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Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated Under the Never Sky (Under the Never Sky, #1) in Books
Jan 23, 2020
Original Review posted on <a href="http://bookwyrming-thoughts.blogspot.com/2013/09/review-under-the-never-sky-by-veronica-rossi.html">Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
Note: Formatting may be lost due to copy and paste.
When there's a bit of hoopla and excitement going about a book (even it's the sequel), I always tend to be curious as to why everyone loves the book. I'm literally asking, “What's so great about it? I want to know!”
And then my TBR list grows by a book.
But Under the Never Sky is about a girl named Aria who lives in a futuristic world of Pods and Realms. In that world, she's never seen what's outside the Pods aside from the stories she heard – everything is basically in virtual time. She gets kicked out one day and meets an Outsider named Perry who teaches her the basics to surviving the outside world and needs her help as well.
I like the concept and general idea of the book. Pods? Realms? No one gets hurt in the Realms and you can see your friends without even moving at all with a cool gadget called Smarteyes? Sounds great.
But... I didn't really like it. I was pretty bored from the end of Chapter One and probably would have stopped reading the book from then on out. But there was something there, and I decided to read on to see if my boredom status changed by a magnitude. I was hoping that between the end of Chapter One and the end of the book, my opinions would be a whole lot better.
It didn't change that much, unfortunately. It was just... insipid.
Another thing that I didn't really like? The romance between Aria and Perry. It was too fast.
No, scratch that. Actually, allow me to backtrack by two sentences, before “It was too fast.”
It was perfectly paced for about 80% of the book. But then about 7% or 4 chapters later away from their first kiss, it was just simply too fast for my taste. Much too fast.
Overall, I liked the concept, but Veronica Rossi's debut novel just isn't very right for me and I don't think I'll be continuing on with the next book in the series, Through the Ever Night.
Though I am a bit tempted to.
Convince me well enough to do so and I'll think about it? But the cover is pretty.
Note: Formatting may be lost due to copy and paste.
When there's a bit of hoopla and excitement going about a book (even it's the sequel), I always tend to be curious as to why everyone loves the book. I'm literally asking, “What's so great about it? I want to know!”
And then my TBR list grows by a book.
But Under the Never Sky is about a girl named Aria who lives in a futuristic world of Pods and Realms. In that world, she's never seen what's outside the Pods aside from the stories she heard – everything is basically in virtual time. She gets kicked out one day and meets an Outsider named Perry who teaches her the basics to surviving the outside world and needs her help as well.
I like the concept and general idea of the book. Pods? Realms? No one gets hurt in the Realms and you can see your friends without even moving at all with a cool gadget called Smarteyes? Sounds great.
But... I didn't really like it. I was pretty bored from the end of Chapter One and probably would have stopped reading the book from then on out. But there was something there, and I decided to read on to see if my boredom status changed by a magnitude. I was hoping that between the end of Chapter One and the end of the book, my opinions would be a whole lot better.
It didn't change that much, unfortunately. It was just... insipid.
Another thing that I didn't really like? The romance between Aria and Perry. It was too fast.
No, scratch that. Actually, allow me to backtrack by two sentences, before “It was too fast.”
It was perfectly paced for about 80% of the book. But then about 7% or 4 chapters later away from their first kiss, it was just simply too fast for my taste. Much too fast.
Overall, I liked the concept, but Veronica Rossi's debut novel just isn't very right for me and I don't think I'll be continuing on with the next book in the series, Through the Ever Night.
Though I am a bit tempted to.
Convince me well enough to do so and I'll think about it? But the cover is pretty.
Nikki Massey (8 KP) rated Insomnia in Books
Feb 7, 2019
Likable characters (1 more)
Portrays actual life fears
I found this book was an amazingly in-depth read and so minutely detailed; I could see and feel everything that was happening at any given point in the story.
I really connected with the main characters, especially Ralph Roberts, and felt quite a bond towards them, although it did take a little longer to warm to Lois.
There were times I laughed out loud, felt a little scared, could feel the joy of the characters and (trying not to give anything away) felt their pain when close people passed away and the sheer terror or trauma felt at these losses.
