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Stephen O'Connor (8 KP) rated Assassin's Apprentice in Books
May 14, 2017
Easy to read and well writen (3 more)
The story is just a hook that keeps you reading
One of the best first person books I've ever read
The world built by Hobb is beautiful and epic
My number one, but for bias reasons
Now I have to be honest and admit that my feeling for this book/series are slightly Bias, let me give the reason. This is the book that got me into my love of reading Fantasy as a whole and the other reason, when I decided to quite smoking I swapped the cigarette for reading, with this being the book that got me through it 😊 . So moving onto the book itself and how it's just god Damn Awesome. Robin Hobb is just a fantastic writer and this just shows throughout the book, the story telling and writing are second to none. Fitz is a royal bastard that gets dumped at the castle doors and left to the care of his unknowing royal family. His struggle of trying to find a place in court and live with the stigma of being the bastard are his young life. This book will have you falling for the character of Fitz like he's your own blood and you'll care for him like no other book characters. Putting the book down for more than 1 day isn't even possible. I'm pretty terrible at writing anything, never mind trying to sell a good book through a review, so please just take my advice and trust me when I say how bloody awesome this book is.
Merissa (12363 KP) rated Twell and the Army of Powers (Como Chronicles #1) in Books
Jun 21, 2017
Twell and the Army of Powers (Como Chronicles #1) by Kate O'Leary
Twell and the Army of Powers is the first book in the Como Chronicles. It gives us an in-depth view into the lives of those who live there, how their lives are regulated, what is forbidden, and what isn't. Twell is the main character, and the story is told from her perspective, and yet is still rounded out enough that you don't feel like you are missing out on anything.
Twell is a bit of a brat at the start of the book, and I mean that in the nicest possible way. Her character grows in ways unforeseen, by her own actions and by the 'gentle' advice from her friends. All of the characters have grit though, whether you like them or not. There is not a weak character amongst them, and they all grow and change throughout the book.
There is so much I want to say about this book, but won't in case of spoilers. Things happened that I never saw coming; my heart was broken on more than one occasion; it jumped into my mouth as I desperately held onto hope (even knowing that the author wouldn't make it so easy). The story is concise and gripping, thrilling and action-packed, ending on a cliffhanger that had me shouting out "NO!" even though I had already suspected the outcome!
This is a fantastic Young Adult Dystopian story with a dash of romance, that is guaranteed to enthral the reader. Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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!
Twell is a bit of a brat at the start of the book, and I mean that in the nicest possible way. Her character grows in ways unforeseen, by her own actions and by the 'gentle' advice from her friends. All of the characters have grit though, whether you like them or not. There is not a weak character amongst them, and they all grow and change throughout the book.
There is so much I want to say about this book, but won't in case of spoilers. Things happened that I never saw coming; my heart was broken on more than one occasion; it jumped into my mouth as I desperately held onto hope (even knowing that the author wouldn't make it so easy). The story is concise and gripping, thrilling and action-packed, ending on a cliffhanger that had me shouting out "NO!" even though I had already suspected the outcome!
This is a fantastic Young Adult Dystopian story with a dash of romance, that is guaranteed to enthral the reader. Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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!
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated It's Called a Breakup Because It's Broken in Books
Jan 15, 2018
All right let me first say that I am so not a self help book kind of person. I mean at all...ever! Then the most surreal experience of my life happened. My boyfriend of almost 10 years (yup, YEARS) went on a "business trip" for a week. I texted & called to no avail. While he was gone I cried, cleaned, & cried some more. Then I thought, "Wait! You can't even call me? Well f@$% you!"
A friend saw pictures of this "business trip" that apparently involved a beach front hotel & a blonde girl who just happened to let her tongue slip down his throat. I confronted him when he finally got home & needless to say he's history. But that didn't change the fact that I was scared, sad, hurt, & confused. I was pissed but handling it pretty well considering. But I also felt the need to commiserate with someone who got it. This book did just that.
It offered me a bit of a kick in the ass when I needed it but it also gave me some good laughs too. Not to mention really forced me to wrap my head around things I had been turning a blind eye to for years. It didn't tame itself too seriously but at the same time it was not all cheerleading either. I bought it on a whim on my Nook because I felt like I needed something to hold on to that wasn't his neck! It did the trick. By all means I don't feel over it but I sure as hell have some great ideas on how to get myself on that path. That was what I was looking for at the time.
