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MusicCritics (472 KP) rated Darkness And Light by John Legend in Music
Jun 29, 2017
“Darkness and Light,” his fifth studio album, treats love as something far more complex than a panacea and a fount of perpetual reassurance, with music to match.
Critic- Jon Pareles
Original Score: 4 out of 5
Read Review: https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/30/arts/music/john-legend-darkness-and-light-review.html
Original Score: 4 out of 5
Read Review: https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/30/arts/music/john-legend-darkness-and-light-review.html
MusicCritics (472 KP) rated Villains by Queens Of The Stone Age in Music
Sep 11, 2017
Although you can’t fault the band’s ambition, these more grandiose moments do veer into self-indulgence, sometimes resembling a jam session that’s got out of hand. But a lack of self-editing is the only real flaw on an album
Critic-Jon O'Brien
Original Score: 8 out of 10
Read Review: http://www.prefixmag.com/reviews/villains/204476/
Original Score: 8 out of 10
Read Review: http://www.prefixmag.com/reviews/villains/204476/
Movie Critics (823 KP) rated Game Of Thrones - Season 5 in TV
Jul 10, 2017
Jon Snows rise and fall (2 more)
"Hardhome"
Great runs for Stannis, Cersei, Dany, Tyrion, and Arya
Dorne (1 more)
Vanishing characters
Overall though, the positives outweighed the negatives, the big moments delivered, the set pieces sizzled, and misery showed us once again that it absolutely adores company.
Critic- Matt Fowler
Original Score: 8.5 out of 10
Read Review: http://uk.ign.com/articles/2015/06/21/game-of-thrones-season-5-review
Original Score: 8.5 out of 10
Read Review: http://uk.ign.com/articles/2015/06/21/game-of-thrones-season-5-review
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Providence: A Novel in Books
Mar 10, 2019
Weirdly fascinating novel
As kids, Jon and Chloe are best friends, even though she realizes that Jon is a little different from the other kids. Then one day Jon vanishes after taking a shortcut on his way to school. The town searches for him, but it's a bit halfhearted they must admit, as he is not one of the popular and beloved kids. But his absence strikes Chloe in the heart. She finds solace in her art and begins fitting in better at school, making more friends. Still, she cannot forget Jon or how much he meant to her. Imagine her shock when Jon turns up four years later, after escaping from a kidnapper, and revealing himself to be viral and strong--everything he wasn't before the kidnapping. He also quickly learns that he has a strange and uncontrollable power over people, especially when he's feeling strongly about something. This power drives Jon into seclusion, isolating him from his beloved Chloe. Jon begins to search for the truth about what has made him this way, while Chloe tries to figure out her place in the world, with or without Jon.
Well, this was an interesting one and nothing like what I expected. Obviously Kepnes is well-known for her novel, You, which is a story of love and obsession gone wrong. Supposedly many reviewers felt that this new book was a far twist from YOU, but I couldn't help but feel that parts of it reminded me of that novel, due to some of Jon's obsession and focus on Chloe. Still, I can understand that feeling, as PROVIDENCE also has a bit of an almost paranormal science fiction twist to it. That is a change. It requires a little suspension of disbelief, but once you go with it, the book is incredibly addictive and hard to put down. I read it in one day while on vacation, completely addicted to the strange and fascinating plot.
There's no denying that Kepnes can write, and you become immersed in her characters. I was intrigued by Jon and a bit by Chloe as well. I didn't adore them, but they were multi-faceted, and their dilemma unique. I'll admit that I didn't even know that Lovecraft--the author on whom Jon's situation is based--was real, so obviously all of those references went right over my head. Ha! I might have gotten into that scenario more if I knew the author, but the whole "turned you into a monster--or did I?" concept isn't exactly difficult to follow, and it's an interesting idea.
The novel is told from the points of view of Jon, Chloe, and a detective named Eggs. I enjoyed Eggs' perspective; he added a much-needed third viewpoint to the tale. Eggs is tracking Jon, but we also get a nuanced look at his relationship with his wife.
In the end, this is a weirdly fascinating novel that is hard to describe. I'm glad I read it, as I can't imagine not reading any of Kepnes' books, truly. It's a story of dysfunctional and potentially misguided love, but I enjoyed how you could feel Jon and Chloe's need for one another stretching and pulling across the pages. Kepnes is just so good at obsession and oddity (and love) that I couldn't stop reading. I enjoyed this one.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley/Librarything in return for an unbiased review (thank you!).
