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Merissa (14068 KP) rated Fallen (Everwood Falls #2) in Books
Apr 12, 2024
FALLEN is the second book in the Everwood Falls series, and this time we follow Lucien and Isabel as they navigate Lucien's curse and Isabel's lack of memories. She is also dealing with her own problems, such as a stalker who is trying to kill her.
It was wonderful seeing the familiar characters again, although it did take me a moment to get them sorted in my head. I love seeing how they all live and work together with their different strengths and weaknesses. Unfortunately for me, that means I also forget which one is a what. I get there though!
I thought the mystery side was well done, giving plenty of opportunities to see it all building as it comes together. The only part that got me (as such) was how Lucien and Isabel went from avoiding each other to declaring their love. It just seemed a little fast (if you ignore the prior two thousand years) with no real build-up to it.
A great addition to the series and a welcome return to Everwood Falls. I look forward to reading more in the future.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 12, 2024
It was wonderful seeing the familiar characters again, although it did take me a moment to get them sorted in my head. I love seeing how they all live and work together with their different strengths and weaknesses. Unfortunately for me, that means I also forget which one is a what. I get there though!
I thought the mystery side was well done, giving plenty of opportunities to see it all building as it comes together. The only part that got me (as such) was how Lucien and Isabel went from avoiding each other to declaring their love. It just seemed a little fast (if you ignore the prior two thousand years) with no real build-up to it.
A great addition to the series and a welcome return to Everwood Falls. I look forward to reading more in the future.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 12, 2024
Into The Churn
10.0
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Seventeen-year-old Ezren Hart interns in her mother’s terraforming lab, studying Belethea’s...
Young Adult Science Fiction Adventure Action Romance
David McK (3835 KP) rated Troy (2004) in Movies
Apr 28, 2020 (Updated Aug 25, 2024)
Following the success of "Gladiator" in 2000, I was expecting Hollywood to resurrect the old sword and sandals movies of yore, and for their to be a glut of the same.
At the time of writing this review (2020), there was actually surprisingly few such films: of the top of my head, I can only really think of "Robin Hood", "Kingdom of Heaven", and this.
With quite a few big names in its cast - Brad Pitt, Sean Bean, Orlando Bloom, Peter O'Toole and Eric Bana to name a few - this retells the story of the siege of Troy (although said siege doesn't seem to last as long as originally told), following Paris (Orlando Bloom) elopement with the wife of Menelaus of Troy (Brendan Gleeson) Helen (Diane Kruger), giving an excuse for Agememnon (a scenery chewing Brian Cox) to go to war against that city.
While this does have some bruising action scenes - the beach landing, and Achilles Vs Hector are my personal favourite - unfortunately large swathes of the film are bogged down by necessary exposition, and I have to say that the face of this version of Helen of Sparta (or Troy) may not be able to launch the fleet of a thousand ships that she is described as in the original texts (where she is said to be the most beautiful woman in the world).
At the time of writing this review (2020), there was actually surprisingly few such films: of the top of my head, I can only really think of "Robin Hood", "Kingdom of Heaven", and this.
With quite a few big names in its cast - Brad Pitt, Sean Bean, Orlando Bloom, Peter O'Toole and Eric Bana to name a few - this retells the story of the siege of Troy (although said siege doesn't seem to last as long as originally told), following Paris (Orlando Bloom) elopement with the wife of Menelaus of Troy (Brendan Gleeson) Helen (Diane Kruger), giving an excuse for Agememnon (a scenery chewing Brian Cox) to go to war against that city.
While this does have some bruising action scenes - the beach landing, and Achilles Vs Hector are my personal favourite - unfortunately large swathes of the film are bogged down by necessary exposition, and I have to say that the face of this version of Helen of Sparta (or Troy) may not be able to launch the fleet of a thousand ships that she is described as in the original texts (where she is said to be the most beautiful woman in the world).
Merissa (14068 KP) rated Fairies Never Fall in Books
Jun 6, 2025
FAIRIES NEVER FALL is a standalone story featuring Ezra and Lysander. Ezra made a mistake in his youth and paid the full price. Lysander is a fairy prince who is hiding from magic-sucking demons. Oh, and he also has poisonous skin that Ezra is immune to.
This was a wonderful story, with many different races being represented. I loved the various festivals they had, and the meanings behind them. Watching Lysander become more confident was one of the best bits of the book! But it wasn't just him. It was seeing Ezra become more settled, even when it felt as though everything was falling down around his ears in other parts of his life. Neither of our MCs was perfect, but that made it better.
This was a medium-paced story, giving me time and opportunity to fully appreciate the little nuances of the story before moving on to the next big thing. I really hope to return to this world again, especially to spend more time with Ann, Elsabeth, and Belle! Plus, there's always Felix and Orion!
