Search
Search results

ArecRain (8 KP) rated To Sin With a Stranger (Seven Deadly Sins, #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
After reading the second, I decided I should probably read the first. After reading the second, which immediately captured my attention, I found it so difficult to get into this novel. It starts out with Siusan sewing up Sterlings knuckles, which I had to actually skip over because I could not stomach reading about it.
After that the story progresses with Sterling actually fighting some Irish man to win money to help support his siblings. After Isobel interrupts the fight and is embarrassed by Sterling, he goes on to win the fight and donate some of his winnings to Isobels cause. Sterling then makes the bet at Whites and proceeds to woe Isobel.
Honestly, I grew bored with this novel. I actually found myself skipping over passages and conversations without meaning to. It was actually depressing after reading the <i>The Most Wicked of Sins</i>, which had me hooked. I loved reading about Ivy and Nicks developing relationship and them falling in love. Sterling and Isobels story, however, was just flat. I dont why, but I just found that I could not care less about them falling in love, or Sterling seducing Isobel.
I was greatly disappointed.
After that the story progresses with Sterling actually fighting some Irish man to win money to help support his siblings. After Isobel interrupts the fight and is embarrassed by Sterling, he goes on to win the fight and donate some of his winnings to Isobels cause. Sterling then makes the bet at Whites and proceeds to woe Isobel.
Honestly, I grew bored with this novel. I actually found myself skipping over passages and conversations without meaning to. It was actually depressing after reading the <i>The Most Wicked of Sins</i>, which had me hooked. I loved reading about Ivy and Nicks developing relationship and them falling in love. Sterling and Isobels story, however, was just flat. I dont why, but I just found that I could not care less about them falling in love, or Sterling seducing Isobel.
I was greatly disappointed.

Autumn (430 KP) rated Dead Witch Walking (The Hollows, #1) in Books
Mar 25, 2018 (Updated Mar 25, 2018)
The story behind the world in this book. (3 more)
The history of the supernatural creatures in Harrison’s world
Some humor, ie. Humans scared of tomatoes
Inclusion of pixies
Up and down in holding my interest, can be really slow then really entertaining (1 more)
Not sure how I feel about Ivy
This is a fun read. I like the history behind the world Harrison has created. It’s entertaining, if not a little funny. Half the human popluation was wiped out by a lab created virus accidentally released into the public through tomatoes, while the supernatural was not harmed and now are the only consumers of the tomato industry. It’s a bit silly, but it works. And don’t worry, the book isn’t all about tomatoes, but they do play a part in the explanation of the world you’re reading about. I also enjoyed Harrison’s take on the supernatural creatures living in her world. The inclusion of a pixy as a central side character is different as well. I’ve read few books that pixies remain part of the story throughout the whole book. I’m not going to lie though, I did find myself losing interest after the first few chapters. However, about half way through it picked back up, but continued to be up and down in holding my interest for the rest of the book.

Christine A. (965 KP) rated The Familiar Dark in Books
Apr 7, 2020
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
Amy Engel is known for her previous works, The Roanoke Girls and The Book of Ivy series. Her latest, The Familiar Dark, is the first of her books I have read. It will not be her last.
In The Familiar Dark, Eve Taggert's daughter is killed. She wants answers. When Junie was born, Eve turned away from her mother and the life her mother lives. When Junie is murdered, Eve is forced to go back to what she knew in her childhood, the dark side of life. Eve must decide how far will she go to get justice.
Engel could have written a typical "mom seeking revenge for her daughter" book. She does not. To find out the truth, Eve has to turn back to the dark side she never let and never wanted Junie to see.
Eve's childhood was one of poverty, fear, and neglect. The two constants in her life were her brother Cal and her drug-dealing abusive mother. Engel could have written a typical "pity the character because of how she was raised" book. She does not.
Amy Engel creates an engaging story that starts with a murder and ends....well, read it to see how it ends.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 4/6/20.
Amy Engel is known for her previous works, The Roanoke Girls and The Book of Ivy series. Her latest, The Familiar Dark, is the first of her books I have read. It will not be her last.
In The Familiar Dark, Eve Taggert's daughter is killed. She wants answers. When Junie was born, Eve turned away from her mother and the life her mother lives. When Junie is murdered, Eve is forced to go back to what she knew in her childhood, the dark side of life. Eve must decide how far will she go to get justice.
Engel could have written a typical "mom seeking revenge for her daughter" book. She does not. To find out the truth, Eve has to turn back to the dark side she never let and never wanted Junie to see.
Eve's childhood was one of poverty, fear, and neglect. The two constants in her life were her brother Cal and her drug-dealing abusive mother. Engel could have written a typical "pity the character because of how she was raised" book. She does not.
Amy Engel creates an engaging story that starts with a murder and ends....well, read it to see how it ends.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 4/6/20.

LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Harley Quinn - Season 1 in TV
Jul 31, 2020 (Updated Jul 31, 2020)
In short, Harley Quinn is probably my new favourite show... Seriously.
I really wasn't too bothered when it was originally announced but I'm really glad I got round to it eventually.
To start with, it's fucking hilarious. The dialogue and humour arrives in waves, never lets up, and is pretty much constantly funny and pretty clever. Cast your mind back to when Family Guy was actually good (it's been a while my friends) and you're sort of in the right ball park. Every character offers something in this respect.
The main characters - Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, King Shark, Clayface, Dr Psycho - are really well written, and are a great group of anti-heroes to get behind.
The show also fits in appearances from other DC veterans - Joker, Batman, Aquaman, Wonder Woman, Superman, Bane, Queen of Fables, Black Manta, The Flash, Lex Luthor, Scarecrow, Giganta, The Riddler, Kite Man, Robin - are just a few that get a look in. It's great for DC fans, and funny enough to appeal to wider audiences.
It's very adult orientated as well - whilst looking like a typical kids superhero show, the illusion will suddenly be shattered by a tirade of swearing, or over the top gore, it's truly not messing around, and it works really well!
Harley Quinn was a massive pleasant surprise for me. Can't wait to watch more!
I really wasn't too bothered when it was originally announced but I'm really glad I got round to it eventually.
To start with, it's fucking hilarious. The dialogue and humour arrives in waves, never lets up, and is pretty much constantly funny and pretty clever. Cast your mind back to when Family Guy was actually good (it's been a while my friends) and you're sort of in the right ball park. Every character offers something in this respect.
The main characters - Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, King Shark, Clayface, Dr Psycho - are really well written, and are a great group of anti-heroes to get behind.
The show also fits in appearances from other DC veterans - Joker, Batman, Aquaman, Wonder Woman, Superman, Bane, Queen of Fables, Black Manta, The Flash, Lex Luthor, Scarecrow, Giganta, The Riddler, Kite Man, Robin - are just a few that get a look in. It's great for DC fans, and funny enough to appeal to wider audiences.
It's very adult orientated as well - whilst looking like a typical kids superhero show, the illusion will suddenly be shattered by a tirade of swearing, or over the top gore, it's truly not messing around, and it works really well!
Harley Quinn was a massive pleasant surprise for me. Can't wait to watch more!

Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Avowed (Shadowed Wings #2) in Books
Oct 22, 2021
176 of 250
Kindle
The Avowed ( Shadowed Wings book 2)
By Ivy Asher
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Just when I think things are starting to look up...I manage to get myself kidnapped.
All I want to do is figure out how the hell to get home. But instead, I’ve been shot out of the sky, netted, half drowned, and now I’ve been taken to Kestrel City, home of the Avowed.
The Hidden claim the Avowed are the enemy, but I’m about to learn nothing is ever just black and white.
Well, except maybe for my gryphon.
I need to keep Pigeon and her wandering eye on a tight leash. Which is a hell of a lot easier said than done. She has an appetite for assholes and secrets, and there’s plenty of both flying around here.
Can I keep my head down, my wings folded, and Pigeon in check long enough to find the answers I’ve been looking for?
I sure as fuck hope so, but it’s not looking so good.
Well holy cow that was a bit good! I absolutely love her conversations with Pidge they just lift the whole book. I’m really enjoying Ivy’s work and can’t wait to keep reading more. I will say I think my heart was in my mouth the last two chapters!
Kindle
The Avowed ( Shadowed Wings book 2)
By Ivy Asher
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Just when I think things are starting to look up...I manage to get myself kidnapped.
All I want to do is figure out how the hell to get home. But instead, I’ve been shot out of the sky, netted, half drowned, and now I’ve been taken to Kestrel City, home of the Avowed.
The Hidden claim the Avowed are the enemy, but I’m about to learn nothing is ever just black and white.
Well, except maybe for my gryphon.
I need to keep Pigeon and her wandering eye on a tight leash. Which is a hell of a lot easier said than done. She has an appetite for assholes and secrets, and there’s plenty of both flying around here.
Can I keep my head down, my wings folded, and Pigeon in check long enough to find the answers I’ve been looking for?
I sure as fuck hope so, but it’s not looking so good.
Well holy cow that was a bit good! I absolutely love her conversations with Pidge they just lift the whole book. I’m really enjoying Ivy’s work and can’t wait to keep reading more. I will say I think my heart was in my mouth the last two chapters!

Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated City of Sun ( Men of Manhattan book 1) in Books
Jul 29, 2022
134 of 230
Kindle
City of Sin ( Men of Manhattan book 1)
By Ivy Smoak
⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
I know I have a reputation as a playboy. And I like my reputation.
The only reason I agreed to go on a blind date was because I was promised two Knicks tickets for my time.
But I never expected for her to pass on me. Me? Are you kidding?
I'm going to prove to her that she made a mistake. I give it a week until she begs me to make good on my promises. Then I'll say goodbye to her long legs and sassy tongue and perfect...
What the hell? Why don't I want to say goodbye?
This book kinda stressed me out I’m not one for 2 star reviews I hate doing them but I like to think I review honestly. I managed to get through the whole book somehow it kept me reading. But the two main characters were just not good for me. Again this is my honest opinion. She was annoying and Mason was just a pig even him turning it around at the end I still didn’t like him he was just not appealing at all. So so as I really wanted to like it. The story just seemed forced and long winded.
Kindle
City of Sin ( Men of Manhattan book 1)
By Ivy Smoak
⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
I know I have a reputation as a playboy. And I like my reputation.
The only reason I agreed to go on a blind date was because I was promised two Knicks tickets for my time.
But I never expected for her to pass on me. Me? Are you kidding?
I'm going to prove to her that she made a mistake. I give it a week until she begs me to make good on my promises. Then I'll say goodbye to her long legs and sassy tongue and perfect...
What the hell? Why don't I want to say goodbye?
This book kinda stressed me out I’m not one for 2 star reviews I hate doing them but I like to think I review honestly. I managed to get through the whole book somehow it kept me reading. But the two main characters were just not good for me. Again this is my honest opinion. She was annoying and Mason was just a pig even him turning it around at the end I still didn’t like him he was just not appealing at all. So so as I really wanted to like it. The story just seemed forced and long winded.

