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As Shadows Scream
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This review was published first on <a href="http://theghastlygrimoire.com/"; target="_new"> The Ghastly Grimoire</a>.

As Shadows Scream by Kylen Coetzee is the first title I received as a request through The Ghastly Grimoire. Originally published on Wattpad, I’ve decided to approach this review a little differently than I typically do. First, because I do not have access to a final published copy, there is no way for me to tell whether or not the many grammatical errors I encountered were fixed. For those that haven’t used Wattpad, much of the work posted there does not go through the usual editing process from what I’ve read. That’s not necessarily a bad thing; however, it can negatively impact the story. That said, I’ve refrained from making my usual judgments on editing this time around and instead focused on the contents of this book.

Coetzee’s work, though flawed in some ways, brings to the table an interesting concept – one I feel could easily be adapted into a film. Throughout his book, Coetzee explores several mental illnesses, most of which deal with personality disorders. Whether or not this is intentional outside of the main baddie is hard to tell, but it gives an unexpected depth to the characters readers meet.

The pacing is quick and urgent, fitting given the content of As Shadows Scream. As usual, I feel that this book could have benefit from a bit more length, which would have allowed Coetzee to truly expand upon this world he’s created that is riddled with references of good and evil.

In regards to the death scenes – because all horror typically has at least one (though there are exceptions to this rule) – Coetzee does a beautiful job at rendering the scenes disgustingly gory. In fact, several times Coetzee shows moments of eloquence in the writing of his book, which speaks volumes to his ability to write. I think a little refinement would go a long way.

As stated at the beginning of this review, I chose to mostly overlook the glaring editing errors, thus giving the author the benefit of the doubt. If you’re interested in reading this tale, you can find it on Wattpad or purchase the paperback copy via Amazon.
  
Sweetwater (The Kihn #1)
Sweetwater (The Kihn #1)
Rivi Jacks | 2013 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
kinda creeps up on ya!
Verified purchase December 2013

Now, I will be honest here, right up front, I only bought this book, because the author was giving away two additional books (from other authors) and it was a good deal.

Sofie returns to her childhood home, after the death of her parents. Parents who made it clear she was never wanted. Things are afoot in Sweetwater, and no one is quite sure what.

Lucas and his Hunters arrive to explain what is going on and how they are going to deal with it.

IT are the Kihn. while it isn't explained fully WHAT they are, they do get up to no good, what with a Gateway opening soon, near to Sweetwater. Sofie has knowledge of the Kihn, she has been seeing them in her dreams for years.

Enter a HUGE cast of supporting actors, witches, Wiccan, werewolves, guardian angels that only the Wiccan can see, various aunts, uncles, cousins and friends!!

The tale took a while to get going, Lucas and Sofie don't meet till almost half way through, and the blur comes with and explicit warning, which again, doesn't arrive til past half way, BUT its a good tale. Lots of interaction between all the characters, with more and MORE added along the way (this huge cast was one of the reasons it got 4 stars instead of 5, the other, the long warm up) Its a different tale and I enjoyed it. There is another planned and it will be purchased when its released, as this one ends on a bit of a cliff hanger!

I particularly liked the way Jacks throws things at you, just like that, "its the only way I know to keep them away, you know" made me go OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH what are "they"??? and how little hints get dropped along they way as to WHAT the supernatural people are. While its fairly obvious (after a time) what Lucas is, Sofie clicks in the last 3 lines of the book!

A different read, a good read, and I would recommend it!

And! It's present tense!