A friend saw pictures of this "business trip" that apparently involved a beach front hotel & a blonde girl who just happened to let her tongue slip down his throat. I confronted him when he finally got home & needless to say he's history. But that didn't change the fact that I was scared, sad, hurt, & confused. I was pissed but handling it pretty well considering. But I also felt the need to commiserate with someone who got it. This book did just that.
It offered me a bit of a kick in the ass when I needed it but it also gave me some good laughs too. Not to mention really forced me to wrap my head around things I had been turning a blind eye to for years. It didn't tame itself too seriously but at the same time it was not all cheerleading either. I bought it on a whim on my Nook because I felt like I needed something to hold on to that wasn't his neck! It did the trick. By all means I don't feel over it but I sure as hell have some great ideas on how to get myself on that path. That was what I was looking for at the time.
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Immortalis Carpe Noctem (Immortalis, #1) in Books
Apr 27, 2018
Alyssa never asked to become a vampire, but when handsome Lysander changes her in order to save her from two brutal rapists and murderers, she is forced to live with his decision. She soon learns the history of her new kind, her new abilities, and starts falling head over heels for her handsome savior. But just when things look like they can't be all that bad, the strongest known coven--whose leader has been holding a grudge against Lysander--and the most dangerous group of vampire hunters on earth show up. Now Alyssa has to use her newly found skills to save herself--and the man she loves.
I really enjoyed Imortalis Carpe Noctem. I tore through it in a few hours, and regretted having to put it down. It was very addicting and fast paced, especially the action scenes at the end, quite entertaining, and not to over-dramatic.
Imortalis was, in some ways, a typical vampire novel: having to escape would-be-vamp-rulers, running from vampire hunters, falling in love with a handsome vampire. The thing that made it worth reading was the characters and their emotions. They had so much character to them, and Alyssa's feelings were so real and—pardon me, human—that they were incredibly relatable. I felt like I was Alyssa, I could feel her pain and her joy, her love and her loss.
The writing was pretty good, except there was some careless editing and misuse of comas. They were everywhere they shouldn't be for some reason, as if the computer put them in willy-nilly. It wasn't so much of a distraction that I couldn't enjoy the book, however.
I am anxiously awaiting the sequel Imortalis: Hunter & Prey as well as Salidas' other upcoming novels.
Content: little language, some sex.
Recommendation: Ages 18+
I really enjoyed Imortalis Carpe Noctem. I tore through it in a few hours, and regretted having to put it down. It was very addicting and fast paced, especially the action scenes at the end, quite entertaining, and not to over-dramatic.
Imortalis was, in some ways, a typical vampire novel: having to escape would-be-vamp-rulers, running from vampire hunters, falling in love with a handsome vampire. The thing that made it worth reading was the characters and their emotions. They had so much character to them, and Alyssa's feelings were so real and—pardon me, human—that they were incredibly relatable. I felt like I was Alyssa, I could feel her pain and her joy, her love and her loss.
The writing was pretty good, except there was some careless editing and misuse of comas. They were everywhere they shouldn't be for some reason, as if the computer put them in willy-nilly. It wasn't so much of a distraction that I couldn't enjoy the book, however.
I am anxiously awaiting the sequel Imortalis: Hunter & Prey as well as Salidas' other upcoming novels.
Content: little language, some sex.
Recommendation: Ages 18+
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Daughter of Smoke and Bone in Books
Apr 27, 2018
Review: Daughter of Smoke and Bone was highly addicting. I really should have studied more last week but instead I listened to a riveting audio book.
I'm going to keep this short and sweet. The book pulled me into the story right away and kept me engaged the whole time. The characters were wonderful, real, imperfect, and believable. The plot never stopped and the pacing never slowed and the tension never dissolved. it got more and more interesting and complicated with every chapter, but all the ends were tied up at the end. Every detail mattered. The end was painful but perfect and I will be at the book store the day Book 2 comes out and hand over my hard earned cash to get that book in my hands because I can't wait to figure out what happens next!
