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Five Go Gluten-Free
Book
Enid Blyton's books are beloved the world over and The Famous Five have been the perennial favourite...

Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Written (Emaneska #1) in Books
Sep 1, 2020
154 of 200
Kindle
The Written ( Emaneska book 1)
By. Ben Galley
His name is Farden. They whisper that he's dangerous. Dangerous is only the half of it. Something has gone missing from the libraries of Arfell. Something very old, and something very powerful. Five scholars are now dead, a country is once again on the brink of war, and the magick council is running out of time and options. Entangled in a web of lies and politics and dragged halfway across icy Emaneska and back, Farden must unearth a secret even he doesn't want to know, a secret that will shake the foundations of his world. Dragons, drugs, magick, death, and the deepest of betrayals await. Breathtakingly vast, chillingly dark, brooding and dangerous, The Written will leave you impatiently waiting for the next adventure. Welcome to Emaneska.
Not going to lie I struggled for the first half of the book! I decided around chapter 11 not to give up. It got so much better the world building is good the concept is good and it’s very well written. The dragons are the big draw in this for me they really lifted the story and completely changed my mind. Worth a read if you like fantasy YA.
Kindle
The Written ( Emaneska book 1)
By. Ben Galley
His name is Farden. They whisper that he's dangerous. Dangerous is only the half of it. Something has gone missing from the libraries of Arfell. Something very old, and something very powerful. Five scholars are now dead, a country is once again on the brink of war, and the magick council is running out of time and options. Entangled in a web of lies and politics and dragged halfway across icy Emaneska and back, Farden must unearth a secret even he doesn't want to know, a secret that will shake the foundations of his world. Dragons, drugs, magick, death, and the deepest of betrayals await. Breathtakingly vast, chillingly dark, brooding and dangerous, The Written will leave you impatiently waiting for the next adventure. Welcome to Emaneska.
Not going to lie I struggled for the first half of the book! I decided around chapter 11 not to give up. It got so much better the world building is good the concept is good and it’s very well written. The dragons are the big draw in this for me they really lifted the story and completely changed my mind. Worth a read if you like fantasy YA.

Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated The Fugitive (1993) in Movies
May 14, 2020 (Updated May 14, 2020)
Cat and Mouse Chase
The Fugitive- a gripping action packed thriller with suspense and drama all the way up to the credits, not one moment is boring. The chemisty between Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones is excellent.
The plot: Wrongfully accused of murdering his wife, Richard Kimble (Harrison Ford) escapes from the law in an attempt to find her killer and clear his name. Pursuing him is a team of U.S. marshals led by Deputy Samuel Gerard (Tommy Lee Jones), a determined detective who will not rest until Richard is captured. As Richard leads the team through a series of intricate chases, he discovers the secrets behind his wife's death and struggles to expose the killer before it is too late.
One thing that got me was when Harrison Ford charcter jumps off from a freaking dam and doesnt get injured or killed from it. That jump was high up, he should of gotting injured or killed, but nope he is perfectly fine, no marks, no broken bones, no nothing. Even tommy lee jones charcter says "he's dead. Their no way he survived that". Watch the sence and tell me he should of gotting injured or killed.
Other than that, this movie is excellent.
The plot: Wrongfully accused of murdering his wife, Richard Kimble (Harrison Ford) escapes from the law in an attempt to find her killer and clear his name. Pursuing him is a team of U.S. marshals led by Deputy Samuel Gerard (Tommy Lee Jones), a determined detective who will not rest until Richard is captured. As Richard leads the team through a series of intricate chases, he discovers the secrets behind his wife's death and struggles to expose the killer before it is too late.
One thing that got me was when Harrison Ford charcter jumps off from a freaking dam and doesnt get injured or killed from it. That jump was high up, he should of gotting injured or killed, but nope he is perfectly fine, no marks, no broken bones, no nothing. Even tommy lee jones charcter says "he's dead. Their no way he survived that". Watch the sence and tell me he should of gotting injured or killed.
Other than that, this movie is excellent.

White Bicycles: Making Music in the 1960’s
Book
When Muddy Waters came to London at the start of the '60s, a kid from Boston called Joe Boyd was his...

Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Alpha Rogue: volume 3 in Books
Oct 16, 2021
172 of 250
Kindle
Alpha Rogue: volume 3
By Terry Bolryder
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
When Rose is sent to do surveillance on a rogue alpha working in the underground cage fighting circuit, she isn't expecting Hawes: a pretty boy with the looks of an adonis and the ability to easily crush opponents twice his size. She also isn't expecting him to be cocky, conceited, and too independent for his own good. Not to mention unwilling to listen to Rose when she tells him he's in danger.
But when Rose is the one threatened, she finds out there's more to the irritating alpha male than she thought. For one, he'll do anything to protect her. For two, he drives a Ferrari and owns a mansion. And for three, he sets her blood on fire when he kisses her.
Now if only they can escape the people chasing them long enough to figure out if there's something between them that's really worth fighting for.
Terry Bolryder does shifters well they are fast paced an got books! This one did not disappoint! I would recommend reading all 3 volumes one after the mother though.
Kindle
Alpha Rogue: volume 3
By Terry Bolryder
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
When Rose is sent to do surveillance on a rogue alpha working in the underground cage fighting circuit, she isn't expecting Hawes: a pretty boy with the looks of an adonis and the ability to easily crush opponents twice his size. She also isn't expecting him to be cocky, conceited, and too independent for his own good. Not to mention unwilling to listen to Rose when she tells him he's in danger.
But when Rose is the one threatened, she finds out there's more to the irritating alpha male than she thought. For one, he'll do anything to protect her. For two, he drives a Ferrari and owns a mansion. And for three, he sets her blood on fire when he kisses her.
Now if only they can escape the people chasing them long enough to figure out if there's something between them that's really worth fighting for.
Terry Bolryder does shifters well they are fast paced an got books! This one did not disappoint! I would recommend reading all 3 volumes one after the mother though.

Kurt Vile recommended Tusk by The Dead C in Music (curated)

Merissa (12436 KP) rated Once Upon a Dream (Mystic Beach #1) by Aislinn Archer in Books
May 13, 2022 (Updated Jun 20, 2023)
ONCE UPON A DREAM is the first full-length story in the Mystic Beach series. I first met Ellie and Hunter in their short story - Here Comes the Sun - which takes place when they are six years old. This one takes place over a longer amount of time, and they both grow and change in a number of ways.
Both of them lose their mothers and neither of their fathers will ever win a 'Father of the Year' award! Ellie - who changes her name to Brighid - is hands down my favourite. She deals with what life throws at her, loves her best friend, and does the best she can. Hunter - I love him and hate him at the same time. He's got a long way to go before I'll forgive him for how he treated both Ellie and himself. And those pathetic excuses he makes to himself just aren't going to cut it. Too many excuses and not enough thought. Being completely honest here, the longer the book went on, the more I disliked him!!!
There is enough mysticism here to keep me happy whilst definitely leaving me wanting more. In fact, that's the feeling I've got now that I've finished this story. I want - no, I NEED - more! I want to see how the paranormal becomes normal for Brighid. I want to know more about Mystic Beach. I want to know more about the guys in the band, especially Kieran! And not forgetting Mace.
The world-building - whether in Virginia, Delaware, or New York - is first class. The characters are all different and don't blend into each other. The pacing is perfect. And the part near the end in New York? Had me in tears! Good on Brighid for showing backbone though and doing what was best for her. Still had me in tears though.
A fantastic book that I thoroughly enjoyed and can't wait for the next one. Highly recommended by me.
PS - LOVED the Robin of Sherwood references!!!
** 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 12, 2022
Both of them lose their mothers and neither of their fathers will ever win a 'Father of the Year' award! Ellie - who changes her name to Brighid - is hands down my favourite. She deals with what life throws at her, loves her best friend, and does the best she can. Hunter - I love him and hate him at the same time. He's got a long way to go before I'll forgive him for how he treated both Ellie and himself. And those pathetic excuses he makes to himself just aren't going to cut it. Too many excuses and not enough thought. Being completely honest here, the longer the book went on, the more I disliked him!!!
There is enough mysticism here to keep me happy whilst definitely leaving me wanting more. In fact, that's the feeling I've got now that I've finished this story. I want - no, I NEED - more! I want to see how the paranormal becomes normal for Brighid. I want to know more about Mystic Beach. I want to know more about the guys in the band, especially Kieran! And not forgetting Mace.
The world-building - whether in Virginia, Delaware, or New York - is first class. The characters are all different and don't blend into each other. The pacing is perfect. And the part near the end in New York? Had me in tears! Good on Brighid for showing backbone though and doing what was best for her. Still had me in tears though.
A fantastic book that I thoroughly enjoyed and can't wait for the next one. Highly recommended by me.
PS - LOVED the Robin of Sherwood references!!!
** 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 12, 2022

