the side of Chenille; the one you learn to love despite her mistakes.
Despite the pace of the book; moving weeks months within a matter of pages; and the switching of sides it is easy to follow with plenty of twists to keep you turning the pages.
If you do have to put it down it is very easy to pick right back up without too much hassle.
You learn so much about these characters you feel their emotions; you cry for them, you fight for them and you care for them as of they are your own.
If you are after a good read to read wherever you are; on the school run (guilty!), on the bus or tube or snuggled by the fire with a hot chocolate then this is the one for you.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Dumped, Actually in Books
Sep 28, 2019
Fun and heartwarming
Nick Spalding’s books can always be relied on to be lighthearted and entertaining, and Dumped, Actually is no exception. To be frank, his writing style is basic and uncomplicated, and it’ll never win any awards. However that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable.
I decided to read this as it rather reminded me of my doomed relationship last year, and there is a lot in this book that i could relate to about how I felt (and still do). Of course Ollie’s exploits are entirely over the top and farcical, but that’s what makes this book so enjoyable to read and it’s laugh out loud funny in parts. There’s a moment just over half way through that throws the momentum of the book a little, but it’s still very heartwarming and has a lot of feel good moments and messages. Part of the ending is a bit cliched and the writing does get a bit basic at times, but it’s still a rather fun moving book that really got me thinking (and crying).
I decided to read this as it rather reminded me of my doomed relationship last year, and there is a lot in this book that i could relate to about how I felt (and still do). Of course Ollie’s exploits are entirely over the top and farcical, but that’s what makes this book so enjoyable to read and it’s laugh out loud funny in parts. There’s a moment just over half way through that throws the momentum of the book a little, but it’s still very heartwarming and has a lot of feel good moments and messages. Part of the ending is a bit cliched and the writing does get a bit basic at times, but it’s still a rather fun moving book that really got me thinking (and crying).
Book Divas (227 KP) rated Dark Tomorrow in Books
Jul 12, 2019
Action Packed Read
I will start by saying that whatever you do, don't start to read this right before bedtime because once you start you won't be able to put it down as that's what happened to me and so I read it until I reached the last page.
The author's worldbuilding is so realistic that you are immediately transported into the middle of this post-apocalyptic world that has been decimated by a virus and you can practically hear the ever-present crows.
Sawyer, Sara, and Mason are truly a force to be reckoned with as we learn of their heartaches and witness how strong they are to endure the harshness and perils of the world. All the characters, from the good to the bad are strong and well developed.
The author has written this in such a way that you often feel like it could really happen. This action-packed powerhouse of a story will keep you on the edge of your seat and I highly recommend it
The author's worldbuilding is so realistic that you are immediately transported into the middle of this post-apocalyptic world that has been decimated by a virus and you can practically hear the ever-present crows.
Sawyer, Sara, and Mason are truly a force to be reckoned with as we learn of their heartaches and witness how strong they are to endure the harshness and perils of the world. All the characters, from the good to the bad are strong and well developed.
The author has written this in such a way that you often feel like it could really happen. This action-packed powerhouse of a story will keep you on the edge of your seat and I highly recommend it
Jordan Binkerd (567 KP) rated The Scorpion King 2: Rise Of A Warrior (2008) in Movies
Sep 5, 2019 (Updated Sep 5, 2019)
Michael Copon almost sells being a young Rock. (3 more)
Karen David does her job well: look good while kicking ass.
Fight scenes are well executed
Sets and locations are pretty
The Minotaur and giant scorpion sequences look like crap. (2 more)
Did we need this? I feel like we didn't need this....
No Rock
Unnecessary and derivative, but not bad for direct-to-video.
