Search
Search results
KerysJayne Draganova (21 KP) rated The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet in Books
Jan 11, 2018 (Updated Jan 11, 2018)
Lack of focus on the destination (1 more)
A few too many story lines
I liked this book, and i would love to be able to say I wasn't at all disappointed with it, but I was.
First off let me say I loved the characters in the book. The mismash of personalities and species on the ship shouldn't have worked but it did, and you can't help but love every single one of them (even some of the slightly less lovable ones: I'm looking at you Corbin).
However I had some issues with the plot:
1) Rosemary's secret: I felt the author flirted with the issue alot but never really delved into it and then it reached its crux and was resolved entirely to quickly.
2) Corbin's little plot line: It came completely out of the blue, I get the author wanted to give him some sort of defining moment but it just seemed unnecessary and incredibly random. There was already so many story lines she could have developed in this book I felt this one could have waited for another book...which I feel also applies to Ohans health issue.
3) The small angry planet: I get that book is supposed to be about their journey rather than their arrival to the planet side, but I was left really disappointed with this part of the story. There was alot of potential for this area of the plot but the author didn't do a whole lot with it. She had the potential to create a bigger confrontation and more issues for the crew of the wayfarer but she didn't. Again it was resolved entirely to quickly.
Despite my issues with the plot I really did fall in love with the characters, so for that reason I will continue reading the series because I want/need to know where they go next.
First off let me say I loved the characters in the book. The mismash of personalities and species on the ship shouldn't have worked but it did, and you can't help but love every single one of them (even some of the slightly less lovable ones: I'm looking at you Corbin).
However I had some issues with the plot:
1) Rosemary's secret: I felt the author flirted with the issue alot but never really delved into it and then it reached its crux and was resolved entirely to quickly.
2) Corbin's little plot line: It came completely out of the blue, I get the author wanted to give him some sort of defining moment but it just seemed unnecessary and incredibly random. There was already so many story lines she could have developed in this book I felt this one could have waited for another book...which I feel also applies to Ohans health issue.
3) The small angry planet: I get that book is supposed to be about their journey rather than their arrival to the planet side, but I was left really disappointed with this part of the story. There was alot of potential for this area of the plot but the author didn't do a whole lot with it. She had the potential to create a bigger confrontation and more issues for the crew of the wayfarer but she didn't. Again it was resolved entirely to quickly.
Despite my issues with the plot I really did fall in love with the characters, so for that reason I will continue reading the series because I want/need to know where they go next.
Merissa (13628 KP) rated Dream Stalker in Books
Nov 15, 2021 (Updated Jul 10, 2023)
DREAM STALKER is told from a first-person perspective and we arrive in Salem near Samhain, also known as Halloween. It is a sad time as Lily's friend, Kitty commits suicide in front of her, but not before passing her a box and telling her to find the truth. This leads to a tangled mess of truths and half-truths, with deaths and accusations flying around.
Lily is a Wiccan and her sister was a Catholic nun. There is some sort of family drama with an adopted daughter and a sister. You get the basics but nothing too deep, so there was a feeling of wanting more. You are led from one person to the next, as our heroine is determined to prove her daughter's innocence. The big bad was a bit too obvious for me, but I still enjoyed reading about how it got to the point that Lily knew.
There are many interesting aspects to this story, especially the Wiccan and Herbalist sides of it. I would have preferred more information on the backstories of some of the characters, plus more about why something happened or connections were made or denied.
At the end of the story, it becomes clear there will be a follow-up to this story. I am looking forward to this as I hope it will give me more details about Lily, her family, and her dream walking ability.
** 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!
Nov 15, 2021
Lily is a Wiccan and her sister was a Catholic nun. There is some sort of family drama with an adopted daughter and a sister. You get the basics but nothing too deep, so there was a feeling of wanting more. You are led from one person to the next, as our heroine is determined to prove her daughter's innocence. The big bad was a bit too obvious for me, but I still enjoyed reading about how it got to the point that Lily knew.
