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Hazel (1853 KP) rated Clockwork Dollhouse in Books

Oct 19, 2018 (Updated Oct 19, 2018)

Clockwork Dollhouse

Jordan Elizabeth Mierek | 2018 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Thriller, Young Adult (YA)

8.5

(2 Ratings)

Book Rating

Short but gripping

A very short novella, Clockwork Dollhouse by Jordan Elizabeth is a haunting steampunk tale of revenge. Set in a previous century, Governor Robert Pendleton is shocked to discover an intruder in a set of rooms that have not been entered for years. He is even more shocked to discover the intruder is his niece, Ainsley, the daughter of his sister, Jane.

When Jane was young, unable to walk due to a disfigured foot, she took delight in creating mechanical dolls, representing her family. Ever since Ainsley, now an orphan, appeared at the castle, the dolls have taken on a life of their own, acting out events to suggest Robert had murdered his parents and sister. Unnerved, Robert wonders who is moving the dolls; is it Ainsley or have the mechanical figures come to life. Could it even be Jane's ghost?

In under thirty pages, Jordan Elizabeth engages readers with a gripping tale of secrets and deceit. The steampunk genre adds an extra element of thrill, making Clockwork Dollhouse an apt short story to be published at this time of year. Although short, it proves the author's skill and wide imagination.

Kudos

Amy Louise (1 KP) rated Bird Box (2018) in Movies

Jan 2, 2019

Bird Box (2018)

2018 | Drama, Horror, Sci-Fi

7.1

(144 Ratings)

Movie Rating

Manipulation of viewers anxiety (0 more)

No substance, wastes valuable plot opportunities, poor story telling (0 more)

So much hype so little substance

I was reluctant to watch this as it didn't immediately strike me as something I'd enjoy, however I read so much hype and praise for it, I simply had to.

When it started I was hopeful that actually this might just provide a pleasant surprise for me but by the end I was disappointed and left wanting more.

Let's face it, we've seen this film before in several different guises, 'The Mist' 'The Crazies' they all have one thing in common that makes me sigh every time, lack of depth. There's no imagination and explanation, in concept this could have been so much more but it remains a creature-less, face-less disappointment.

The whole premise relies on exploiting the viewers anxiety over the care of the children and the need to protect. I may be missing the point and I know this is a commentary on mental health but it's tenuous at best and I felt cheated by something that could have been so much more.

Kudos

BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Fawkes in Books

Jan 2, 2019

Fawkes

Nadine Brandes | 2018 | Young Adult (YA)

9.5

(4 Ratings)

Book Rating

A stunning masterpiece. Melding history and fantasy into an unforgettable story.

I can not get over just how much I have come to love this story! There is so much history in this story that I was shocked by how well the author was able to mingle such a rich fantasy aspect to the story as well.

This story has so much to captivate the imagination, magic, romance, battles, plots, alliances, and true history! Brandes has created such a world of Colors that makes me believe color speak is possible. I am so impressed I am in a sort of color-daze.

The bottom line, if you enjoy YA Fantasy you will fall in LOVE with this story. If you enjoy historical books but haven't been brave enough to give the fantasy genre a try yet...I have a feeling you will enjoy this one. So be brave, give it a try...You may just fall in love with a new author!

I received a complimentary copy of Fawkes from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Kudos

Kate (493 KP) rated Tardy Bells and Witches' Spells in Books

Nov 20, 2019

Tardy Bells and Witches' Spells

Sarina Dorie | 2018 | Science Fiction/Fantasy

9.5

(2 Ratings)

Book Rating

There was parts which seem copied from Harry Potter (0 more)

I really enjoyed this book. There are parts which does remind me of Harry Potter which was a little disappointing but I love Harry Potter so it didn't bother me much. This is the type of book I would read but haven't read for a while due to the age I believe it is aimed at. I do like to go back to books I used to read as it is a bit like nostalgia.
I was hooked form page 1 and that is rare for a book as it usually takes me a couple of chapters.
This also got my imagination going and I could visualize everything I was reading.
I connected with the character in a way that I was annoyed that no-one could see what was going on what the sister.
I feel the book exceeded the blurb.
I am hoping to read the rest of the books in the series but they don't appear to be on Kobo yet.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.