4 solid stars
  
IP
In Praise of Stay-at-Home Moms
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
As a stay-at-home mom myself, partly by choice and partly by default, I didn't realize how much I needed the lift this book provided until I finished it. While SAHMs are gaining in support, thanks to the wonders of the internet, the effects of the feminist movement are hard to undo, and I still find myself feeling bad for not "running the hamster wheel."
This book is really about praising and uplifting SAHMs in every way, from giving advice on how to transition from working outside the home to becoming a SAHM, how to deal with naysayers, the impact of being a SAHM on the marriage, the children, and the woman herself, and the struggles that a SAHM goes through. Nearly every page features quotes from SAHMs who have contacted Dr. Laura with their opinions, experiences, questions, and wisdom, and these women all have unique living situations to fit any mother's lifestyle, even the ones who have been through a divorce because the husband does not support the idea of the woman becoming a SAHM. Dr. Laura dispels many notions and myths that run rampant about the type of woman that decides to be a SAHM, and what would make her choose such a lifestyle. Many of the women she quotes have college degrees or left great careers to become a SAHM. Others go on to degrees and careers once the children have grown and "fled the nest." Some of the best parts of the book were the stories that SAHMs related about the wonderful perks and unforgettable moments of being a SAHM, such as being able to cook healthy meals from scratch for their family and not missing all of those important milestones with their children.
This book helped me to change my perspective on my role in my family's life, as the heart of the home, to focus on the good things of what I have committed to, and to appreciate my husband and children, not as sandbags on my own personal improvement, but as buoys to lift me up and save me from my own destructive self-involvement.
  
TB
The Blood Confession
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
<i>4.5 stars</i>
After reading THE BLOOD CONFESSION, I find it a bit surprising that this is specifically targeted to young adults. Not that they wouldn't appreciate or like it, although I don't know how much the appeal would be to that age range unless they're especially morbid (as I was and still am), but because of the subtle nuances and intricate study of character, morality, and belief system, which is well suited for adult readers as well. The book is mainly a character study and the author does a fantastic job bringing Erzebet to life, while slowly and believably evolving her into a mentally ill woman. I never could quite figure out if she was narcissistic, schizophrenic, suffering from some sort of body dysmorphic disorder, something altogether different, or all previously mentioned.

The writing is solid and I found myself sinking into the world Ms. Libby created, with it's brilliant Gothic atmosphere. The pacing had a few slow spots, but nothing that made the book come to a screeching halt. I confess to a few queasy moments thanks to an overactive imagination, but the gore is minimal and the author doesn't romanticize blood letting or murder for vanity.

What I should warn readers is that comparing this Erzebet Bizecka to the real Erzsebet Bathory would be a mistake. This fictional Countess doesn't have much in common with the legendary figure and is only (very) loosely based on her. That Erzsebet Bathory bathed in blood is an unfounded rumor and no one really knows why she killed these girls or how many. Some even say she was framed. Unfortunately the truth is lost to history and we'll never really know.

Only a few quibbles keep me from giving it a perfect rating, but all in all, it was an absorbing read. A couple of lingering questions remained, such as how exactly did Erzebet's mother go insane? I can guess what could have helped it along, but I don't really believe that's all it would have taken. What happened to Snow at the end?
  
Synopsis: RENEWED is a devotional providing healing for those in ministry who have been hurt in the church.

Ministry is a privilege, but it can also be a painful experience. Unrealistic expectations, church conflict, forced resignations, and our own struggles with burnout, loneliness, and insecurity can make church feel more like a place of wounding than a place of healing. How can wounded leaders find the courage to reject bitterness and keep loving the church?

RENEWED is a forty-day devotional for women in ministry, ministry wives, and lay leaders who have been wounded by their congregations. You are not alone. God sees your pain. He knows your hurts. And he is waiting to bind up your broken heart. This forty-day journey into the healing love of Jesus will help you find the courage to stop hiding and start loving the church again.

My Review: Working in ministry can be hard, complex and difficult at times. Leigh has done an impressive job of putting in perspective what happens in ministry. Churches are built up of people and personalities; so there will be times of conflicts, difficult people and those who wish to oppose ideas in your ministry.

This book of devotions will help those in ministry learn to turn to God and His word for comfort and understanding. There are topics of lamenting, forgiveness, learning to lean on Him in rough times and just giving it all to Him.
This is a must-have book for anyone in ministry, especially for pastor's wives so they will know what they are going to be facing when they take on the role of Pastor's Wife and knowing that they aren't the only one experiencing those certain situations; it's comforting knowing that you aren't the only one.

This would make a lovely gift for any women in ministry, I have truly enjoyed this book and found it very useful in my life.









