Search
Search results
Hazel (1853 KP) rated The Prisoner of Heaven in Books
Dec 14, 2018
<i>The Prisoner of Heaven</i> by Carlos Ruiz Zafón is part of a cycle of novels known collectively as <i>The Cemetery of Forgotten Books</i>. At the moment there are three books (the other two being <i>The Shadow of the Wind</i> and <i>The Angel’s Game</i>) and they are all independent stories whose characters and themes overlap, meaning that they can be read in any order. Despite this I think it that you would get more out of each story if you read them in order of publication.
My experience of <i>The Prisoner of Heaven</i> would be different from those who have not read the previous two books. I read <i>The Shadow of the Wind</i> when I was quite young and, although I probably did not understand it that well, I was able to recognize and understand certain references to that particular storyline. I have also read <i>The Angel’s Game</i> – also a number of years ago, which I found quite terrifying – which meant I had the background knowledge of a particular character. Having said that, Zafón provides enough information for new readers to understand what is going on.
The story is written in several parts beginning in Barcelona at Christmas in 1957. The sections set during this time period are narrated by Daniel Sempere (the main character from <i>The Shadow of the Wind</i>) who works alongside his father in the bookshop <i>Sempere & Sons</i>. One day a mysterious customer buys and leaves a copy of an expensive novel for Daniel’s friend and work colleague Fermín Romero de Torres. This leads us to the middle sections, the key part of the plot in which, told in third person narrative in order to differentiate from the “current day” (1957), we discover the character Fermín’s past and who the mysterious customer was. David Martín, the main character in <i>The Angel’s Game</i>, makes a significant appearance in this part.
During the remaining parts, told once again from Daniel’s point of view, I kept expecting something major to happen as I did not feel that the novel had reached it’s climax. But nothing happened which was slightly disappointing (although I was also relieved as I feared I would find this book scary as I did with <i>The Angel’s Game</i> – I didn’t). However I do believe that the final book in this cycle will continue with and tie up the loose ends in <i>The Prisoner of Heaven</i> – another reason to have read the books in order in my view.
Overall I enjoyed the book. I definitely prefer it to <i>The Angel’s Game</i>, which I found confusing and slightly unnerving. I cannot compare it easily with <i>The Shadow of the Wind</i> for, as already mentioned, it has been such a long time since I read it. I would certainly recommend this book (and series) particularly to those who enjoy historical fiction and mysteries.
My experience of <i>The Prisoner of Heaven</i> would be different from those who have not read the previous two books. I read <i>The Shadow of the Wind</i> when I was quite young and, although I probably did not understand it that well, I was able to recognize and understand certain references to that particular storyline. I have also read <i>The Angel’s Game</i> – also a number of years ago, which I found quite terrifying – which meant I had the background knowledge of a particular character. Having said that, Zafón provides enough information for new readers to understand what is going on.
The story is written in several parts beginning in Barcelona at Christmas in 1957. The sections set during this time period are narrated by Daniel Sempere (the main character from <i>The Shadow of the Wind</i>) who works alongside his father in the bookshop <i>Sempere & Sons</i>. One day a mysterious customer buys and leaves a copy of an expensive novel for Daniel’s friend and work colleague Fermín Romero de Torres. This leads us to the middle sections, the key part of the plot in which, told in third person narrative in order to differentiate from the “current day” (1957), we discover the character Fermín’s past and who the mysterious customer was. David Martín, the main character in <i>The Angel’s Game</i>, makes a significant appearance in this part.
During the remaining parts, told once again from Daniel’s point of view, I kept expecting something major to happen as I did not feel that the novel had reached it’s climax. But nothing happened which was slightly disappointing (although I was also relieved as I feared I would find this book scary as I did with <i>The Angel’s Game</i> – I didn’t). However I do believe that the final book in this cycle will continue with and tie up the loose ends in <i>The Prisoner of Heaven</i> – another reason to have read the books in order in my view.
Overall I enjoyed the book. I definitely prefer it to <i>The Angel’s Game</i>, which I found confusing and slightly unnerving. I cannot compare it easily with <i>The Shadow of the Wind</i> for, as already mentioned, it has been such a long time since I read it. I would certainly recommend this book (and series) particularly to those who enjoy historical fiction and mysteries.
