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Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Colours of Death in Books
Jun 20, 2021
This is not your usual crime fiction story but a mix of police procedural and science fiction.
I don't read a lot of supernatural books so this almost passed me by but I'm so glad I took a chance to read something a bit different because it's thoroughly absorbing and enjoyable.
With great characters that you quickly become invested in, well paced, a great setting and an intriguing and unique plot, this is a great book which I found entertaining and gripping.
This is, I believe, the start of a series and I for one am looking forward to seeing where it goes in the future.
Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton via NetGalley for inviting me to read and review The Colours of Death; this is no way affected or influenced my review in anyway.
I don't read a lot of supernatural books so this almost passed me by but I'm so glad I took a chance to read something a bit different because it's thoroughly absorbing and enjoyable.
With great characters that you quickly become invested in, well paced, a great setting and an intriguing and unique plot, this is a great book which I found entertaining and gripping.
This is, I believe, the start of a series and I for one am looking forward to seeing where it goes in the future.
Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton via NetGalley for inviting me to read and review The Colours of Death; this is no way affected or influenced my review in anyway.
Holy freaking cow - I just found my new Tarryn favorite! There were so many ups and downs, so many twists and turns. I was scared to reach the end but desperate to know it. I was afraid to hope, afraid to love, because Tarryn is not known for happily ever after. F*uck Love was a relentless roller coaster of emotions; I experienced confusion, pain, love, heartache, anger and defiance. I haven't felt so motivated to cheer a character on, practically beg them to pursue their love interest, despite being otherwise spoken for, since Colleen Hoover introduced me to Sydney and Ridge in Maybe Someday. THAT is when you know the story has touched you - when you're willing to bypass your own morals to allow love to conquer. Well done, Tarryn. Five stars indeed.
Merissa (13154 KP) rated Forget Me Not (Ceruleans #2) in Books
Jun 8, 2023
This is book two of the Cerulean series, and it lets you submerge a bit further into Scarlett's life, how she reacts to situations, and how she will react. You find out more about Sienna's 'death' and the build-up to it. Jude is a contrary character who wants to do the right thing but doesn't appear to know the right way of achieving it.
I warn you now, this book will have you ugly-crying for the whole latter part!!! It tore me apart and I had to re-read parts because I didn't want to miss any of it. It ends on a literal cliff, with a bit of a cliffhanger too, but nothing major. Just enough to tempt you into wanting the next book IMMEDIATELY.
Extremely well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found, this book was simply amazing and highly 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!
May 1, 2016
I warn you now, this book will have you ugly-crying for the whole latter part!!! It tore me apart and I had to re-read parts because I didn't want to miss any of it. It ends on a literal cliff, with a bit of a cliffhanger too, but nothing major. Just enough to tempt you into wanting the next book IMMEDIATELY.
Extremely well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found, this book was simply amazing and highly 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!
May 1, 2016
While [a:Michael Crichton|5194|Michael Crichton|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1359042651p2/5194.jpg] may be more famous for books-that-became movies blockbuster like [b:Jurassic Park|6424171|Jurassic Park (Jurassic Park, #1)|Michael Crichton|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1344371661s/6424171.jpg|3376836], tha's not the only of his works that have been turned into movies:a longside that, we have the likes of [b:Congo|7672|Congo|Michael Crichton|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1388889401s/7672.jpg|688299], [b:Timeline|7669|Timeline|Michael Crichton|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1405420745s/7669.jpg|1525987], and this.
Largely, however, I've found hose to be pretty forgettable: I know I saw 'Sphere' (the movie) before I first read the book, but (truth be told) I didn't really remember all that much about either.
With that in mind, and with Goodreads at-long-last implementation of the re-read feature (yay!), I decided to re-read the novel recently.
And, unfortunately, I still found it pretty forgettable.
Don't get me wrong: it's a pretty adequate sci-fi thriller (in this case about a mysterious Sphere found at the bottom of the Pacific inside a spacecraft that has lain there for hundreds of years), but it lacked - for me - the connection with the characters (none of whom I found to be all that likeable, or even interesting), the thrill-factor (if you will), or even the implied awe and majesty of the Dinosaurs in [b:Jurassic Park|6424171|Jurassic Park (Jurassic Park, #1)|Michael Crichton|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1344371661s/6424171.jpg|3376836].
In short: it's OK, but not Crichton's best.
Largely, however, I've found hose to be pretty forgettable: I know I saw 'Sphere' (the movie) before I first read the book, but (truth be told) I didn't really remember all that much about either.