This is the second book by Laini Taylor I've read (see my review for Lips Touch Three Times), and she is quickly becoming a favorite writer of mine. Her graceful lyric writing never ceases to impress me.
Audio: I listened to the audio book of DoSaB. I am very picky about audio books because I've listened to a lot of poorly recorded ones, and I've grown up having a very good reader read books out loud to me. But Khristine Hvam did an excellent job, so much so that I would seek out more books read by her. She gave distinct voices to each character, but it didn't feel corny and stupid like some readers do. She breathed and felt the characters and the dialogue, and it worked.
Content/Recommendation: Clean! Ages 14-Adult
*note, I love this book so much I'm currently re-reading(listening) so I can refresh before reading book 2!*
I'm going to keep this short and sweet. The book pulled me into the story right away and kept me engaged the whole time. The characters were wonderful, real, imperfect, and believable. The plot never stopped and the pacing never slowed and the tension never dissolved. it got more and more interesting and complicated with every chapter, but all the ends were tied up at the end. Every detail mattered. The end was painful but perfect and I will be at the book store the day Book 2 comes out and hand over my hard earned cash to get that book in my hands because I can't wait to figure out what happens next!
This is the second book by Laini Taylor I've read (see my review for Lips Touch Three Times), and she is quickly becoming a favorite writer of mine. Her graceful lyric writing never ceases to impress me.
Audio: I listened to the audio book of DoSaB. I am very picky about audio books because I've listened to a lot of poorly recorded ones, and I've grown up having a very good reader read books out loud to me. But Khristine Hvam did an excellent job, so much so that I would seek out more books read by her. She gave distinct voices to each character, but it didn't feel corny and stupid like some readers do. She breathed and felt the characters and the dialogue, and it worked.
Content/Recommendation: Clean! Ages 14-Adult
*note, I love this book so much I'm currently re-reading(listening) so I can refresh before reading book 2!*
Sarah (7799 KP) rated Ghost Stories (2018) in Movies
Apr 19, 2018
More horror films should be like this
Most modern horror films nowadays I think are usually rubbish. They're full of obvious jump scares and unnecessary gore, without really instilling any real fear into the watcher. Ghost Stories however is different.
It's a straightforward, simple premise with the paranormal debunker and the 3 unexplained cases. It starts off well but it's only when it starts detailing each of the 3 cases that this film really gets going. The three stories are bizarre, creepy and actually pretty scary. They do have some of the obligatory jump scares, but for me these weren't as obvious and predictable as other horror films. As the stories progress and it all starts to get a bit weird, there are a number of WTF moments which really start to make you feel uneasy. There's also a few moments of dark humour thrown in, to be expected from Jeremy Dyson.
The final act however seems to halt some of the momentum the film has gained. There's a reveal that I saw coming a mile off, and then a good 15 mins or so of complete bizarreness before culminating in a very satisfying final ending. This little dip right at the end annoyed me slightly as it gets a little too weird, although it is explained away with the great final twist ending. For me it's just a shame that this slight dip into weirdness right at the end has lost a bit of what could have been a fantastic horror film.
I personally think the best horror films are those that don't rely too heavily on obvious jump scares, and instead use more subtle methods. True fear comes from the unknown, from the confusion and strange goings on in the background, and this is where Ghost Stories does very well.
It's a straightforward, simple premise with the paranormal debunker and the 3 unexplained cases. It starts off well but it's only when it starts detailing each of the 3 cases that this film really gets going. The three stories are bizarre, creepy and actually pretty scary. They do have some of the obligatory jump scares, but for me these weren't as obvious and predictable as other horror films. As the stories progress and it all starts to get a bit weird, there are a number of WTF moments which really start to make you feel uneasy. There's also a few moments of dark humour thrown in, to be expected from Jeremy Dyson.
The final act however seems to halt some of the momentum the film has gained. There's a reveal that I saw coming a mile off, and then a good 15 mins or so of complete bizarreness before culminating in a very satisfying final ending. This little dip right at the end annoyed me slightly as it gets a little too weird, although it is explained away with the great final twist ending. For me it's just a shame that this slight dip into weirdness right at the end has lost a bit of what could have been a fantastic horror film.
