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Merissa (11666 KP) rated Night's Deep Hush (Reveler #4) in Books
May 8, 2021 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
I received this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review.
This is the fourth part of a series and must be read in order for you to receive the full benefit.
We return to the two characters who started this series, Malcolm Rook and Jordan Lane. They are on the run from pretty much everyone and stay no longer than 3 days in any one place but it appears that 3 days is too long as Malcolm feels a 'ping' in his head that tells him they have been found. He sends Jordan out alone to get the food in the hope that it will keep her safe. Jordan knows something is up but refuses to become one of those girls so just does as she has been asked.
So, that's the start of the story. What happens to Malcolm? Will Jordan be ok? Let me just say that this story moves along at the same fast pace as the previous ones do... and Jordan is no wilting wallflower! She is not only ok, she is able to deal with Vince Blackman AND find Rook so that she knows what is going on. She also manages to get messages to her sister and Harlen so she is far from helpless which is just brilliant reading.
I loved the fact that although this story is about Malcolm and Jordan, we nevertheless see other characters that we have met in the previous books and so keep up to date with them too. Vince is becoming a character of interest so I will be watching him!
If you want a Paranormal Romance that doesn't have sparkly vampires or overgrown werewolves, then why not give the Rêve a try?
August 14, 2016
This is the fourth part of a series and must be read in order for you to receive the full benefit.
We return to the two characters who started this series, Malcolm Rook and Jordan Lane. They are on the run from pretty much everyone and stay no longer than 3 days in any one place but it appears that 3 days is too long as Malcolm feels a 'ping' in his head that tells him they have been found. He sends Jordan out alone to get the food in the hope that it will keep her safe. Jordan knows something is up but refuses to become one of those girls so just does as she has been asked.
So, that's the start of the story. What happens to Malcolm? Will Jordan be ok? Let me just say that this story moves along at the same fast pace as the previous ones do... and Jordan is no wilting wallflower! She is not only ok, she is able to deal with Vince Blackman AND find Rook so that she knows what is going on. She also manages to get messages to her sister and Harlen so she is far from helpless which is just brilliant reading.
I loved the fact that although this story is about Malcolm and Jordan, we nevertheless see other characters that we have met in the previous books and so keep up to date with them too. Vince is becoming a character of interest so I will be watching him!
If you want a Paranormal Romance that doesn't have sparkly vampires or overgrown werewolves, then why not give the Rêve a try?
August 14, 2016
Based on a real place and a real period of history, Jordan Elizabeth imagines fictional characters living in the settlement of Hillside, New York in the 1890s. The main character, Viola, is a young school teacher at a one-roomed school where nothing out of the ordinary happens. That is until she learns her dying Aunt Helen is harbouring a huge secret.
Aunt Helen revealed she abandoned a daughter and Viola decides to surprise her by finding her long lost daughter, Bessie. But in finding Bessie, Viola discovers the reason Aunt Helen ran away from home, putting everyone who lives in Hillside in grave danger.
Although short, Jordan Elizabeth packs in romance, family, murder and historical fiction into her novella Hillside, the second instalment of theEchoes of New York series. The story does not follow on from the previous book, however, it is set in the same area. The amount of research the author has done to create an accurate setting is clear from the authenticity of the story.
A tiny element of the supernatural appears inHillside, although not as much as in the previous book in the series. This is by no means a bad thing, however, since it does not detract from the storyline and historical accuracy.
Personally, I did not think Hillside was one of Jordan Elizabeth's best books but it is a good story to read when you need something to pass a short time.
Aunt Helen revealed she abandoned a daughter and Viola decides to surprise her by finding her long lost daughter, Bessie. But in finding Bessie, Viola discovers the reason Aunt Helen ran away from home, putting everyone who lives in Hillside in grave danger.
Although short, Jordan Elizabeth packs in romance, family, murder and historical fiction into her novella Hillside, the second instalment of theEchoes of New York series. The story does not follow on from the previous book, however, it is set in the same area. The amount of research the author has done to create an accurate setting is clear from the authenticity of the story.
