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Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated The Astonishing Color of After in Books
Apr 27, 2018
*some minor spoilers
I was compelled to finish this book, despite not loving it... and There were some things about this book that really irritated me.
First, I really didn't like the characters. Kinda hard to love the book when you don't like the characters.
The mom, Dory, I could relate to. Depression is a dangerous disease that steals your body and your life.
The dad was a horrible person... rude, disrespectful, unthoughtful, and uncaring about his daughter and her passions. Maybe I'm biased because I love art, but who in their right mind tells their kid to stop doing art.
And then, at the end, when suddenly he is encouraging her that she has a gift and that her mom would be proud? Like, okay, mom dies and suddenly you're not an asshole anymore? What?
There were a lot of flashbacks, and memories, and not a whole lot of plot. I think it could have been spread better. There were whole sections where she was just having flashbacks and it was annoying.
The romance aspect was somewhat uncomfortable... like it was too much of a struggle for Pan to write it. It didn't flow well. Maybe that was the point. To be awkward.
It got a little better near the end and I was like : (insert "now kiss" meme here)
I kind of expected Phon (spelling? I listened to the audiobook) to be her aunt, so that wasn't much of a surprise. But the reveal was fun and clever.
The writing was beautiful, and the color aspect was interesting. Like I said, I felt compelled to finish it, but I found myself irritated while I was listening.
I did relate to the author's note about re-writing her novel multiple times though...
And the end of the book felt good... I had a feeling all Lee's visions would become her final series of art, and I'm happy with it.
Recommend to ages 13+. Very little language.
I was compelled to finish this book, despite not loving it... and There were some things about this book that really irritated me.
First, I really didn't like the characters. Kinda hard to love the book when you don't like the characters.
The mom, Dory, I could relate to. Depression is a dangerous disease that steals your body and your life.
The dad was a horrible person... rude, disrespectful, unthoughtful, and uncaring about his daughter and her passions. Maybe I'm biased because I love art, but who in their right mind tells their kid to stop doing art.
And then, at the end, when suddenly he is encouraging her that she has a gift and that her mom would be proud? Like, okay, mom dies and suddenly you're not an asshole anymore? What?
There were a lot of flashbacks, and memories, and not a whole lot of plot. I think it could have been spread better. There were whole sections where she was just having flashbacks and it was annoying.
The romance aspect was somewhat uncomfortable... like it was too much of a struggle for Pan to write it. It didn't flow well. Maybe that was the point. To be awkward.
It got a little better near the end and I was like : (insert "now kiss" meme here)
I kind of expected Phon (spelling? I listened to the audiobook) to be her aunt, so that wasn't much of a surprise. But the reveal was fun and clever.
The writing was beautiful, and the color aspect was interesting. Like I said, I felt compelled to finish it, but I found myself irritated while I was listening.
I did relate to the author's note about re-writing her novel multiple times though...
And the end of the book felt good... I had a feeling all Lee's visions would become her final series of art, and I'm happy with it.
Recommend to ages 13+. Very little language.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Moon Called in Books
Jan 18, 2018
Thank you, Patricia Briggs for proving to me that there is still some amazing urban fantasy/paranormal fiction out there. I am so used to reading paranormal romance that I was actually pleasantly surprised that I became so completely wrapped up in the plotline that I didn’t even notice the lack of sex scenes and romance.
There are so many things to love about this novel. From the fantastic world the Briggs creates to the even more interesting characters that fill the pages. Briggs took the time to explain the world just enough for us to understand the races and world without making us bored from over description. There were some things that I felt Briggs could have left out bit what’s a little background info?
I also enjoyed that Briggs’ female protagonist, Mercy, was not the stereotypical lead. She was smart enough to take care of herself and keep herself out of trouble, or call people who could. In no way was she kind of woman who, while enjoying her independence, thought she was a superwoman who could take on anything and everything by herself and come out on top. I loved her sarcasm without the bitchiness and her wit without the “know it all” attitude.
