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Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated Enchantress of Numbers: A Novel of Ada Lovelace in Books
Apr 2, 2018
Enchantress of Numbers has been making the rounds lately - it seems there's been an interest in books about women in STEM, which is a good thing. Ada Lovelace is considered to be the first computer programmer, though "computers" as we know them didn't really exist at the time. What she wrote was an algorithm for making a machine spit out a specific result - a machine that was never actually built. Still, her contributions to the very early science of computing were invaluable and she is (rightly) revered for them. Sadly, she died in her 30s from ovarian cancer - a loss that undoubtedly slowed down the advancement of early computing.
The early parts of the book are told in third person, about her mother's marriage to Lord Byron, and Ada's own birth. From there, Ada tells the story in first person, as she grows up with her strict mother in English Aristocratic Society.
It is historical fiction, so the author has taken some liberties, though I was a bit confused that in the book she meets Mr. Babbage some time before meeting Mrs. Somerville; Wikipedia says Lady Lovelace was introduced to Mr. Babbage by her mentor, Mrs. Somerville. Odd that the author chose to change that up.
I've definitely read better historical fiction - Philippa Gregory is a personal favorite - but this wasn't bad. It was a little slow, and a little dry in spots, but it was overall good. If you weren't interested in Ada Lovelace or early computing and mathematics I don't think the book would be very enjoyable at all. But if you do like those things, and are willing to put up with a little bit of boredom, it's a decent book.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
The early parts of the book are told in third person, about her mother's marriage to Lord Byron, and Ada's own birth. From there, Ada tells the story in first person, as she grows up with her strict mother in English Aristocratic Society.
It is historical fiction, so the author has taken some liberties, though I was a bit confused that in the book she meets Mr. Babbage some time before meeting Mrs. Somerville; Wikipedia says Lady Lovelace was introduced to Mr. Babbage by her mentor, Mrs. Somerville. Odd that the author chose to change that up.
I've definitely read better historical fiction - Philippa Gregory is a personal favorite - but this wasn't bad. It was a little slow, and a little dry in spots, but it was overall good. If you weren't interested in Ada Lovelace or early computing and mathematics I don't think the book would be very enjoyable at all. But if you do like those things, and are willing to put up with a little bit of boredom, it's a decent book.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated the PlayStation 4 version of Layers of Fear in Video Games
Nov 19, 2019 (Updated Nov 19, 2019)
On the surface, Layers of Fear seems like a game that was designed purely for YouTubers to play and scream at, and I think that's a fair enough assumption based on the sheer amount of jumpscares throughout (some are cheap, some are effective).
But look a little deeper and you will be rewarded with more that you might expect.
You play as a Victorian era painter, trying to paint his magnum opus, unlocking more to your painting as you dive ever deeper into his fractured psyche.
It's one of those games that leaves a lot up to you to interpret, only finding more concrete plot pointers if you care enough to explore and find clues.
Visually, Layers of Fear is great. It captures the feeling of spiralling madness perfectly, with some decent graphics to go with it.
The constant presence of subtly morphing paintings scattered along the walls is suitably creepy, and creates a general feeling of unease as you navigate through dimly lit hallways.
The classic first person perspective adds to this unease as you constantly feel little to no control over what you're seeing, as the house shifts around you regularly.
The further you venture into the artists mind, the darker the narrative insinuations become, as the visions turn increasingly twisted.
Layers of Fear can be finished in a couple of hours, and isn't particularly challenging, but the addition of multiple endings will keep you coming back, just out of shear intrigue.
The jump scares feel a little excessive after a while but if you are a fan of the recent wave of first person horror exploration games (in the wake of P.T.) then Layers of Fear is worth seeking out.
But look a little deeper and you will be rewarded with more that you might expect.
You play as a Victorian era painter, trying to paint his magnum opus, unlocking more to your painting as you dive ever deeper into his fractured psyche.
It's one of those games that leaves a lot up to you to interpret, only finding more concrete plot pointers if you care enough to explore and find clues.
Visually, Layers of Fear is great. It captures the feeling of spiralling madness perfectly, with some decent graphics to go with it.
The constant presence of subtly morphing paintings scattered along the walls is suitably creepy, and creates a general feeling of unease as you navigate through dimly lit hallways.
The classic first person perspective adds to this unease as you constantly feel little to no control over what you're seeing, as the house shifts around you regularly.
The further you venture into the artists mind, the darker the narrative insinuations become, as the visions turn increasingly twisted.
