Search
Search results
Kevin Wilson (179 KP) rated Amazon Fire TV Stick in Tech
Aug 16, 2018
Perfect if you have an amazing prime subscription (3 more)
Can sideload many apps not in store
Good price, there are often discounts if you look around
Easy to use remote and the device itself is easy
OS can feel clunky and slow at times (1 more)
Lack of ports
Great for the price
I have had this device for a while now and it's a decent little piece of tech. I say little because it is.
It's portable and is just a dongle that plugs into your HDMI port. It has 1 port for the plug and that's it and that's where I found myself a little disappointed almost immediately. There are no usb ports whatsoever. If you want usb your going to have to find an accessory somewhere to add them. This means no external hard drive, no mouse or keyboard and I was disappointed in that considering the stick has very small storage space.
The stick uses Amazon's fire OS and if you don't have Amazon prime the home screen will be just pointless as it advertises all the movies and TV you can watch through it. I don't have a subscription so it all just felt in the way. I'd have loved the Android TV OS more which is a lot more snappier but can't blame Amazon for using their own. It's just a shame their OS feels clunk and slow and times when trying to navigate.
This has all the apps you need for your streaming wether it be Netflix or prime. However I didn't see a good YouTube app on the Amazon store which was weird. But if you download the downloader app you can sideload different apps not in the store like Kodi.
The remote feels good. It's Bluetooth so doesn't need to be pointed at the device. It is easy to use, it's simple and I have the 2nd gen which includes voice control but without prime I find no use for this.
I do complain about the clunkiness of the OS and I've had a few apps restart but streaming feels smooth. For the money which I paid about £25 for in a sale, i can't really argue. This isn't the best device you can get. In no way does it compete with a device like Nvidia Shield but it is worth getting if you just want a couple of simple apps to stream. I basically mainly use 1 which makes the whole thing worthwhile.
If you want a capable device for good price then I can recommend this. Don't expect the greatest thing ever. There are loads of better devices out there but if you get this cheap in a sale then pick it up especially if your not too bothered about 4k.
It's portable and is just a dongle that plugs into your HDMI port. It has 1 port for the plug and that's it and that's where I found myself a little disappointed almost immediately. There are no usb ports whatsoever. If you want usb your going to have to find an accessory somewhere to add them. This means no external hard drive, no mouse or keyboard and I was disappointed in that considering the stick has very small storage space.
The stick uses Amazon's fire OS and if you don't have Amazon prime the home screen will be just pointless as it advertises all the movies and TV you can watch through it. I don't have a subscription so it all just felt in the way. I'd have loved the Android TV OS more which is a lot more snappier but can't blame Amazon for using their own. It's just a shame their OS feels clunk and slow and times when trying to navigate.
This has all the apps you need for your streaming wether it be Netflix or prime. However I didn't see a good YouTube app on the Amazon store which was weird. But if you download the downloader app you can sideload different apps not in the store like Kodi.
The remote feels good. It's Bluetooth so doesn't need to be pointed at the device. It is easy to use, it's simple and I have the 2nd gen which includes voice control but without prime I find no use for this.
I do complain about the clunkiness of the OS and I've had a few apps restart but streaming feels smooth. For the money which I paid about £25 for in a sale, i can't really argue. This isn't the best device you can get. In no way does it compete with a device like Nvidia Shield but it is worth getting if you just want a couple of simple apps to stream. I basically mainly use 1 which makes the whole thing worthwhile.
If you want a capable device for good price then I can recommend this. Don't expect the greatest thing ever. There are loads of better devices out there but if you get this cheap in a sale then pick it up especially if your not too bothered about 4k.
easy recipes using normal, every-day ingredients you would have in your house
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
Since I am hypoglycemic, I am always looking for new low-carb recipes. The New 500 Low-Carb Recipes: 500 Updated Recipes for Doing Low-Carb Better and More Deliciously by Dana Carpender was just the book I was looking for. There were several recipes that I wanted to try immediately. Some of them include: Skillet Chicken Florentine, Lo-Carl Clam Chowder, Polynesian Pork, Country Sausage Skillet Supper, Teriyaki Steak, Green Bean Spaghetti, Skillet Stroganoff, Ellen's Noodleless Lasagne, Parmesan Shrimp, Cheese Grits, and Shrimp Alfredo. I tried to narrow it down to my favorite 5 recipes but I struggled narrowing down to just 10.
My favorite is "Joe". It is a one-dish skillet supper with ground chuck, frozen spinach, onions, garlic, and eggs.
I do not enjoy cooking but I do it. I prefer someone else to cook for me or to go out to eat. However, these recipes were easy enough for me to make and do not use a lot of ingredients. They also often use normal, every-day ingredients you would have in your house. I found that to be extremely helpful because I really do not like when I have to buy an ingredient that I would probably not use again.