ArecRain (8 KP) rated The Most Wicked of Sins (Seven Deadly Sins, #2) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
While there was nothing about this book that made it special and I found the "Seven Deadly Sins" theme cliche, it was a pleasure to read. This is the kind of romance novel that makes you sigh with happiness when you finish the last page, the type of novel that is truly a delight to fans of romance. The couple doesn't argue the entire time. In fact, the only arguing was the female protagonist's, Ivy's, arguing with herself and her emotions. This is quite refreshing among the endless stream of novels where the couples are always butting heads and arguing to the point that I want to rip my hair out.
The only problem I had was Ivy's behavior. I have read so many historical novels where the women act as free as the women today. It's irritating. If those women really acted that way, then they would be complete outcasts of society no matter what their status or money. I am also sure that the menfolk would simply not allow such behavior.
The male protagonist, Dominic Sheridan, stole my heart away. He was sweet and endearing to Ivy, that it grabbed my heart strings. At first, it was amusing to watch the two's playful banter, and then watch how their behavior changed so subtly when the two began to fall in love. It was cute.
I actually liked the light-hearted feel of this novel so much, I rented the other two currently published.
The only problem I had was Ivy's behavior. I have read so many historical novels where the women act as free as the women today. It's irritating. If those women really acted that way, then they would be complete outcasts of society no matter what their status or money. I am also sure that the menfolk would simply not allow such behavior.
The male protagonist, Dominic Sheridan, stole my heart away. He was sweet and endearing to Ivy, that it grabbed my heart strings. At first, it was amusing to watch the two's playful banter, and then watch how their behavior changed so subtly when the two began to fall in love. It was cute.
I actually liked the light-hearted feel of this novel so much, I rented the other two currently published.

Rachel King (13 KP) rated A Perfect Blood (The Hollows, #10) in Books
Feb 11, 2019
Harrison pulls off another stellar installment in the Hollows series, a book I could hardly put down for anything. Rachel Morgan's drama expands to epic proportions with the threat of HAPA, an underground organization that is working to eradicate all non-human species. Combine that with Rachel's neutered magic thanks to Trent's bracelet, and it's a catastrophe waiting to happen. My frustration at Rachel's indecision is near constant from cover to cover, and that is just with the bracelet situation.
Rachel's romantic interest is also in limbo, as she ignores her attraction to Trent and bickers with her new bodyguard, Wayde - yet another source of frustration. Meanwhile, romance buds for both Ivy and Jenks, and secrets hover in the periphery, such as Glenn's personal motivations and the identity of the vampire Felix. The subplots provide nice diversions to the main one, and will expand in the next book in the series certainly.
The introduction of HAPA to the series also adds some backstory to the history prior to the beginning of the series as to the revealing of the inderland species, which I appreciate. Once upon a time, HAPA was much more vocal about their hatred for the inderlanders, and now it seems they have a much greater presence than previously assumed. This provides much fodder for plot possibilities!
I also rather enjoyed the interactions between Al and Trent's family at the end of the book. Personally, I think Harrison could turn Al into a very good dad - and children could be the key to truly taming him. Just keep writing, Harrison!
Rachel's romantic interest is also in limbo, as she ignores her attraction to Trent and bickers with her new bodyguard, Wayde - yet another source of frustration. Meanwhile, romance buds for both Ivy and Jenks, and secrets hover in the periphery, such as Glenn's personal motivations and the identity of the vampire Felix. The subplots provide nice diversions to the main one, and will expand in the next book in the series certainly.
The introduction of HAPA to the series also adds some backstory to the history prior to the beginning of the series as to the revealing of the inderland species, which I appreciate. Once upon a time, HAPA was much more vocal about their hatred for the inderlanders, and now it seems they have a much greater presence than previously assumed. This provides much fodder for plot possibilities!
I also rather enjoyed the interactions between Al and Trent's family at the end of the book. Personally, I think Harrison could turn Al into a very good dad - and children could be the key to truly taming him. Just keep writing, Harrison!

graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated The Good, the Bad, and the Undead (The Hollows, #2) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
Wow, another great book by Ms. Harrison! I loved <i>The Good, the Bad, and the Undead</i> and had a hard time putting it down. The only reason I'm not giving it a ten is for editing; there were mistakes using tenses (or it just could be possible missing letters) and a major forgotten character (not a major character, just part of this particular plot) that may be missing/dead/or who knows what. Also, since it has been awhile since I read <i>Dead Witch Walking</i>, I don't remember who Francis is and there's no mini-recap for him. Oh well, now I need to get the first book so I can re-read it! :)
As for the rest of the story, I really like Rachel, although I don't know about the direction the author is taking (or had taken) with Ivy; it just seems too much like the Anita Blake thing with what's-his-name, at least a tad bit. The way Nick was written in this book detracted from the little bit readers got out of the first book, and frankly, he could be a major pain-in-the-@$$! I'm a bit disappointed in how he's portrayed, but the other two males in this series are way more exciting and intriguing than he is. I'm sorry to say that, but it's the truth, and maybe Kim Harrison plans on phasing him out of future books. Luckily I have the next two books handy!
4.5 stars
As for the rest of the story, I really like Rachel, although I don't know about the direction the author is taking (or had taken) with Ivy; it just seems too much like the Anita Blake thing with what's-his-name, at least a tad bit. The way Nick was written in this book detracted from the little bit readers got out of the first book, and frankly, he could be a major pain-in-the-@$$! I'm a bit disappointed in how he's portrayed, but the other two males in this series are way more exciting and intriguing than he is. I'm sorry to say that, but it's the truth, and maybe Kim Harrison plans on phasing him out of future books. Luckily I have the next two books handy!
4.5 stars

Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension (2015) in Movies
Jan 27, 2020 (Updated Jan 27, 2020)
The Sisters Are Watching You
Paranormal Activity 1- hated it
Paranormal Activity 2- Better Than One.
Paranormal Activity 3- Its getting good.
Paranormal Activity 4- Paranormal Kinect.
Paranormal Activity TMO- Shotgun Powers.
This One- Sisters From Anethor Dimensons.
So It goes 3,4, This One, 2, 1 and TMO. Thats the order of how i liked them. This one, 3 and 4 are all good and 1, 2 and TMO are all awful/poor.
The Plot: Ryan Fleege (Chris J. Murray), his wife Emily (Brit Shaw) and their 7-year-old daughter Leila (Ivy George) are preparing for Christmas in their new home. After finding an old and mysterious camcorder, Ryan quickly learns that it can record strange apparitions that are invisible to the naked eye. When young Leila starts talking to an imaginary friend and displaying strange behavior, the couple soon find themselves in
a terrifying battle with a supernatural force.
So this franchise as a whole, is batting 3/6 which is 50%. So only 3 out of the 6 to me are good. I think this franchise as a whole got way overhyped to the point, were the had to keep making movie after movie, year after year. This franchise isnt that scary at all, its just people doing nothing for 70 mintues and the last 15-20 minutes gets intresting. This franchise is just cameras, more cameras and cameras and watching nothing happen around the house.
Thank god im finish with this franchise and never have to watch it again.
Wait their making a 7th one in 2021....
No!!!!!!!!!!!
Paranormal Activity 2- Better Than One.
Paranormal Activity 3- Its getting good.
Paranormal Activity 4- Paranormal Kinect.
Paranormal Activity TMO- Shotgun Powers.
This One- Sisters From Anethor Dimensons.
So It goes 3,4, This One, 2, 1 and TMO. Thats the order of how i liked them. This one, 3 and 4 are all good and 1, 2 and TMO are all awful/poor.
The Plot: Ryan Fleege (Chris J. Murray), his wife Emily (Brit Shaw) and their 7-year-old daughter Leila (Ivy George) are preparing for Christmas in their new home. After finding an old and mysterious camcorder, Ryan quickly learns that it can record strange apparitions that are invisible to the naked eye. When young Leila starts talking to an imaginary friend and displaying strange behavior, the couple soon find themselves in
a terrifying battle with a supernatural force.
So this franchise as a whole, is batting 3/6 which is 50%. So only 3 out of the 6 to me are good. I think this franchise as a whole got way overhyped to the point, were the had to keep making movie after movie, year after year. This franchise isnt that scary at all, its just people doing nothing for 70 mintues and the last 15-20 minutes gets intresting. This franchise is just cameras, more cameras and cameras and watching nothing happen around the house.
Thank god im finish with this franchise and never have to watch it again.
Wait their making a 7th one in 2021....
No!!!!!!!!!!!