Well, this was an interesting one and nothing like what I expected. Obviously Kepnes is well-known for her novel, You, which is a story of love and obsession gone wrong. Supposedly many reviewers felt that this new book was a far twist from YOU, but I couldn't help but feel that parts of it reminded me of that novel, due to some of Jon's obsession and focus on Chloe. Still, I can understand that feeling, as PROVIDENCE also has a bit of an almost paranormal science fiction twist to it. That is a change. It requires a little suspension of disbelief, but once you go with it, the book is incredibly addictive and hard to put down. I read it in one day while on vacation, completely addicted to the strange and fascinating plot.
There's no denying that Kepnes can write, and you become immersed in her characters. I was intrigued by Jon and a bit by Chloe as well. I didn't adore them, but they were multi-faceted, and their dilemma unique. I'll admit that I didn't even know that Lovecraft--the author on whom Jon's situation is based--was real, so obviously all of those references went right over my head. Ha! I might have gotten into that scenario more if I knew the author, but the whole "turned you into a monster--or did I?" concept isn't exactly difficult to follow, and it's an interesting idea.
The novel is told from the points of view of Jon, Chloe, and a detective named Eggs. I enjoyed Eggs' perspective; he added a much-needed third viewpoint to the tale. Eggs is tracking Jon, but we also get a nuanced look at his relationship with his wife.
In the end, this is a weirdly fascinating novel that is hard to describe. I'm glad I read it, as I can't imagine not reading any of Kepnes' books, truly. It's a story of dysfunctional and potentially misguided love, but I enjoyed how you could feel Jon and Chloe's need for one another stretching and pulling across the pages. Kepnes is just so good at obsession and oddity (and love) that I couldn't stop reading. I enjoyed this one.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley/Librarything in return for an unbiased review (thank you!).
Merissa (11704 KP) rated Above the Fold (Midnight Rodeo #7) in Books
Jun 25, 2019
Above the Fold (Midnight Rodeo #7) by B.A. Tortuga
Above the Fold is the seventh book in the Midnight Rodeo series, and as such, I really do think you need to read at least some of them to get the full impact of this one.
Jon is the reporter who loses his job because he is losing his memories. The only thing he can - and wants to - remember is the Midnight Rodeo. He follows them from town to town, never knowing why, but unable to resist the call. Kelly tried to do a mindswipe on Jon, before he realised Jon was psychic. This is what has led to the memory loss. Kelly takes Jon under his wing as they try to find a solution.
This is a fast-paced novella with plenty of detail, and a great cast of characters. The story moves along at a steady pace, focusing on this story alone. That is why I feel I have missed out on some details, because some of the other characters obviously have their own abilities and stories, and I wanted to know more.
A sweet and warm story though, that I thoroughly enjoyed, and have no hesitation in recommending.
* 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!
Jon is the reporter who loses his job because he is losing his memories. The only thing he can - and wants to - remember is the Midnight Rodeo. He follows them from town to town, never knowing why, but unable to resist the call. Kelly tried to do a mindswipe on Jon, before he realised Jon was psychic. This is what has led to the memory loss. Kelly takes Jon under his wing as they try to find a solution.
This is a fast-paced novella with plenty of detail, and a great cast of characters. The story moves along at a steady pace, focusing on this story alone. That is why I feel I have missed out on some details, because some of the other characters obviously have their own abilities and stories, and I wanted to know more.
A sweet and warm story though, that I thoroughly enjoyed, and have no hesitation in recommending.
* 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!
MelanieTheresa (997 KP) rated Good Omens in TV
Jun 17, 2019
I had the advantage of not having read this book, so I was able to go into the series with completely fresh eyes, and I enjoyed it very much. David Tennant is a terrific demon. Michael Sheen has some truly funny moments. I could have used more Jon Hamm. "I'm the archangel fucking Gabriel" was one of my favorite lines of the entire series. Overall a fun show!
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Circle of Fire (Damask Circle #1) in Books
Aug 2, 2021
120 of 250
Book
Circle of Fire ( Damask Circle book 1)
By Keri Arthur
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Sixteen teenagers taken from their homes. Eleven bodies recovered, each completely drained of blood. Some believe vampires are responsible, but Jon Barnett knows it's something far worse. To stop the killers in Taurin Bay, he becomes enmeshed in a web of black magic and realizes he needs help. But fate gives him only one choice in the form of recluse Madeline Smith.
Madeline Smith has retreated to an isolated farmhouse, afraid of the psychic abilities she can't control-abilities that have killed. But when "ghost" Jon Barnett brings a warning of danger and her nephew disappears, Maddie has to leave her haven. She also has to learn to control the abilities she fears and place her trust in Jon Barnett, a man who is neither human nor ghost.
But as the search for the teenagers becomes a race against time, and the noose of sorcery threatens to kill Maddie and Jon, the greatest danger to them both could be the feelings they have for each other-feelings that they refuse to acknowledge.
This is one of those books where you realise after 2 chapters you have actually read it! Didn’t stop me flying through it again and actually enjoyed more the second time round. Keri Arthur is one of those authors that just drags you into her worlds! She is a very good writer. This will go into my collection I’m determined to own all her books!