A tiny element of the supernatural appears inHillside, although not as much as in the previous book in the series. This is by no means a bad thing, however, since it does not detract from the storyline and historical accuracy.
Personally, I did not think Hillside was one of Jordan Elizabeth's best books but it is a good story to read when you need something to pass a short time.
Blazing Minds (92 KP) rated Candyman (2021) in Movies
Oct 29, 2021 (Updated Nov 2, 2021)
It’s been a long time coming and it seems like forever since we were teased with the new incarnation of the classic horror Candyman, this sequel of sorts stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Teyonah Parris, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett and Colman Domingo, directed by Nia DaCosta and a screenplay by Jordan Peele, Win Rosenfeld and Nia DaCosta.
Worth checking out if you are a fan of the 1992 original movie, it’s great to see it using the mythology from the first film and to make use of the characters that we came to know back then. Not as scary as I had hoped, but still a good movie to check out.
Worth checking out if you are a fan of the 1992 original movie, it’s great to see it using the mythology from the first film and to make use of the characters that we came to know back then. Not as scary as I had hoped, but still a good movie to check out.
Kyera (8 KP) rated Noteworthy in Books
Feb 1, 2018
Note Worthy reminds me of Twelfth Night, She's the Man, or even Mulan - where a girl masquerades as a guy for whatever purpose and ends up in over her head. Jordan wants to be in theatre, but as an Alto 2 she is hard-pressed to even find a find tailored to her range. All she wants is to pursue her dreams. Feeling down, she notices an audition for a tenor in an all-male A Capella group and takes a chance. Dressed as Julian and sporting a short wig, she impresses the Sharpshooters enough to claim the open spot and suddenly everything changes. She actually had this small, musically-inclined family to belong to. A place at Kensington - as long as nobody realizes that she is a girl.
Pretty quickly, it looks like one of the guys might be a future love interest for Jordan, not Julian as in all likelihood the group will eventually discover her secret. I expected that they would be hurt at first, but eventually forgive her after all they've been through together. Most of my expectations came to pass, although there were slight deviations. Overall, there weren't really any big surprises or reveals in the book.
The characters are so wonderfully well written and realistic. You watch them grow, learn about themselves and find yourself grinning like an idiot when Trav does (because that boy seriously needed it). You cheer for their wins and want to personally beat up those who wrong them. You've become an honorary Sharp and these guys are your family just like they are for Jordan.
Highly recommended contemporary novel about growing up, learning about yourself, making friends and the secrets you keep. And most importantly? Music. Great read for teen/young adult readers with a small amount of profanity.
Pretty quickly, it looks like one of the guys might be a future love interest for Jordan, not Julian as in all likelihood the group will eventually discover her secret. I expected that they would be hurt at first, but eventually forgive her after all they've been through together. Most of my expectations came to pass, although there were slight deviations. Overall, there weren't really any big surprises or reveals in the book.
The characters are so wonderfully well written and realistic. You watch them grow, learn about themselves and find yourself grinning like an idiot when Trav does (because that boy seriously needed it). You cheer for their wins and want to personally beat up those who wrong them. You've become an honorary Sharp and these guys are your family just like they are for Jordan.
Highly recommended contemporary novel about growing up, learning about yourself, making friends and the secrets you keep. And most importantly? Music. Great read for teen/young adult readers with a small amount of profanity.
Hazel (1853 KP) rated Rotham Race in Books
Jul 4, 2018
This ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
Jordan Elizabeth has aced the dystopia genre in her first attempt at a post-apocalyptic story. Set in what remains of the United States in 2057, thirty-seven years after “The Happening”, the country is a broken place. Some states no longer exist and the ones that do are barely inhabitable. Civilian lives have been reduced to mere survival rather than living, however, there is one small hope. The US lost a microchip in the desert containing data that would help them restore the country to its better days. The only problem is finding it.
