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HLD (99 KP) rated Samsung Galaxy S9 in Tech
Jun 13, 2018
Screen resolution is top notch - just remember to change it from the factory default (4 more)
Curved screen took a while to get used to, but is lovely and useful
The camera is sublime
Finger print scanner is in a great position
The sound quality is quite good. The dolby surround sound option makes playing games on it really fun
Battery life could be improved. But I run everything I can on normal/high settings (2 more)
Going from a larger phone to the standard S9 is taking some getting used to. Constant mistyping plagues my conversations
Bixby button - Why?!
An absolute beaut of a phone
The phone I had before was the oneplus 3T, which I was thoroughly happy with. I only upgraded because I got a discount through my work. Although, I am glad I did. It's faster, smoother, the quality of the display is superb, and most functionality that you aren't happy with you can change!
You will curse that Bixby button, however. I suggest downloading a third party app that either disables the button, or enables you to change the functionality.
If you enjoy gaming on your phone, the S9 will run anything nicely. The S9 plus does have more RAM, bigger screen, and second camera, so if that's what you're interested in, then maybe shell out the few extra bucks for the larger phone.
You will curse that Bixby button, however. I suggest downloading a third party app that either disables the button, or enables you to change the functionality.
If you enjoy gaming on your phone, the S9 will run anything nicely. The S9 plus does have more RAM, bigger screen, and second camera, so if that's what you're interested in, then maybe shell out the few extra bucks for the larger phone.
Little Concepts: ABC French: Take a fun journey through the alphabet and learn some French! by Daniel Roode is an alphabet book introducing mostly animal nouns A-Z based on their French words with the English noun below.
The illustrations are brightly colored and in a cartoon-like style kids should enjoy. This is a fairly good intro to French vocabulary. I say only fairly good because not all of the animals have their article before them and in French you've got to know if it is le or la to say it correctly. The description says there is a pronunciation guide, but it was not included in the preview so I can't comment on it. In addition, the pages for letters I, J, K, M, Q, R, V,W,X, and Y were also not included. I hope that this gets fixed before it is published; otherwise, it is a great introduction book to French.
If you're looking for a foreign language picture book or a different kind of alphabet book, this is a visually attractive option. I would love to have this added to my classroom/ school library.
I received this ARC from Quarto Publishing Group – Walter Foster, Jr. via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I give this book 3.5/5 stars. If it was not missing pages or information it would receive 5/5 stars.
The illustrations are brightly colored and in a cartoon-like style kids should enjoy. This is a fairly good intro to French vocabulary. I say only fairly good because not all of the animals have their article before them and in French you've got to know if it is le or la to say it correctly. The description says there is a pronunciation guide, but it was not included in the preview so I can't comment on it. In addition, the pages for letters I, J, K, M, Q, R, V,W,X, and Y were also not included. I hope that this gets fixed before it is published; otherwise, it is a great introduction book to French.
If you're looking for a foreign language picture book or a different kind of alphabet book, this is a visually attractive option. I would love to have this added to my classroom/ school library.
I received this ARC from Quarto Publishing Group – Walter Foster, Jr. via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I give this book 3.5/5 stars. If it was not missing pages or information it would receive 5/5 stars.
Debbiereadsbook (1437 KP) rated Beloved Lives in Books
May 28, 2018
doesn't quite work for me
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
And I gotta be honest here, it was very touch and go whether I would actually finish this!
The story tells of April, and Mitch and Weston. April only has her say here, and I would probably have enjoyed in more if the guys had had a say.
April and Winston have history, ancient history. And through time, they have, according to Weston, found each other and lived long and happy lives. But something doesn't ring true for April and she uses Mitch skill at hypnotherapy and past life regression to finally get some answers.
Like I said, touch and go for a while. I got way past half way, and I still wasn't able to figure out what was going on, and where this was going. But I kept at it, hoping it would make sense at some point. It did, but only once it was all revealed in the book.
It's not overly explicit, but there is some violence when they talk about how it all began. It's well written and I saw no editing or spelling errors.