Layers of Fear can be finished in a couple of hours, and isn't particularly challenging, but the addition of multiple endings will keep you coming back, just out of shear intrigue.
The jump scares feel a little excessive after a while but if you are a fan of the recent wave of first person horror exploration games (in the wake of P.T.) then Layers of Fear is worth seeking out.
Becs (244 KP) rated Always You in Books
Oct 2, 2019
Always You by Krista Carleson
Genre: Short Story, Novella, Contemporary, Erotica
Synopsis: The army took my first love and left me with a broken heart. That was ten years ago, but fate has a funny sense of humor. Not only is Aidan Dowell my best friend’s older brother, he happens to be my new roommate: the one who chose duty over love- who I thought had left my life forever. Now that I have to live in the same apartment as Aidan, I try to avoid him and guard my heart, but it’s impossible when the person in question is one gorgeous, sexy billionaire. The pull is too strong. The heat between us is going to burn me again. Little did I know that Aidan has a painful secret that threatens to come between us and now I have to make a choice: Fight for him or refuse this second chance at love?
Audience/ Reading Level: High School+
Interests: Erotica, Novella, Short Stories, Best Friends Brother
Point of View: first person
Difficulty Reading: Short, simple, sweet with a lot of hot and steaminess.
Promise: A short yet compelling read that will leave you wanting just a bit more.
Insights: Writing was a bit amateurish but for being the style of book it is, it was a good read. Would recommend to others who like Eroticas.
Ah-Ha Moment: When the boy gets the girl he’s been in love with for the past ten years. And vice versa.
What will you gain: A simple yet refreshing read.
Aesthetics: It was cool to see a billionaire and his brother living together with Cat. But other than that, there was really anything that stood out that’s worth mentioning.
Genre: Short Story, Novella, Contemporary, Erotica
Synopsis: The army took my first love and left me with a broken heart. That was ten years ago, but fate has a funny sense of humor. Not only is Aidan Dowell my best friend’s older brother, he happens to be my new roommate: the one who chose duty over love- who I thought had left my life forever. Now that I have to live in the same apartment as Aidan, I try to avoid him and guard my heart, but it’s impossible when the person in question is one gorgeous, sexy billionaire. The pull is too strong. The heat between us is going to burn me again. Little did I know that Aidan has a painful secret that threatens to come between us and now I have to make a choice: Fight for him or refuse this second chance at love?
Audience/ Reading Level: High School+
Interests: Erotica, Novella, Short Stories, Best Friends Brother
Point of View: first person
Difficulty Reading: Short, simple, sweet with a lot of hot and steaminess.
Promise: A short yet compelling read that will leave you wanting just a bit more.
Insights: Writing was a bit amateurish but for being the style of book it is, it was a good read. Would recommend to others who like Eroticas.
Ah-Ha Moment: When the boy gets the girl he’s been in love with for the past ten years. And vice versa.
What will you gain: A simple yet refreshing read.
Aesthetics: It was cool to see a billionaire and his brother living together with Cat. But other than that, there was really anything that stood out that’s worth mentioning.
ClareR (6144 KP) rated The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho in Books
May 7, 2024
The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho was a real eye opener of a novel. I listened to the audiobook, read so well by the author, Paterson Joseph.
This is the true story of Charles Ignatius Sancho, fictionalised somewhat, but only so that the modern day reader can begin to grasp what living in London as a black ex-slave in the mid-1700’s would have been like. And whilst Sancho may have had a more privileged life than most, it wasn’t his own life to live until he ran away from his first owners - sisters who used him as their entertainment.
Charles has a fear of the slave catcher, and rightly so, as they could kidnap any black person and sell them into slavery - whether they had escaped or been freed. These men were a constant threat.
Charles though, catches the eye of a duke who helps him to become educated, and he even works for the King for a while. He ends his life as a business owner and the first black person to vote in Britain. All of this from a life begun on a slave ship.
I don’t think it really matters how much of this book was fictionalised - we can never exactly know what went on in his head, but we can have a fair guess - and I like to think that Paterson Joseph has really caught the essence of the real Charles Ignatius Sancho. I liked Charles very much, and the love he shows for his son through the letters included in the novel are so touching.
I’d recommend this book, it’s a great read (or listen - I can definitely vouch for that!).
This is the true story of Charles Ignatius Sancho, fictionalised somewhat, but only so that the modern day reader can begin to grasp what living in London as a black ex-slave in the mid-1700’s would have been like. And whilst Sancho may have had a more privileged life than most, it wasn’t his own life to live until he ran away from his first owners - sisters who used him as their entertainment.