I did take a long time to read this book but that was mainly down to my personal circumstances and some deep things I was going through at the time.
Some parts were complete non-sensical but still, I could see in a vivid plethora of colours exactly what was happening. I have to say I was going at the pace of understanding of the characters too - when they were confused and weren't sure what was next, I also felt the same. I have to say the ending and climatic moments weren't as I expected. I'm not even sure what I expected, if anything! But I wasn't able to second guess the main scenarios and felt compelled to continue reading to the end. Between reading sessions, I was literally itching to want to continue!
I would highly recommend this as an intrinsically described, oftentimes sarcastic, but also very witty read.
I really connected with the main characters, especially Ralph Roberts, and felt quite a bond towards them, although it did take a little longer to warm to Lois.
There were times I laughed out loud, felt a little scared, could feel the joy of the characters and (trying not to give anything away) felt their pain when close people passed away and the sheer terror or trauma felt at these losses.
I did take a long time to read this book but that was mainly down to my personal circumstances and some deep things I was going through at the time.
Some parts were complete non-sensical but still, I could see in a vivid plethora of colours exactly what was happening. I have to say I was going at the pace of understanding of the characters too - when they were confused and weren't sure what was next, I also felt the same. I have to say the ending and climatic moments weren't as I expected. I'm not even sure what I expected, if anything! But I wasn't able to second guess the main scenarios and felt compelled to continue reading to the end. Between reading sessions, I was literally itching to want to continue!
I would highly recommend this as an intrinsically described, oftentimes sarcastic, but also very witty read.
Kevin Wilson (179 KP) rated Black Panther (2018) in Movies
Jul 19, 2018
Great cast (2 more)
Lots of action
Interesting story
The typical marvel formula (2 more)
Too many characters to develop each one
Boring villain
Are we finally feeling marvel fatigue?
I do feel this movie is very overrated. It was good sure but not as good as what people have made it out to be.
This could just be superhero fatigue. Or maybe it's just marvel fatigue because I'm still interesyed in what DC will offer. This just didn't feel very unique to me. Marvel seems to focus a lot on action, set pieces, CGI than its characters. The villain was boring and underdeveloped. It did have strong female characters, I'll give it that but was very underused. Black panther is well cast.
There were parts of this movie that felt very ironman and other parts that felt very James bond weirldy enough. There were times the CGI was distracting and when they tried to be too funny it didn't work. I'm talking about the car chase scene.
I knew nothing about black panther going in except was was in civil war and I'm not sure where they are going to go with the character.
I know I'm talking negatively but don't get me wrong the action was fun. The fight scenes were well choreographed, I live Martin Freeman in everything and it was interesting to see wakanda with all the technological advances. It's nots a bad movie, it was just overrated and just didn't live up to expectations. They falled flat in many areas.
This could just be superhero fatigue. Or maybe it's just marvel fatigue because I'm still interesyed in what DC will offer. This just didn't feel very unique to me. Marvel seems to focus a lot on action, set pieces, CGI than its characters. The villain was boring and underdeveloped. It did have strong female characters, I'll give it that but was very underused. Black panther is well cast.
There were parts of this movie that felt very ironman and other parts that felt very James bond weirldy enough. There were times the CGI was distracting and when they tried to be too funny it didn't work. I'm talking about the car chase scene.
I knew nothing about black panther going in except was was in civil war and I'm not sure where they are going to go with the character.
I know I'm talking negatively but don't get me wrong the action was fun. The fight scenes were well choreographed, I live Martin Freeman in everything and it was interesting to see wakanda with all the technological advances. It's nots a bad movie, it was just overrated and just didn't live up to expectations. They falled flat in many areas.
Noomi Rapace recommended Nil by Mouth (1998) in Movies (curated)
David McK (3705 KP) rated Star Wars: Andor in TV
Mar 16, 2023
Very marmite experience
I was one of those who couldn't quite see the point of an Andor prequel series: unlike Vader, say, or Obi-Wan, there was nothing in particular about the character that screamed out to me 'See more!'.
