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Merissa (12069 KP) rated Garbage (The SPARK Files, #1) in Books
Jul 20, 2023
GARBAGE is the first book in The SPARK Files and I firstly want to say that I love these characters!
Quincy is a sentient robot, commonly known as a Spark. He goes about doing his job, not hurting anyone else, when he is attacked by a small group of Human Firsters. Yep, they're as bad as they sound! Evan stops the attack and takes Quincy home, where Quincy is subjected to a whole new world of possibilities, more than he was ever aware of.
Oh, man. This story! It is a paradox - dealing with hard-hitting (pun intended) storylines with characters too cute and cuddly... and undeniably HOT! The thing I loved the most is that both of them had insecurities. Both of them needed to work through their own personal issues. They were both there for the other and I just wanted to squidge them so badly!
One thing - there is an on-page assault and it's horrible. So incredibly well written! My eyes were leaking all the way through that scene, even as I appreciated how we managed to get a dual perspective of it. I'd just composed myself when we got the 'feet' scene when Quincy is detained. Boom! I was gone... again!
Quincy and Evan are so perfect together. I loved the whole book and can't wait to continue with the series. 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!
Jul 20, 2023
Quincy is a sentient robot, commonly known as a Spark. He goes about doing his job, not hurting anyone else, when he is attacked by a small group of Human Firsters. Yep, they're as bad as they sound! Evan stops the attack and takes Quincy home, where Quincy is subjected to a whole new world of possibilities, more than he was ever aware of.
Oh, man. This story! It is a paradox - dealing with hard-hitting (pun intended) storylines with characters too cute and cuddly... and undeniably HOT! The thing I loved the most is that both of them had insecurities. Both of them needed to work through their own personal issues. They were both there for the other and I just wanted to squidge them so badly!
One thing - there is an on-page assault and it's horrible. So incredibly well written! My eyes were leaking all the way through that scene, even as I appreciated how we managed to get a dual perspective of it. I'd just composed myself when we got the 'feet' scene when Quincy is detained. Boom! I was gone... again!
Quincy and Evan are so perfect together. I loved the whole book and can't wait to continue with the series. 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!
Jul 20, 2023
Merissa (12069 KP) rated Alliance (Torsere #3) in Books
Aug 16, 2023
Alliance is the third and final book in the Torsere series, and you get a fitting finale with a tense and twisted plot.
Ryneq and Nykin have made it back home to Torsere but their troubles are far from over. The witch they are dealing with now seems even worse than the one they just killed. No matter what they plan, she is three steps ahead. Of course, the reason why comes out and wasn't really a surprise but, still, who it was just added an extra layer of heartache to the story.
I will admit, this one had me in tears. It's darker than the others, with almost no hope of a happy ending, which, when it does happen, is full of non-stop action that will take your breath away. This book is not without loss, and it was so well-written! How the characters reacted was just superb! Yes, I know that sounds strange but read it for yourself and you'll see.
With excellent world-building, characters to love and hate, plus some steamy scenes, this trilogy has been outstanding. I have loved every moment and am sad to see it come to an end. This is one of those books you wish you could un-read, just so you have the opportunity to read it again with fresh eyes! Absolutely recommended by me!
* 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!
Sep 18, 2020
Ryneq and Nykin have made it back home to Torsere but their troubles are far from over. The witch they are dealing with now seems even worse than the one they just killed. No matter what they plan, she is three steps ahead. Of course, the reason why comes out and wasn't really a surprise but, still, who it was just added an extra layer of heartache to the story.
I will admit, this one had me in tears. It's darker than the others, with almost no hope of a happy ending, which, when it does happen, is full of non-stop action that will take your breath away. This book is not without loss, and it was so well-written! How the characters reacted was just superb! Yes, I know that sounds strange but read it for yourself and you'll see.
With excellent world-building, characters to love and hate, plus some steamy scenes, this trilogy has been outstanding. I have loved every moment and am sad to see it come to an end. This is one of those books you wish you could un-read, just so you have the opportunity to read it again with fresh eyes! Absolutely recommended by me!
