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Dana (24 KP) rated Ready Player One in Books
Mar 23, 2018
So I want to start off by saying that I read this for my book club with my friends, not that that changes anything, I just wanted you to know. Also, I did a hybrid reading of this. I would actually read the physical book for about half of it, but the other half, I listened to the audio book. (It's read by Wil Wheaton, y'all!)
Okay, so onto my review. I really enjoyed reading this book. I am not a gamer at all, but I do love 80s references., especially to movies. So even though I didn't understand a lot of the video game references (except Pac Man and a few others), I still understand the overall encompassing love of the 80s culture.
At first, this is a really cool dystopian sci-fi book focusing on a kid who is trying to win an Easter Egg hunt inside of a video game to get out of a crappy situation at home. By the end, there is action, romance, bad guys, and so much more. Kind of like what you would find in a typical 1980s classic film.
I think what I loved most about this is all of the hidden allusions to the 80s. Yes, there are the overt ones like to Ferris Buller's Day Off or Pac Man or Blade Runner. But there are a lot of little moments as well that are subtle that I barely caught. I don't want to give any away, so I won't spoil them on here. This book almost becomes it's own kind of easter egg hunt for the readers.
I loved trying to figure out the clues with Winston. A few of them, I did get, but some I did not. It was still fun trying to write down all of the clues and figure it out like a code cracker.
I loved the relationships in this book, especially since they weren't the main focus of the novel. It was refreshing to see people getting along and working together toward the same goal.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend you see it before you go see the movie next year!
Okay, so onto my review. I really enjoyed reading this book. I am not a gamer at all, but I do love 80s references., especially to movies. So even though I didn't understand a lot of the video game references (except Pac Man and a few others), I still understand the overall encompassing love of the 80s culture.
At first, this is a really cool dystopian sci-fi book focusing on a kid who is trying to win an Easter Egg hunt inside of a video game to get out of a crappy situation at home. By the end, there is action, romance, bad guys, and so much more. Kind of like what you would find in a typical 1980s classic film.
I think what I loved most about this is all of the hidden allusions to the 80s. Yes, there are the overt ones like to Ferris Buller's Day Off or Pac Man or Blade Runner. But there are a lot of little moments as well that are subtle that I barely caught. I don't want to give any away, so I won't spoil them on here. This book almost becomes it's own kind of easter egg hunt for the readers.
I loved trying to figure out the clues with Winston. A few of them, I did get, but some I did not. It was still fun trying to write down all of the clues and figure it out like a code cracker.
I loved the relationships in this book, especially since they weren't the main focus of the novel. It was refreshing to see people getting along and working together toward the same goal.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend you see it before you go see the movie next year!
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated Children of the Different in Books
Nov 11, 2019
The Great Madness has decended and all but destroyed humankind. Of those that survived many have become less than human, feral, and hunt in packs preying on the rest.
Narrah and Arika are twins who have been born in Australia since the madness; like all children who come after the Great Madness they will enter a coma as teenagers and their minds will enter what is known as the Changeland. This will indeed change them - some gain special powers, others return damaged and feral.
The Great Madness has decended and all but destroyed humankind. Of those that survived many have become less than human, feral, and hunt in packs preying on the rest.
Narrah and Arika are twins who have been born in Australia since the madness; like all children who come after the Great Madness they will enter a coma as teenagers and their minds will enter what is known as the Changeland. This will indeed change them - some gain special powers, others return damaged and feral.
Against this post-apocalyptic backdrop Flynn follows Arika and Narrah as they enter the Changeland and what follows after. The Changeland sections, which take up the first half of the story, resemble dreams and nightmares - but ones in which any threats are very real. From their experiences the twins discover that there is an adversary who wants to destroy them.
Back in the real world they go on very different journeys, exploring what is left of society and finding that the effects of the Great Madness might extend beyond just the Changeland and that the very future of the human race is threatened.