Chloe (514 KP) rated Inside Out (2015) in Movies
Mar 5, 2019
Not really sure what age this is ranged at because although everything seems very child friendly and like a typical Disney movie the hidden themes suggest otherwise. To be honest though I think they did a good job for presenting these themes.
I watched this when I was about 17 and found it ok if a bit simplified in some area which is to be expected it being mainly family orientated but to be honest I love a bit of Disney to cheer me up although obviously I didn't get that from this.
Despite my personal tastes the movie itself has a good solid plot and a relatable and identifiable character as the main character is just experiencing regular life. I did like how they didn't shy away from presenting what happens when you can be in a bad situation as it increases awareness.
I watched this when I was about 17 and found it ok if a bit simplified in some area which is to be expected it being mainly family orientated but to be honest I love a bit of Disney to cheer me up although obviously I didn't get that from this.
Despite my personal tastes the movie itself has a good solid plot and a relatable and identifiable character as the main character is just experiencing regular life. I did like how they didn't shy away from presenting what happens when you can be in a bad situation as it increases awareness.
Kevin Wilson (179 KP) rated Cool as Ice (1991) in Movies
Jul 16, 2018
Horrible acting (3 more)
Characters are not likeable
Lack of plot
Rap music
Errr what was it about again?
I found this to be a horrible movie and so boring. I went into it hoping it was going to be so bad it's good but it wasn't.
Firstmost I hate rap music so this was not for me. The dancing was fun but that's all there was.
I could not explain the plot to you, I didn't get it. Vanilla Ice's character was not likeable 1 bit and the other characters felt as bad. I don't even remember any of the characters names. However I do feel the female lead did the best with what she was given. The writing was pretty horrible.
Completely forgettable, wouldn't watch again. If your going to watch it for a laugh, have a few drinks with some friends.
Firstmost I hate rap music so this was not for me. The dancing was fun but that's all there was.
I could not explain the plot to you, I didn't get it. Vanilla Ice's character was not likeable 1 bit and the other characters felt as bad. I don't even remember any of the characters names. However I do feel the female lead did the best with what she was given. The writing was pretty horrible.
Completely forgettable, wouldn't watch again. If your going to watch it for a laugh, have a few drinks with some friends.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated The Night Before Christmas in Books
Jan 2, 2019
With Christmas fast approaching I realised that we don't own a copy of The Night Before Christmas. Therefore I began my hunt for a copy that my three year old would enjoy. I wanted something with vivid color and interaction. The pages are very busy and there is something new to see each time we open the pages. The traditional poem has always been one of my favorites. The illustrations add life to the words. My son loves it and keeps asking to "Read Santa!" and he goes around saying "Dash away! Dash away!" If you too are on the hunt for The Night Before Christmas, I recommend this copy. Eventually I would like a classic hard copy of this poem to own, but this year I am settling for a digital copy of this version that I found through our local library. May your season be filled with Christmas cheer!
Cthulhu (5 KP) rated the PlayStation 4 version of Layers of Fear in Video Games
Sep 2, 2018
Disturbing Story (2 more)
Easy movement mechanics
Appealing creepy visuals
Not that scary (2 more)
Too easy
Cliché at times
Good Plot and Visuals, but not that Scary
Contains spoilers, click to show
When I started this game, I was expecting really good quality scares. Unfortunately, this game did not really "scare" me. It was mostly just pop scares with some loud creepy noises here and there. I don't mind a few pop scares, but I was hoping for more creative ways to get scared from a game. The game adds a lot of creepy whispers, running baby dolls, and lights that mysteriously go out-- which was all a bit too cliché for me. *Spoiler- you only see the main "ghost" a few times and I wish there were most instances where it was included.*
Now onto the good part. While the game didn't scare me, I found the plot and ending to be very surprising. It was definitely creative and something new I haven't seen in a game before. You have to pay attention to all readable items and you have to piece it together, but once you figure out what's going on, it's pretty messed up- which is exactly what I was looking for!
The game's mechanics, movements, and how you get around feels a lot like the game PT. I really loved PT and I enjoyed how this game made a similar feel. Every room is different and you don't know what's going to be in it. Most rooms you have to solve puzzles to get to the next one. Some of the puzzles felt a bit too easy for me, but I didn't really mind too much since there were a lot of rooms to get through. I wish some were a bit harder though. Movement wise, there's no fighting and it's all walk and interact with an object here and there. I enjoyed it since it let me focus on the story.