* 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!
Sep 18, 2020
Language of Spears
10.0
Rate It
Book
CAN A KINGDOM WHOSE SUPREMACY THRIVES ON A TRADITION OF WAR REALLY LEARN PEACE? In the esteemed...
fantasy
Merissa (12069 KP) rated Threats of Sky and Sea (Threats of Sky and Sea #1) in Books
Jun 2, 2023 (Updated Jun 2, 2023)
I love Young Adult/Coming of Age Fantasy and this one ticked all my boxes. It tells the story of Bree, a young girl, daughter to the local innkeeper. It starts off in her home of Abeline but moves to the capital city, indeed to the royal 'palace' itself.
With secrets, mysteries and double-crossing every step of the way, Bree finds herself adrift in a new world; unable to trust anyone, even her own father. She still loves him and will defend him to anyone, but Bree now admits that he hasn't been honest with her and that shakes her to her very foundations.
It is excellent when the mere mention of a character makes you shudder, and that is exactly what happened to me every time the King makes an appearance. He is thoroughly loathsome and yet I can't wait to read more about him.
There is a hint of romance in this book, between the four main (young) characters. It is enough to keep the tension going, without overshadowing the main story.
Exceptionally well-written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found (although I will admit to being swept away with the story so I wasn't really on the lookout for them either!). This is an excellent start to a Fantasy series that I will definitely be continuing. Highly recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 16, 2016
With secrets, mysteries and double-crossing every step of the way, Bree finds herself adrift in a new world; unable to trust anyone, even her own father. She still loves him and will defend him to anyone, but Bree now admits that he hasn't been honest with her and that shakes her to her very foundations.
It is excellent when the mere mention of a character makes you shudder, and that is exactly what happened to me every time the King makes an appearance. He is thoroughly loathsome and yet I can't wait to read more about him.
There is a hint of romance in this book, between the four main (young) characters. It is enough to keep the tension going, without overshadowing the main story.
Exceptionally well-written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found (although I will admit to being swept away with the story so I wasn't really on the lookout for them either!). This is an excellent start to a Fantasy series that I will definitely be continuing. Highly recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 16, 2016
Merissa (12069 KP) rated Rogue (Relentless #3) in Books
Jun 8, 2023
This book starts with just a small gap from the ending of the last one. Sara has 'escaped' from her home, leaving Nikolas, Tristan, and her shadows behind. Of course, she's not allowed to escape by herself, Jordan has blackmailed Sara into letting her come along. I don't think that Jordan was expecting the escape to take the route it did, although it gave me plenty of laughs to start off this rollercoaster of a book.
Sara is determined to stand on her own, to prove that she isn't helpless or hopeless! With Jordan, Peter, and Roland's help, she has physical support. With the friendship of David and Kelvan, she has IT on her side too. She proves that she kicks ass whilst also showing her caring and empathetic side.
Sara's character grows with leaps and bounds in this book, as she harnesses both her Fae and her Mori sides. I will just add here that although I love Nikolas, I was ready to whomp him upside the head when he kept saying it was too dangerous for Sara and not listening to her. I couldn't wait for her to pull the rug out from under his feet! Of course, I still love his character, but still!
Packed full of emotion and action, this is a thrilling climax to the trilogy. What a journey this group of characters have taken me on. This is most definitely a 5-star series - there is not a book that lets it down. Absolutely loved it and highly recommended!
* Verified Purchase on Amazon *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 7, 2016
Sara is determined to stand on her own, to prove that she isn't helpless or hopeless! With Jordan, Peter, and Roland's help, she has physical support. With the friendship of David and Kelvan, she has IT on her side too. She proves that she kicks ass whilst also showing her caring and empathetic side.
Sara's character grows with leaps and bounds in this book, as she harnesses both her Fae and her Mori sides. I will just add here that although I love Nikolas, I was ready to whomp him upside the head when he kept saying it was too dangerous for Sara and not listening to her. I couldn't wait for her to pull the rug out from under his feet! Of course, I still love his character, but still!