Orphan Troy, aged seventeen, is determined to be the one to locate the precious microchip. For ten years, bike riders have joined the “Rotham Race” into the desert in hopes of being the one to bring it back and return the US back to its former glory, however, within that decade, only one rider has ever returned. Undeterred, Troy sets off from Maryland to New York to sign up for the biggest race in history.
Along the way, Troy meets Barbie, a seventeen-year-old mechanic who helps him fix up his bike. Whilst staying with her, awaiting new cycle parts, the teenage pair falls in love, giving Troy a strong reason to make sure he wins and returns from the race.
Unbeknownst to the racers, the government has secrets that render the race a futile endeavour. Whilst hundreds hope for a victory, there is almost no chance of anyone returning.
Rotham Race is an exciting page-turner and original concept. Dystopian stories have been recycled again and again but Jordan Elizabeth brings something new to the table. The characters are likeable and strong, and the storyline is carefully thought out and gripping.
As a novella, Rotham Race is not very long and can be read in a matter of hours. Whilst some people prefer short stories, Jordan Elizabeth has the potential of turning it into a full-length novel or series. Since the story’s conclusion leaves matters unfinished, perhaps there will be a follow-up novella.
Previously, Jordan Elizabeth has concentrated on short fantasy stories but, as Rotham Race proves, her strengths lie in science fiction and dystopia. Rotham Race would not look out of place amongst popular novels such as Divergent and The Hunger Games.
Jordan Elizabeth has aced the dystopia genre in her first attempt at a post-apocalyptic story. Set in what remains of the United States in 2057, thirty-seven years after “The Happening”, the country is a broken place. Some states no longer exist and the ones that do are barely inhabitable. Civilian lives have been reduced to mere survival rather than living, however, there is one small hope. The US lost a microchip in the desert containing data that would help them restore the country to its better days. The only problem is finding it.
Orphan Troy, aged seventeen, is determined to be the one to locate the precious microchip. For ten years, bike riders have joined the “Rotham Race” into the desert in hopes of being the one to bring it back and return the US back to its former glory, however, within that decade, only one rider has ever returned. Undeterred, Troy sets off from Maryland to New York to sign up for the biggest race in history.
Along the way, Troy meets Barbie, a seventeen-year-old mechanic who helps him fix up his bike. Whilst staying with her, awaiting new cycle parts, the teenage pair falls in love, giving Troy a strong reason to make sure he wins and returns from the race.
Unbeknownst to the racers, the government has secrets that render the race a futile endeavour. Whilst hundreds hope for a victory, there is almost no chance of anyone returning.
Rotham Race is an exciting page-turner and original concept. Dystopian stories have been recycled again and again but Jordan Elizabeth brings something new to the table. The characters are likeable and strong, and the storyline is carefully thought out and gripping.
As a novella, Rotham Race is not very long and can be read in a matter of hours. Whilst some people prefer short stories, Jordan Elizabeth has the potential of turning it into a full-length novel or series. Since the story’s conclusion leaves matters unfinished, perhaps there will be a follow-up novella.
Previously, Jordan Elizabeth has concentrated on short fantasy stories but, as Rotham Race proves, her strengths lie in science fiction and dystopia. Rotham Race would not look out of place amongst popular novels such as Divergent and The Hunger Games.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Raise the Titanic (1980) in Movies
Apr 19, 2020
Turgid, non-thrilling thriller based on a book by Clive Cussler (who hated the adaptation). US defence agencies invent a new missile defence system, but the minerals needed to make it work are all in a safe on the Titanic, which is at the bottom of the Atlantic (as you may have heard). Maverick action-man and salvage expert Dirk Pitts (Jordan) is put in charge of undoing all James Cameron's hard work and refloating the thing.
One of those movies which mistakes a diverting idea for a viable plot - the whys, hows and wherefores of the operation are not that interesting or credible and the film is sluggish and low on action. Most of the special effects and modelwork are also very poor (a long way sub-Gerry Anderson). Half-decent twist at the end, but hardly enough to make up for the fact that most of it is very limp and boring.