With that in mind, and with Goodreads at-long-last implementation of the re-read feature (yay!), I decided to re-read the novel recently.
And, unfortunately, I still found it pretty forgettable.
Don't get me wrong: it's a pretty adequate sci-fi thriller (in this case about a mysterious Sphere found at the bottom of the Pacific inside a spacecraft that has lain there for hundreds of years), but it lacked - for me - the connection with the characters (none of whom I found to be all that likeable, or even interesting), the thrill-factor (if you will), or even the implied awe and majesty of the Dinosaurs in [b:Jurassic Park|6424171|Jurassic Park (Jurassic Park, #1)|Michael Crichton|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1344371661s/6424171.jpg|3376836].
In short: it's OK, but not Crichton's best.
This is probably one of the best books that I have ever read. I return to it, time and time again. The typical utopian society gone wrong theme requires you to really analyze your life and ponder on if the world could ever get to that point. Following Jonas through his life altering journey, with an ending that leaves one wondering is part of what makes this book a great book to be taught in schools. I first found out about this book through one of my high school English courses.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated Oppression (Children of the Gods, #1) in Books
Jun 7, 2018
(This review can be found on my blog <a href="http://themisadventuresofatwentysomething.blogspot.com">The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl</a>).
(I hate writing reviews that are under 3 stars, but I told the author I'd write a review, so here goes).
Okay, so I wanted to really like this book, I really did. It was about Greek gods and goddesses which is a subject I like. However hard I tried to get into it, I just couldn't. It actually felt like a chore, and I hated having to read it. I took a little break from it, but when I came back to it, I still couldn't get into it.
Please keep in mind this review is only going to be about the first 9 chapters as I stopped reading when I got to chapter 10.
The title is a fantastic choice for this book. When I stopped reading, it had gotten obvious why the author chose this title.
I'm not really sold on the cover. It's just too boring for my liking. Again, this book has taken the easy way out by just putting a photo on the cover. Whatever happened to imagination!?!
The world building didn't really seem that thought out. I found myself being nagged by so many questions about Elyse's aging process that I couldn't answer. The whole aging thing just did not make much sense. Based on the bit I read of this book, I just didn't see the world building getting any better.
The pacing in this book was so slow!! I found myself becoming easily bored and not caring about anything that happened. As I said previously, I even took a book thinking maybe it was just me, but when I came back to it, I found the pacing to be even slower if that's possible.
The dialogue between the characters was well thought out. It never seemed forced and seemed to flow with the story. Based on what I read of this book, there was no swearing.
The character of Elyse didn't seem very well-developed. She does not act 89 at all but acts like a teenager. Surely she'd act her age regardless of what age she looked like physically!?! That is what mainly put me off the whole book. I liked William based on the little bit I read about him. He seems like a fun character. I would've liked to find out a bit more about Kara but I just really couldn't force myself to read this book anymore.
Like I said, I really wanted to enjoy this book. Even the synopsis sounded promising. I think the idea of the book is a good one, but it wasn't executed very well. I think if the author had maybe worked on the book a bit longer, it could've been really good.
Overall, I wouldn't really recommend this book unless you aren't very fussy with details or unless you're really bored. If you want to take a chance with it (and you may like it), I'd say it's a book for those aged 13+ from what I've read.
(I hate writing reviews that are under 3 stars, but I told the author I'd write a review, so here goes).
Okay, so I wanted to really like this book, I really did. It was about Greek gods and goddesses which is a subject I like. However hard I tried to get into it, I just couldn't. It actually felt like a chore, and I hated having to read it. I took a little break from it, but when I came back to it, I still couldn't get into it.
Please keep in mind this review is only going to be about the first 9 chapters as I stopped reading when I got to chapter 10.
The title is a fantastic choice for this book. When I stopped reading, it had gotten obvious why the author chose this title.
I'm not really sold on the cover. It's just too boring for my liking. Again, this book has taken the easy way out by just putting a photo on the cover. Whatever happened to imagination!?!
The world building didn't really seem that thought out. I found myself being nagged by so many questions about Elyse's aging process that I couldn't answer. The whole aging thing just did not make much sense. Based on the bit I read of this book, I just didn't see the world building getting any better.
The pacing in this book was so slow!! I found myself becoming easily bored and not caring about anything that happened. As I said previously, I even took a book thinking maybe it was just me, but when I came back to it, I found the pacing to be even slower if that's possible.
The dialogue between the characters was well thought out. It never seemed forced and seemed to flow with the story. Based on what I read of this book, there was no swearing.