Packed full of emotion and action, this is a thrilling climax to the trilogy. What a journey this group of characters have taken me on. This is most definitely a 5-star series - there is not a book that lets it down. Absolutely loved it and highly recommended!
* Verified Purchase on Amazon *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 7, 2016
Debbiereadsbook (1202 KP) rated Ginger Snapping All The Way (Love In Mission City #1) in Books
Nov 15, 2024
the connection between Maddox and Ravi is instant and powerful.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 1 in the Love In Mission City series, but I am reading it AFTER book 3. SO I have spoilers for this book in that book. It did not detract from my enjoyment of this book, though. I will get to read book 2 asap.
Maddox doesn't like Christmas, but a friend asks a favour and he's left with the most gorgeous man he ever saw. Ravi just needs a place to stay til tomorrow to get the plane home to see his god daughter. But Mother Nature has other ideas and the few days they have snowed in make the world of difference to both man. But they live a continent apart, this was only supposed to be fleeting.
I really enjoyed this. Maddox is grumpy and Ravi is a match for that but not as a grump. Ravi is fighting a good deal with himself and his past, and his pain is not immediately clear. I liked that, as I did in book 3, one character's pain is front and centre, but it takes time for the other's to become clear.
The whole book takes place over a couple of days, and the connection between Maddox and Ravi is instant and powerful.
Now I need to read book 2, Stanley's Christmas Redemption. Stanley is Maddox' ex, and he gets a bum wrap here. I have a feeling that there is more to his story than Maddox says.
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 1 in the Love In Mission City series, but I am reading it AFTER book 3. SO I have spoilers for this book in that book. It did not detract from my enjoyment of this book, though. I will get to read book 2 asap.
Maddox doesn't like Christmas, but a friend asks a favour and he's left with the most gorgeous man he ever saw. Ravi just needs a place to stay til tomorrow to get the plane home to see his god daughter. But Mother Nature has other ideas and the few days they have snowed in make the world of difference to both man. But they live a continent apart, this was only supposed to be fleeting.
I really enjoyed this. Maddox is grumpy and Ravi is a match for that but not as a grump. Ravi is fighting a good deal with himself and his past, and his pain is not immediately clear. I liked that, as I did in book 3, one character's pain is front and centre, but it takes time for the other's to become clear.
The whole book takes place over a couple of days, and the connection between Maddox and Ravi is instant and powerful.
Now I need to read book 2, Stanley's Christmas Redemption. Stanley is Maddox' ex, and he gets a bum wrap here. I have a feeling that there is more to his story than Maddox says.
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Woman in Blue (Ruth Galloway, #8) in Books
Feb 8, 2018
The eighth book in Elly Griffths' Ruth Galloway series finds much of the action taking place in Walsingham, an English town famous for its religion. Cathbad, Ruth's druid friend, is in town housesitting for a friend, when he sees a lovely woman in a dress and cloak in the nearby cemetery. Cathbad believes he's had a vision of the Virgin Mary, but something doesn't seem right about the whole episode. In the morning, a young woman is found dead in Walsingham - wrapped in blue cloth. At the same time, Ruth is receiving emails from an old friend, Hilary, now a priest. She's receiving threatening letters from someone who clearly isn't happy about women in the priesthood and wants Ruth's help. Are the letters and the death connected? When Hilary comes to Walsingham to attend a conference for women priests, Ruth finds herself in the middle of it all. As does DCI Harry Nelson, of course, who is tracking not only the woman's killer, but Hilary's letter writer. A religious zealot? An angry misogynist? What really is happening in Walsingham?