Sensitivemuse (246 KP) rated The God Game in Books
Jan 8, 2020
Great Enjoyable read
I credit this book for taking me out of a reading rut. It was that good. Not only was I engrossed in the novel, but I didn’t want to leave the plane while on my flight back home. I wanted to finish it right then and there!
The plot of the book was good overall and quick to read. The pace is fast and because you’re into the novel the reading goes by quickly. It may seem like your typical high school book, but it’s got more mature elements so I wouldn’t say it’s YA. (Although it may be for the more mature YA reader if you’re being nitpicky about it) There are quite a few references to gaming and coding which may go over some readers but it’s not so much that would turn you off of the book.
You will have some favorite characters coming out of the book. Some of them you will also detest (I’m looking at you, Tim) but some you will have a soft spot for. Alex is a good example. I felt for him. He went through so much it’s no wonder he went through those types of extremes.
Vanhi and Mary would be my two favorites. I liked their personalities and determination. Could not like Charlie though. He wasn’t likable - although I get why he’s acting out I just could not sympathize with him. I didn’t care too much that he was made to look like an all around good guy when he’s done some pretty ugly things. Don’t get me wrong, he's seen as a saint compared to Peter, but I just didn’t like his outcome and his attitude towards his dad is horrendous. (Then again, you could say he’s acting out his grief)
All being said, I loved this book and glad I got a chance to read it. It’s quick and fast and the ending is open to maybe a sequel? If so I’m definitely all for it.
The plot of the book was good overall and quick to read. The pace is fast and because you’re into the novel the reading goes by quickly. It may seem like your typical high school book, but it’s got more mature elements so I wouldn’t say it’s YA. (Although it may be for the more mature YA reader if you’re being nitpicky about it) There are quite a few references to gaming and coding which may go over some readers but it’s not so much that would turn you off of the book.
You will have some favorite characters coming out of the book. Some of them you will also detest (I’m looking at you, Tim) but some you will have a soft spot for. Alex is a good example. I felt for him. He went through so much it’s no wonder he went through those types of extremes.
Vanhi and Mary would be my two favorites. I liked their personalities and determination. Could not like Charlie though. He wasn’t likable - although I get why he’s acting out I just could not sympathize with him. I didn’t care too much that he was made to look like an all around good guy when he’s done some pretty ugly things. Don’t get me wrong, he's seen as a saint compared to Peter, but I just didn’t like his outcome and his attitude towards his dad is horrendous. (Then again, you could say he’s acting out his grief)
All being said, I loved this book and glad I got a chance to read it. It’s quick and fast and the ending is open to maybe a sequel? If so I’m definitely all for it.

Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019) in Movies
Jun 20, 2020
The trailer for Dora looked like fun but I went in cautious, luckily I came out having really enjoyed myself. Dora is the step before the new Jumanji films, it's packed with fun daft stuff and it's difficult to hold anything against it.
Dora and her parents live in the jungle where they can explore and learn about everything around them. When her best friend Diego leaves for the city she's left with only Boots, a cheeky monkey, to go on a daily adventure with.
Years later after a breakthrough with their research Dora's parents send her to stay with Diego and his family in the city as they go off looking for their lost Inca civilisation. High school is a bit like a jungle, but not like the one Dora is used to, she muddles through the best she can trying to stay positive.
When the school goes on a field trip to the museum Dora and her friends get cornered by a strange group of people and trapped in a packing crate headed back to the jungle. Dora isn't the only one wanting to know where her parents are, this group of mercenaries are after them too, and the treasure.
Something great about Dora And The Lost City Of Gold is that it doesn't take itself too seriously. The TV series was after my time but it's one of those things you still know about. I was pre-worried about the terrible animation on Boots, it didn't exactly look ground-breaking in the trailer, but once the cute little thing got going I didn't really care. Obviously there are lots of things that happen in the cartoon that don't really lend themselves to the big screen. Possibly the most amusing one is Dora breaking the fourth wall to ask if we can say "delicioso", the reaction from everyone in the scene is hilarious and I'm impressed they decided to do it that way.
Isabela Moner made an excellent impression earlier this year in Instant Family and seeing her name on this was brilliant. The age difference to the show makes sense and I love the way they handled it. There's infectious enthusiasm that it was difficult not to succumb to. Having to act with things that aren't there is incredibly difficult to do realistically but you wouldn't know it to watch her in this.
Dora's parents are played by Michael Peña and Eva Longoria, it seems like an odd pairing but they were really fun together. You know I love Michael Peña, and he's so goofy and fun in this that it made me very happy. His extended rave music piece was thankfully better than the short clip in the trailer. Eva Longoria was much more down to earth and sensible and the dynamic between them worked really well.
The film managed to incorporate the cartoon in quite a fun way. I'm not sure how they expect parents to explain what happened but that's not my problem so I'm purely entertained by it all. I briefly mentioned the animation of Boots, it's not good but the character is amusing, Swiper the fox has a similar animation issue. He's more annoying to watch and see other characters interact with him, but a fox that talks and walks on his hind legs isn't going to be great in this style of film whatever way you try.
Dora And The Lost City Of Gold really feels like it brings together all the values that the show tries to put across, friendship, learning and good behaviour. It has captured it all in a bright and engaging format while keeping the content amusing and suitable for everyone. I'm very pleased I got to see this it's one of the more amusing releases this year.
Originally posted on: https://emmaatthemovies.blogspot.com/2019/08/dora-and-lost-city-of-gold-movie-review.html
Dora and her parents live in the jungle where they can explore and learn about everything around them. When her best friend Diego leaves for the city she's left with only Boots, a cheeky monkey, to go on a daily adventure with.
Years later after a breakthrough with their research Dora's parents send her to stay with Diego and his family in the city as they go off looking for their lost Inca civilisation. High school is a bit like a jungle, but not like the one Dora is used to, she muddles through the best she can trying to stay positive.
When the school goes on a field trip to the museum Dora and her friends get cornered by a strange group of people and trapped in a packing crate headed back to the jungle. Dora isn't the only one wanting to know where her parents are, this group of mercenaries are after them too, and the treasure.
Something great about Dora And The Lost City Of Gold is that it doesn't take itself too seriously. The TV series was after my time but it's one of those things you still know about. I was pre-worried about the terrible animation on Boots, it didn't exactly look ground-breaking in the trailer, but once the cute little thing got going I didn't really care. Obviously there are lots of things that happen in the cartoon that don't really lend themselves to the big screen. Possibly the most amusing one is Dora breaking the fourth wall to ask if we can say "delicioso", the reaction from everyone in the scene is hilarious and I'm impressed they decided to do it that way.
Isabela Moner made an excellent impression earlier this year in Instant Family and seeing her name on this was brilliant. The age difference to the show makes sense and I love the way they handled it. There's infectious enthusiasm that it was difficult not to succumb to. Having to act with things that aren't there is incredibly difficult to do realistically but you wouldn't know it to watch her in this.
Dora's parents are played by Michael Peña and Eva Longoria, it seems like an odd pairing but they were really fun together. You know I love Michael Peña, and he's so goofy and fun in this that it made me very happy. His extended rave music piece was thankfully better than the short clip in the trailer. Eva Longoria was much more down to earth and sensible and the dynamic between them worked really well.
The film managed to incorporate the cartoon in quite a fun way. I'm not sure how they expect parents to explain what happened but that's not my problem so I'm purely entertained by it all. I briefly mentioned the animation of Boots, it's not good but the character is amusing, Swiper the fox has a similar animation issue. He's more annoying to watch and see other characters interact with him, but a fox that talks and walks on his hind legs isn't going to be great in this style of film whatever way you try.
Dora And The Lost City Of Gold really feels like it brings together all the values that the show tries to put across, friendship, learning and good behaviour. It has captured it all in a bright and engaging format while keeping the content amusing and suitable for everyone. I'm very pleased I got to see this it's one of the more amusing releases this year.
Originally posted on: https://emmaatthemovies.blogspot.com/2019/08/dora-and-lost-city-of-gold-movie-review.html

Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated Kind Nepenthe in Books
May 16, 2018
Kind Nepenthe is one of those books I looked at on NetGalley for a while but couldn't bring myself to request for the longest time. It just didn't seem like something I'd over enjoy, honestly. If you frequent NetGalley though, you'll notice the horror section of their available titles has been dwindling over the past few months. As a result, I finally ended up with Matthew V. Brockmeyer's title and I can admit I am pleasantly surprised.
Aside from a single graphically sexual scene, Kind Nepenthe plays the horror genre safely. Brockmeyer keeps things significantly more tame than many of the authors I read, which means he's got to make up for it in other places. In this case, the story itself is rather well developed - even if it does have a few holes. (Seriously, how'd the boy die, dude? You got ghosts you ain't tellin' us the deets on.) A few of the characters, or rather most of them, are almost offensively stereotypical. Diesel, one of the main characters, has a son who quite literally dresses like the photo you've seen of a kid wanting to look gangsta.
Now, I'm aware this sounds mostly negative, but in a way it allowed me to better formulate the type of behaviors associated with Brockmeyer's cast. It's not very complex, so for me to have read this book in two days means that Brockmeyer must have succeeded elsewhere in his work - and he did! The flow of Kind Nepenthe can be likened to the river that runs through Homicide Hill. It's a constant, rolling movement from one even to another. Not hurried, but steady.
There are two separate stories that take place here and four different endings. Despite its lack of originality in characters, Kind Nepenthe manages to wiggle its way into the reader's sympathies. I felt for Katie, the young, pregnant girlfriend of Diesel's son. My heart ached for Rebecca, whose loneliness begins to eat at her as the story progresses. Even Diesel managed to find an endearing resonance with me, much to my surprise.
While I was hoping for a little bit more boo! than I received, I look forward to more of Brockmeyer's work in the future. This book was a nice, relaxing read and I simply was not able to put it down. I'd like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of this book for the purpose of review.
Aside from a single graphically sexual scene, Kind Nepenthe plays the horror genre safely. Brockmeyer keeps things significantly more tame than many of the authors I read, which means he's got to make up for it in other places. In this case, the story itself is rather well developed - even if it does have a few holes. (Seriously, how'd the boy die, dude? You got ghosts you ain't tellin' us the deets on.) A few of the characters, or rather most of them, are almost offensively stereotypical. Diesel, one of the main characters, has a son who quite literally dresses like the photo you've seen of a kid wanting to look gangsta.
Now, I'm aware this sounds mostly negative, but in a way it allowed me to better formulate the type of behaviors associated with Brockmeyer's cast. It's not very complex, so for me to have read this book in two days means that Brockmeyer must have succeeded elsewhere in his work - and he did! The flow of Kind Nepenthe can be likened to the river that runs through Homicide Hill. It's a constant, rolling movement from one even to another. Not hurried, but steady.
There are two separate stories that take place here and four different endings. Despite its lack of originality in characters, Kind Nepenthe manages to wiggle its way into the reader's sympathies. I felt for Katie, the young, pregnant girlfriend of Diesel's son. My heart ached for Rebecca, whose loneliness begins to eat at her as the story progresses. Even Diesel managed to find an endearing resonance with me, much to my surprise.
While I was hoping for a little bit more boo! than I received, I look forward to more of Brockmeyer's work in the future. This book was a nice, relaxing read and I simply was not able to put it down. I'd like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of this book for the purpose of review.