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KatieLouCreate (162 KP) rated A Series of Unfortunate Events - Season 1 in TV
Jan 18, 2018
Loved it!
I really enjoyed this adaptation of the books. I was apprehensive at first. I'm always wary when books are adapted onto a screen, but this I really enjoyed watching. You can tell the director(s) have actually read the books themselves. There are numerous little references and Easter eggs throughout which only someone who has read the books will understand. It makes it extra rewarding when watching each episode. I highly reccomend reading the books with the series so you can really get a feel for the series.
Although I didn't rate the books highly, I rate this first season highly. I think they've done a really good job and if anything, it has made me thankful that I at least read the books before watching the series.
The atmosphere is one of my favourite parts. It's still managed to keep that steampunk-esque atmosphere. It's quirky with dark undertones. It reminds me of Pushing Daisies with its style.
There are some differences compared to the book but adaptations will never be spot on. And if anything, I think it makes it better. Even I was questioning what was going on for a few parts but then, at the end, it all clicked into place and made me excited for what season 2 will bring.
I will definitely be watching season two when it is released
Although I didn't rate the books highly, I rate this first season highly. I think they've done a really good job and if anything, it has made me thankful that I at least read the books before watching the series.
The atmosphere is one of my favourite parts. It's still managed to keep that steampunk-esque atmosphere. It's quirky with dark undertones. It reminds me of Pushing Daisies with its style.
There are some differences compared to the book but adaptations will never be spot on. And if anything, I think it makes it better. Even I was questioning what was going on for a few parts but then, at the end, it all clicked into place and made me excited for what season 2 will bring.
I will definitely be watching season two when it is released
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Cursed (Beholder, #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is not my normal read as lately I have been hitting the erotica/contemporary romance hard. However, it had to do with necromancy and that is something I simply cannot pass up. Necromancy is something I am highly interested not only because it is rarely written about (compared to vampires, shifters, etc.), but also because rarely is the hero/heroine ever the necromancer. Usually the necromancer is the villain/antagonist.
This story was refreshing, like a breath of fresh air from what I have been reading. Elea is such a powerful character, both in magic and personality. I could definitely get behind her and her ideals. The authors created world was also fascinating. I felt she not only created a marvelous world but also did a good job at explaining it. Sometimes in fantasy novels, I get lost concerning the authors created mythology, but I wasnt with this novel.
It definitely has a young adult feel to it though. Regardless, I loved it and cant wait to read more. If you are a fan of strong heroines with interesting magic, and a fascinating world beyond imagination, then you may enjoy this novel. Not to mention the young love that spurs main characters. I am all for young, dewy eyed love
This is not my normal read as lately I have been hitting the erotica/contemporary romance hard. However, it had to do with necromancy and that is something I simply cannot pass up. Necromancy is something I am highly interested not only because it is rarely written about (compared to vampires, shifters, etc.), but also because rarely is the hero/heroine ever the necromancer. Usually the necromancer is the villain/antagonist.
This story was refreshing, like a breath of fresh air from what I have been reading. Elea is such a powerful character, both in magic and personality. I could definitely get behind her and her ideals. The authors created world was also fascinating. I felt she not only created a marvelous world but also did a good job at explaining it. Sometimes in fantasy novels, I get lost concerning the authors created mythology, but I wasnt with this novel.
It definitely has a young adult feel to it though. Regardless, I loved it and cant wait to read more. If you are a fan of strong heroines with interesting magic, and a fascinating world beyond imagination, then you may enjoy this novel. Not to mention the young love that spurs main characters. I am all for young, dewy eyed love
ArecRain (8 KP) rated The Frenzy in Books
Jan 18, 2018
This is the worst book I have read since Douglas's Wolf Tales. This book is just so terrible in so many ways that I can't even think of and good way to go about stating how much I didn't enjoy this novel.
I guess I should start with the writing style. Was there was nothing grammatically wrong with Block's style, it was about as interesting as watching mud dry. The novel is in first person narrative, which can always go downhill fast. I should have known from the first page that I wouldn't enjoy it. I think it would have been a lot better had it not been so choppy. However, it felt like half the novel was written as an aside to the real story.
The second would be the story line. It was annoying, uncreative, and so ridiculously obvious that I had the whole novel figured out only a few chapters in. I had mixed feelings about a lot of the topics going on like Pace committing suicide in concerns with Michael, Liv's relationship with her parents, and Victor wanting Liv as his bride. The entire novel felt shallow and superficial.
