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Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated The Watcher in Books
Mar 15, 2018
My author Q&A is now live on my blog! Go check it out: http://bookbum.weebly.com/author-qas/qa-with-ross-armstrong-author-of-the-watcher
<i><b>...some lies, even errors and guesses, do turn out to be true.</i></b>
Stay clear of <b>most</b> the reviews on this book so far because I accidentally skimmed over them and got some stuff ruined! Ugh! I <i>promise</i> I won’t spoil anything in my review!
I really like Armstrong’s style of writing, this is <i>a fantastic debut.</i> It’s fast paced, witty and thrilling!
The plot was so intriguing and entertaining, which is why I don’t get why people found this so average on Goodreads! Yeah, maybe the plot has been done before, but that made this no less interesting or fun to read. There were certain aspects of the story that were easily predictable, but reading them unfold made up for the fact you could guess them beforehand.
Lily was a great character! She was really sweet but also incredibly funny! I found myself chuckling at the situations she got herself into and the little anecdotes she’d often share. It was really nice to have this down-to-earth character, who was pretty barmy, troubled and weird, but also happy and friendly to the reader and fictitious neighbours.
This was a really fun book to get carried away with, totally unputdownable! I’m certainly going to keep my eyes peeled for more of Armstrong’s writing in the future.
Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin UK for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
<i>p.s. I have an interview with Armstrong coming out on the 29th (the same day this is published), so please check that out on my blog! I'll link it when it's up :-)
<i><b>...some lies, even errors and guesses, do turn out to be true.</i></b>
Stay clear of <b>most</b> the reviews on this book so far because I accidentally skimmed over them and got some stuff ruined! Ugh! I <i>promise</i> I won’t spoil anything in my review!
I really like Armstrong’s style of writing, this is <i>a fantastic debut.</i> It’s fast paced, witty and thrilling!
The plot was so intriguing and entertaining, which is why I don’t get why people found this so average on Goodreads! Yeah, maybe the plot has been done before, but that made this no less interesting or fun to read. There were certain aspects of the story that were easily predictable, but reading them unfold made up for the fact you could guess them beforehand.
Lily was a great character! She was really sweet but also incredibly funny! I found myself chuckling at the situations she got herself into and the little anecdotes she’d often share. It was really nice to have this down-to-earth character, who was pretty barmy, troubled and weird, but also happy and friendly to the reader and fictitious neighbours.
This was a really fun book to get carried away with, totally unputdownable! I’m certainly going to keep my eyes peeled for more of Armstrong’s writing in the future.
Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin UK for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
<i>p.s. I have an interview with Armstrong coming out on the 29th (the same day this is published), so please check that out on my blog! I'll link it when it's up :-)
This book has a super interesting concept. With the days and nights both lasting fourteen years, you could say that I was intrigued to give this a read.
I actually received this book via a Goodreads giveaway, which was super cool!!
Back to the review. Even though the concept was interesting, I found it difficult to get attached to either the story line or even any of the characters. They did things that may have seemed motivated to certain people, but I didn't really get why.
I wish there was more of an in depth history as to why all of these things were happening. I found myself asking: Why does the day and night last so long? Why did the people come to the island of Bliss? Why is it called Bliss? How does the world even work? Why do the islanders only go to the dessert during the night time? Does the desert have night? Why are there people who stay in the desert, but not everyone?
I feel like a lot of these answers could have been explored more in the story, but were either only slightly glanced on only to have the characters brush it off or were not considered at all.
I have a lot of mixed feelings because even though it was a quick read with an interesting concept, it didn't leave me feeling anything. And though I may remember some of the plot points, they didn't strike me as particularly memorable in any way.
I enjoyed this book as I was reading it, which is good. I just wish we had gotten more of the why of everything that was happening.
I actually received this book via a Goodreads giveaway, which was super cool!!
Back to the review. Even though the concept was interesting, I found it difficult to get attached to either the story line or even any of the characters. They did things that may have seemed motivated to certain people, but I didn't really get why.
I wish there was more of an in depth history as to why all of these things were happening. I found myself asking: Why does the day and night last so long? Why did the people come to the island of Bliss? Why is it called Bliss? How does the world even work? Why do the islanders only go to the dessert during the night time? Does the desert have night? Why are there people who stay in the desert, but not everyone?
I feel like a lot of these answers could have been explored more in the story, but were either only slightly glanced on only to have the characters brush it off or were not considered at all.