Visually, I liked how creepy the atmosphere was. It was interesting because while a lot of what you saw was "gross looking", there were bits of color and beauty in it from the dad being an artist. I thought the game was beautiful just from that aspect. I loved finding the art in all of the creepy surroundings. Sometimes it got a bit repetitive-- a pretty normal looking room then the next room is all destroyed and in shambles, but for the most part it was interesting to look at.
Overall I really did enjoy this game. It was fun to play for the plot and the visuals, but I wouldn't necessarily play it for the scares or the puzzles. This game is probably for you though if you do like pop scares.
Now onto the good part. While the game didn't scare me, I found the plot and ending to be very surprising. It was definitely creative and something new I haven't seen in a game before. You have to pay attention to all readable items and you have to piece it together, but once you figure out what's going on, it's pretty messed up- which is exactly what I was looking for!
The game's mechanics, movements, and how you get around feels a lot like the game PT. I really loved PT and I enjoyed how this game made a similar feel. Every room is different and you don't know what's going to be in it. Most rooms you have to solve puzzles to get to the next one. Some of the puzzles felt a bit too easy for me, but I didn't really mind too much since there were a lot of rooms to get through. I wish some were a bit harder though. Movement wise, there's no fighting and it's all walk and interact with an object here and there. I enjoyed it since it let me focus on the story.
Visually, I liked how creepy the atmosphere was. It was interesting because while a lot of what you saw was "gross looking", there were bits of color and beauty in it from the dad being an artist. I thought the game was beautiful just from that aspect. I loved finding the art in all of the creepy surroundings. Sometimes it got a bit repetitive-- a pretty normal looking room then the next room is all destroyed and in shambles, but for the most part it was interesting to look at.
Overall I really did enjoy this game. It was fun to play for the plot and the visuals, but I wouldn't necessarily play it for the scares or the puzzles. This game is probably for you though if you do like pop scares.
Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated My Best Friend's Exorcism in Books
May 16, 2018
I have a new guilty pleasure and it’s name is Grady Hendrix. After finishing My Best Friend’s Exorcism, I find myself hungering for more of Hendrix’s work. Fortunately, the audiobook was not read by the same narrator as Horrorstör. Instead, this 80s style book is read by Emily WooZeller – the woman that narrated Shallow Graves.
My Best Friend’s Exorcism reads exactly like a cliché. If you’ve seen any horror film from the 80s, you probably know exactly what I mean. All the way down to the dog. Normally this would put me off, but instead I found it oddly comforting. Totaling only ten hours, it’s not a terribly long read either.
I really wish I had more to say, but honestly with that last description I’ve pretty much said everything. Just take your average 80s horror flick elements and apply them!
My Best Friend’s Exorcism reads exactly like a cliché. If you’ve seen any horror film from the 80s, you probably know exactly what I mean. All the way down to the dog. Normally this would put me off, but instead I found it oddly comforting. Totaling only ten hours, it’s not a terribly long read either.
I really wish I had more to say, but honestly with that last description I’ve pretty much said everything. Just take your average 80s horror flick elements and apply them!
Kyera (8 KP) rated Kill All Happies in Books
Feb 1, 2018
This book took a very long time to grow on me and even then I didn't enjoy it very much. I essentially was forcing myself to keep reading it until I was around 60% done, at which point it became mildly more interesting. The premise seemed so interesting, as it was partially set in an abandoned amusement part but it just did not speak to me at all. I did not connect to any of the characters and found almost all of them either annoying or unlikable. There is a lot of cursing throughout, drug and alcohol abuse, and vulgar themes, so I would just be weary of reading this if you are a younger reader. Perhaps this book will appeal to other readers, but it was just not for me. I personally would not recommend it.
I really wanted to enjoy this book a lot more than I did. I found the first two thirds of the book quite repetitive and tiresome. The main character's, Queenie's, behaviour was infuriating me. I really didn't understand why Queenie didn't want to date black men, especially as she was so vocal and had such strong views against racism - surely you can't and shouldn't judge an entire demographic on one experience. I thought the last third of the book had much more value and touched upon real issues and had more depth to it. And is was nice to see Queenie come out of her rut and tackle some of her mental health issues. But I feel that some may see this change in the book as too little, too late.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Devil Inside (The Lachlan Maclean Thriller Series # 2) in Books
Jan 9, 2022
Not having read the first in this series, I really wasn't sure what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised.