It wasn’t just Mercy that made the storyline interesting, it was all the characters. I found myself interested in all the characters from different races that befriended or aided her, not to mention the entire werewolf pack.
I do have one complaint about this the novel, but it has more to do with Briggs than the story. While the storyline was intriguing and kept me turning the pages, Briggs writing style irked me. At times, it felt dry and I was just reading words. Briggs also liked to throw in random words that I had never heard of in my life. I am a fairly intelligent girl and I know me some vocabulary, but I had no idea where Briggs pulled these words from. At least they were easy to figure out from context clues.
There are so many things to love about this novel. From the fantastic world the Briggs creates to the even more interesting characters that fill the pages. Briggs took the time to explain the world just enough for us to understand the races and world without making us bored from over description. There were some things that I felt Briggs could have left out bit what’s a little background info?
I also enjoyed that Briggs’ female protagonist, Mercy, was not the stereotypical lead. She was smart enough to take care of herself and keep herself out of trouble, or call people who could. In no way was she kind of woman who, while enjoying her independence, thought she was a superwoman who could take on anything and everything by herself and come out on top. I loved her sarcasm without the bitchiness and her wit without the “know it all” attitude.
It wasn’t just Mercy that made the storyline interesting, it was all the characters. I found myself interested in all the characters from different races that befriended or aided her, not to mention the entire werewolf pack.
I do have one complaint about this the novel, but it has more to do with Briggs than the story. While the storyline was intriguing and kept me turning the pages, Briggs writing style irked me. At times, it felt dry and I was just reading words. Briggs also liked to throw in random words that I had never heard of in my life. I am a fairly intelligent girl and I know me some vocabulary, but I had no idea where Briggs pulled these words from. At least they were easy to figure out from context clues.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Corralled (Blacktop Cowboys, #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
Cowboy rodeo erotica? You have my interest. From the moment I saw this book on goodreads bookswap, I could not wait to read it. I love me some erotica. Add some cowboys in the mix and I am happy as a clam. Until I read it.
Because I dont really have much to say about this book, here goes.
The good: the erotic scenes, the character development, the dialogue,
the writing
The bad: the plot (which bored me senseless), the favoritism
The ugly: the situation
While there is nothing actually wrong with the novel, I just could not get into it. James has a great easy style to read. The erotic scenes were great, some of the best I have read, especially when dealing with such an awkward situation. And oh was it awkward. The dialogue was realistic and had me not only laughing, but cringing as well. The characters and the emotions were also very believable. I found myself becoming attached to them
The plot seemed a little lackluster, however. I will gave James points for having one of the few erotic novels with a well developed plot in the first place. As I said before, however, it was just not a story I was interested in. It was clear from the beginning who the lead female was going to end up with. I dont think James did it on purpose, but her clear favoritism for one man over the other was apparent from the beginning.
This was not an easy book to read in the first place due to the circumstances of the love triangle. All of the ménage a trios novels I have read before, the couples were into it as a threesome. In this novel, two men are vying the attention and love of one woman. It was awkward at best, especially since the men were childhood friends.
Because I dont really have much to say about this book, here goes.
The good: the erotic scenes, the character development, the dialogue,
the writing
The bad: the plot (which bored me senseless), the favoritism
The ugly: the situation
While there is nothing actually wrong with the novel, I just could not get into it. James has a great easy style to read. The erotic scenes were great, some of the best I have read, especially when dealing with such an awkward situation. And oh was it awkward. The dialogue was realistic and had me not only laughing, but cringing as well. The characters and the emotions were also very believable. I found myself becoming attached to them
The plot seemed a little lackluster, however. I will gave James points for having one of the few erotic novels with a well developed plot in the first place. As I said before, however, it was just not a story I was interested in. It was clear from the beginning who the lead female was going to end up with. I dont think James did it on purpose, but her clear favoritism for one man over the other was apparent from the beginning.