Flynn tells this with verve; the twins are very likeable protagonists and the reader will be rooting for them through all of their adventures. There are breathless action scenes as well as some introspection on the fragility of human life and how quickly the lifestyle we take for granted can be reduced to ashes. Some great twists are thrown in and as the last page approaches the stakes are raised ever higher.
Well worth a read for anyone young adult and up who likes to read post apocalyptic and zombie style stories with interesting and challenging ideas
Narrah and Arika are twins who have been born in Australia since the madness; like all children who come after the Great Madness they will enter a coma as teenagers and their minds will enter what is known as the Changeland. This will indeed change them - some gain special powers, others return damaged and feral.
The Great Madness has decended and all but destroyed humankind. Of those that survived many have become less than human, feral, and hunt in packs preying on the rest.
Narrah and Arika are twins who have been born in Australia since the madness; like all children who come after the Great Madness they will enter a coma as teenagers and their minds will enter what is known as the Changeland. This will indeed change them - some gain special powers, others return damaged and feral.
Against this post-apocalyptic backdrop Flynn follows Arika and Narrah as they enter the Changeland and what follows after. The Changeland sections, which take up the first half of the story, resemble dreams and nightmares - but ones in which any threats are very real. From their experiences the twins discover that there is an adversary who wants to destroy them.
Back in the real world they go on very different journeys, exploring what is left of society and finding that the effects of the Great Madness might extend beyond just the Changeland and that the very future of the human race is threatened.
Flynn tells this with verve; the twins are very likeable protagonists and the reader will be rooting for them through all of their adventures. There are breathless action scenes as well as some introspection on the fragility of human life and how quickly the lifestyle we take for granted can be reduced to ashes. Some great twists are thrown in and as the last page approaches the stakes are raised ever higher.
Well worth a read for anyone young adult and up who likes to read post apocalyptic and zombie style stories with interesting and challenging ideas
Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated Without a Word in Books
Jun 5, 2019
Without A Word by Kate McQuaile is an exciting thriller which starts with two girls talking to each other over the Internet, Skyping. Imagine the scene, you’re chatting away, the doorbell rings and your friend says she’ll just answer it quickly and then come straight back. Only she never comes back and that’s the last you hear of her… and then the house goes up in flames and you don’t know if she’s in it or not.
To me that’s a great basis for a murder, mystery, psychological thriller and I read it fast and furiously – enjoying every minute of this mystery. I couldn’t put it down until I’d finished it – all 368 pages of it!
It is indeed a fast-paced, twisty tale, and it totally absorbed a few hours of my time as I joined Orla and her hunt for clues to Lillian’s whereabouts. Did she survive the fire, or was she taken? Surely, she wouldn’t have any reason to go into hiding, and not tell her best friend Orla. Would she?
To me that’s a great basis for a murder, mystery, psychological thriller and I read it fast and furiously – enjoying every minute of this mystery. I couldn’t put it down until I’d finished it – all 368 pages of it!
It is indeed a fast-paced, twisty tale, and it totally absorbed a few hours of my time as I joined Orla and her hunt for clues to Lillian’s whereabouts. Did she survive the fire, or was she taken? Surely, she wouldn’t have any reason to go into hiding, and not tell her best friend Orla. Would she?
Mark Halpern (153 KP) rated Twister (1996) in Movies
Feb 15, 2018
She will find you no matter how hard you hide
Two tornado chasers Bill (Paxton) and Jo (hunt) are in the middle of a divorce and when he comes to her to sign the papers the biggest weather anomalies begin to form that predict a run of trodanos like planes getting ready to land via the isl runway system. Bill wants out of this life but, Joe and Bill had created a revolutionary piece of technology that can learn on how these disatsers form and how they think. Problem is how to get it up in the storm with out hurting them self. However in the modern age there is competition and another team has built the same type of tech but with a different model form. This team is lead by Joanas (Elwes) and he worked in the same lab as jo and bill so he probally stole something along they way.
which team will launcg their device and will it wor and will they live through the trials
which team will launcg their device and will it wor and will they live through the trials
Dana (24 KP) rated The Romances of Chretien de Troyes in Books
Mar 23, 2018
I really enjoyed reading these Medieval stories. My favorite one was Erec and Enide. I had to read these for one of my college classes on Medieval Literature and it was very interesting to be able to read.