In all honesty, I felt terrible after reading this book. It put me in a dark mood for some many reasons, I feel that I can't even justify my emotions with words.
I guess I should start with the writing style. Was there was nothing grammatically wrong with Block's style, it was about as interesting as watching mud dry. The novel is in first person narrative, which can always go downhill fast. I should have known from the first page that I wouldn't enjoy it. I think it would have been a lot better had it not been so choppy. However, it felt like half the novel was written as an aside to the real story.
The second would be the story line. It was annoying, uncreative, and so ridiculously obvious that I had the whole novel figured out only a few chapters in. I had mixed feelings about a lot of the topics going on like Pace committing suicide in concerns with Michael, Liv's relationship with her parents, and Victor wanting Liv as his bride. The entire novel felt shallow and superficial.
In all honesty, I felt terrible after reading this book. It put me in a dark mood for some many reasons, I feel that I can't even justify my emotions with words.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Beauty and the Mustache (Knitting in the City, #4; Winston Brothers, #0.5) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
Oh, thats okay, Miss Reid, I didnt need my heart today or anything.
All joking aside, what a powerful book. It has been a long time since a book has taken a hold of me and not let go until I finished it. It has been even longer since I have read a book so well done, that I find myself skipping over passages, not because I am bored or distracted, but because I am so engrossed that my eyes cannot keep up with my brain. I was hungry for every page, devouring every word like I was starving.
Reid has literary prowess I dare not compare to others I have read before. I was so deep in her fictional world that it felt like I was losing my own mother. Ashleys frustration ate me alive because it became my frustration. This novel had more soul than most humans I have encountered.
Do yourself a favor and read this book. Want a meaningful story? Read this book. Enjoy a good romance that is more than a romance? Read this book. Book hangover? Jaded? In a reading slump? Please read this damn book.
My only complaint is that I feel the author passed on a great opportunity by not calling it Beauty and the Beard. Honestly, I dont remember her mentioning a mustache, but there were beard galore!
All joking aside, what a powerful book. It has been a long time since a book has taken a hold of me and not let go until I finished it. It has been even longer since I have read a book so well done, that I find myself skipping over passages, not because I am bored or distracted, but because I am so engrossed that my eyes cannot keep up with my brain. I was hungry for every page, devouring every word like I was starving.
Reid has literary prowess I dare not compare to others I have read before. I was so deep in her fictional world that it felt like I was losing my own mother. Ashleys frustration ate me alive because it became my frustration. This novel had more soul than most humans I have encountered.
Do yourself a favor and read this book. Want a meaningful story? Read this book. Enjoy a good romance that is more than a romance? Read this book. Book hangover? Jaded? In a reading slump? Please read this damn book.
My only complaint is that I feel the author passed on a great opportunity by not calling it Beauty and the Beard. Honestly, I dont remember her mentioning a mustache, but there were beard galore!
Kyera (8 KP) rated Hunt for Jade Dragon (Michael Vey, #4) in Books
Feb 1, 2018
As this is the fourth book in the series, there really isn't much that I can say that wouldn't be spoiler-y. I chose to listen to this series via audiobook, so I want to specifically address that. For whatever reason, the third and fourth books were not narrated by the same person who voiced the first, second, fifth, six and final book in the series. That means that three different people narrated this series if that is something that would bother you I would recommend reading the books physically. I personally enjoyed the narrator for this book the most out of the three that voiced this series.
This story was as enjoyable as the others and is a good level for middle-grade readers or younger YA readers. Unfortunately, the author continues to overuse the word said and it is becoming more and more irksome as the series progresses. I had hoped that it would improve, but it hasn't yet. One can still hope though.
It was nice to see more character development and the Electroclan seeing more of the world. Understandably, after everything the kids have gone through they feel older than their actual years. Forced to grow up and shoulder too much responsibility too quickly. I still recommend this series and hope that the writing will improve through the last three books.
This story was as enjoyable as the others and is a good level for middle-grade readers or younger YA readers. Unfortunately, the author continues to overuse the word said and it is becoming more and more irksome as the series progresses. I had hoped that it would improve, but it hasn't yet. One can still hope though.
It was nice to see more character development and the Electroclan seeing more of the world. Understandably, after everything the kids have gone through they feel older than their actual years. Forced to grow up and shoulder too much responsibility too quickly. I still recommend this series and hope that the writing will improve through the last three books.