There are many interesting aspects to this story, especially the Wiccan and Herbalist sides of it. I would have preferred more information on the backstories of some of the characters, plus more about why something happened or connections were made or denied.
At the end of the story, it becomes clear there will be a follow-up to this story. I am looking forward to this as I hope it will give me more details about Lily, her family, and her dream walking ability.
** 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!
Nov 15, 2021
Calum (17 KP) rated Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny (2006) in Movies
Jul 10, 2018
Catchy music/songs (3 more)
Good range of characters
Fun special effects
That museum scene
Story drags a little bit (2 more)
Somewhat predictable
Range of locations aren't very exciting
Great musical, okay everything else
Back in the summer of 2007 I was at a friends house. I was 10 years old and did not have much previous experience of music but decided to watch this. Looking back, I was probably a little too young for the language and adult themes but I can safely say that this movie single handedly got me into music. Even to this day I could recite every song word for word.
Aside from the amazing range of songs, it is quite a simple musical comedy. There are a good few funny moments but also a lot of jokes that just fall flat.. Let's be honest though, if you're a fan of Tenacious D, you aren't here for the comedy but for the music which I have to say again is simply brilliant! As long as you aren't too easily offended by some of the more vulgar scenes, this is a must watch!
Aside from the amazing range of songs, it is quite a simple musical comedy. There are a good few funny moments but also a lot of jokes that just fall flat.. Let's be honest though, if you're a fan of Tenacious D, you aren't here for the comedy but for the music which I have to say again is simply brilliant! As long as you aren't too easily offended by some of the more vulgar scenes, this is a must watch!
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Mind Sweeper (Mind Sweeper #1) in Books
Sep 6, 2019
I won this book via Goodreads' First Reads program (and I'm so happy I did! Thank you for the goodies, too, A.E. :D)
<a href="http://s216.photobucket.com/user/leannecrab/media/DSCN3257.jpg.html"; target="_blank"><img src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc19/leannecrab/DSCN3257.jpg"; border="0" alt=" photo DSCN3257.jpg"/></a>
4.5 stars.
This book has everything that I like in a paranormal read; action, romance, investigations... I really, really, really liked it!
<a href="http://s216.photobucket.com/user/leannecrab/media/DSCN3258.jpg.html"; target="_blank"><img src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc19/leannecrab/DSCN3258.jpg"; border="0" alt=" photo DSCN3258.jpg"/></a>
"Happy Reading"? It definitely was for me!
I literally read every word of this, which I don't always do as it is generally just filler/too much information for my liking, but I felt like I would miss something if I missed any one word of this. And still managed to finish it within three days
The case took up all the book and I have to admit that I had no idea who was behind it all but I loved how the author had linked everything together.
The romance was slow growing; it wasn't insta-love and I really felt it happening which was great. I love Kyle and Joe as a couple. I'd love to read more of them (nudge, nudge ;-))
I'm definitely looking forward to reading more books by the author if there is more along this line coming. Great book for a debut!
<a href="http://s216.photobucket.com/user/leannecrab/media/DSCN3257.jpg.html"; target="_blank"><img src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc19/leannecrab/DSCN3257.jpg"; border="0" alt=" photo DSCN3257.jpg"/></a>
4.5 stars.
This book has everything that I like in a paranormal read; action, romance, investigations... I really, really, really liked it!
<a href="http://s216.photobucket.com/user/leannecrab/media/DSCN3258.jpg.html"; target="_blank"><img src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc19/leannecrab/DSCN3258.jpg"; border="0" alt=" photo DSCN3258.jpg"/></a>
"Happy Reading"? It definitely was for me!
I literally read every word of this, which I don't always do as it is generally just filler/too much information for my liking, but I felt like I would miss something if I missed any one word of this. And still managed to finish it within three days
The case took up all the book and I have to admit that I had no idea who was behind it all but I loved how the author had linked everything together.
The romance was slow growing; it wasn't insta-love and I really felt it happening which was great. I love Kyle and Joe as a couple. I'd love to read more of them (nudge, nudge ;-))
I'm definitely looking forward to reading more books by the author if there is more along this line coming. Great book for a debut!