 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 this Gold Country Cowboys novel, Jack Thorn gets a surprise call from the woman he married in secret years ago. Shannon Livingston needs his protection for herself and the baby she’s hiding from a biker gang targeting the mother. Now Jack must help Shannon, even if shielding her means pretending to be a true husband to the only woman he’s ever loved.



My Thoughts: It's difficult enough being an ER doctor, but when your patient happens to be part of the most notorious biker gangs, you have to have nerves of steel. That's what Shannon Livingston was made of. That's how her past shaped her... to be the best no matter what or at what cost.


This novel will take you on a roller coaster ride, it's full of suspense, mystery and with cowboys, lots of shooting! The plot of this story is fantastic. Who would have thought cowboys and biker gangs? It works so well and keeps the reader guessing with all the turns and twists in the plot.


The reader will fall in love with the Thorn family, not to mention the Thorn brothers, but then who can resist a cowboy?


As I was reading, I was getting annoyed with Shannon, when she was putting her career ahead of her marriage and denying her feelings for her husband. Who doesn't want to be loved by someone like Jake Thorn? Why does she keep holding back? Why couldn't she compromise?

The author is an excellent writer and she brings you into the story; the reader truly feels like they are a part of the Thorn family. The reader can feel the suspense and action that is happening.


What I took away from this novel is the theme of God's love; His love for us, and how we should love others. It's about putting our full faith in Him and letting Him direct our paths. Not taking each hurt we have, holding on to it, but giving everything to God and letting go. That means letting the past be in the past and moving on to the future. It means forgiving.


I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and I look forward to reading more from Dana Mentink.
  
40x40

Mothergamer (1595 KP) rated the PlayStation 3 version of Persona 4 Arena in Video Games

Apr 3, 2019  
Persona 4 Arena
Persona 4 Arena
Fighting
I love the Persona series and I really enjoyed Persona 4 so I was excited about Persona 4 Arena. It was added to my backlog of games and I finally got around to playing it. The story is set two months after the events of Persona 4 so you get to see some favorite characters from the game make an appearance in Arena. Persona Arena is a fighting game, but it's a spectacular one. The tutorial for the game controls are easy to follow and the interface for the user money is easy to navigate.



Get ready to fight in Persona 4 Arena.

You can play story mode with the character of your choice or you can play versus mode against the computer or your friends. The dynamics of the battles are amazing with stylish combos and impressive defenses. Once you figure out each character's special moves and combos you can unleash attacks on your opponents that will smash your way to victory. I had so much fun just playing story mode and discovering all the combos, air dashes, and special attacks each character had. The controls handle smoothly giving a fully immersed experience into the battles of Arena.



Crush your opponent with amazing combos!

The artwork and design of Persona 4 Arena is gorgeous. It has an incredibly colorful and polished feel to it making it wonderful to look at as you play. Story mode is interesting too and it has some great twists and revelations towards the endings for each character. You have a select few characters to start with and as you progress you unlock the rest of the characters, so it gives you a good incentive to go through each character and find out the fates of each one. The music for the game is fantastic with catchy beats and it matches the atmosphere of a Persona game.

This was a lot of fun to play and it was not a boring fighting game at all. Persona 4 Arena is a rare gem among fighting games because it comes with all the bells and whistles and if you consider yourself a fighting game fan, this is a game you'll want in your collection.
  
The Opposite of Maybe
The Opposite of Maybe
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Rosie and Jonathan have been together for 15 years. They never married or had kids even though everyone around them were. They were content with their lives the way they were, or at least that is what Rosie thought. One morning, when birth control goes out the window all because of a strange name on the caller ID, Rosie is about to find out exactly who and what it is she wants in life.

This story was really very interesting. Jonathan doesn't seem like the kind of guy that any woman would want to date. He is all about himself and doesn't really seem to notice or care what is going on around him. He used to be an artist until he wasn't anymore and then he started to collect teacups. When he gets the opportunity to be a part of a museum for the precious teacups, he jumps at the chance. Rosie isn't quite as eager as he is and he promises marriage as a way to get her on board.

Rosie has a lot going on in her life, but then Jonathan shows his true colors just days before the wedding and it makes quite an impact. Finally, Rosie decides to do something that is going to be best for herself instead of going along with what Jonathan wants. In making this decision to stay and take care of her grandmother and settle things, she discovers something amazing about her life.