One of those movies which mistakes a diverting idea for a viable plot - the whys, hows and wherefores of the operation are not that interesting or credible and the film is sluggish and low on action. Most of the special effects and modelwork are also very poor (a long way sub-Gerry Anderson). Half-decent twist at the end, but hardly enough to make up for the fact that most of it is very limp and boring.
Bubba Gee (147 KP) rated The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) in Movies
Jun 29, 2019
Best ballsy film ever
This is just madness yet based on a true story.
Jordan Belfort (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) goes from being an honest to God working man to the scammer of all scammers working a pump and dump stock trading system using his impressive hard selling skills.
Donnie Azoff (played by Jonah Hill) is his best friend and ally in this scam, you get the sense that Donnie is really just there for comic relief with a couple of scenes standing out.
This film is an enjoyable raucous mix of sex drugs and rock and roll within a financial office setting.
There are several other notable members of cast in this including Jordans long suffering wife Naomi (played by Margot Robbie) and smaller parts from Jon Bernthal, Matthew McConaughey, Rob Reiner and Ethan Suplee.
Well worth a watch and excellently done by Martin Scorsese as always.
Jordan Belfort (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) goes from being an honest to God working man to the scammer of all scammers working a pump and dump stock trading system using his impressive hard selling skills.
Donnie Azoff (played by Jonah Hill) is his best friend and ally in this scam, you get the sense that Donnie is really just there for comic relief with a couple of scenes standing out.
This film is an enjoyable raucous mix of sex drugs and rock and roll within a financial office setting.
There are several other notable members of cast in this including Jordans long suffering wife Naomi (played by Margot Robbie) and smaller parts from Jon Bernthal, Matthew McConaughey, Rob Reiner and Ethan Suplee.
Well worth a watch and excellently done by Martin Scorsese as always.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Office Grump in Books
Jan 6, 2021
This one starts with Sabrina late for work after missing her bus only to be told they're letting her go from her position due to "right-sizing" - her bosses term for down sizing - and she heads to her favourite coffee shop for a commiseration bear claw and cinnamon coffee that she consumes on her favourite park bench. Only she gets interrupted by the attractive but grumpy Magnus Heron who wants the bench for his work. Neither leaves the best impression on the other but it does linger and Magnus decides the feisty girl may just be the perfect person for his EA position. Sabrina grudgingly takes the job but as they get to know each other feelings begin to emerge between them.
This was a long book but I didn't mind that most of the time because I was enjoying reading Brina and Mag's romance slowly blossom. It did take a while for anything to happen - somewhere around the 35% mark - and then it was kicked to the background again for quite a while and i honestly do not blame Brina for telling him where to go several times for the way he treats her sometimes.
I did like this. It took a long time to get to that HEA but it was good reading - if i little too long in my opinion. It did make me cry towards the end, though, because i had come to care for these people and i wanted them to work out. I even grew to like teenage Jordan, whose emotions were up in the air like nobodies business after his mums mugging - which was understandable. He didn't know Magnus so to suddenly find yourself living with a billionaire you've never really met had to be hard.
I'm also intrigued by Brina's best friend and roommate - Paige, I think it was. Is she going to be getting her own book? She had about as much spark in her as Brina so it would be fun to see what guy ends up taming her.
This was a long book but I didn't mind that most of the time because I was enjoying reading Brina and Mag's romance slowly blossom. It did take a while for anything to happen - somewhere around the 35% mark - and then it was kicked to the background again for quite a while and i honestly do not blame Brina for telling him where to go several times for the way he treats her sometimes.
I did like this. It took a long time to get to that HEA but it was good reading - if i little too long in my opinion. It did make me cry towards the end, though, because i had come to care for these people and i wanted them to work out. I even grew to like teenage Jordan, whose emotions were up in the air like nobodies business after his mums mugging - which was understandable. He didn't know Magnus so to suddenly find yourself living with a billionaire you've never really met had to be hard.