A great read and definitely recommended by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 27, 2025
This was a wonderful story, with many different races being represented. I loved the various festivals they had, and the meanings behind them. Watching Lysander become more confident was one of the best bits of the book! But it wasn't just him. It was seeing Ezra become more settled, even when it felt as though everything was falling down around his ears in other parts of his life. Neither of our MCs was perfect, but that made it better.
This was a medium-paced story, giving me time and opportunity to fully appreciate the little nuances of the story before moving on to the next big thing. I really hope to return to this world again, especially to spend more time with Ann, Elsabeth, and Belle! Plus, there's always Felix and Orion!
A great read and definitely recommended by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 27, 2025
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2603 KP) rated Paradise Plagued in Books
Nov 26, 2025
Jax Finds Vacation Turns Political
Jax, her new husband, and her closest friends are escaping to the Ogdam Oasis for a much-deserved vacation. She is going under an assumed name in a hope to truly be able to relax. However, Jax finds a dead body their first night there. When some things at the scene don’t add up, Jax determines that it was murder. Can she find a way to bring about justice without giving away who she really is?
It was longer than I intended before I returned to this series, but it was good to visit Jax again. All my favorite characters made the trip with her, and some of the others did get mentioned. Updates on the politics of the realm in the months since we last visited Jax slowed down the beginning, but I got caught up in the mystery once it really got going. I did figure one thing out early, but I was hooked all the way until the logical solution. A few of the characters didn’t come fully alive for me, but that was due to their limited page time. This story does move the series into a new direction, and I’m anxious to see what comes next. Fans will be glad they read this book and be ready for the next when they set this one down.
It was longer than I intended before I returned to this series, but it was good to visit Jax again. All my favorite characters made the trip with her, and some of the others did get mentioned. Updates on the politics of the realm in the months since we last visited Jax slowed down the beginning, but I got caught up in the mystery once it really got going. I did figure one thing out early, but I was hooked all the way until the logical solution. A few of the characters didn’t come fully alive for me, but that was due to their limited page time. This story does move the series into a new direction, and I’m anxious to see what comes next. Fans will be glad they read this book and be ready for the next when they set this one down.
Around and Around We Go (Vermont Trailblazers #2)
10.0
Rate It
Book
When you’re facing The End, it’s time to rewind to the beginning. At thirty-eight years old,...
Contemporary MM Sports (Ice Hockey) Romance
Merissa (14068 KP) rated Accidentally Summoned an Incubus (Briar Coven, #1) in Books
Mar 19, 2025
ACCIDENTALLY SUMMONED AN INCUBUS is the first book in the Briar Coven series. It deals with a serious subject but is also fun, sexy, and lighthearted.
Lex has refused to summon her incubus because she doesn't feel as though it's right. Lochran has waited for his summons but is close to giving up. So when Lex's magical house accidentally summons him, fun times are had.
There were so many parts of this that I enjoyed. Firstly, the not-so-nice part was handled well and in a manner fitting for the book. I can't say I was disappointed with how it ended either! Having Grandma as the head of the coven was a stroke of genius and I loved how she flipped between the two roles.
I hope that we see more of Billy and Jake too, but I'm guessing I will have to wait for that being as she is part of a pack. Maybe, maybe not?!
A great read with a multitude of brilliant characters, first and foremost being the House! I really wish I had one! Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 19, 2025
Lex has refused to summon her incubus because she doesn't feel as though it's right. Lochran has waited for his summons but is close to giving up. So when Lex's magical house accidentally summons him, fun times are had.
There were so many parts of this that I enjoyed. Firstly, the not-so-nice part was handled well and in a manner fitting for the book. I can't say I was disappointed with how it ended either! Having Grandma as the head of the coven was a stroke of genius and I loved how she flipped between the two roles.
I hope that we see more of Billy and Jake too, but I'm guessing I will have to wait for that being as she is part of a pack. Maybe, maybe not?!
A great read with a multitude of brilliant characters, first and foremost being the House! I really wish I had one! Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 19, 2025
ClareR (6253 KP) rated Brothersong in Books
Apr 21, 2025
I have loved this whole series, and the finale to the Green Creek quadrilogy (I think that’s a word!) is no exception. There’s the content that I’ve come to love this series for: family (both genetic and found), love, friendship, acceptance, excitement, fear, joy - and a happy ending. That’s something that the inhabitants of Green Creek deserve, after all.
Whatever will I do without this series? Other than go back to the beginning and start again, of course. Because that’s a perfectly acceptable thing to do, isn’t it!
Look, I know this might seem like a very uncharacteristic series for me to get caught up in, but sometimes life throws curveballs that you need to find some escape from. And TJ Klune just does that for me. These books are my shut-the-world-out books. The goodies are good, decent people, and the baddies get their just desserts. Nothing wrong with that at all. Read what makes you happy, read what makes you feel better informed, read what educates you, read what snatches you up into another world you’d never otherwise experience (my favourite kind of books, incidentally).