I've made it clear by now that I'm a huge fan of Griffths' Galloway series. I think of Ruth as an old friend. Curling up with one of these books is like going home, or talking to a familiar and beloved friend. The characters' quirks make you laugh simply because you know them so well. Crazy Cathbad, Nelson and his mannerisms (and uptight ways), and, of course, Ruth's wit and sarcastic observances. A simple mention of Ruth being unable to find anything in her pocketbook, or how shared food doesn't have calories - somehow Griffiths can make straightforward sentences like these only add to Ruth's lovable character. She's created a cast of characters who are so well-done, so simply "them," that you look forward to returning to their world. (That's not to say you couldn't pick up this book first, without reading the others in the series. They do stand alone. You'd just be missing out, in my opinion, on lots of wonderful earlier Ruth and Nelson.)
The eight installment differed a bit, to me, as it focused a bit more on the personal side of things, mainly the Ruth and Nelson story (or, truly, the Ruth, Nelson, and Michelle triangle). This was certainly good, albeit stressful, as it's difficult when you're favorite characters aren't getting along. Still, the developments in this novel are necessary in the trajectory to move all three characters forward. The religious plot was a little confusing for me, at times - between a lot of British references I don't always quite get (I wasn't reading this one in my Nook, so it was harder to look things up) and just my overall lack of religious knowledge - but the mystery was still enjoyable and plotted well. The supporting cast of characters introduced in this tale rounded out the story well, and I was truly left wondering until nearly the end about "whodunit."
All in all, another great Ruth tale, which made me laugh out loud several times (I still wish Ruth could just be my friend, and my twins could play with Kate). Combined with a strong mystery, it's hard to go wrong here.
I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley (thank you!); it is available for publication on 02/04. You can check out a review of this novel and many others on my <a href="http://justacatandabookatherside.blogspot.com/">blog</a>;.
I've made it clear by now that I'm a huge fan of Griffths' Galloway series. I think of Ruth as an old friend. Curling up with one of these books is like going home, or talking to a familiar and beloved friend. The characters' quirks make you laugh simply because you know them so well. Crazy Cathbad, Nelson and his mannerisms (and uptight ways), and, of course, Ruth's wit and sarcastic observances. A simple mention of Ruth being unable to find anything in her pocketbook, or how shared food doesn't have calories - somehow Griffiths can make straightforward sentences like these only add to Ruth's lovable character. She's created a cast of characters who are so well-done, so simply "them," that you look forward to returning to their world. (That's not to say you couldn't pick up this book first, without reading the others in the series. They do stand alone. You'd just be missing out, in my opinion, on lots of wonderful earlier Ruth and Nelson.)
The eight installment differed a bit, to me, as it focused a bit more on the personal side of things, mainly the Ruth and Nelson story (or, truly, the Ruth, Nelson, and Michelle triangle). This was certainly good, albeit stressful, as it's difficult when you're favorite characters aren't getting along. Still, the developments in this novel are necessary in the trajectory to move all three characters forward. The religious plot was a little confusing for me, at times - between a lot of British references I don't always quite get (I wasn't reading this one in my Nook, so it was harder to look things up) and just my overall lack of religious knowledge - but the mystery was still enjoyable and plotted well. The supporting cast of characters introduced in this tale rounded out the story well, and I was truly left wondering until nearly the end about "whodunit."
All in all, another great Ruth tale, which made me laugh out loud several times (I still wish Ruth could just be my friend, and my twins could play with Kate). Combined with a strong mystery, it's hard to go wrong here.
I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley (thank you!); it is available for publication on 02/04. You can check out a review of this novel and many others on my <a href="http://justacatandabookatherside.blogspot.com/">blog</a>;.
Dana (24 KP) rated Annihilation, Book One in Books
Mar 23, 2018
So this was my first time being introduced to some of these characters, others, such as Drax, Ronan, Thanos and Gamora I was a bit more familiar with, but only their basic story lines from Guardians of the Galaxy.
My dad gave me these three books to borrow and read because I had told him I wanted to read more graphic novels. I quite enjoyed this series! I loved getting to know the lesser known characters, well, lesser known to me.
The overarching plot wasn't clear at the beginning, but I was okay with that. It kept me guessing what the hell was happening, which I am almost always happy with!
In this book, we get three different comics in the bound book.