It just didn't work for me.
But for a first time author, well done.
3 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
And I gotta be honest here, it was very touch and go whether I would actually finish this!
The story tells of April, and Mitch and Weston. April only has her say here, and I would probably have enjoyed in more if the guys had had a say.
April and Winston have history, ancient history. And through time, they have, according to Weston, found each other and lived long and happy lives. But something doesn't ring true for April and she uses Mitch skill at hypnotherapy and past life regression to finally get some answers.
Like I said, touch and go for a while. I got way past half way, and I still wasn't able to figure out what was going on, and where this was going. But I kept at it, hoping it would make sense at some point. It did, but only once it was all revealed in the book.
It's not overly explicit, but there is some violence when they talk about how it all began. It's well written and I saw no editing or spelling errors.
It just didn't work for me.
But for a first time author, well done.
3 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Bookapotamus (289 KP) rated When Katie Met Cassidy in Books
May 29, 2018
I was excited when I found out I won an advanced copy of this book - I tend to read a lot of the same books and I try to step out of my bubble and read things I normally would not have heard of - and I find myself usually really glad that I did!
I hadn't read The Assistants, by Camille Perri, but it's definitely on my TBR list. This one sounded interesting and it was definitely a great story. I do think it got a little boring in parts, and the character development was pretty lacking.
Katie is fresh off a pretty major breakup with her fiancé when into her shambled life walks Cassidy. The attraction is almost instant for Cassidy and quickly follows with Katie, although pretty confused about her feelings, the story goes on to see how things all fall into place, or fall apart - all while still reeling from a devastating split from a man, and a life she thought she knew and fit into all so well.
I found some things a bit unbelievable and had a hard time taking the attraction between Katie and Cassidy seriously. I'm not sure what sparked it between them - I found it a bit far-fetched, but it was a fun quick read and overall that's fine by me!
I hadn't read The Assistants, by Camille Perri, but it's definitely on my TBR list. This one sounded interesting and it was definitely a great story. I do think it got a little boring in parts, and the character development was pretty lacking.
Katie is fresh off a pretty major breakup with her fiancé when into her shambled life walks Cassidy. The attraction is almost instant for Cassidy and quickly follows with Katie, although pretty confused about her feelings, the story goes on to see how things all fall into place, or fall apart - all while still reeling from a devastating split from a man, and a life she thought she knew and fit into all so well.
I found some things a bit unbelievable and had a hard time taking the attraction between Katie and Cassidy seriously. I'm not sure what sparked it between them - I found it a bit far-fetched, but it was a fun quick read and overall that's fine by me!
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Furyborn: Empirium Trilogy Book 1 in Books
Jul 10, 2018
When I saw this book on Netgalley, I knew I had to read it. The description grabbed me & it sounded like a book that I would fall in love with. Once I finally found time to read the book it grabbed my attention. Unfortunately, I wound out of time to physically read the book so I ended up buying the audiobook. When I first listened to the narrator's voice I was hesitant but by the end I loved it. Fiona Hardingham (Narrator)just added a little bit more to the story. I was so glad that I switched to audiobook that I think it added a half star to my rating.
My rating would be a 4.5 but since I cannot do a half star I'm going to round up to 5. The plot was fascinating and I loved all of the characters that I read. This book was jam packed with action, swoon worthy heroes, and some really powerful women. I loved that Rielle & Eliana had their flaws and I loved that we got to know them on a fundemental level. It was fun to see the growth in them.
All in all, I really liked this story. I probably wouldn't consider it young adult though. I think it belongs in the adult fantasy section.
My rating would be a 4.5 but since I cannot do a half star I'm going to round up to 5. The plot was fascinating and I loved all of the characters that I read. This book was jam packed with action, swoon worthy heroes, and some really powerful women. I loved that Rielle & Eliana had their flaws and I loved that we got to know them on a fundemental level. It was fun to see the growth in them.
All in all, I really liked this story. I probably wouldn't consider it young adult though. I think it belongs in the adult fantasy section.