Review published on Philomathinphila.com, Smashbomb, Goodreads, Twitter, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble on 2/23/19.
Since I am hypoglycemic, I am always looking for new low-carb recipes. The New 500 Low-Carb Recipes: 500 Updated Recipes for Doing Low-Carb Better and More Deliciously by Dana Carpender was just the book I was looking for. There were several recipes that I wanted to try immediately. Some of them include: Skillet Chicken Florentine, Lo-Carl Clam Chowder, Polynesian Pork, Country Sausage Skillet Supper, Teriyaki Steak, Green Bean Spaghetti, Skillet Stroganoff, Ellen's Noodleless Lasagne, Parmesan Shrimp, Cheese Grits, and Shrimp Alfredo. I tried to narrow it down to my favorite 5 recipes but I struggled narrowing down to just 10.
My favorite is "Joe". It is a one-dish skillet supper with ground chuck, frozen spinach, onions, garlic, and eggs.
I do not enjoy cooking but I do it. I prefer someone else to cook for me or to go out to eat. However, these recipes were easy enough for me to make and do not use a lot of ingredients. They also often use normal, every-day ingredients you would have in your house. I found that to be extremely helpful because I really do not like when I have to buy an ingredient that I would probably not use again.
Review published on Philomathinphila.com, Smashbomb, Goodreads, Twitter, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble on 2/23/19.
Having read and enjoyed Lesley's previous two books, The Rumour and Who Did You Tell?, I jumped at the chance to read this, her latest outing and, once again, I wasn't disappointed.
The Dare is an enthralling read where you can literally feel the tension building as the story unfolds. I was absolutely immersed from start to finish in the story of Lizzie and her best friend, Alice from both the "then" and "now" perspectives - this may sound confusing but, believe me, it's not.
After the accident that killed her best friend 12 years ago, Lizzie is trying to rebuild her life; she is engaged to be married to a GP, her epilepsy is under control and she is thinking of going to university however, things start to happen that quickly threaten that happiness.
The Dare is a slow-burner, that builds in tension, intrigue and suspense. I found it riveting and hard to stop reading and I would certainly recommend to people who enjoy an excellent psychological thriller with an enthralling plot and great twists.
Thank you to Random House UK, Transworld Publishers and NetGalley for my advance copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
The Dare is an enthralling read where you can literally feel the tension building as the story unfolds. I was absolutely immersed from start to finish in the story of Lizzie and her best friend, Alice from both the "then" and "now" perspectives - this may sound confusing but, believe me, it's not.
After the accident that killed her best friend 12 years ago, Lizzie is trying to rebuild her life; she is engaged to be married to a GP, her epilepsy is under control and she is thinking of going to university however, things start to happen that quickly threaten that happiness.
The Dare is a slow-burner, that builds in tension, intrigue and suspense. I found it riveting and hard to stop reading and I would certainly recommend to people who enjoy an excellent psychological thriller with an enthralling plot and great twists.
Thank you to Random House UK, Transworld Publishers and NetGalley for my advance copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Merissa (12030 KP) rated The Secrets We Keep in Books
Sep 26, 2019
The Secrets We Keep is a story that deals with the aftermath of suicide, with the addition of a May-to-December couple of main characters. This is NOT a light read. It is somber and full of reflection.
That side of the story is really well written. The emotions that pour off each page with make you stop and think. However, for me, I found it overshadowed the romance side of things. I didn't really feel a connection between our main two. There was no build up to them individually, rather just a carry on from the feelings they were dealing with regarding Lacy. There is an epilogue with them, so you do get something, it just didn't exactly work for me.
The writing, though, is wonderful, and there were no mistakes that disrupted my reading. The story is a great one, and the pacing is smooth. The characters themselves will interest and intrigue you. I have no hesitation in recommending this book!
* 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!
That side of the story is really well written. The emotions that pour off each page with make you stop and think. However, for me, I found it overshadowed the romance side of things. I didn't really feel a connection between our main two. There was no build up to them individually, rather just a carry on from the feelings they were dealing with regarding Lacy. There is an epilogue with them, so you do get something, it just didn't exactly work for me.
The writing, though, is wonderful, and there were no mistakes that disrupted my reading. The story is a great one, and the pacing is smooth. The characters themselves will interest and intrigue you. I have no hesitation in recommending this book!
* 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!
Kawaii Doodle Class by Zainab Khan is an illustrated step-by-step resource guide on how to draw smiley lumps that look like food, animals, objects, holiday themes, and monsters. As down-putting as that may sound, it’s really quite useful, dainty, and, yes, cute.