This was not an easy book to read in the first place due to the circumstances of the love triangle. All of the ménage a trios novels I have read before, the couples were into it as a threesome. In this novel, two men are vying the attention and love of one woman. It was awkward at best, especially since the men were childhood friends.
Jessica - Where the Book Ends (15 KP) rated One to Keep (One to Hold, #2) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
Tia Louise has done it again! One To Keep is the perfect follow up of One To Hold, but it shows you things from another perspective; a man's. I loved this book, because although it did rehash some of the scenes from One To Hold it did show it from a different side.
The characters were very well developed in this book, and I felt like I really got a chance to know and understand Elaine and Patrick. They were great supporting characters, but Tia in her amazing storytelling abilities took Patrick and Elaine from supporting roles to main characters, and I instantly fell in love with them. We were also introduced to a couple new character, one I loved the other I loved to hate!
Kenny was a fabulous addition to this book, and I hope I get to see more of her. I loved her style and the way her personality played so well off of Patrick's. She's a very interesting character whom I wasn't expecting. She kind of just blindsided me with her awesomeness. Star/Toni was my love to hate character. I loved the way she came into the picture, but hated the torment she put Patrick through.
As per usual Tia Louise writing style, the characters and drama was hot, but the sex scenes were even hotter! I am so glad to have finally found an author that isn't afraid to get down to the nitty gritty and have a sex scene just be raw and call things what they really are.
Over all this book gets 4 stars and two thumbs up in my opinion! I can't wait to read more from Tia Louise! She is a great new writer that is really going to make a name for herself. I expect some great things in her future!
***This book was provided as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
The characters were very well developed in this book, and I felt like I really got a chance to know and understand Elaine and Patrick. They were great supporting characters, but Tia in her amazing storytelling abilities took Patrick and Elaine from supporting roles to main characters, and I instantly fell in love with them. We were also introduced to a couple new character, one I loved the other I loved to hate!
Kenny was a fabulous addition to this book, and I hope I get to see more of her. I loved her style and the way her personality played so well off of Patrick's. She's a very interesting character whom I wasn't expecting. She kind of just blindsided me with her awesomeness. Star/Toni was my love to hate character. I loved the way she came into the picture, but hated the torment she put Patrick through.
As per usual Tia Louise writing style, the characters and drama was hot, but the sex scenes were even hotter! I am so glad to have finally found an author that isn't afraid to get down to the nitty gritty and have a sex scene just be raw and call things what they really are.
Over all this book gets 4 stars and two thumbs up in my opinion! I can't wait to read more from Tia Louise! She is a great new writer that is really going to make a name for herself. I expect some great things in her future!
***This book was provided as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
Bobby Gillespie recommended Power Corruption & Lies by New Order in Music (curated)
Lindsay (1760 KP) rated I Love You Daddy in Books
Jun 13, 2021
I found a book about a father and daughter relationship. It is a good one; It shows how father and daughter relationships change as the daughter grows up. It shows the father being patient and encouraging, and supporting the daughter.
This book hit a tender spot with me. It reminds me of what I missed from my dad growing up. However, I have a better relationship now than I did growing up. I missed that from my dad. This book shows those parenting tips; I do see the personal story behind this book. The dad and the daughter can transpire swapped out for your child or the child's father. There are some excellent tips in the back of the book for the father.
The book does teach children some life lessons and what the relationship is between father and daughter. Remember parents that daughters will look at their dad or father as their first male relationship as they grow up and look for that in a male partner when they grow up.
So dad out there, be careful what you teach your daughter as they grow up. If you are a good model or a wrong model, your daughter will see that and look for those in a partner later on in life. This book focuses on father and daughter and their relationship.
Great for fathers day and gifting it to dad and fathers to be. It is a resource for parents and fathers. It is also suitable for children. It's a book for daughter and father and building a relationship together.