I have a lot of mixed feelings because even though it was a quick read with an interesting concept, it didn't leave me feeling anything. And though I may remember some of the plot points, they didn't strike me as particularly memorable in any way.
I enjoyed this book as I was reading it, which is good. I just wish we had gotten more of the why of everything that was happening.
MelanieTheresa (997 KP) rated Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist in TV
Mar 10, 2020 (Updated Mar 10, 2020)
Surprisingly delightful!
Though I have loved musical TV shows in the past (Glee, Smash, etc.), I was very iffy about this show when I first heard about it, was still iffy as I was getting ready to record the first episode on my DVR. I've now watched 5 episodes, and I'm so glad I gave it a chance. It's completely different from everything else I'm currently watching - refreshingly so.
However, this is no lighthearted comedic musical show. No, this show hits you right in the heart with some absolutely gut-wrenching emotional numbers. They deal with some very heavy subject matter (suicide, debilitating neurological disease, depression) in a beautiful way, and I have found myself tearing up more than once in the first 5 episodes. The first time Zoey's dad sings to her? BAWLING. 😭
The beauty of this show, though, is in the switch from emotional/sad to happy/fun and back again. You know the songs. The humor is spot-on and will make you literally laugh out loud at times. The actors are all terrific, particularly Lauren Graham and Peter Gallagher - and I'll admit I don't think I knew that either one of them could sing prior to this. Jane Levy is adorable and the perfect actress for this role. Alex Newell, as Zoey's trans neighbor, Mo, is simultaneously hilarious and inspiring.
I truly hope NBC renews this show. I'm in for the long haul. 🎵
However, this is no lighthearted comedic musical show. No, this show hits you right in the heart with some absolutely gut-wrenching emotional numbers. They deal with some very heavy subject matter (suicide, debilitating neurological disease, depression) in a beautiful way, and I have found myself tearing up more than once in the first 5 episodes. The first time Zoey's dad sings to her? BAWLING. 😭
The beauty of this show, though, is in the switch from emotional/sad to happy/fun and back again. You know the songs. The humor is spot-on and will make you literally laugh out loud at times. The actors are all terrific, particularly Lauren Graham and Peter Gallagher - and I'll admit I don't think I knew that either one of them could sing prior to this. Jane Levy is adorable and the perfect actress for this role. Alex Newell, as Zoey's trans neighbor, Mo, is simultaneously hilarious and inspiring.
I truly hope NBC renews this show. I'm in for the long haul. 🎵
Kim Pook (101 KP) rated Child's Play (2019) in Movies
Apr 12, 2020
Very good remake
Contains spoilers, click to show
If you watch the movie with the intention to compare it to the original, chances are you won't like it. This is exactly what I did upon first putting the movie on, when it first showed the ibuddy doll I almost immediately turned it off, I mean come on that is NOT how a good guy doll should look. Instead I stopped trying to compare, took it for what it was and ended up enjoying it. The storyline is completely different to original child's play. instead of a murderers soul trapped in a doll trying to find another human to transfer into, it is essentially a smart doll which goes haywire trying to keep Andy for himself. However, for a doll I found it funny that Andy could have conversations with him like he really was human and he thought nothing of it. I don't know about you but if a toy started understanding and communicating with me I would freak out! Anyway, this aside I really enjoyed the movie, the humour was spot on (I laughed way too hard when chucky presented Andy with his mums boyfriends face as a present, including a bow 😂😂), the death scenes were good and gory and acting was great. OK so it wasn't Brad douriff but tear yourself away from the original and you've got a pretty decent slasher.
Joe Goodhart (27 KP) rated The Zodiac Paradox (Fringe, #1) in Books
Nov 30, 2020
My wife and I were late bloomers, getting into the show as it entered its 5th, and final season. We "binge watched" on Netflix, getting caught up, and then left with a craving for more after series ended. Enter 'Fringe: The Zodiac Paradox', the 1st in Christa Faust's trilogy that serves as prequels for the the three main characters: Walter and Peter Bishop, as well as Olivia Dunham.
Reviewing a number of reviews on here, as well as via Amazon.com, I found complaints that Walter's characterization was more in-line with his character in the show, not the 1968 "scientist" version. And, yes, that is true enough, the story and dialogue were good enough that I could overlook that issue, in head, reworking his persona, as I read it.
I am probably biased, as I am fan of 'Fringe', as well as having an interest of sorts in stories involving the Zodiac Killer, but I liked the book. Is it perfect? No, but, as I am finding these days - in books, newspapers/magazines, and even scrolling text on TV, spelling, grammar, and/or syntax have gone the way of the dinosaur! The errors were minimal, at worse, and the only character that appeared "off" was Walter. None of that, though, affected my appreciation of the story.
