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Happy Feet (2006)
Happy Feet (2006)
2006 | Animation, Comedy, Family
Gets a pass exclusively on how weird it is - seriously, this thing is bananas. In fact, it's theoretically amazing: a cutesy dancing penguin movie gradually morphs into a surreal trek through racism, religion, existentialism, and environmentalism where Robin Williams has a thick Mexican accent and I'm still not sure how I feel about them giving the lady penguins those pseudo-titty mounds. For all intents and purposes this should be something I sing the praises of as a great, underappreciated freakish gem... but its oddness is all it has, since there's approximately zero emotional thrust to anything else here. Elijah Wood is totally nondescript as Mumble and I don't really care about any of the other characters either; not to mention it has no sense of pacing so the last act comes and goes in an anticlimactic flash. Miller's signature visual kinetic energy is cool as hell at least, but then the story is also utterly naïve - I'm pretty sure a viral video of a bunch of penguins dancing isn't going to stop humans from pillaging their ecosystem. And at this point I know I'm looking too deeply into this shit but in this happy penguin world where singing makes them who they are and keeps them alive or whatever that was all about, is it so hard to fathom that these things should be way less bigoted towards dancing? Like you're all out here jamming to Fat Joe but then tap dancing is where you draw the line? Okay I'm done now, still a nice movie for what is essentially the more eccentric 𝘚𝘪𝘯𝘨 (2016) with not-as-good animation (but better cinematography).
  
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Merissa (14160 KP) rated Nine-Tenths in Books

Jun 30, 2025  
Nine-Tenths
Nine-Tenths
J.M.Frey | 2025 | LGBTQ+, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
NINE-TENTHS is a long and unique story about the love between a human and a dragon, in a world where dragons rule. Okay, so maybe that bit isn't unique, but the rest of the story is! The world-building is so in-depth and richly detailed, while also giving you characters that you will love and loathe. AND, although the 'I love you's' happen fairly quickly, there is still so much left to the story and for them to work through before they get their HEA.

Okay, so quick run-down. Colin is human, working as a barista, not knowing what to do with his degree. Dav is a customer who comes in to stare at Colin. Their meet-cute isn't exactly cute, but they are. And from then on? It's a clash of two worlds, two cultures, and lots of information that comes in dribs and drabs.

Colin and Dav are gorgeous together and are ably supported by a motley crew. They have their ups and downs, most of which are completely understandable. And if anyone (and I do mean ANYONE) likes Simcoe then they need to be tested, because this slimeball slithered everywhere he went.

This was something completely different that I thoroughly enjoyed. The imagination is second-to-none and I have no hesitation in definitely recommending this story.

** 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!
Jun 15, 2025
  
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ClareR (6256 KP) rated Body of Stars in Books

Jan 16, 2024  
Body of Stars
Body of Stars
Laura Maylene Walter | 2021 | Dystopia, Fiction & Poetry, Science Fiction/Fantasy
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Body of Stars is an enjoyable YA novel set in the near future. This is a world where the markings on a woman’s body predict the future for not only themselves, but for their families as well.

Instead of this phenomenon giving women autonomy over their own lives, it seems that it’s the same old story. Their bodies are a commodity, mapped out by a government organisation, checked over by their fathers when their markings change during puberty. They are warned not to show themselves off or be by themselves, lest men can’t control themselves as they’re driven wild with lust. So far, so stereotypical.

Celeste Morton is excited by the prospect of this transition, and her brother Miles is desperate to practice his interpretation skills on his sister. But when Celeste transitions, a terrible fate is revealed. And in a desperate bid to keep this a secret, Celeste experiences the worst thing that can happen to a changeling.

I have to admit to being very frustrated whilst reading this. There’s nothing feminist about this story - there is a good argument for why feminism is necessary though. Misogyny is rife in the world of this book! To be honest, the story could have run in exactly the same direction without the need for freckles, moles and other markings. It was depressing that even in an alternative near future, women would be experiencing the same restrictions and abuse that so many live through today.

This was a novel that I loved to hate - the frustration was immense! Do I recommend it? Well yes, but be prepared for the deep breathing, calming exercises that you’ll need!
  
Town Bronze Box Set
Town Bronze Box Set
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
it was a wonderful read!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

3 stories, about three young men, finding themselves in 1812 London.

I found these easy reads, not too taxing on the emotional or angst side, and they were a welcome change after a couple of books that were high on both scales.

I loved watching each man fall, in a way they did not expect. Given the time, these men could have been hanged if they were caught, but what I liked about these was THAT particular fact wasn't too stressed. In some historical books, those things are shoved down your throat on almost every page, but not so here. Oh it's mentioned, don't get me wrong, but it's mostly in passing, what might happen if they get caught.

The three shorts aren't particularly explicit, but they are really rather sweet in the steaminess level. I liked that, a lot. And they were all a bit different, so that was good.

Two things stopped me giving it 5 stars.

This is the first I've read of this author. I'm not sure if it's her general style, or just these books, but it was very WORDY. Lots of words used to describe things. I found it a bit off putting in places, to be honest.

And I found the three shorts kinda ended, totally out the blue! Very abrupt endings, that threw me!

The short bonus chapters made up for some of it, but still.

WIll I read more by this author? Possibly.

4 good stars

*same worded review will appear elsewheree
  
Lover's Moon (Gladstone Shifters #7)
Lover's Moon (Gladstone Shifters #7)
Alexander Elliott | 2025 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
LOVER'S MOON is the seventh book in the Gladstone Shifters series, and I definitely recommend you read this after the others. There are a lot of couples and families that have already had their stories told, and they may confuse you if you don't know them. Opposites collide, and bonds are forged as the Gladstone pack drags the shifters into the modern world.

This book primarily focuses on Brent and Milo, although Camden, Robyn, and Trevor also have their roles to play. Brent is exuberant, Milo is introverted - a real case of opposites attract. And the thing I loved best is that they weren't immediately matched by Luna! Instead, they worked on their relationship, proving it just as strong as any other type of mating.

My biggest complaint with the last book was that there was so much going on, I got lost. With this book, there is still a lot going on; the overall arc continues to move forward, but it all seemed to work better, giving the mating couples their time to shine.

I adore how many omegas and True Elders there are now, and I sincerely hope Camden gets his own story, as I loved every scene he was in.

This was a fantastic book that I couldn't put down. A great addition to the series, and HIGHLY 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!
Dec 18, 2025