This book hit a tender spot with me. It reminds me of what I missed from my dad growing up. However, I have a better relationship now than I did growing up. I missed that from my dad. This book shows those parenting tips; I do see the personal story behind this book. The dad and the daughter can transpire swapped out for your child or the child's father. There are some excellent tips in the back of the book for the father.
The book does teach children some life lessons and what the relationship is between father and daughter. Remember parents that daughters will look at their dad or father as their first male relationship as they grow up and look for that in a male partner when they grow up.
So dad out there, be careful what you teach your daughter as they grow up. If you are a good model or a wrong model, your daughter will see that and look for those in a partner later on in life. This book focuses on father and daughter and their relationship.
Great for fathers day and gifting it to dad and fathers to be. It is a resource for parents and fathers. It is also suitable for children. It's a book for daughter and father and building a relationship together.
Sarah (126 KP) rated Evil Genius in TV
Aug 14, 2018
I found the beginning of Evil Genius to be truly, jaw-droppingly astonishing. Being in the UK, I don't remember ever actually hearing about this taking place. Having never heard or read anything about the case - or read any "blurb" about the series - I was genuinely shocked when witnessing the footage of what happens to Brian Wells. I honestly expected that things would "fizzle out", he would walk away with the police and the investigation would begin from there. Unsurprisingly, I spent the next few minutes with my eyes wide open, my mouth agape at what I had just witnessed.
Sadly, the documentary seems to go downhill from there.
The narrator/interviewer isn't particularly engaging in his commentary.
The story is somewhat disjointed, going from story to story, from suspect to suspect, without any real sense of flowing or logic. As such, at times it can feel a bit like you lose track of where you are and what has gone on, particularly when a thread is dropped only to be picked up later on, with additional information introduced but no logic to the way it has been brought in.
As something that seems to be a truly one-off type of crime, this should be such compelling viewing. Instead, after the initial shock-factor, it really does seem to fizzle out very quickly, and the only thing that compels you to keep watching is to find out what happened - and even that is something of a let down, as not all information seems to be followed up or confirmed.
Overall, it is an extremely interesting story which, unfortunately, has been let down by the way in which it has been put together.
Sadly, the documentary seems to go downhill from there.
The narrator/interviewer isn't particularly engaging in his commentary.
The story is somewhat disjointed, going from story to story, from suspect to suspect, without any real sense of flowing or logic. As such, at times it can feel a bit like you lose track of where you are and what has gone on, particularly when a thread is dropped only to be picked up later on, with additional information introduced but no logic to the way it has been brought in.
As something that seems to be a truly one-off type of crime, this should be such compelling viewing. Instead, after the initial shock-factor, it really does seem to fizzle out very quickly, and the only thing that compels you to keep watching is to find out what happened - and even that is something of a let down, as not all information seems to be followed up or confirmed.
Overall, it is an extremely interesting story which, unfortunately, has been let down by the way in which it has been put together.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Husk in Video Games
Jun 19, 2019
Husk is a game with some great potential going in. The horror game is set in 1995 and involves a man with a questionable past taking the train home to his rural hometown of Shivercliff with his wife and teenage daughter along for the trip.
When the train derails and you are unable to find your family, players make their way into the small town to find it deserted with no signs of life anywhere.
There is a toxic fog about the town and soon strange creatures appear which forces players to look for keys, weapons, and other items of use in order to survive as they attempt to unravel the mystery, find your family, and escape.
The premise is compelling enough to take a look but sadly there are many issues with the game which really hamper the experience. I can overlook the dated graphics and the jerky controls and camera transitions, but the game made me feel like I was stuck in the 90s with the numerous glitches in the game. Keys would not be visible on a counter and I at times had to search wildly waiting to get the indicator that keys had been located.
Combat was very uninteresting as I had to simply flail about with a pipe at first without any real indication my blows were landing or doing damage until an enemy fell. I had hoped locating a pistol would make things a bit easier but once again the combat mechanics proved to be lacking.