If you are looking for a good fix to fill your 'Fringe' void, you could do a heckuva lot worse. Try it, I think you may surprise yourself..
Reviewing a number of reviews on here, as well as via Amazon.com, I found complaints that Walter's characterization was more in-line with his character in the show, not the 1968 "scientist" version. And, yes, that is true enough, the story and dialogue were good enough that I could overlook that issue, in head, reworking his persona, as I read it.
I am probably biased, as I am fan of 'Fringe', as well as having an interest of sorts in stories involving the Zodiac Killer, but I liked the book. Is it perfect? No, but, as I am finding these days - in books, newspapers/magazines, and even scrolling text on TV, spelling, grammar, and/or syntax have gone the way of the dinosaur! The errors were minimal, at worse, and the only character that appeared "off" was Walter. None of that, though, affected my appreciation of the story.
If you are looking for a good fix to fill your 'Fringe' void, you could do a heckuva lot worse. Try it, I think you may surprise yourself..
Merissa (13952 KP) rated Cash (Ruthless Daddies #6) in Books
Aug 17, 2022
Sweet as candy with no 'damsels' in distress to be found.
CASH is part of the Ruthless Daddies series but is the first one I have read so, obviously, you don't have to have read the series to read this. Now, I really want to, though, as I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Brick was a brilliant character - Mr Normal compared to Jules being the Mob-man - but that doesn't mean he will take any attitude and, if you come at him, you'd better knock him out or he will finish the job. I loved how he Macgyvered his way out of things. No shrinking violet or damsel in distress, this one. Jules was besotted and caring, everything a Daddy should be. Their relationship was natural and smooth, and oh-so-caring.
The storyline with what was missing, the murders, the attempted murders, the threats - it all worked. I could follow along completely without having read any of the others. The secondary characters really helped to flesh this out, although I would have enjoyed Brick meeting Rowena!
All in all, this was a great read to a series I want to read more of! Definitely recommended if you want a sweet as candy story.
** 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!
Brick was a brilliant character - Mr Normal compared to Jules being the Mob-man - but that doesn't mean he will take any attitude and, if you come at him, you'd better knock him out or he will finish the job. I loved how he Macgyvered his way out of things. No shrinking violet or damsel in distress, this one. Jules was besotted and caring, everything a Daddy should be. Their relationship was natural and smooth, and oh-so-caring.
The storyline with what was missing, the murders, the attempted murders, the threats - it all worked. I could follow along completely without having read any of the others. The secondary characters really helped to flesh this out, although I would have enjoyed Brick meeting Rowena!
All in all, this was a great read to a series I want to read more of! Definitely recommended if you want a sweet as candy story.
** 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!
Alanna (227 KP) rated Kingdom Hearts III in Video Games
Feb 19, 2019 (Updated Feb 19, 2019)
Story (1 more)
Worlds feel bigger
Kingdom Hearts 2 was better imo (3 more)
The theme park mechanic is not very interesting
Too many/Too long cutscenes
No Final Fantasy characters
As someone who has played 3 of the previous games I was isanely excited to play this game. Unfortunately, I was quite disappointed. The game does not hold a candle to the second game.
One aspect that made the previous game great is that each enemy had timed reaction attacks that made each and every battle special. For example waiting for one if the organisation's weapon to drop so that you could use it. In this version it felt like a lot more button mashing or using the triangle reactions (which were given out too often) made this an easy game to finish. I only ever found one boss that needed more strategy.
I get that it's a game for all ages, new fans and old but I became annoyed at the cutscenes repeating the information from the last games when there is a theatre in the main menu telling you about the previous games. I found myself becoming impatient during the cutscenes wishing that they would hurry up with the new plot.
I feel like the voicing acting or the pacing of the scenes was slow and unnatural. I really disliked it this time around.
This is more of a personal issue but I was quite upset that they got rid of the final fantasy characters as well. I wouldn't have minded that they were not in any of the cutscenes but at least let them walk around their respective worlds
Otherwise, it is a visually stunning game and I have to applaud Square Enix for their Pirates of the Caribbean world which is my favourite.
If it's your first KH game then I would definitely recommend playing but I believe that KH 2 is better.
One aspect that made the previous game great is that each enemy had timed reaction attacks that made each and every battle special. For example waiting for one if the organisation's weapon to drop so that you could use it. In this version it felt like a lot more button mashing or using the triangle reactions (which were given out too often) made this an easy game to finish. I only ever found one boss that needed more strategy.