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Broken Monsters in Books
Apr 27, 2018
Broken Monsters was what I call “High Concept, Poor Execution.” There were two major things that caused me to decide not to finish it.
The first reason: The story was written from several different characters perspectives, and it switched almost every chapter. Some books can get away with this (generally there are two or three PoV) but this one had like 5 different voices, and it was just too much to keep track of.
The second and most important reason: The relationship between the police officer and her daughter. Seriously, no police officer is going to pick up her high school daughter and start telling her all about the secret case they haven’t yet allowed the press to get wind of, or tell her details or hunches, or—what really set me off—have her daughter help her use a search engine to find photos from nasty crime scenes. You just don’t do that.
The premise was cool and the bad-guy was amazing (his PoV was my favorite) but I just couldn’t keep going with those two factors.
The first reason: The story was written from several different characters perspectives, and it switched almost every chapter. Some books can get away with this (generally there are two or three PoV) but this one had like 5 different voices, and it was just too much to keep track of.
The second and most important reason: The relationship between the police officer and her daughter. Seriously, no police officer is going to pick up her high school daughter and start telling her all about the secret case they haven’t yet allowed the press to get wind of, or tell her details or hunches, or—what really set me off—have her daughter help her use a search engine to find photos from nasty crime scenes. You just don’t do that.
The premise was cool and the bad-guy was amazing (his PoV was my favorite) but I just couldn’t keep going with those two factors.
Ross (3284 KP) rated Fantastic Beasts: Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) in Movies
Nov 19, 2018
I didn't get it
I have to admit, I haven't seen the first film so it is possible my enjoyment of this suffered as a result. But my wife has and it sounds like I shouldn't have needed to see that to get this.
For me, the film was all over the place, plot-wise. It is cleat it was devised as a film rather than adapted from a book. It seems like the plot was simply used to justify the big effects set pieces they had planned. A number of times characters make odd choices for odder reasons and just happen to end up in the thick of the action and a number of revelations made are either so obvious, totally irrelevant (the necklace) or confusing (so were the babies switched or not?!).
I didn't really like Newt as a character, he reminds me too much of the public school boys with the foppish hair I see on the train every morning, doing their homework at the last possible moment and blocking the aisle with their massive kit bags. Ahem, anyway.
Jonny Depp as the baddie was a massive missed opportunity. He could have been so much darker and more mysterious, instead he was more a disapproving teacher, just looking down his nose at everyone and muttering. There was no real sense of evil. Now that I think of it, I couldn't actually say what his "crimes" were, other than escaping prison and murdering a family and living in their home. After that, he was more like a politician than anything else.
And Nicolas Flamel - what was that all about - why was he there at all?
All in all, I just did not enjoy it and thought it a mess of a film with no attempt at a valid plot and no ending.
For me, the film was all over the place, plot-wise. It is cleat it was devised as a film rather than adapted from a book. It seems like the plot was simply used to justify the big effects set pieces they had planned. A number of times characters make odd choices for odder reasons and just happen to end up in the thick of the action and a number of revelations made are either so obvious, totally irrelevant (the necklace) or confusing (so were the babies switched or not?!).
I didn't really like Newt as a character, he reminds me too much of the public school boys with the foppish hair I see on the train every morning, doing their homework at the last possible moment and blocking the aisle with their massive kit bags. Ahem, anyway.
Jonny Depp as the baddie was a massive missed opportunity. He could have been so much darker and more mysterious, instead he was more a disapproving teacher, just looking down his nose at everyone and muttering. There was no real sense of evil. Now that I think of it, I couldn't actually say what his "crimes" were, other than escaping prison and murdering a family and living in their home. After that, he was more like a politician than anything else.
And Nicolas Flamel - what was that all about - why was he there at all?