Was this necessary? Did we really need to examine the Scorpion King's childhood and early adulthood? The film raises more questions than it resolves, in that now they have a thriving kingdom to dispose of somehow before the events of the original film. That said, the film is decently fun to watch. The performances aren't any worse than you'd expect from a movie like this, even better in some cases. Michael Copon was even trying to infuse the character with some of The Rock's mannerisms, unless that was unintentional. The fights are fun to watch, which is mostly the point here. The scenery, locations, and general production design is on point. Bottom line: it's not great, but it's better than I feared.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Anything for Her in Books
Sep 6, 2019
Technically my mum won a copy of this book via Goodreads' Giveaways/First Reads program, but since she doesn't write reviews and I do, I'll read it too.
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3.5 stars.
So, I've read it. And though it isn't my usual genre--I like to mix it up every so often--I must admit I got quite into it. I wanted to know what happened that night; what secret were the mum and daughter keeping? Was it really that bad? Who was this guy scaring them?
Now that I've read it, I've gotten answers to all of the above and strangely enough; I kind of feel it was justified. How Louise and Brooke went about it was just all wrong on many levels, especially what Louise did. I was extremely put off by that.
Some of the other stuff put me off as well. What was with Michael?
As I mentioned above, this isn't my usual genre but for a first book--going via createspace for paperbacks--this is a pretty good book.
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3.5 stars.
So, I've read it. And though it isn't my usual genre--I like to mix it up every so often--I must admit I got quite into it. I wanted to know what happened that night; what secret were the mum and daughter keeping? Was it really that bad? Who was this guy scaring them?
Now that I've read it, I've gotten answers to all of the above and strangely enough; I kind of feel it was justified. How Louise and Brooke went about it was just all wrong on many levels, especially what Louise did. I was extremely put off by that.
Some of the other stuff put me off as well. What was with Michael?
As I mentioned above, this isn't my usual genre but for a first book--going via createspace for paperbacks--this is a pretty good book.
Sam (228 KP) rated Westworld - Season 2 in TV
Sep 7, 2019
Characters (1 more)
Beautiful Scenes and Staging
Confusing (2 more)
Too Many Flashbacks
Hard to Follow
Unbelievably Disappointing
I was highly disappointed by this season. Although, it makes sense as a follow up to the previous season, it is as though they were simply trying too hard. From the first episode they threw in so many flashbacks and cut through so many scenes that the whole plot became lost in the confusion. As hard as I tried to follow what was going on I can't help but feel as though most of the charm was lost. It was disappointing after how good the first season was but this season simply did not hold up. This being said the characters were a joy to see again and the graphics and scenery were amazing. However this does not excuse the terrible line up for the plot that made it just about impossible to understand what was going on. While I couldn't look away from the first season I found that this season simply could not hold my attention.
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Final Destination 2 (2003) in Movies
Aug 22, 2019
This sequel to Final Destination is more of the same... No better or worse actually. It sticks to the same formula as it's predecessor (and all of the subsequent entries), and is pretty much where the semi decent FD sequels end.
The set up premonition is pretty good - Director David R. Ellis is better known for his extensive stunt directing, and it's shows in scenes like this.
The extra features included in the home release show that this scene was done almost entirely practically. I feel that this always makes a difference.
The extra features also reveal how a lot of the kills were achieved using practical effects, which again, is something I can truly respect and admire, even if they were polished off with the CGI.
The finished result is a film that isn't great by any means, but it is a fun ride, that follows on from the first film nicely.
The acting is hammy, but the cast are mostly fine, and even includes another cameo from Tony Todd 👍
The set up premonition is pretty good - Director David R. Ellis is better known for his extensive stunt directing, and it's shows in scenes like this.
The extra features included in the home release show that this scene was done almost entirely practically. I feel that this always makes a difference.
The extra features also reveal how a lot of the kills were achieved using practical effects, which again, is something I can truly respect and admire, even if they were polished off with the CGI.
The finished result is a film that isn't great by any means, but it is a fun ride, that follows on from the first film nicely.
The acting is hammy, but the cast are mostly fine, and even includes another cameo from Tony Todd 👍
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Jaws (1975) in Movies
Aug 9, 2020
A deserving classic
Jaws is a film I've seen many years ago but haven't in quite a while, and it really is the classic it's made out to be.