Holly (1 KP) rated Pestilence in Books
Jul 17, 2018
Grey morality (2 more)
Narrative voice
Provoked tears
The cover makes it seem like a dime a dozen romance (1 more)
Never addressed possible Stockholm syndrome
Unexpected
I downloaded this book to my kindle thinking it would be a quick mindless read for my daily commute.
It was not.
This is as a book that moved me to tears on said bus, hoping no one would see me and think I was crazy.
The author has created a world in which you find yourself torn between hating and caring for a mass murderer. She uses the idea of the Four Horseman to highlight both the redeemable and the irredeemable facets of humanity. The writing was very enjoyable, and overall this was a great read possibly because I was expecting a trashy romance and instead got death and disease.
There is still romance in the plot, but I’m on the fence about how about it. If you have an issue with overly possessive men who have no boundaries or idea of how much the human body can take, then I wouldn’t recommend it. I also feel as thoug Stockholm night play a lot in the heroines eventual love of Pestilence m, but it was never addressed or even hinted at.
If your looking for a slow burn romance, without the fluff, full of angst and darkness this is definitely worth a go.
It was not.
This is as a book that moved me to tears on said bus, hoping no one would see me and think I was crazy.
The author has created a world in which you find yourself torn between hating and caring for a mass murderer. She uses the idea of the Four Horseman to highlight both the redeemable and the irredeemable facets of humanity. The writing was very enjoyable, and overall this was a great read possibly because I was expecting a trashy romance and instead got death and disease.
There is still romance in the plot, but I’m on the fence about how about it. If you have an issue with overly possessive men who have no boundaries or idea of how much the human body can take, then I wouldn’t recommend it. I also feel as thoug Stockholm night play a lot in the heroines eventual love of Pestilence m, but it was never addressed or even hinted at.
If your looking for a slow burn romance, without the fluff, full of angst and darkness this is definitely worth a go.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Dark Return (Leine Basso #6) in Books
Jul 22, 2018
Once again, D V Berkom writes a brilliant, fast-paced, thrilling read with a very strong female lead character in Leine Basso but she is not the star of the book in my humble opinion ... that would be Jinn, the little streetwise girl Leine saves from being murdered. What a star she is and I was as much enthralled by her story as I was with Leine's.
This book has it all ... action, murder, double-crossing, human trafficking, terrorism, espionage, intrigue, surprises, tension ... you name it, it's got it and all wrapped up in a well-written, fast-paced story that is not beyond the realms of possibility.
This is part of a series but, I feel, holds up extremely well as a stand-alone. There are recurring characters but the author has the ability to provide just enough information so you don't get lost but not so much that it detracts from the current story.
I received a copy of this book direct from the author which in no way influenced my review in any way shape or form and I would happily recommend this and any of D V Berkom's books especially if you are fed up with the usual male lead characters that most books of this genre seem to have ... you won't be disappointed.
This book has it all ... action, murder, double-crossing, human trafficking, terrorism, espionage, intrigue, surprises, tension ... you name it, it's got it and all wrapped up in a well-written, fast-paced story that is not beyond the realms of possibility.
This is part of a series but, I feel, holds up extremely well as a stand-alone. There are recurring characters but the author has the ability to provide just enough information so you don't get lost but not so much that it detracts from the current story.
I received a copy of this book direct from the author which in no way influenced my review in any way shape or form and I would happily recommend this and any of D V Berkom's books especially if you are fed up with the usual male lead characters that most books of this genre seem to have ... you won't be disappointed.
Louise (64 KP) rated Sometimes I Lie in Books
Jul 2, 2018
*I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publishers in exchange for an honest review*
This book must have one of the shortest blurbs but one of the most intriguing, When I saw this book I instantly knew that I wanted to read it, there so much mystery in that blurb – I wanted to know why she was in a coma, why her husband didn’t love and what she lied about and if these lies were the reasons she was in a coma.
For a debut novel this absolutely fantastic, very absorbing, gripping and has you on the edge of your seat the whole way through, I truly am excited to see what this very talented writer is going to come up with next.