I get that it's a game for all ages, new fans and old but I became annoyed at the cutscenes repeating the information from the last games when there is a theatre in the main menu telling you about the previous games. I found myself becoming impatient during the cutscenes wishing that they would hurry up with the new plot.
I feel like the voicing acting or the pacing of the scenes was slow and unnatural. I really disliked it this time around.
This is more of a personal issue but I was quite upset that they got rid of the final fantasy characters as well. I wouldn't have minded that they were not in any of the cutscenes but at least let them walk around their respective worlds
Otherwise, it is a visually stunning game and I have to applaud Square Enix for their Pirates of the Caribbean world which is my favourite.
If it's your first KH game then I would definitely recommend playing but I believe that KH 2 is better.
Neon's Nerd Nexus (360 KP) created a post
Apr 6, 2020
ClareR (6134 KP) rated Brothersong in Books
Apr 21, 2025
I have loved this whole series, and the finale to the Green Creek quadrilogy (I think that’s a word!) is no exception. There’s the content that I’ve come to love this series for: family (both genetic and found), love, friendship, acceptance, excitement, fear, joy - and a happy ending. That’s something that the inhabitants of Green Creek deserve, after all.
Whatever will I do without this series? Other than go back to the beginning and start again, of course. Because that’s a perfectly acceptable thing to do, isn’t it!
Look, I know this might seem like a very uncharacteristic series for me to get caught up in, but sometimes life throws curveballs that you need to find some escape from. And TJ Klune just does that for me. These books are my shut-the-world-out books. The goodies are good, decent people, and the baddies get their just desserts. Nothing wrong with that at all. Read what makes you happy, read what makes you feel better informed, read what educates you, read what snatches you up into another world you’d never otherwise experience (my favourite kind of books, incidentally).
This series really should be read in order, so I’m giving you permission to go and buy all four books or borrow them from your library, OK?
Whatever will I do without this series? Other than go back to the beginning and start again, of course. Because that’s a perfectly acceptable thing to do, isn’t it!
Look, I know this might seem like a very uncharacteristic series for me to get caught up in, but sometimes life throws curveballs that you need to find some escape from. And TJ Klune just does that for me. These books are my shut-the-world-out books. The goodies are good, decent people, and the baddies get their just desserts. Nothing wrong with that at all. Read what makes you happy, read what makes you feel better informed, read what educates you, read what snatches you up into another world you’d never otherwise experience (my favourite kind of books, incidentally).
This series really should be read in order, so I’m giving you permission to go and buy all four books or borrow them from your library, OK?
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Lost and Found in Books
Jan 27, 2020
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card is one of my favorite books. Being offered the opportunity to read his latest, Lost and Found, is an honor and privilege. I know I am supposed to be unbiased when doing reviews but it was difficult in this case.
Lost and Found is not long, less than 300 pages, and flows wells so it is a quick read. In it, we are introduced to Ezekiel Blast who has a gift for finding lost items. He feels compelled to return his finds. Instead of being thanked, people accuse him of taking the items in the first place. He is friendless and an outcast until a girl walks up to him and asks "Are you really a thief?
This story is charming and engaging. The well-developed characters are endearing. It is being marketed as SciFi and Fantasy as well as Teen and Young Adult. I agree it is a Teen/YA book but, if anything, it is light SciFi and Fantasy. People who do not usually read SciFi and Fantasy will enjoy this story.
I believe I gave an unbiased opinion on this story especially since it is not a typical SciFi and Fantasy book.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 1/27/20.
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card is one of my favorite books. Being offered the opportunity to read his latest, Lost and Found, is an honor and privilege. I know I am supposed to be unbiased when doing reviews but it was difficult in this case.
Lost and Found is not long, less than 300 pages, and flows wells so it is a quick read. In it, we are introduced to Ezekiel Blast who has a gift for finding lost items. He feels compelled to return his finds. Instead of being thanked, people accuse him of taking the items in the first place. He is friendless and an outcast until a girl walks up to him and asks "Are you really a thief?
This story is charming and engaging. The well-developed characters are endearing. It is being marketed as SciFi and Fantasy as well as Teen and Young Adult. I agree it is a Teen/YA book but, if anything, it is light SciFi and Fantasy. People who do not usually read SciFi and Fantasy will enjoy this story.
I believe I gave an unbiased opinion on this story especially since it is not a typical SciFi and Fantasy book.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 1/27/20.