The book starts with a list of tools and essentials what you can use to have a go with but so long as you have at least a pen or pencil with some paper to hand you can try some sketches from the off. The book pages are set with cute borders alike clouds, in pastel and deeper blue against the plain white background on which the drawing tips and demonstration step by step images sit on.
You don’t need to be an amazing artist to be able to use this book as everything is super simple to follow, I personally loved the flower designs best and there’s a handy way to draw a rose I found useful!
I received this Quarto Publishing Group and Race Point Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The book starts with a list of tools and essentials what you can use to have a go with but so long as you have at least a pen or pencil with some paper to hand you can try some sketches from the off. The book pages are set with cute borders alike clouds, in pastel and deeper blue against the plain white background on which the drawing tips and demonstration step by step images sit on.
You don’t need to be an amazing artist to be able to use this book as everything is super simple to follow, I personally loved the flower designs best and there’s a handy way to draw a rose I found useful!
I received this Quarto Publishing Group and Race Point Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Sean Lennon recommended The Inner Mounting Flame by Mahavishnu Orchestra in Music (curated)
Merissa (12030 KP) rated Good Golly Miss Molly in Books
Apr 26, 2022 (Updated Jun 24, 2023)
GOOD GOLLY MISS MOLLY is the prequel novella to the Mystic Beach series. If you're looking for a short, steamy, and intriguing story, then congratulations! Because that's what you've found.
The story focuses on Molly and Logan, two people who live in Mystic Beach but, for their own reasons, thought they'd never find someone to be with. Sometimes, giving in to doughnuts rewards you in ways you never imagined!
You also get hints and teasers about other characters, as well as the magic Mystic Beach may have. All in all, this was a quick read that has completely whetted my appetite for more! Looking forward to reading Once Upon a Dream which is due for release this summer. Until then, I definitely recommend you get your mitts on this prequel.
** 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!
Apr 26, 2022
The story focuses on Molly and Logan, two people who live in Mystic Beach but, for their own reasons, thought they'd never find someone to be with. Sometimes, giving in to doughnuts rewards you in ways you never imagined!
You also get hints and teasers about other characters, as well as the magic Mystic Beach may have. All in all, this was a quick read that has completely whetted my appetite for more! Looking forward to reading Once Upon a Dream which is due for release this summer. Until then, I definitely recommend you get your mitts on this prequel.
** 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!
Apr 26, 2022
Marylegs (44 KP) rated The Kite Runner in Books
Aug 14, 2019
Well, what to say about this book. I am the sort of reader who doesn’t really look at reviews until after I have finished a book. I find otherwise my opinion gets foggy with everyone else’s comments, that or people don’t know how to resist putting in spoilers which they then do not declare. Personally, I enjoyed the book, I want to say I liked it more than I did, I think because I found it thought provoking. I have to say I guessed the majority of the plot twists long before they happened, but there were a few surprises which I always appreciate.
When I give a star rating, I following the guideline comments as well as comparing how much I liked it compared to similar books. Now the trouble I’m having is I don’t normally read books like this, so I don’t really have anything to compare it with. I feel I can’t give it 4 or 5 stars, even though it may deserve them, just because I didn’t finish the book and feel… for want of a better word ‘wowed’. When I give 4 or 5 stars it is because I finish the book and can’t stop thinking about it, that I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who asked and that I will definitely read again. I just can’t say I felt like that about this book.
But, what I did like was, for me the chance to read something so different to my preferred reading genres. I personally liked that it was written in such a way that that you were unsure whether you were meant to like the narrator and main character Amir. That I felt for him, but also I wanted him to grow a backbone and stand up for what is right. I thought the book could have flowed better as I enjoyed the beginning and the ending, but felt it lost something in the middle. That the pace just completely dropped into nowhere. I think that it is likely that there are many inaccuracies (historically) within this book, but it is a work or fiction, not a true account of events. I enjoyed the journey, and I would probably read other books by the same author.
When I give a star rating, I following the guideline comments as well as comparing how much I liked it compared to similar books. Now the trouble I’m having is I don’t normally read books like this, so I don’t really have anything to compare it with. I feel I can’t give it 4 or 5 stars, even though it may deserve them, just because I didn’t finish the book and feel… for want of a better word ‘wowed’. When I give 4 or 5 stars it is because I finish the book and can’t stop thinking about it, that I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who asked and that I will definitely read again. I just can’t say I felt like that about this book.
But, what I did like was, for me the chance to read something so different to my preferred reading genres. I personally liked that it was written in such a way that that you were unsure whether you were meant to like the narrator and main character Amir. That I felt for him, but also I wanted him to grow a backbone and stand up for what is right. I thought the book could have flowed better as I enjoyed the beginning and the ending, but felt it lost something in the middle. That the pace just completely dropped into nowhere. I think that it is likely that there are many inaccuracies (historically) within this book, but it is a work or fiction, not a true account of events. I enjoyed the journey, and I would probably read other books by the same author.