I'm also intrigued by Brina's best friend and roommate - Paige, I think it was. Is she going to be getting her own book? She had about as much spark in her as Brina so it would be fun to see what guy ends up taming her.
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Get Out (2017) in Movies
Feb 18, 2020
Get Out is an incredibly strong directorial debut from Jordan Peele and is easily in the top tier of horror/thriller movies in the last few years.
He manages to craft a film that has an underlying sense of unease throughout, an aspect of the film that hardly lets up at any point.
The plot revolves around Rose (Allison Williams) taking her African-American boyfriend Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) away for the weekend to meet her very white family. Chris has reservations, understandably, due to the fact that casual racism is a thing that unfortunately exists. As the weekend draws on, Chris begins to realise that his worries perhaps aren't that unfounded. The only other black people around are house servants, and are acting strange, and it's doesn't take too long before a truly disturbing truth is discovered. To say any more would spoil the narrative, but it's a great plot, with a ridiculous twist.
Layered underneath the madness of the horror is a strong social commentary about race divides, and how a lot of white people perceive others. It's executed brilliantly, and is absorbing as much as it is uncomfortable.
The cast are terrific, especially Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Betty Gabriel, and LaKeith Stanfield.
Catherine Keener is another highlight - I'm so used to seeing her play good people, that the sinister nature of her character in Get Out is so unnerving, and adds even more the experience.
With both Get Out, and last year's Us, Jordan Peele has started his career in horror on a hot streak, and I can't wait to see what he brings to the table next.
He manages to craft a film that has an underlying sense of unease throughout, an aspect of the film that hardly lets up at any point.
The plot revolves around Rose (Allison Williams) taking her African-American boyfriend Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) away for the weekend to meet her very white family. Chris has reservations, understandably, due to the fact that casual racism is a thing that unfortunately exists. As the weekend draws on, Chris begins to realise that his worries perhaps aren't that unfounded. The only other black people around are house servants, and are acting strange, and it's doesn't take too long before a truly disturbing truth is discovered. To say any more would spoil the narrative, but it's a great plot, with a ridiculous twist.
Layered underneath the madness of the horror is a strong social commentary about race divides, and how a lot of white people perceive others. It's executed brilliantly, and is absorbing as much as it is uncomfortable.
The cast are terrific, especially Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Betty Gabriel, and LaKeith Stanfield.
Catherine Keener is another highlight - I'm so used to seeing her play good people, that the sinister nature of her character in Get Out is so unnerving, and adds even more the experience.
With both Get Out, and last year's Us, Jordan Peele has started his career in horror on a hot streak, and I can't wait to see what he brings to the table next.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated NYPD Red (NYPD Red, #1) in Books
May 10, 2018
Detective Zach Jordan works for NYPD Red. A distinct branch of the NYPD that is in charge of cases involving the rich and famous He's about to het a new partner and a new case all in the same day. The new partner, Detective Kylie MacDonald is an old lover The new case comes at the start of Hollywood on the Hudson, where the L.A. elite come to examine movie making in New York City. So people in the T.V./movie business will be everywhere.
The Good News: NYPD Red will be busy.
The Bad News: They have a serial killer on their hands.
The first murder is at the Regency Hotel. A movie producer takes a nose dive into his breakfast plate. Not long after arriving on the scene, do they get a call for a murder at Silvercup Studios....and the day begins.
Will they find the killer before half of Hollywood is dead in NYC?
I'm a big James Patterson fan, and this book didn't have as much Umph to it that the Cross or Women's Murder Club books do.
The Good News: NYPD Red will be busy.
The Bad News: They have a serial killer on their hands.
The first murder is at the Regency Hotel. A movie producer takes a nose dive into his breakfast plate. Not long after arriving on the scene, do they get a call for a murder at Silvercup Studios....and the day begins.
Will they find the killer before half of Hollywood is dead in NYC?
I'm a big James Patterson fan, and this book didn't have as much Umph to it that the Cross or Women's Murder Club books do.