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Best in Show (2000) in Movies
Feb 3, 2018
Hilarious Mockumentary
I can't tell you the funny lines that exist in Best In Show. I can't tell you because there are too many to count. I was hoping to get a good laugh, but was pleasantly surprised by just how hilarious the film was.
Best In Show is a mockumentary around the largest dog show of the year and the people that compete. My only complaint was that it teetered a bit at the ending. A little less lingering and it would have been just fine.
The dialogue is perfect. It's crisp and full of zings forcing you to hang on to every word. The characters that make up this film are over-the-top funny, yet real at the same time. Their stories and backstories are well-done giving you a reason to root for their success or failure. The success of these characters stems from how much people actually love their dogs and how much people are willing to do for them in real life. Definitely translates well. While it should feel appalling to watch, there's a part of you that gets it.
There is always something happening to keep you entertained throughout. From the opening scene (great start) to hilarious moments with Harlan (Christopher Guest) and his hound Hubert, you're left with a multitude of reasons to laugh. I give Best In Show an 89.
Best In Show is a mockumentary around the largest dog show of the year and the people that compete. My only complaint was that it teetered a bit at the ending. A little less lingering and it would have been just fine.
The dialogue is perfect. It's crisp and full of zings forcing you to hang on to every word. The characters that make up this film are over-the-top funny, yet real at the same time. Their stories and backstories are well-done giving you a reason to root for their success or failure. The success of these characters stems from how much people actually love their dogs and how much people are willing to do for them in real life. Definitely translates well. While it should feel appalling to watch, there's a part of you that gets it.
There is always something happening to keep you entertained throughout. From the opening scene (great start) to hilarious moments with Harlan (Christopher Guest) and his hound Hubert, you're left with a multitude of reasons to laugh. I give Best In Show an 89.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (2001) in Movies
Feb 17, 2018 (Updated Feb 17, 2018)
Four's a crowd
Twenty-sixth Godzilla movie (also eleventh Mothra movie, eighth Ghidorah movie and third Baragon movie, in case anyone's counting) recruits director Shusuke Kaneko, helmsman of the brilliant 90s Gamera trilogy; results are (perhaps inevitably) disappointing. A new incarnation of Godzilla threatens Japan, but a young tabloid TV journalist encounters a mysterious old man in an equestrian safety helmet who tells her of three legendary Guardian Monsters who will defend the country against this menace (Baragon is also a Guardian Monster but not famous enough to get his name in the title).
Some interesting innovations: first film to address (even obliquely) issues of Japanese culpability for events of the Second World War, first film where King Ghidorah is a good guy, first film with a scene set in Godzilla's intestinal tract. However, the end result is let down by a fatally uncertain tone - seemingly serious scenes of death and carnage are intercut with knockabout cheesy humour and in-jokes (in the English dub at least). The retro feel of the movie, hearkening back to the 60s films of the series, is not unwelcome, but its take on the formula is just plain weird. Most importantly it lacks the mythic grandeur of the Kaneko Gamera trilogy. Still better than the films which immediately preceded it, though.
Some interesting innovations: first film to address (even obliquely) issues of Japanese culpability for events of the Second World War, first film where King Ghidorah is a good guy, first film with a scene set in Godzilla's intestinal tract. However, the end result is let down by a fatally uncertain tone - seemingly serious scenes of death and carnage are intercut with knockabout cheesy humour and in-jokes (in the English dub at least). The retro feel of the movie, hearkening back to the 60s films of the series, is not unwelcome, but its take on the formula is just plain weird. Most importantly it lacks the mythic grandeur of the Kaneko Gamera trilogy. Still better than the films which immediately preceded it, though.
Debbiereadsbook (1440 KP) rated Out Of The Penalty Box in Books
Feb 28, 2018
good, but not one for me.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I struggled with this one. And here's why.
Aidan is, or has been, straight. Here, he is attracted to Christophe, who is gay. You'd expect a whole lotta more soul searching and questioning going on, but there isn't. Aidan just jumps almost straight away into bed with Christophe, after he first expresses his feeling for Aidan.
I know its only a short book, some 100 odd pages and you can only do so much in those pages, but I did not feel any sort of emotional attachment to Aidan, at all.
We also only get Aidan. Yes yes YES, I KNOW I say it often enough, but think I might have enjoyed it a little more had Christophe had a say too.
And, aside from that very first chapter, there isn't any hockey!