Charles has a fear of the slave catcher, and rightly so, as they could kidnap any black person and sell them into slavery - whether they had escaped or been freed. These men were a constant threat.
Charles though, catches the eye of a duke who helps him to become educated, and he even works for the King for a while. He ends his life as a business owner and the first black person to vote in Britain. All of this from a life begun on a slave ship.
I don’t think it really matters how much of this book was fictionalised - we can never exactly know what went on in his head, but we can have a fair guess - and I like to think that Paterson Joseph has really caught the essence of the real Charles Ignatius Sancho. I liked Charles very much, and the love he shows for his son through the letters included in the novel are so touching.
I’d recommend this book, it’s a great read (or listen - I can definitely vouch for that!).
Debbiereadsbook (1730 KP) rated Missing Pieces (The White Creek #1) in Books
Mar 7, 2019
good start for a first time author
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I'm a bit in two minds about this book, and I can't figure out why but I'll try.
It's a Nice book. I know I hate using that word but it's the best I can come up with! It has drama, passion, love, hate, lots of different emotions with just enough of each to not be overpowering.
I will say this, only Harper has a say. In the first person AND present tense. And it took me til way past halfway to figure out it was present tense, so well done to Fox for making me NOT see something that might have made me dump it!
I did need to hear from Easton though. I think he would have had a lot to say, especially about what he's dealing with, with his sisters and his nutty ex.
And I found out after I'd read this, that this is a first time author! So very well done to Fox for this book, even if it wasn't quite my cuppa tea.
I enjoyed it, it didn't quite push any buttons for me, BUT! I would like to read the next one, just to see how Fox' skill is growing. And Easton's sister really could be an interesting character!
3 GOOD solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
I'm a bit in two minds about this book, and I can't figure out why but I'll try.
It's a Nice book. I know I hate using that word but it's the best I can come up with! It has drama, passion, love, hate, lots of different emotions with just enough of each to not be overpowering.
I will say this, only Harper has a say. In the first person AND present tense. And it took me til way past halfway to figure out it was present tense, so well done to Fox for making me NOT see something that might have made me dump it!
I did need to hear from Easton though. I think he would have had a lot to say, especially about what he's dealing with, with his sisters and his nutty ex.
And I found out after I'd read this, that this is a first time author! So very well done to Fox for this book, even if it wasn't quite my cuppa tea.
I enjoyed it, it didn't quite push any buttons for me, BUT! I would like to read the next one, just to see how Fox' skill is growing. And Easton's sister really could be an interesting character!
3 GOOD solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Lee (2222 KP) rated Midsommar (2019) in Movies
Mar 19, 2020
I haven’t seen such complete and utter nonsense since Hereditary.
The bitter disappointment in Hereditary still lingers to this day. The build up, and all of the hype on film Twitter, got me so excited to see it. And then, I ended up in a cinema full of people, all laughing at the ridiculousness of it all and all coming out saying how truly bad it was.
So when Midsommar came along, and everyone online started reacting in exactly the same way as they did for Hereditary, I wasn’t having any of it. The trailer looked OK, but I didn’t want to waste my time being like the person in the story of the emperors new clothes who pipes up and says “hang on a minute, this is actually complete crap”. So I didn’t bother with it.
But now it’s on Amazon Prime, and cinemas are closed. It’s desperate times, so I gave it a try.
And for the first half, it was OK. But by the end of it, I was disappointed again and I really do feel that it actually does follow the same Hereditary formula, only delivered slightly better -
A first half which plays like a beautifully shot drama.
A gruesome shock during this first half.
A beautifully shot, but ultimately dull, second half which struggles to deliver on the initial setup, decides to descend into a ridiculous and laughable mess instead.
A standout performance (Toni Collette then, Florence Pugh now).
The bitter disappointment in Hereditary still lingers to this day. The build up, and all of the hype on film Twitter, got me so excited to see it. And then, I ended up in a cinema full of people, all laughing at the ridiculousness of it all and all coming out saying how truly bad it was.
So when Midsommar came along, and everyone online started reacting in exactly the same way as they did for Hereditary, I wasn’t having any of it. The trailer looked OK, but I didn’t want to waste my time being like the person in the story of the emperors new clothes who pipes up and says “hang on a minute, this is actually complete crap”. So I didn’t bother with it.
But now it’s on Amazon Prime, and cinemas are closed. It’s desperate times, so I gave it a try.