The first comic we get is with Drax. We get to see part of his origin story, and his new beginning in this universe. He meets a girl, Cassie, who is honestly one of my favorite (if not my top) character in this series. She is so great! As a combination of sass, bravery, kick-ass-ness, and just an all around badass, she is what more girls need to see in what they are reading. This girl is about eleven years old or so and she is strong. She wears beanies and skirts, but has to deal with problems at home and, spoiler alert, being introduced to an alien race and not batting an eyelash! I just loved this girl.
As for the Drax story, it was mainly setting up the issue of the series and giving a background on why it matters. But that is a good thing. Without this introduction, there would have been no reason to care about the story or the characters in it.
Now, onto the next story: following Richard Rider, a member of the Nova Corps! Now, here is another character/set of characters we are briefly introduced to in the Guardians of the Galaxy movie, but I loved getting to know more about it and their role in the universe and a little into their culture and relationships to the rest of the universe. I think Richard is a compelling character and I I enjoyed getting to see him have to deal with adversity from the beginning.
We are also introduced to Super Skrull. I have to be honest, I had no idea who this guy was when I picked up these comics, but I really like this character. His whole culture he comes from is cool to get to explore, but I just loved seeing him do his thing. I am stoked to see what else he has to bring to the table!
Getting the cut ins from the Nova Corps intelligence bank on each of the new characters was both a brilliant way to give new readers like me a brief introduction as to why these characters matter as well as a great way to refresh the memories of those who have known about these characters, but do not necessarily remember their significance to this story. This aspect was expertly done!
Overall, this was a really good beginning to what I think will be a pretty cool set of comics! I can't wait to read the next one!
My dad gave me these three books to borrow and read because I had told him I wanted to read more graphic novels. I quite enjoyed this series! I loved getting to know the lesser known characters, well, lesser known to me.
The overarching plot wasn't clear at the beginning, but I was okay with that. It kept me guessing what the hell was happening, which I am almost always happy with!
In this book, we get three different comics in the bound book.
The first comic we get is with Drax. We get to see part of his origin story, and his new beginning in this universe. He meets a girl, Cassie, who is honestly one of my favorite (if not my top) character in this series. She is so great! As a combination of sass, bravery, kick-ass-ness, and just an all around badass, she is what more girls need to see in what they are reading. This girl is about eleven years old or so and she is strong. She wears beanies and skirts, but has to deal with problems at home and, spoiler alert, being introduced to an alien race and not batting an eyelash! I just loved this girl.
As for the Drax story, it was mainly setting up the issue of the series and giving a background on why it matters. But that is a good thing. Without this introduction, there would have been no reason to care about the story or the characters in it.
Now, onto the next story: following Richard Rider, a member of the Nova Corps! Now, here is another character/set of characters we are briefly introduced to in the Guardians of the Galaxy movie, but I loved getting to know more about it and their role in the universe and a little into their culture and relationships to the rest of the universe. I think Richard is a compelling character and I I enjoyed getting to see him have to deal with adversity from the beginning.
We are also introduced to Super Skrull. I have to be honest, I had no idea who this guy was when I picked up these comics, but I really like this character. His whole culture he comes from is cool to get to explore, but I just loved seeing him do his thing. I am stoked to see what else he has to bring to the table!
Getting the cut ins from the Nova Corps intelligence bank on each of the new characters was both a brilliant way to give new readers like me a brief introduction as to why these characters matter as well as a great way to refresh the memories of those who have known about these characters, but do not necessarily remember their significance to this story. This aspect was expertly done!
Overall, this was a really good beginning to what I think will be a pretty cool set of comics! I can't wait to read the next one!
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Vacancy (2007) in Movies
Aug 14, 2019
While driving down a back road late one evening on their way to L.A. an embattled couple, are about to make a stop that could cost them their lives. In Vacancy, Amy and David Fox, are returning home from a trip to celebrate the anniversary of their in laws.
The fact that they had to hide their failing marriage, and the tensions that still remain as a result, have driven Amy and David to the point of irritability and they never cease to find new ways to verbally spar with one another.