So, a nice book, but not one that grabbed me. An easy read, maybe a little too easy. Someone will LOVE this book, I have no doubt. And I might have at any other time, but it just landed in the queue at the wrong time.
Not my best review, but I'll plead illness and hope that someone will forgive me.
3 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
I struggled with this one. And here's why.
Aidan is, or has been, straight. Here, he is attracted to Christophe, who is gay. You'd expect a whole lotta more soul searching and questioning going on, but there isn't. Aidan just jumps almost straight away into bed with Christophe, after he first expresses his feeling for Aidan.
I know its only a short book, some 100 odd pages and you can only do so much in those pages, but I did not feel any sort of emotional attachment to Aidan, at all.
We also only get Aidan. Yes yes YES, I KNOW I say it often enough, but think I might have enjoyed it a little more had Christophe had a say too.
And, aside from that very first chapter, there isn't any hockey!
So, a nice book, but not one that grabbed me. An easy read, maybe a little too easy. Someone will LOVE this book, I have no doubt. And I might have at any other time, but it just landed in the queue at the wrong time.
Not my best review, but I'll plead illness and hope that someone will forgive me.
3 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Lou Grande (148 KP) rated Robbie Riverton: Mail Order Bride in Books
Jun 9, 2018
Dumb title, awful art, but good book
Please don't judge this book by its atrocious cover. As a kid, I read all of my older sister's romance novels--Jude Devereaux, Judith McNaught, et cetera--but as a sentimental gay dude, there was a lot that didn't hit home for me. This is my first gay historical romance, and I really liked it. It has about the same amount of depth you would expect from a heterosexual romance novels (which is to say, not much), but it was no less an enjoyable read. I'm glad that Easton didn't rely on angst to further the story, but actually gave us a story that stands in its own two legs.
I admit that I was nervous going into the more erotic scenes. It's kind of a thorny issue, with Easton being a woman and describing an entirely male act. But they were surprisingly realistic (for a romance novel). That said, they didn't exactly light my fire, but they weren't "boobs feel like bags of sand" either. Nice, middle of the road. It's clear the focus is on the relationship, not sex, though she acknowledges the strong sexual intensity that (sometimes) manifests between men.
Just, please, Easton, if you read these at all, do something about the cover art. The title is a little hokey too. It made me underestimate your talent.
I admit that I was nervous going into the more erotic scenes. It's kind of a thorny issue, with Easton being a woman and describing an entirely male act. But they were surprisingly realistic (for a romance novel). That said, they didn't exactly light my fire, but they weren't "boobs feel like bags of sand" either. Nice, middle of the road. It's clear the focus is on the relationship, not sex, though she acknowledges the strong sexual intensity that (sometimes) manifests between men.
Just, please, Easton, if you read these at all, do something about the cover art. The title is a little hokey too. It made me underestimate your talent.
Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated Looking for Dei in Books
Jun 10, 2018 (Updated Jan 18, 2019)
I hate being the first person to give a book a low rating, but after months of trying, I was unable to finish Looking for Dei. Largely, it's simply not my style. The voice is a little too passive, the story a little too predictable. Then again, my tastes are a bit bloodier and darker than this fantasy novel, and this is yet another pure YA read--like Ghost Slayer, but fantasy rather than paranormal.
I don't feel an attachment to any of the characters, and for me that's a big problem. There's no connection, no wondering what will happen to them and that could be in part because of all the exposition. They simply bore me, for lack of a better word. I don't mean to come off harsh, but I've really been struggling to read this.
Plotwise, its much of the same. Too much of what is going on can be guessed at. The evil characters have no mystery to them. The good characters are always fortunate in what happens to them. It's simply too fantastic in that regard for me.
I'd like to thank the author for providing me with an ARC of his book for the purpose of review. I regret being unable to finish this book, but after three months of trying and putting it down, I simply cannot force-feed it to myself.
I don't feel an attachment to any of the characters, and for me that's a big problem. There's no connection, no wondering what will happen to them and that could be in part because of all the exposition. They simply bore me, for lack of a better word. I don't mean to come off harsh, but I've really been struggling to read this.
Plotwise, its much of the same. Too much of what is going on can be guessed at. The evil characters have no mystery to them. The good characters are always fortunate in what happens to them. It's simply too fantastic in that regard for me.
I'd like to thank the author for providing me with an ARC of his book for the purpose of review. I regret being unable to finish this book, but after three months of trying and putting it down, I simply cannot force-feed it to myself.