I personally think the best horror films are those that don't rely too heavily on obvious jump scares, and instead use more subtle methods. True fear comes from the unknown, from the confusion and strange goings on in the background, and this is where Ghost Stories does very well.
David (771 KP) rated A Quiet Place (2018) in Movies
Feb 2, 2019
Great idea
Contains spoilers, click to show
I found this film to be a new twist on the conventional creature, horror genre. I will say this first that I did enjoy the film and would watch it again.
Having kids myself I was intrigued to know how they were going to keep quiet throughout most of the film unless they or their parents met an untimely end, first kid was gone in the first 10 minutes, what a surprise! The scene at the dinner table where none of the kids moaned or whinged about what they were having would certainly not happen in my house.
I know it's a bit crude but how do you go toilet without making a sound? Surprisingly they didn't touch on this subject in the film.
I apologise if I missed it and this is why I will watch again, where did the creatures come from? Maybe this is explained in the book or a prequel movie is in the pipeline. If this was explained and I missed it please feel free to message me and let me know as I found this to be one of the disappointing bits of the film.
The film was a good length though, I didn't look at my phone once as it kept me interested and there was no long drawn out moments.
Most of the time the family was very harmonious, maybe the thought of impending death makes for a non-troublesome household (Wish I could try this with my family to avoid arguments, but it's kind of illegal)
I would recommend watching this film at least once, thanks for reading.
Having kids myself I was intrigued to know how they were going to keep quiet throughout most of the film unless they or their parents met an untimely end, first kid was gone in the first 10 minutes, what a surprise! The scene at the dinner table where none of the kids moaned or whinged about what they were having would certainly not happen in my house.
I know it's a bit crude but how do you go toilet without making a sound? Surprisingly they didn't touch on this subject in the film.
I apologise if I missed it and this is why I will watch again, where did the creatures come from? Maybe this is explained in the book or a prequel movie is in the pipeline. If this was explained and I missed it please feel free to message me and let me know as I found this to be one of the disappointing bits of the film.
The film was a good length though, I didn't look at my phone once as it kept me interested and there was no long drawn out moments.
Most of the time the family was very harmonious, maybe the thought of impending death makes for a non-troublesome household (Wish I could try this with my family to avoid arguments, but it's kind of illegal)
I would recommend watching this film at least once, thanks for reading.
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Prime Evil (Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 3, #10) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
That's what I get for choosing a book based on Amazon reviews. I should really know by now that I march to the beat of a different drummer...actually it's not a drum at all, it's a bagpipe, and I skip, not march. ;P While I didn't hate the book, it wasn't nearly as good as I was led to believe. The whole feel to the book wasn't quite right, it didn't have that Buffyverse atmosphere. Part of that had to do with the overabundance of Crystal/Shugra's point-of-view, which took away from the other characters. While I didn't mind a bit here and there, the flashbacks were unnecessary, often boring and uninteresting; they really added nothing to the book and were more filler than anything. The characterizations were decent but lacked energy and didn't quite hit the mark. I didn't sense much depth and sometimes, I hate to say it, they were rather bland. There wasn't much humor but it managed to get a few smiles out of me. The ending was the best part and definitely had more of the usual Buffyness than the rest of the book.
What I found amusing is the remark about nothing suspicious happening in Cleveland. Since there happens to be a Hellmouth stationed there, I would think there would be plenty of abnormalities. Demonic activity was actually mentioned in the episode <i>The Wish</i> that came out before this book was written, but maybe I can let that pass since the episode was mainly set in an alternate time-line. Although I still don't get why there wouldn't be a Cleveland Hellmouth in both realities. Gosh, I'm such a BuffyGeek. :D
Still, I enjoyed the book and appreciated the author adding in little things sprinkled throughout for the fans.
What I found amusing is the remark about nothing suspicious happening in Cleveland. Since there happens to be a Hellmouth stationed there, I would think there would be plenty of abnormalities. Demonic activity was actually mentioned in the episode <i>The Wish</i> that came out before this book was written, but maybe I can let that pass since the episode was mainly set in an alternate time-line. Although I still don't get why there wouldn't be a Cleveland Hellmouth in both realities. Gosh, I'm such a BuffyGeek. :D
Still, I enjoyed the book and appreciated the author adding in little things sprinkled throughout for the fans.