I loved, in Erec and Enide, how it was set up into three acts and how all of them were so different from each other.
When I was rereading some other fiction that I really enjoy, I noticed some allusions to the Erec and Enide story, specifically the hunt of the White Stag which I thought was very cool. I'm not sure whether or not the author meant to do it, but it was definitely there.
I had to do a paper on Erec and Enide, so I was able to analyze their relationship and how i changes over the course of the story.
I'm keeping this review pretty short and I may come back to add more later.
I recommend this to anyone who really likes Medieval literature and stories about King Arthur and his court.
I loved, in Erec and Enide, how it was set up into three acts and how all of them were so different from each other.
When I was rereading some other fiction that I really enjoy, I noticed some allusions to the Erec and Enide story, specifically the hunt of the White Stag which I thought was very cool. I'm not sure whether or not the author meant to do it, but it was definitely there.
I had to do a paper on Erec and Enide, so I was able to analyze their relationship and how i changes over the course of the story.
I'm keeping this review pretty short and I may come back to add more later.
I recommend this to anyone who really likes Medieval literature and stories about King Arthur and his court.
Sean Farrell (9 KP) rated The Silkworm in Books
Mar 15, 2018
I don't know why it took me so long to get around to reading the 2nd installment in this series, especially given how much I enjoyed the first. As it turns out, I enjoyed this one just as much. The characterization is still great, with the 2 leads being a delight to read about again, and the world they inhabit is wonderfully detailed and built out. Most important to this kind of book however is the mystery itself, and there's a cracking good one here. This time out, Strike finds himself on the hunt for a missing writer, at his wife's request. When the author turns up quite viciously murdered, he shifts gears into figuring out the culprit. I can't say I figured it out, but who it did turn out to be made perfect sense, with all sorts of little details being very important in reaching the conclusion, which is exactly what I look for in this sort of novel. I loved reading every page of this book and look forward to reading the next one.
Mike Carlson (115 KP) rated Batman And Robin Vol. 3: Death Of the Family in Books
Mar 27, 2018
"Death Of The Family" contains the Joker's return (also introduction into the New 52) and attack on the Bat family. Other titles feature the clown taking on Red Hood, Red Robin, Batgirl, Nightwing and Batman. Each one of those arcs concludes with issue #17 of the New 52 Batman. This volume centers on Joker's attack on Damian, the current Robin, and finishes with the issue mentioned above.
It is a darker storyline, and I love the New 52 Joker's psychosis. He thinks he's Batman's best friend. That he keeps the Dark Knight sharp while all the sidekicks make the Bat weak. It's intriguing, even more so when he interacts with Damian. This story basically boils down to two interesting characters butting heads.
Preceding it is a prologue issue in which Damian lures Bruce out of country with a familial scavenger hunt in order to take over as Batman for a few days. The epilogue is an issue in which all three residents of Wayne Manor have nightmares.
Start to finish, it was a solid piece of entertainment.
It is a darker storyline, and I love the New 52 Joker's psychosis. He thinks he's Batman's best friend. That he keeps the Dark Knight sharp while all the sidekicks make the Bat weak. It's intriguing, even more so when he interacts with Damian. This story basically boils down to two interesting characters butting heads.
Preceding it is a prologue issue in which Damian lures Bruce out of country with a familial scavenger hunt in order to take over as Batman for a few days. The epilogue is an issue in which all three residents of Wayne Manor have nightmares.
Start to finish, it was a solid piece of entertainment.