As a result, I never watched this as it was released on a weekly basis: indeed, I only got round to it for completeness sake just before the new series of the (much better, IMO) The Mandalorian started.
I also kept hearing how the critics seemed to love it, but didn't know a single person who had actually made it the whole way through the series.
Now, having watched it, I do have to say I found it a very marmite-like experience: some good episodes (and scenes), but far too drawn out for its own good!
And, yes, I miss the Force powers and lightsabres.
As a result, I never watched this as it was released on a weekly basis: indeed, I only got round to it for completeness sake just before the new series of the (much better, IMO) The Mandalorian started.
I also kept hearing how the critics seemed to love it, but didn't know a single person who had actually made it the whole way through the series.
Now, having watched it, I do have to say I found it a very marmite-like experience: some good episodes (and scenes), but far too drawn out for its own good!
And, yes, I miss the Force powers and lightsabres.
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated The Maze Runner: The Death Cure (2018) in Movies
Sep 25, 2019
Part three in The Maze Runner series, our young hero Thomas embarks on a mission to find a cure for a deadly disease known as the "Flare".
Because I'd never read the books I never saw the first two in this series... but I was getting desperate for things to watch, I was physically twitchy because the end of the month was coming and I was perilously low on films, so I binged watched the first two in the nights running up to this one and booked myself a ticket.
I enjoyed them as a whole, and I'm glad I watched them back to back because I don't feel like they were as strong individually. There were some feelings of Lost ending issues... but I suppose I'm going to have to let that go.
Unless I missed something, I feel like there were too many questions left unanswered, and in this film in particular, several moments that made me a little annoyed. Like seriously... half of those things didn't need to happen the way they did!
Since seeing them I've ordered myself the five books to read (or not read, as my TBR gets perilously tall), there's something sitting in the back of my mind telling me that the books will be better, I may be back to change my rating.
Because I'd never read the books I never saw the first two in this series... but I was getting desperate for things to watch, I was physically twitchy because the end of the month was coming and I was perilously low on films, so I binged watched the first two in the nights running up to this one and booked myself a ticket.
I enjoyed them as a whole, and I'm glad I watched them back to back because I don't feel like they were as strong individually. There were some feelings of Lost ending issues... but I suppose I'm going to have to let that go.
Unless I missed something, I feel like there were too many questions left unanswered, and in this film in particular, several moments that made me a little annoyed. Like seriously... half of those things didn't need to happen the way they did!
Since seeing them I've ordered myself the five books to read (or not read, as my TBR gets perilously tall), there's something sitting in the back of my mind telling me that the books will be better, I may be back to change my rating.
Kaz (232 KP) rated I Am Legend (2007) in Movies
Jul 21, 2019 (Updated Jul 21, 2019)
A Good Film
Whilst I don't think this is as dark or delves as much into human psyche and the fight for survival as the original book by Richard Matheson does, I do think that this is a very good film.
Will Smith plays an emotive, believable role. I particularly liked the interaction he has with Sam, his dog. This has a lot of emotional moments, and a few jump scares too
The only negatives I could comment on about this film, are firstly, I didn't like the C.G.I 'infected'. They looked too fake to be scary. Also, I thought the ending to this film was a bit rushed.
Whilst there are some changes from the book, I do think that this is a really good film adaptation
Will Smith plays an emotive, believable role. I particularly liked the interaction he has with Sam, his dog. This has a lot of emotional moments, and a few jump scares too
The only negatives I could comment on about this film, are firstly, I didn't like the C.G.I 'infected'. They looked too fake to be scary. Also, I thought the ending to this film was a bit rushed.
Whilst there are some changes from the book, I do think that this is a really good film adaptation
Cori June (3033 KP) rated Prudence (The Custard Protocol, #1) in Books
Dec 12, 2021
Banter between characters (1 more)
Vocabulary
Too much description on fashion esp Dresses (2 more)
Hardly any plot
Hardly any character growth
If I didn't read this in an overdramatic unserious way, I would have hated this book. Prudence has the ability to get on the nerves and has very little character development. There is great banter between all the characters, and that was enjoyable.