The character of Elyse didn't seem very well-developed. She does not act 89 at all but acts like a teenager. Surely she'd act her age regardless of what age she looked like physically!?! That is what mainly put me off the whole book. I liked William based on the little bit I read about him. He seems like a fun character. I would've liked to find out a bit more about Kara but I just really couldn't force myself to read this book anymore.
Like I said, I really wanted to enjoy this book. Even the synopsis sounded promising. I think the idea of the book is a good one, but it wasn't executed very well. I think if the author had maybe worked on the book a bit longer, it could've been really good.
Overall, I wouldn't really recommend this book unless you aren't very fussy with details or unless you're really bored. If you want to take a chance with it (and you may like it), I'd say it's a book for those aged 13+ from what I've read.
Lilyn G - Sci-Fi & Scary (91 KP) rated Paddington 2 (2017) in Movies
Jan 31, 2018
A worthy follow-up to the original Paddington movie
The original Paddington movie rather unexpectedly charms the pants off of our whole family. So, we were more willing than usual to take our daughter to see the sequel when it hit theatres. We found it to be a lovely experience that - while not quite as good as the original movie - was still rather charming.
You don't necessarily need to see the first movie to enjoy Paddington 2, but I think you'll enjoy it so much more if you do. The relationships between the family and Paddington are one of the reasons you come to like the movies so much.
And, I have to say, Hugh Grant actually cracked me up in this movie. I kind of rolled my eyes at him at first, but by the end of the movie I was definitely snickering.
The CGI is good. The acting is perfect for a kid's movie. The plot and pacing are well done as well. I wouldn't say go watch it even if you don't have kids, but if you have kids, it's one you won't regret going to theatres to see with your little ankle-biters.
You don't necessarily need to see the first movie to enjoy Paddington 2, but I think you'll enjoy it so much more if you do. The relationships between the family and Paddington are one of the reasons you come to like the movies so much.
And, I have to say, Hugh Grant actually cracked me up in this movie. I kind of rolled my eyes at him at first, but by the end of the movie I was definitely snickering.
The CGI is good. The acting is perfect for a kid's movie. The plot and pacing are well done as well. I wouldn't say go watch it even if you don't have kids, but if you have kids, it's one you won't regret going to theatres to see with your little ankle-biters.
Aurora recommended track Tomorrow Never Knows by The Beatles in Revolver by The Beatles in Music (curated)
Book Divas (227 KP) rated The Blast in Books
Dec 12, 2017
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review when I signed up to host the book tour.
I LOVED this story! This was truly an emotional read for me because it is the way I can see such a post apostalistic event to occur and I also got attached to the characters.
It's a beautiful day with people doing everyday things and out of nowhere it happens; the world as we know it suddenly changes. Two families come together and bear witness to the end of our way of living. I found myself becoming a part of the storyline and feeling like I had to do whatever necessary to survive and protect the ones I loved not only from the elements but from other survivors as well.
This intricate and well written story will pull you in and your heart will pound as you turn the pages. You'll find yourself shedding tears of sadness and joy. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
I LOVED this story! This was truly an emotional read for me because it is the way I can see such a post apostalistic event to occur and I also got attached to the characters.
It's a beautiful day with people doing everyday things and out of nowhere it happens; the world as we know it suddenly changes. Two families come together and bear witness to the end of our way of living. I found myself becoming a part of the storyline and feeling like I had to do whatever necessary to survive and protect the ones I loved not only from the elements but from other survivors as well.
This intricate and well written story will pull you in and your heart will pound as you turn the pages. You'll find yourself shedding tears of sadness and joy. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Teaching with Love and Logic: Taking Control of the Classroom in Books
Jan 15, 2018
This book is full of so many "I can't wait to try this out!" ideas that at times it is a bit overwhelming. I plowed through it with a pen & highlighter within easy reach. Normally I am a stickler about not dog-earring a book, but I found myself unable to resist...there were so many things that I wanted to be able to turn back to right away without having to hunt through the index to find. The part I find most helpful is that the authors were excellent & reminding the reader throughout to start with 1 item that "got" them & once that was mastered, add the next thing.
I would recommend this book to any teacher (or parent for that matter) that is not new to the profession. I feel like being a newbie it may be overwhelming. Give it a shot though...you'll be surprised that you did some of the things already & it will just help you refine your technique even more.
I would recommend this book to any teacher (or parent for that matter) that is not new to the profession. I feel like being a newbie it may be overwhelming. Give it a shot though...you'll be surprised that you did some of the things already & it will just help you refine your technique even more.