If you do not mind bugs and glitches, dated graphics, and gameplay, then you will finds yourself entertained by Husk but for me the promising setup went away after the first hour or so of play and I found myself paying more attention to the numerous issues rather than the game.
http://sknr.net/2017/02/07/husk/
When the train derails and you are unable to find your family, players make their way into the small town to find it deserted with no signs of life anywhere.
There is a toxic fog about the town and soon strange creatures appear which forces players to look for keys, weapons, and other items of use in order to survive as they attempt to unravel the mystery, find your family, and escape.
The premise is compelling enough to take a look but sadly there are many issues with the game which really hamper the experience. I can overlook the dated graphics and the jerky controls and camera transitions, but the game made me feel like I was stuck in the 90s with the numerous glitches in the game. Keys would not be visible on a counter and I at times had to search wildly waiting to get the indicator that keys had been located.
Combat was very uninteresting as I had to simply flail about with a pipe at first without any real indication my blows were landing or doing damage until an enemy fell. I had hoped locating a pistol would make things a bit easier but once again the combat mechanics proved to be lacking.
If you do not mind bugs and glitches, dated graphics, and gameplay, then you will finds yourself entertained by Husk but for me the promising setup went away after the first hour or so of play and I found myself paying more attention to the numerous issues rather than the game.
http://sknr.net/2017/02/07/husk/
Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated Shadow Bound (Wraith, #2) in Books
Jan 23, 2020
Original Review Posted on <a href="http://bookwyrming-thoughts.blogspot.com/2013/03/review-shadow-bound-by-angel-lawson.html">Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
Original Rating: 4.5
<i><b>Disclaimer:</b> I received this book from the author for free in exchange for an honest review. The review is not influenced in any way.</i>
It's another one of those stories with a minor to majorly strange title in which the meanings of it are figured out with the following ways: a) woven throughout the pages and only reading will enlighten you, b) it's in the dictionary and it has a double meaning, which definitely isn't the typical definition you generally hear, or c) you simply never find out why.
Well, it's been a while since the situation with Evan and his family has passed. It's now summer vacation and it's been ghost-free for Jane and Connor for some time. At least for awhile. It's not along until another ghost comes along, and it's worse than Evan's situation.
I like how Shadow Bound is a different situation to both Jane and Connor than what they're used to. It's a bit more challenging for them, and we find out more about Jane's ability, which is different than what she thought it was. I'm surprised that Ruth was willing to help and warn Jane later; she seemed too lost to help, much less warn.
I'm confused a few times, especially a bit at the beginning, but overall, I found Shadow Bound better than Wraith in a way. I am hoping, however, that if there's ever a *insert one word spoiler*-sized ghost, both Jane and Connor have better luck, despite the tedious situation they'll be in.
Original Rating: 4.5
<i><b>Disclaimer:</b> I received this book from the author for free in exchange for an honest review. The review is not influenced in any way.</i>
It's another one of those stories with a minor to majorly strange title in which the meanings of it are figured out with the following ways: a) woven throughout the pages and only reading will enlighten you, b) it's in the dictionary and it has a double meaning, which definitely isn't the typical definition you generally hear, or c) you simply never find out why.
Well, it's been a while since the situation with Evan and his family has passed. It's now summer vacation and it's been ghost-free for Jane and Connor for some time. At least for awhile. It's not along until another ghost comes along, and it's worse than Evan's situation.
I like how Shadow Bound is a different situation to both Jane and Connor than what they're used to. It's a bit more challenging for them, and we find out more about Jane's ability, which is different than what she thought it was. I'm surprised that Ruth was willing to help and warn Jane later; she seemed too lost to help, much less warn.
I'm confused a few times, especially a bit at the beginning, but overall, I found Shadow Bound better than Wraith in a way. I am hoping, however, that if there's ever a *insert one word spoiler*-sized ghost, both Jane and Connor have better luck, despite the tedious situation they'll be in.