Too many women in this world put their lives on hold to do what is best for the family. Following their military spouse all around the world, giving up a career for children, leaving behind family to pursue a dream. If we don't we are labeled as unsupportive and when we do we are also given grief about leaving our own wishes and desires to support someone else. You're damned if you do and damned if you don't.

Rosie learns a lot about her life through this book and is a testament to others about doing what is best for yourself.
  
Us (2019)
Us (2019)
2019 | Horror, Thriller
A stab in the dark
#usmovie is a powerful, #political & psychological #horror that has so many strong messages to convay that it constantly intimates & frightens the viewer in ways that most mainstream horror films simply can't comprehend. ?THIS #REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS? #jordanpeele manages to do it again this time around & while not quite to the quality of #getout #us manages to shine with its impressive direction & nerve shattering soundtrack. To start i want to talk about the messages that I think came across to me while viewing Us. For most of its runtime you could be fooled into thinking Peele has made a simple but very decent #80s #nostalgia/home invasion/#slasher movie but once we hit the final act it almost tests you to see how much of the finer details you been paying attention to by hitting you with the overall message its been trying to convey. This world is falling apart at the seems & we are the ones responsible, we create imaginary #borders, distance/alienate ourselves from one another day by day, weve stoped comunicating, #loving trusting in one another & we gradually grow our hatred & fuel our #social awkwardness with technology. Its highly #depressing stuff & when it finally sinks in this is whats at the movies core & how it relates so well to the world today the burden of it ways heavy as you leave the cinema. Cutting ties with one another is a strong theme here as well as how lack of comunication, childhood trauma & inner #demons can become toxic/contagious & lead to the destruction of a family. Acting is simply phenomenal with #LupitaNyongo giving a performance so nerve shattering yet so humble that she deserves an award for sure. Its not a flawless movie however as does have flaws, its a little drawn out at times & when the film feels the need to talk you through & explain itself i found it a little tedious but that being said it accomplishes a perfect balance of #comedy, horror & seriousness with a spine tingling score & #gorgeous cinematography making it well worth experiencing. #odeon #odeonlimitless #filmbuff #filmcritic #friyay #weekend #scary #black #gore #trump #america #usa
  
Triple Frontier (2019)
Triple Frontier (2019)
2019 | Action, Adventure, Crime
Triple threat
#tripplefrontier is a slick #film that at its depest focuses on the casualties & sacrafises that five mens obbsessions, greed & selfishness have on all the people they encounter. Bar #apostle & #cargo ive not really enjoyed any of the #netflix movies but seeing the impressive cast & equaly impressive director attached to tripple frontier i really couldnt pass this one up & ive got to say i was very impressed. Acting is great all round with #benafflek & #oscarisaac taking the front seat here. I was also #excited to see #garretthedlund in this but sadly his character isnt given much screentime at all or explored enough. Affleck has the most intresting character a father that at first seems like an all round good guy until we start to see the cracks in his personality housing traits such as neglect, coldness, #obbsession, greed, #addiction & agressive streaks. Watching him change from the weak man to this #heartless, job adict, selfish yet highly trained person is engrosing & helps ramp up tension with a certain unpredictability. Group dinamic is also a joy to watch & the #relationships they have with each other are belivable & help the viewer form a nice connection with them all. Some solid metaphors of how much a life costs & how #america takes whatever they want from people regardless of the effects or casualties it has are subley weaved in here at points. Themes of how #combat effects individuals mentaly, how a job in the #specialforces fails on the risk vs reward scale forcing many to seek higher paid mercinary work instead & also alot about trust/reliability in #hostile situations not just with unknowns but in #friendships too. Shot impressibly there are some #beautiful establishing shots & some #gorgeous camera work too (especially during the firefights & car chases). Sets are all visually pleasing to the eye & locations feel varied & full of life/hostility. Cgi is belivable & the soundtrack is memorable also. Tension is great giving you the #feeling that somethings about to go wrong at every turn & the action is exilirating. While nothing particually new its a very well made film thats certainly sets the bar for Netflix films to follow. #ciniphile #filmbuff