And for the first half, it was OK. But by the end of it, I was disappointed again and I really do feel that it actually does follow the same Hereditary formula, only delivered slightly better -
A first half which plays like a beautifully shot drama.
A gruesome shock during this first half.
A beautifully shot, but ultimately dull, second half which struggles to deliver on the initial setup, decides to descend into a ridiculous and laughable mess instead.
A standout performance (Toni Collette then, Florence Pugh now).
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated The Lady and the Mountain Man (Mountain Dreams, #1) in Books
Feb 23, 2021
I truly enjoyed this adventure across the country!
I have read several of Misty M. Beller’s books now and she is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors in the Christian historical fiction genre. This is the first book in The Mountain Series and a great introduction to the series overall! I will be buying the rest of the series.
From the very beginning, Misty M. Beller grabs your imagination with intrigue and travel. With so much going on in the first few chapters I was nervous that the rest of the book would not live up to the beginning’s standards. I was pleasantly surprised when that same even pace was kept through the whole book! The vivid descriptions through Leah’s travels across the country and the descriptions of everyday life on the mountain were fascinating and believable. It got my imagination involved. The plot was believable (Mostly, I mean it is a work of fiction), and it flowed well from one scene to the next keeping a hint of mystery along the way.
The characters in this book were interesting. I loved Leah’s faith; I strive to have the faith she displays. I also liked her unwavering strength when things got tough on the mountain, she showed such a positive spirit and seemed like a joyful person. Gideon... Silent and quiet at first, great with animals, like to chop wood, Mm, talk about a mountain man
I have read several of Misty M. Beller’s books now and she is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors in the Christian historical fiction genre. This is the first book in The Mountain Series and a great introduction to the series overall! I will be buying the rest of the series.
From the very beginning, Misty M. Beller grabs your imagination with intrigue and travel. With so much going on in the first few chapters I was nervous that the rest of the book would not live up to the beginning’s standards. I was pleasantly surprised when that same even pace was kept through the whole book! The vivid descriptions through Leah’s travels across the country and the descriptions of everyday life on the mountain were fascinating and believable. It got my imagination involved. The plot was believable (Mostly, I mean it is a work of fiction), and it flowed well from one scene to the next keeping a hint of mystery along the way.
The characters in this book were interesting. I loved Leah’s faith; I strive to have the faith she displays. I also liked her unwavering strength when things got tough on the mountain, she showed such a positive spirit and seemed like a joyful person. Gideon... Silent and quiet at first, great with animals, like to chop wood, Mm, talk about a mountain man
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Blood Trial (Supernatural Battle: Vampire Towers #1) in Books
Jan 8, 2021
I borrowed this from the Kindle Unlimited library.
This had a very slow start as we see Basilia - Basi - try to be a normal person instead of a rich snob as she runs away from her boring rich life and tries to fend for herself for the first time in her life. That starts with a job, so she and Tommy scour the newspapers looking for anything. She hands her resume into Kyros Tower, a real estate agents, and is surprised to be interviewed there and then. Things aren't all they seem, though, and soon Basi finds herself drawn into a strange game of monopoly with vampires.
The first 20% or so of this was rather slow and I was considering putting this down but I am so glad I carried on. It was good! It had me up until half eleven on my first night reading it just to see what was going to happen between Kyros and Basi. There was some serious sexual tension going on and I was hooked.
This definitely has a new take on vampires, and I don't want to go into detail as that would totally ruin it but it's different. I loved how Basi sort of slowly sank into their world and just went with it. Yeah, she freaked out at times but she did her best to make friends and get to know them, especially Laurel.
I've already borrowed book 2, off to start it now!
This had a very slow start as we see Basilia - Basi - try to be a normal person instead of a rich snob as she runs away from her boring rich life and tries to fend for herself for the first time in her life. That starts with a job, so she and Tommy scour the newspapers looking for anything. She hands her resume into Kyros Tower, a real estate agents, and is surprised to be interviewed there and then. Things aren't all they seem, though, and soon Basi finds herself drawn into a strange game of monopoly with vampires.
The first 20% or so of this was rather slow and I was considering putting this down but I am so glad I carried on. It was good! It had me up until half eleven on my first night reading it just to see what was going to happen between Kyros and Basi. There was some serious sexual tension going on and I was hooked.
This definitely has a new take on vampires, and I don't want to go into detail as that would totally ruin it but it's different. I loved how Basi sort of slowly sank into their world and just went with it. Yeah, she freaked out at times but she did her best to make friends and get to know them, especially Laurel.
I've already borrowed book 2, off to start it now!