Book
Circle of Fire ( Damask Circle book 1)
By Keri Arthur
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Sixteen teenagers taken from their homes. Eleven bodies recovered, each completely drained of blood. Some believe vampires are responsible, but Jon Barnett knows it's something far worse. To stop the killers in Taurin Bay, he becomes enmeshed in a web of black magic and realizes he needs help. But fate gives him only one choice in the form of recluse Madeline Smith.
Madeline Smith has retreated to an isolated farmhouse, afraid of the psychic abilities she can't control-abilities that have killed. But when "ghost" Jon Barnett brings a warning of danger and her nephew disappears, Maddie has to leave her haven. She also has to learn to control the abilities she fears and place her trust in Jon Barnett, a man who is neither human nor ghost.
But as the search for the teenagers becomes a race against time, and the noose of sorcery threatens to kill Maddie and Jon, the greatest danger to them both could be the feelings they have for each other-feelings that they refuse to acknowledge.
This is one of those books where you realise after 2 chapters you have actually read it! Didn’t stop me flying through it again and actually enjoyed more the second time round. Keri Arthur is one of those authors that just drags you into her worlds! She is a very good writer. This will go into my collection I’m determined to own all her books!
BookInspector (124 KP) rated Grace is Gone in Books
Sep 24, 2020
This novel is told by Cara and Jon, two completely different characters. Cara is Grace’s friend and neighbour, her mom was best friends with Grace’s mother Meg. Cara knows Grace quite well, but was it well enough though? That is what she keeps asking herself over and over again. Jon is a journalist, who is trying to save his breaking family, and he has this strange obsession with Meg and Grace, he wants to find Grace, but I didn’t really understand why? Meg and Grace kind of ruined his life. I liked Jon and his parts of this book more, he was more interesting with his family drama and his past. Cara’s journey was okayish, she was very repetitive with all the regret about Grace, that I found quite irritating. It was very interesting to see how Meg and Grace had the community in their grip, by just being there.
The narrative was well delivered, I liked the investigation Cara and Jon were doing, as well as discovering more about Grace and Meg as the pages fly by. Even though Grace is missing, she plays a very important part in this search through her diary, that was very intriguing to read. The plot is pretty slow for about half of the book and I needed more pace and suspense, but it does pick up towards the end of the book, with quite intriguing twists and turns, so don’t give up on it.
The narrative was well delivered, I liked the investigation Cara and Jon were doing, as well as discovering more about Grace and Meg as the pages fly by. Even though Grace is missing, she plays a very important part in this search through her diary, that was very intriguing to read. The plot is pretty slow for about half of the book and I needed more pace and suspense, but it does pick up towards the end of the book, with quite intriguing twists and turns, so don’t give up on it.
David McK (3194 KP) rated Relentless (The Lost Fleet, #5) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
This is the penultimate book in Jack Campbell (pen-name of Jon Geary) 'Lost Fleet' series, with the Alliance fleet nearing their home border with the Syndics. The very start of this novel is actually set 100 years previous, before 'Black Jack' Geary is rescued from survival sleep before the very start of the first book in the series: "Dauntless".
If you've read the others in the series, you prety much know what to expect: 'real-time' space battles, political machinations, and a sub-plot involving traiters within the fleet ...
If you've read the others in the series, you prety much know what to expect: 'real-time' space battles, political machinations, and a sub-plot involving traiters within the fleet ...
Rache (174 KP) rated The Psychopath Test in Books
Dec 10, 2018
Fascinating psychology (1 more)
Dark humour
Humorous Gonzo Journalism
Contains spoilers, click to show
Jon Ronson, the author of Men Who Stare at Goats, dives into the psychology behind the PCL-R, also known as the Bob Hare Psychopath Checklist (revised). Having heard about the checklist, Ronson self diagnoses as a psychopath, and decides to find out more. From talking to high-powered businessmen, to discussing brain scans of psychopaths' brains with an experimental psychologist who has a psychopath's brain scan, this is a fascinating dive into the psychology of psychopathy.
Of course, it wouldn't be a Jon Ronson book if it didn't include Ronson's special brand of gonzo, self-deprecating humour, which ties the whole book together into a cohesive story that will keep you reading "just one more page" until the end.
The only reason I gave this book a rating of 9 and not a 10 is because I have also read Men Who Stare at Goats, which is even better.
Of course, it wouldn't be a Jon Ronson book if it didn't include Ronson's special brand of gonzo, self-deprecating humour, which ties the whole book together into a cohesive story that will keep you reading "just one more page" until the end.
The only reason I gave this book a rating of 9 and not a 10 is because I have also read Men Who Stare at Goats, which is even better.