All in all, I just did not enjoy it and thought it a mess of a film with no attempt at a valid plot and no ending.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated I Owe You One in Books
Apr 4, 2019 (Updated Apr 5, 2019)
Predictable but sweet
This book had to grow on me. In the beginning, Fixie drove me a little crazy. I was less irritated with her devotion to her family (perhaps I could relate there), but I was annoyed at how clueless she was in her adoration to Ryan Chalker, who was just terrible. And truly, Fixie's siblings were pretty awful to her, too. There were very few side characters in this one who were easy to like. Even Sebastian, whose laptop Fixie rescues (and who, obviously, becomes her love interest), goes back to his girlfriend a little often for my taste. Which is sad, because otherwise the Fixie/Seb dynamic is quite enjoyable and really quite funny. Still, the poor girl was clearly under a lot of pressure with her family and the store, so I get some of her behavior there. As for Ryan, I'm not so sure what her excuse was!
Still, this book wins you over with time. Fixie is an engaging character and really, rather endearing. She can't help but be who she is and she really can't help whom she is surrounded by (except Ryan--let's just all agree he's awful). When Seb enters the scene, things become more funny, and things pick up as Fixie starts to grow into her own skin. This growth is a Kinsella staple, and she does it well. There's moments of her trademark humor, as well.
Overall, this one is predictable but sweet, and once I got past some of Fixie's issues, I enjoyed it. It's a light, quick read.
Still, this book wins you over with time. Fixie is an engaging character and really, rather endearing. She can't help but be who she is and she really can't help whom she is surrounded by (except Ryan--let's just all agree he's awful). When Seb enters the scene, things become more funny, and things pick up as Fixie starts to grow into her own skin. This growth is a Kinsella staple, and she does it well. There's moments of her trademark humor, as well.
Overall, this one is predictable but sweet, and once I got past some of Fixie's issues, I enjoyed it. It's a light, quick read.
Merissa (13628 KP) rated Black (The Silver #2) in Books
Feb 17, 2020
Black is the second book in the Silver series and this time the focus is on Jet. He was stolen from his family at a very young age and given to the Woman, who only wanted him for deathmatches. There was no love, care, or attention in Jet's life from that moment. All that changes when Jaze rescues him and takes him in. It doesn't all suddenly become sunshine and roses though and THAT is what made this book so good!
Jet has issues, he really does, and let's face it, you would do too if you'd gone through what he did. He proves he is intelligent by teaching himself English, Spanish, and lip-reading. He shows compassion by not killing someone until he realises that it just doesn't work that way and understands the pact made by the other wolves. My heart broke for him in so many ways and yet I was proud of him too. He didn't stop trying and would do anything to protect those he called his own.
This was incredibly written and I read it in one sitting. I was literally unable to stop reading until I knew all was good in Jet's world. The world-building just gets better as it becomes clearer with each book. The characters grow and change, becoming 'more'. I loved hearing about Jaze and Nikki and I hope we continue hearing about past couples as the series progresses.
A darker fantastic young adult paranormal that I absolutely recommend! The only thing I don't know is what happened to Shadow's Curse. I'm presuming he's dead but I really wish he wasn't!
* 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!
Jet has issues, he really does, and let's face it, you would do too if you'd gone through what he did. He proves he is intelligent by teaching himself English, Spanish, and lip-reading. He shows compassion by not killing someone until he realises that it just doesn't work that way and understands the pact made by the other wolves. My heart broke for him in so many ways and yet I was proud of him too. He didn't stop trying and would do anything to protect those he called his own.
This was incredibly written and I read it in one sitting. I was literally unable to stop reading until I knew all was good in Jet's world. The world-building just gets better as it becomes clearer with each book. The characters grow and change, becoming 'more'. I loved hearing about Jaze and Nikki and I hope we continue hearing about past couples as the series progresses.
A darker fantastic young adult paranormal that I absolutely recommend! The only thing I don't know is what happened to Shadow's Curse. I'm presuming he's dead but I really wish he wasn't!
* 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!