When their car breaks down, they are happy to discover a gas station attendant who tells them that he can get their car repaired enough to make it to the next town where they will be able to get the help that they need in the morning.
This proves not to be the case as their car once again breaks down shortly after they resume their trip, which forces Amy and David to walk back into town and stay the night at the only hotel in the remote locale.
Frustrated by their situation, the two resign themselves to their situation and check into the hotel and soon make a startling discovery. A stack of video tapes in the room seems to indicate that a series of ghastly murders has been committed in their room, and when hidden cameras are discovered, Amy and David soon realize that they are to be the stars of a future tape.
Trapped and alone, the duo must stave off a series of attacks and find a way to survive, so they can escape the nightmare they have stumbled into.
At first the premise of the film seems to be a step above the usual genre film, as the two leads, Wilson and Beckinsale, bring acredibility to their roles, and do develop their characters beyond the paper thin constructs that are so common in films of this type.
Sadly the film does not take advantage of this advantage and soon becomes a series of pat situations and a surprisingly odd lack of tension and suspense in the film.
One of the biggest problems in the film is that it tips it’s hand way to early in the film, as we know what is going on as the discovery of the tapes eliminates much of the mystery. Had the film saved this piece of information until the end of the film, it might have had far more impact as the audience would be left wondering why the bizarre events were happening to the couple.
Another issue for me was the small cast, as with only Wilson and Beckinsale in peril for the majority of the film, the tension level was greatly reduced, as you know that neither of them is going to be killed early in the film, as that would leave the movie without any protagonists.
As much as I liked the concept and casting, especially Frank Whaley as the creepy hotel clerk, Vacancy is simply a good idea that never rises above its premise, and ends up content to recycle the same old formula from dozens of other horror films without offering any of the thrills or chills, and leaves you unsatisfied.
The fact that they had to hide their failing marriage, and the tensions that still remain as a result, have driven Amy and David to the point of irritability and they never cease to find new ways to verbally spar with one another.
When their car breaks down, they are happy to discover a gas station attendant who tells them that he can get their car repaired enough to make it to the next town where they will be able to get the help that they need in the morning.
This proves not to be the case as their car once again breaks down shortly after they resume their trip, which forces Amy and David to walk back into town and stay the night at the only hotel in the remote locale.
Frustrated by their situation, the two resign themselves to their situation and check into the hotel and soon make a startling discovery. A stack of video tapes in the room seems to indicate that a series of ghastly murders has been committed in their room, and when hidden cameras are discovered, Amy and David soon realize that they are to be the stars of a future tape.
Trapped and alone, the duo must stave off a series of attacks and find a way to survive, so they can escape the nightmare they have stumbled into.
At first the premise of the film seems to be a step above the usual genre film, as the two leads, Wilson and Beckinsale, bring acredibility to their roles, and do develop their characters beyond the paper thin constructs that are so common in films of this type.
Sadly the film does not take advantage of this advantage and soon becomes a series of pat situations and a surprisingly odd lack of tension and suspense in the film.
One of the biggest problems in the film is that it tips it’s hand way to early in the film, as we know what is going on as the discovery of the tapes eliminates much of the mystery. Had the film saved this piece of information until the end of the film, it might have had far more impact as the audience would be left wondering why the bizarre events were happening to the couple.
Another issue for me was the small cast, as with only Wilson and Beckinsale in peril for the majority of the film, the tension level was greatly reduced, as you know that neither of them is going to be killed early in the film, as that would leave the movie without any protagonists.
As much as I liked the concept and casting, especially Frank Whaley as the creepy hotel clerk, Vacancy is simply a good idea that never rises above its premise, and ends up content to recycle the same old formula from dozens of other horror films without offering any of the thrills or chills, and leaves you unsatisfied.
Daniel Tiger's Grr-ific Feelings
Education and Games
8.0
Rate It
App
**2015 Parents' Choice - Gold Award** **Common Sense Media - 50 Apps All Kids Should Play at Least...