I am not going to write anything about the story as i think it will take some of the allure away. All you need to know is that you will be trying to second guess what is going and trying to reveal the truth. There are so many twists and turns in this book,if you are anything like me when I got to the plot twist I had to read it a few times to get my head round it.
This novel was dark,gritty and a great mystery/thriller novel.
This book must have one of the shortest blurbs but one of the most intriguing, When I saw this book I instantly knew that I wanted to read it, there so much mystery in that blurb – I wanted to know why she was in a coma, why her husband didn’t love and what she lied about and if these lies were the reasons she was in a coma.
For a debut novel this absolutely fantastic, very absorbing, gripping and has you on the edge of your seat the whole way through, I truly am excited to see what this very talented writer is going to come up with next.
I am not going to write anything about the story as i think it will take some of the allure away. All you need to know is that you will be trying to second guess what is going and trying to reveal the truth. There are so many twists and turns in this book,if you are anything like me when I got to the plot twist I had to read it a few times to get my head round it.
This novel was dark,gritty and a great mystery/thriller novel.
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated Hero at the Fall: Rebel of the Sands Book 3 in Books
Jul 5, 2018
This book was great! This is the concluding volume of the Rebel of the Sands trilogy, and it wrapped things up perfectly. I especially liked how she handled character deaths; each one got a short little chapter told in a legendary story kind of way, switching to a third person narrator instead of the first person viewpoint of Amani. The last chapter, telling us what came after the events of the book, was told in the same manner, and I really liked how it tied the book together.
There's so little I can say about this book without spoiling the previous two! We learn even more about the Djinni in this book, and some of the creation myths of Amani's people. We get a little more into the politics of other countries, and even a bit of their magic. And ohhhh there are stories to be told there, if Hamilton wants to continue in this world. I'd love to see a prequel based on Sam, and his country could do an entire sequel trilogy!
I think one of my favorite scenes was Amani using her control of sand to sail their ship across the desert. It's just an amazing visual.
This was one of the best concluding books to a trilogy that I have read in a long time. Fantastic book.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
There's so little I can say about this book without spoiling the previous two! We learn even more about the Djinni in this book, and some of the creation myths of Amani's people. We get a little more into the politics of other countries, and even a bit of their magic. And ohhhh there are stories to be told there, if Hamilton wants to continue in this world. I'd love to see a prequel based on Sam, and his country could do an entire sequel trilogy!
I think one of my favorite scenes was Amani using her control of sand to sail their ship across the desert. It's just an amazing visual.
This was one of the best concluding books to a trilogy that I have read in a long time. Fantastic book.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
Merissa (12894 KP) rated Edge Jump in Books
Jul 7, 2018
Edge Jump by Elizabeth Noble
Edge Jump starts off with the death of Brett's sister, who is also Rylan's skating partner. The police are treating it as an attempted mugging. Brett wants answers, and hopes Rylan can provide at least some of them. When they meet up with each other again, neither of them wants to deny the attraction. Making their relationship work though, proves more difficult due to outside forces than either of them imagined.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and found it to be very well written. Rylan is new to 'the scene', but already knows what he wants. Brett is scared at the thought of having a 'forever' someone, but isn't able to stop moving forward with Rylan. The mystery side of it wasn't that mysterious, but I still enjoyed it. I couldn't quite understand the culmination of the mystery (without giving anything away) as I don't see how they could have got away with it, but nevermind.
With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, this was a great M_M romance, and I would have no hesitation in recommending it.
* 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!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and found it to be very well written. Rylan is new to 'the scene', but already knows what he wants. Brett is scared at the thought of having a 'forever' someone, but isn't able to stop moving forward with Rylan. The mystery side of it wasn't that mysterious, but I still enjoyed it. I couldn't quite understand the culmination of the mystery (without giving anything away) as I don't see how they could have got away with it, but nevermind.
With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, this was a great M_M romance, and I would have no hesitation in recommending it.
* 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!