Debbiereadsbook (1630 KP) rated Heartbeat Girl in Books
Dec 8, 2021
Fabulous vampire read!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
When Jayne's boss disappears, the band she was working with hires her as their PA. But something is off about The Oppressors and Jayne can't figure it out. She also can't keep her attraction to one of them hidden if she's sharing their bus.
It's been a while since I had a good vampire read, and I have to say, this proper hit the spot!
I loved that there was history between Jayne and Liam, but we don't get the full story till much later in the story. And indeed, that it was well past half way before they give into their desires for each other. Loved the sire aspect of this vampire lore.
Liam knew all that time ago, that Jayne was special to him, but it wasn't til he fully opened his soul to her, that he realised just HOW special she was.
I loved all the guys, but now I think Pete has a place in my heart. He does something here that was incredibly brave, and could have cost him his life, but his love for Jayne, even if she wasn't his, pulled him through. Steve too, but to a lesser extent. I want them both to have a story, they need one!
There's a bit on the blurb that says this can be read as a standalone, but that characters from Soul Food are mentioned. And it can, it is totally stand alone, BUT now I WANT to go back and read that book, I really do. Ruth is Jayne's boss and where she ends up? I need to know what happened to her.
First I've read of this author too, I need more!
A very, very enjoyable 4 star read
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
When Jayne's boss disappears, the band she was working with hires her as their PA. But something is off about The Oppressors and Jayne can't figure it out. She also can't keep her attraction to one of them hidden if she's sharing their bus.
It's been a while since I had a good vampire read, and I have to say, this proper hit the spot!
I loved that there was history between Jayne and Liam, but we don't get the full story till much later in the story. And indeed, that it was well past half way before they give into their desires for each other. Loved the sire aspect of this vampire lore.
Liam knew all that time ago, that Jayne was special to him, but it wasn't til he fully opened his soul to her, that he realised just HOW special she was.
I loved all the guys, but now I think Pete has a place in my heart. He does something here that was incredibly brave, and could have cost him his life, but his love for Jayne, even if she wasn't his, pulled him through. Steve too, but to a lesser extent. I want them both to have a story, they need one!
There's a bit on the blurb that says this can be read as a standalone, but that characters from Soul Food are mentioned. And it can, it is totally stand alone, BUT now I WANT to go back and read that book, I really do. Ruth is Jayne's boss and where she ends up? I need to know what happened to her.
First I've read of this author too, I need more!
A very, very enjoyable 4 star read
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Eleanor Luhar (47 KP) rated The Other Wind: An Earthsea Novel in Books
Jun 24, 2019
I think this has been my favourite of the Earthsea novels. It tied all the previous stories together, and included two of my favourite characters - Tenar and Tehanu.
Again, there were times where I felt a little bored or lost, but when I was able to sit and really focus on reading it, I really did enjoy this book. I guess it's not really a "light" read.
This story focused more on dragons, and how humans had broken an ancient promise by seeking immortality. Women - who were previously seen as lesser than men - are invited to Roke, and help to bring peace amongst dragon and mankind.
The history of dragons and men being one species was a really interesting concept, as was the "other wind" that Irian and Tehanu long for. The ending was pretty sad, too - the bond between Tenar and Tehanu was so strong, but they knew that they would have to let each other go.
I definitely found this the most interesting out of the series. The writing is lovely (if a little archaic, but that fits the universe Le Guin has created) and I love some of the characters. 3.5 stars.
Again, there were times where I felt a little bored or lost, but when I was able to sit and really focus on reading it, I really did enjoy this book. I guess it's not really a "light" read.
This story focused more on dragons, and how humans had broken an ancient promise by seeking immortality. Women - who were previously seen as lesser than men - are invited to Roke, and help to bring peace amongst dragon and mankind.
The history of dragons and men being one species was a really interesting concept, as was the "other wind" that Irian and Tehanu long for. The ending was pretty sad, too - the bond between Tenar and Tehanu was so strong, but they knew that they would have to let each other go.
I definitely found this the most interesting out of the series. The writing is lovely (if a little archaic, but that fits the universe Le Guin has created) and I love some of the characters. 3.5 stars.