This series really should be read in order, so I’m giving you permission to go and buy all four books or borrow them from your library, OK?
Whatever will I do without this series? Other than go back to the beginning and start again, of course. Because that’s a perfectly acceptable thing to do, isn’t it!
Look, I know this might seem like a very uncharacteristic series for me to get caught up in, but sometimes life throws curveballs that you need to find some escape from. And TJ Klune just does that for me. These books are my shut-the-world-out books. The goodies are good, decent people, and the baddies get their just desserts. Nothing wrong with that at all. Read what makes you happy, read what makes you feel better informed, read what educates you, read what snatches you up into another world you’d never otherwise experience (my favourite kind of books, incidentally).
This series really should be read in order, so I’m giving you permission to go and buy all four books or borrow them from your library, OK?
I realized I need a book project to keep me reading the books on my shelves… so I’m turning to the ABCs again. This time, it’s authors. The only rule is the book can start with either the author’s first or last name, and I’m trying to prioritize BOTM books to meet my goal of reading twelve this year. Let’s see how I do!
My first choice was THE PUSH by Ashley Audrain (two As and a BOTM!). This was a mesmerizing psychological thriller about a woman, Blythe, who has always feared motherhood, based on her own childhood. After giving birth to Violet, she becomes convinced there’s something wrong with her. Violet doesn't act like other kids. Her husband Fox says it's all in her head. When their second child, Sam, is born, Blythe has a wonderful connection with him--motherhood is finally everything she's wanted. But then it all changes in a devastating moment, and Blythe must face the awful truth she's been fearing.
THE PUSH offers a very honest and brutal look at motherhood. It definitely kept me flipping the pages! It starts off with a bang, then dragged a bit for me in the middle. It's certainly serious and sad, and, at times, a mystery as well. THE PUSH will keep you thinking long after you've turned that last page. 3.5 stars.
My first choice was THE PUSH by Ashley Audrain (two As and a BOTM!). This was a mesmerizing psychological thriller about a woman, Blythe, who has always feared motherhood, based on her own childhood. After giving birth to Violet, she becomes convinced there’s something wrong with her. Violet doesn't act like other kids. Her husband Fox says it's all in her head. When their second child, Sam, is born, Blythe has a wonderful connection with him--motherhood is finally everything she's wanted. But then it all changes in a devastating moment, and Blythe must face the awful truth she's been fearing.
THE PUSH offers a very honest and brutal look at motherhood. It definitely kept me flipping the pages! It starts off with a bang, then dragged a bit for me in the middle. It's certainly serious and sad, and, at times, a mystery as well. THE PUSH will keep you thinking long after you've turned that last page. 3.5 stars.
Dean (6927 KP) rated The Power of the Dog (2021) in Movies
Apr 1, 2022 (Updated Apr 1, 2022)
Benedict Cumberbatch (1 more)
Cool cinematography
Don't underestimate..
Finally checked this out after all the Oscar wins and nominations. Spotted it on Netflix a while ago but the trailer didn't grab me.
While set as a Western, shot in an awesome location in New Zealand, it's more of a character piece. No gun blazing here. It's the end of the Wild West era 1925 with Horses giving way to cars. A rancher and his brother are on a cattle drive. They meet a window and her young awkward son. Soon she marries the gentlemanly brother and moves to the ranch. Where they are tormented by Benendict Cumberbatch's character. At his awesome best in a more different role for him as a complex bully, mancho man exterior with a hidden depth to him.
Definitely an intellectual film with many layers and aspects to it. A lot of questions hinted at for the viewer to fill in the blanks. By the end it's a simple story told very intricately. Some great actors and beautiful photography, this will hold up well to repeat viewings.
It is very slow going to the payoff at the end and isn't the sort of film that will appeal to everyone. If you appreciate good acting and storytelling though check it out.
While set as a Western, shot in an awesome location in New Zealand, it's more of a character piece. No gun blazing here. It's the end of the Wild West era 1925 with Horses giving way to cars. A rancher and his brother are on a cattle drive. They meet a window and her young awkward son. Soon she marries the gentlemanly brother and moves to the ranch. Where they are tormented by Benendict Cumberbatch's character. At his awesome best in a more different role for him as a complex bully, mancho man exterior with a hidden depth to him.
Definitely an intellectual film with many layers and aspects to it. A lot of questions hinted at for the viewer to fill in the blanks. By the end it's a simple story told very intricately. Some great actors and beautiful photography, this will hold up well to repeat viewings.
It is very slow going to the payoff at the end and isn't the sort of film that will appeal to everyone. If you appreciate good acting and storytelling though check it out.