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
What would you do if you found out you were the latest in a long line of protectors, sworn to secrecy and to uphold the world as we know it from demonic harm? And you learn all this while still a child. That's what happens in this story, and it's a pretty epic one.
Neil Branch is just a boy one minute, but after meeting a mysterious stranger, he learns that he is destined for far bigger things. He must learn what it means to be the Caomhnoir, the lore that goes with it, and how to protect the world without them every knowing there's something they need to be protected from. Neil becomes career military, and it's during his travels between the last few wars of our time that he picks up on Puck, the one he's meant to destroy. Throughout the novel, we travel back in time to WWII, Korea, and ultimately Vietnam, and we learn along the way how Neil came to be in this position. When the other shoe drops, how will the fight end?
I thought this story was a great trip through history with an awesome paranormal twist. I shared quite a few scenes with my boyfriend, and I found myself on the edge of my seat a few times. The historical aspects are fantastic, the characters are fun, and just the idea behind it is such an interesting one. I would recommend it to paranormal fans, history fans, military fans, and those who like a little world-saving before their afternoon tea. =)
4 1/2 stars
What would you do if you found out you were the latest in a long line of protectors, sworn to secrecy and to uphold the world as we know it from demonic harm? And you learn all this while still a child. That's what happens in this story, and it's a pretty epic one.
Neil Branch is just a boy one minute, but after meeting a mysterious stranger, he learns that he is destined for far bigger things. He must learn what it means to be the Caomhnoir, the lore that goes with it, and how to protect the world without them every knowing there's something they need to be protected from. Neil becomes career military, and it's during his travels between the last few wars of our time that he picks up on Puck, the one he's meant to destroy. Throughout the novel, we travel back in time to WWII, Korea, and ultimately Vietnam, and we learn along the way how Neil came to be in this position. When the other shoe drops, how will the fight end?
I thought this story was a great trip through history with an awesome paranormal twist. I shared quite a few scenes with my boyfriend, and I found myself on the edge of my seat a few times. The historical aspects are fantastic, the characters are fun, and just the idea behind it is such an interesting one. I would recommend it to paranormal fans, history fans, military fans, and those who like a little world-saving before their afternoon tea. =)
4 1/2 stars
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated The Innkeeper's Daughter (The Bow Street Runners #2) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
A story filled with intrigue, smugglers, ventriloquist, spies, romance, heartbreak, and a traitor. Travel back in time to 1808 in The Innkeepers Daughter.
This story has so many moving parts that you just want to keep reading to figure out WHAT IS GOING ON??? Also, there were several times our hero needed a good purse whomping. I absolutely LOVED this story. The romantic tension between Alex and Johanna...*whew*...And the climax of that tension in their kiss(es)...Make sure you keep a fainting couch nearby...and possible smelling salts.
The common thread throughout this story is all about giving over the control of our lives to God. It is easy to SAY that we trust God to see us through things...And yet we can still be found trying to fix all the little things that go wrong on our own...Trying to make it all better...in our own power. Instead of trusting for a door to open from God...we pry open the cellar door into destruction and chaos and say, "LOOK! I found a way!!! It isn't a GOOD way...but I did it ALL ON MY OWN!" Michelle Griep addresses the need to trust in our Lord so well. And it really rings true.
If you love a good romance that is clean and passionate, sprinkled with mystery and intrigue, this is definitely a book that you will enjoy!
I received a complimentary copy of The Innkeeper's Daughter from the publishers through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write an honest review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
This story has so many moving parts that you just want to keep reading to figure out WHAT IS GOING ON??? Also, there were several times our hero needed a good purse whomping. I absolutely LOVED this story. The romantic tension between Alex and Johanna...*whew*...And the climax of that tension in their kiss(es)...Make sure you keep a fainting couch nearby...and possible smelling salts.
The common thread throughout this story is all about giving over the control of our lives to God. It is easy to SAY that we trust God to see us through things...And yet we can still be found trying to fix all the little things that go wrong on our own...Trying to make it all better...in our own power. Instead of trusting for a door to open from God...we pry open the cellar door into destruction and chaos and say, "LOOK! I found a way!!! It isn't a GOOD way...but I did it ALL ON MY OWN!" Michelle Griep addresses the need to trust in our Lord so well. And it really rings true.
If you love a good romance that is clean and passionate, sprinkled with mystery and intrigue, this is definitely a book that you will enjoy!
I received a complimentary copy of The Innkeeper's Daughter from the publishers through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write an honest review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.