Kristin (149 KP) rated Destined to Kill (Destined Novels, #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Anala is a Hunter, the child of the Leaders of their society, and she's one of the best. Too bad her parents never let her go out and actually hunt any Cursed Ones. One night, she and her friend Thomas are out, and his sister scares them. When Thomas leaves Anala behind to take his sister home, she lets her guard down for one minute; however, that's all it takes. She's bitten, and her life will change forever.
This story pulled me in from the very first sentence. Everybody loves a good vampire story, but this was more than that. It was a coming-of-age story, of sorts, mixed with a little romance, some intrigue, and some good old-fashioned butt kicking. I'm fond of all the characters, even Jenna (the proverbial sour grape), and I would definitely love to read more about this group. I really hope there's a sequel already in the works!!
5 stars =)
Anala is a Hunter, the child of the Leaders of their society, and she's one of the best. Too bad her parents never let her go out and actually hunt any Cursed Ones. One night, she and her friend Thomas are out, and his sister scares them. When Thomas leaves Anala behind to take his sister home, she lets her guard down for one minute; however, that's all it takes. She's bitten, and her life will change forever.
This story pulled me in from the very first sentence. Everybody loves a good vampire story, but this was more than that. It was a coming-of-age story, of sorts, mixed with a little romance, some intrigue, and some good old-fashioned butt kicking. I'm fond of all the characters, even Jenna (the proverbial sour grape), and I would definitely love to read more about this group. I really hope there's a sequel already in the works!!
5 stars =)
I have to admit, I was one of the few people who didn't really know anything about the Golden State Killer. I picked this book up after he was caught because I wanted to learn more and because it is the first book in a new online book club that I joined. I have always found serial killers interesting so I was excited to sit down and listen to this book. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much. I never knew Michelle McNamara's writing style or detective skills so I prepared myself to be disappointed. That disappointment never came.
This book was phenomenal. The research that Michelle & her editors put into this was simply impressive. I was constantly in awe while reading this book. This is probably one of the top true crime novel that I have read. Michelle has a way to pull you into the story and leave you wanting to continue on her hunt (which thankfully we don't have to do now that he is caught).
All in all, this is a great true crime which I will recommend to everyone!
This book was phenomenal. The research that Michelle & her editors put into this was simply impressive. I was constantly in awe while reading this book. This is probably one of the top true crime novel that I have read. Michelle has a way to pull you into the story and leave you wanting to continue on her hunt (which thankfully we don't have to do now that he is caught).
All in all, this is a great true crime which I will recommend to everyone!
Dominique Marie (7 KP) rated Dot and the Kangaroo in Books
Nov 28, 2018
MMD Reading Challenge 2017- For Fun
Category: Book set in a place you've never been/want to visit
Back to the Classics Reading Challenge 2017
Category: Book about an animal/or animal in Title
I'm giving this book 4 stars. I enjoyed it so much. Dot gets lost in the Australian Bush and is befriended by a Kangaroo. She meets many creatures while trying to find her way back home. I loved the descriptions of the Bush and the creatures that live there. This is a really good children's book, and the only problem I had with it is that all humans are demonized. There is no distinction made between poachers and those who hunt for food. I have always wanted visit Australia, even though some things about Australia terrify me, for example, killer spiders. I actually used to watch the Dot movies when I was a kid. I had no idea that it was based on this book until I was looking for books to read for the Challenges. I'm really glad I found it!
Category: Book set in a place you've never been/want to visit
Back to the Classics Reading Challenge 2017
Category: Book about an animal/or animal in Title
I'm giving this book 4 stars. I enjoyed it so much. Dot gets lost in the Australian Bush and is befriended by a Kangaroo. She meets many creatures while trying to find her way back home. I loved the descriptions of the Bush and the creatures that live there. This is a really good children's book, and the only problem I had with it is that all humans are demonized. There is no distinction made between poachers and those who hunt for food. I have always wanted visit Australia, even though some things about Australia terrify me, for example, killer spiders. I actually used to watch the Dot movies when I was a kid. I had no idea that it was based on this book until I was looking for books to read for the Challenges. I'm really glad I found it!