Merissa (12363 KP) rated The Impact Zone (Ryder Bay #2) in Books
Mar 1, 2019
The Impact Zone (Ryder Bay #2) by Jordan Ford
The Impact Zone is the second book in the Ryder Bay series, and whilst I enjoyed my foray back to Ryder Bay, I didn't quite enjoy it as much as the first book... and I don't really know why!
Skylar is still in a coma, and Savannah is drowning in responsibilities. You find out more about Aiden and their break up through Savannah's eyes, including how she becomes friends with Harley. Savannah is a genuinely nice person, and very mature for her age as life experiences haven't always been easy. Griffin is the perfect match for her, but he isn't sure if he will stay in Ryder Bay or not, due to his own story.
With Aiden, Harley, and even Jed, playing a part in this story, I couldn't help but relax and enjoy as the story moved along. This did feel like a transitional book though, and I think that's why I didn't enjoy it as much. Griffin and Savannah get their HFN, but you are left with a major event happening right at the end, which may impact on just who Savannah is exactly.
I still thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I can't wait to continue the series, AND see how the characters continue to change and grow. I really want them to all be happy, but with some of the darker characters still in play, this isn't guaranteed! Excellent writing once again, and I'm left wanting more.
* 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!
Skylar is still in a coma, and Savannah is drowning in responsibilities. You find out more about Aiden and their break up through Savannah's eyes, including how she becomes friends with Harley. Savannah is a genuinely nice person, and very mature for her age as life experiences haven't always been easy. Griffin is the perfect match for her, but he isn't sure if he will stay in Ryder Bay or not, due to his own story.
With Aiden, Harley, and even Jed, playing a part in this story, I couldn't help but relax and enjoy as the story moved along. This did feel like a transitional book though, and I think that's why I didn't enjoy it as much. Griffin and Savannah get their HFN, but you are left with a major event happening right at the end, which may impact on just who Savannah is exactly.
I still thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I can't wait to continue the series, AND see how the characters continue to change and grow. I really want them to all be happy, but with some of the darker characters still in play, this isn't guaranteed! Excellent writing once again, and I'm left wanting more.
* 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!
MaryAnn (14 KP) rated The Return: Reflections on Loving God Back in Books
Mar 5, 2019
Synopsis: It's easy to go through days, weeks, even years on autopilot, moving from one activity to another, rarely taking the time to consider what it's all for anyway. Why did God make us? What does he want us to do with the time he has given us? And how can we find out?
In her bestselling story-driven style, Christian rocker Lacey Sturm shares with readers the beautiful struggle of learning what one's unique gifts are and pursuing them wholeheartedly. She helps them see each day as a gift from God, find balance in their busy lives, and discover the joy of giving God's gifts back to him by using them to bring him glory.
Young people especially will love this openhanded and openhearted take on what to do with their lives, as will those who feel like they've been coasting or heading down the wrong path.
My Thoughts: This book speaks for its self. Take a walk with God and with Lacey Strum for a refreshing look into God's word. Take a break from a busy life and sit and listen. Learn with Lacey about God's gifts and using them for His glory. This is a good book for those who are looking into their lives and searching how to use the gifts that God gave them and looking at each day as a new canvas and a brand new start for serving Him.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
In her bestselling story-driven style, Christian rocker Lacey Sturm shares with readers the beautiful struggle of learning what one's unique gifts are and pursuing them wholeheartedly. She helps them see each day as a gift from God, find balance in their busy lives, and discover the joy of giving God's gifts back to him by using them to bring him glory.
Young people especially will love this openhanded and openhearted take on what to do with their lives, as will those who feel like they've been coasting or heading down the wrong path.
My Thoughts: This book speaks for its self. Take a walk with God and with Lacey Strum for a refreshing look into God's word. Take a break from a busy life and sit and listen. Learn with Lacey about God's gifts and using them for His glory. This is a good book for those who are looking into their lives and searching how to use the gifts that God gave them and looking at each day as a new canvas and a brand new start for serving Him.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Eilidh G Clark (177 KP) May 14, 2017