If you took out all the descriptions of the dresses (and other outfits) you'd have 1/3 of a book. It was during these points where I questioned where the plot went cause it had a tendency to disappear.
I wouldn't say it was a puff and fluff book cause I don't want to disrespect those books but if it wasn't for the vocabulary and banter I'd probably would have DNF the book. I was disappointed that there wasn't as much steam-punk elements as expected and more supernatural elements then I realized. (My own fault for not properly reading the book blurb.)
I think that the author dropped the ball on some of the boundary pushing elements such as: talking about the colonization of Inda, pushing the boundaries of women in British society and social class. All in all I was amused if a bit bored at times and not sure if it's worth a second read through or to continue on in the series.
If you took out all the descriptions of the dresses (and other outfits) you'd have 1/3 of a book. It was during these points where I questioned where the plot went cause it had a tendency to disappear.
I wouldn't say it was a puff and fluff book cause I don't want to disrespect those books but if it wasn't for the vocabulary and banter I'd probably would have DNF the book. I was disappointed that there wasn't as much steam-punk elements as expected and more supernatural elements then I realized. (My own fault for not properly reading the book blurb.)
I think that the author dropped the ball on some of the boundary pushing elements such as: talking about the colonization of Inda, pushing the boundaries of women in British society and social class. All in all I was amused if a bit bored at times and not sure if it's worth a second read through or to continue on in the series.
Lumos (380 KP) rated The Cuckoo's Calling in Books
Jun 12, 2018
It was a real struggle for me to get through this book. I had a hard time connecting with the characters and envisioning what was happening. Normally, "British-isms" are 100% my thing but I feel like the references in this book were far too colloquial for me to find quaint. It took me almost twice as long to get through this book as it would have for another book of comparable size. I could feel the judgement from my friends when they asked what I was reading and I would respond.. yet again... that I was still reading Cuckoo's Calling. Even more judgement would come when someone would ask if I liked it and I would tell them that I was not enjoying it. "But why continue then?" ... It's what I do. I can't give up on books. Even if I am processing them at a snail's pace. Much less one written by JK Rowling. I knew there had to be a light in this book somewhere. That eventually instead of responding "nothing" when asked what is happening in the book so far, I'd be able to excitedly account all the details and events of the story. This did happen eventually... with the last 100 pages or so..
The Split by Sharon Bolton is a roller coaster of a ride from start to finish. I know that sounds very clichéd, but it’s true! I don’t think I managed to draw breath whilst I was reading each stave every morning for twelve days on The Pigeonhole. I had no idea what was going to happen next, and I REALLY appreciated that!
Felicity comes to see Joe, a counsellor, when she is found wandering, lost and disorientated in Cambridge, where he story is set. She doesn’t know how she got there, or how she has been injured. She wants to go to South Georgia to carry out her research on glaciers ( she’s an academic at the university), but has to have a clean bill of health. This accident puts her mental health in doubt.
I don’t want to say too much more about the plot. I will say that it was a breathtaking read. I was constantly left wondering what could possibly happen next, and I didn’t know who to be the most worried for, or who I could trust - if indeed I could trust anyone at all!
It’s a great read, and one I’d thoroughly recommend if you like suspense - I was on tenterhooks for the whole book!
Felicity comes to see Joe, a counsellor, when she is found wandering, lost and disorientated in Cambridge, where he story is set. She doesn’t know how she got there, or how she has been injured. She wants to go to South Georgia to carry out her research on glaciers ( she’s an academic at the university), but has to have a clean bill of health. This accident puts her mental health in doubt.
I don’t want to say too much more about the plot. I will say that it was a breathtaking read. I was constantly left wondering what could possibly happen next, and I didn’t know who to be the most worried for, or who I could trust - if indeed I could trust anyone at all!
It’s a great read, and one I’d thoroughly recommend if you like suspense - I was on tenterhooks for the whole book!