This book is full of strong characters that grow on you as the story develops. They are a disparate bunch of people from various walks of life but they work well together. It did take me a while to get to grips with the story; it was quite confusing to begin with but I think that's because I haven't read the first in the series however, I stuck with it and found it quite absorbing the more it developed.
Full of action and tension, this is a good read and I look forward to reading more in the series so thanks to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
This book is full of strong characters that grow on you as the story develops. They are a disparate bunch of people from various walks of life but they work well together. It did take me a while to get to grips with the story; it was quite confusing to begin with but I think that's because I haven't read the first in the series however, I stuck with it and found it quite absorbing the more it developed.
Full of action and tension, this is a good read and I look forward to reading more in the series so thanks to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Becs (244 KP) rated Song Of The Sparrow in Books
Oct 2, 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Fantasy, Poetry, Romance.
Type: Stand-alone
Audience/ Reading Level: 12+
Interests: King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, Historical Reads, Lyricism, Poetry, Retellings.
Point of View: Third person
Promise: A tale of love, betrayal, and war.
Insights: I have no idea where or when I received/ got this novel. But ever since that day, Song of the Sparrow has been one of my favorite retellings of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. My copy is very beaten up, so it’s gotten it’s many of read-throughs in. It also makes me think that I use to be pretty rough with my books. (what in the heck is wrong with you Becca! smh) I remember reading through SotS and thinking of myself as Elaine, the MC. Does anybody else do that? Because it hasn’t gone away with me.
I loved every aspect of this little novel. My favorite part was not only the retelling of King Arthur and the Knights but also how the novel was written in a sort of lyricism way, a lot like poetry. Novels written this way have always drawn my attention and I find them quite refreshing to read when in a slump or trying to get out of one.
Favorite Quotes: “I am Elaine daughter of Barnard of Ascolat. Motherless. Sisterless. I sing these words to you now, because the point of light grows smaller, ever smaller now, even more distant now. And with this song, I pray I may push back the tides of war and death. So, I sing these words that this light, this tiny ray of light and hope may live on. I dare not hope that I may live on too.”
“So long ago now. But you remind me of her, you know. Sometimes I forget that you are not she. Sometimes I forget that I should not blame you for leaving me. It was her. I was her.”
What will you gain?: A new telling of what life back in the olden days was like for a female in an all men village.
Aesthetics: Everytime I read-through Song of the Sparrow, I always stare at the cover. Something about it is just very appealing, not only to the eyes but also with the mind. Another aesthetic I found that I loved was how the story was written like lyricism/poetry.
“And at that moment, a lilting melody lifts to the moon as a single sparrow sings.”
Type: Stand-alone
Audience/ Reading Level: 12+
Interests: King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, Historical Reads, Lyricism, Poetry, Retellings.
Point of View: Third person
Promise: A tale of love, betrayal, and war.
Insights: I have no idea where or when I received/ got this novel. But ever since that day, Song of the Sparrow has been one of my favorite retellings of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. My copy is very beaten up, so it’s gotten it’s many of read-throughs in. It also makes me think that I use to be pretty rough with my books. (what in the heck is wrong with you Becca! smh) I remember reading through SotS and thinking of myself as Elaine, the MC. Does anybody else do that? Because it hasn’t gone away with me.
I loved every aspect of this little novel. My favorite part was not only the retelling of King Arthur and the Knights but also how the novel was written in a sort of lyricism way, a lot like poetry. Novels written this way have always drawn my attention and I find them quite refreshing to read when in a slump or trying to get out of one.
Favorite Quotes: “I am Elaine daughter of Barnard of Ascolat. Motherless. Sisterless. I sing these words to you now, because the point of light grows smaller, ever smaller now, even more distant now. And with this song, I pray I may push back the tides of war and death. So, I sing these words that this light, this tiny ray of light and hope may live on. I dare not hope that I may live on too.”
“So long ago now. But you remind me of her, you know. Sometimes I forget that you are not she. Sometimes I forget that I should not blame you for leaving me. It was her. I was her.”
What will you gain?: A new telling of what life back in the olden days was like for a female in an all men village.
Aesthetics: Everytime I read-through Song of the Sparrow, I always stare at the cover. Something about it is just very appealing, not only to the eyes but also with the mind. Another aesthetic I found that I loved was how the story was written like lyricism/poetry.
“And at that moment, a lilting melody lifts to the moon as a single sparrow sings.”