Watching it now it is does admittedly look a little dated. But I think this is part of the film's charm. The shark is hilarious and yet still pretty scary at the same time, and for an animatronic it is very good for the time it was made. It does remind me a lot of the Jaws ride at Universal Studios as the animatronics are virtually identical. The score is rightly infamous and really builds the tension and suspense in those underwater scenes. There is some dodgy acting (although Dreyfuss and Scheider are brilliant) and it does feel like it's drawn out a little at times. However despite this there's a reason why no other shark film released to date has managed to live up to the renown and success of Jaws. This is without a doubt a classic - i just wish they hadn't gotten rid of the ride at Universal!
Watching it now it is does admittedly look a little dated. But I think this is part of the film's charm. The shark is hilarious and yet still pretty scary at the same time, and for an animatronic it is very good for the time it was made. It does remind me a lot of the Jaws ride at Universal Studios as the animatronics are virtually identical. The score is rightly infamous and really builds the tension and suspense in those underwater scenes. There is some dodgy acting (although Dreyfuss and Scheider are brilliant) and it does feel like it's drawn out a little at times. However despite this there's a reason why no other shark film released to date has managed to live up to the renown and success of Jaws. This is without a doubt a classic - i just wish they hadn't gotten rid of the ride at Universal!
Lowri Catryn (229 KP) rated Everyday Life by Coldplay in Music
May 7, 2020
Violin (5 more)
Adventurist metaphors
Spiritual
Equality
Reality
Vocals
Adventurous album taking on the uplifting but also brutality of reality and it's every day themes.
A new (different) album from Coldplay, which is definitely revealing their experimentation. The band take on heavy themes of love, war, racism, faith, gun control, friendship, climate change, police brutality and other every day themes in life. It is a double album consisting of 'Sunrise' and 'Sunset', which reveals the difference between the every day highs and lows of the above mentioned themes.
The opening of 'Sunrise' is set beautifully with string arrangements, with the lead violinist doing an excellent job of playing uplifting but also emotional tones to set the mood for the themes. Good versus bad, happy versus sad.
Coldplay never venture far from meeting with Eastern and Western sounds to encourage the acceptance of different religions and ethnicities.
'Sunset' is accompanied with loungey rhythm and blues tones which compliment the themes and meaningful lyrics.
However I can't help but note that I feel some depth is missing to convey their messages.
The opening of 'Sunrise' is set beautifully with string arrangements, with the lead violinist doing an excellent job of playing uplifting but also emotional tones to set the mood for the themes. Good versus bad, happy versus sad.
Coldplay never venture far from meeting with Eastern and Western sounds to encourage the acceptance of different religions and ethnicities.
'Sunset' is accompanied with loungey rhythm and blues tones which compliment the themes and meaningful lyrics.
However I can't help but note that I feel some depth is missing to convey their messages.
Veronica Pena (690 KP) rated Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood in Books
May 2, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. On top of loving Trevor Noah and thinking he his hilarious, I think his personality just pours out of this book in a way other memoirs don't. There are definitely some parts of the book that you can just hear him talking in your head and I love that. I do wish I listened to it because I've heard great things about the audiobook, but I'm afraid it wouldn't have been able to keep my attention to finish it. I'm glad I read it, also, because learning the words and seeing how different words are spelled is something I'm super interested in.
ANYWAYS! I loved this book. I love Trevor Noah. I love how different his story is. I wish I could sit down and talk to him for hours about all the things he's experienced because it doesn't feel like this book is enough. I definitely recommend if you're a fan of his or if you just need a good read, this is one! I really hope he continues writing.
ANYWAYS! I loved this book. I love Trevor Noah. I love how different his story is. I wish I could sit down and talk to him for hours about all the things he's experienced because it doesn't feel like this book is enough. I definitely recommend if you're a fan of his or if you just need a good read, this is one! I really hope he continues writing.