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Dana (24 KP) rated Fairest - Levana's Story in Books
Mar 23, 2018
As always, there are going to be spoilers in this review, so be warned.
As much as I love the Lunar Chronicles series, I did not enjoy reading this book. Yes, we got backstory into Levana's life and (finally) are told what she actually looks like, but she is not a likable character in the slightest. I was expecting some sort of redeemable quality for the character and got nothing. It is hard for me to believe that any villain has absolutely zero things that can be said are good, but Levana is one of them.
She is painted as this self involved, self-loathing, overly power hungry character who has no feelings except what she thinks is love. This, again, is hard to imagine. I mean, I understand (but do not condone) her lack of feelings toward her parents. They were not there for her at all as a child and basically let Channary get away with physically maiming her little sister. But still, she didn't feel anything toward them when they were brutally murdered and actually fantasized about doing it herself? Like, what the hell?
And then there comes her very abusive relationship with her "husband." First off, disguising yourself as his wife, that's weird, but then doing it after that wife dies, only weeks after she died, that's messed up. Then taking away his agency, his ability to say no, by manipulating him mentally, come on! Really? And getting jealous that he actually loves his daughter and wanting her to suffer for it. This girl has issues!
And to top it all off, trying to get Selene murdered by "accident" only to take her throne and have the gall to stand up at the podium at both Selene's and Channary's funeral smug as hell because she gets to be queen now? I can't believe that someone would be that heartless.
Channary, for all of her messed up qualities, is even given some amount of redemption in her love for Selene. It was only really revealed eight years after she was murdered, but still, it is something that shows she is at least part human in her emotions. Even though she is a pretty bad character, I kind of like Channary?!? Out of the two sisters, she is the most "real" in her ability to act like a person.
I also like getting the backstory of Winter so I can know what to expect and understand why she acts as she does before I start reading her book. It is interesting to know that she, Selene, and Jacin were really close as children and that Selene's death hit her so hard. I also like that we got to meet her mother, Solstice, because she was a freaking angel and should not have died. Ugh. But then, Selene wouldn't have had any friends growing up because Levana would have shut that down so fast.
Overall, I was disappointed with this book. Especially since all of the other ones have been so great. It is hard to see characters who are just so bad with no redeeming qualities. It makes me think less of the story, in a way, because it is not making that character as deep as they can be. I am going to read the rest of the series, because I love the other characters, but this one was kind of a let down.
As much as I love the Lunar Chronicles series, I did not enjoy reading this book. Yes, we got backstory into Levana's life and (finally) are told what she actually looks like, but she is not a likable character in the slightest. I was expecting some sort of redeemable quality for the character and got nothing. It is hard for me to believe that any villain has absolutely zero things that can be said are good, but Levana is one of them.
She is painted as this self involved, self-loathing, overly power hungry character who has no feelings except what she thinks is love. This, again, is hard to imagine. I mean, I understand (but do not condone) her lack of feelings toward her parents. They were not there for her at all as a child and basically let Channary get away with physically maiming her little sister. But still, she didn't feel anything toward them when they were brutally murdered and actually fantasized about doing it herself? Like, what the hell?
And then there comes her very abusive relationship with her "husband." First off, disguising yourself as his wife, that's weird, but then doing it after that wife dies, only weeks after she died, that's messed up. Then taking away his agency, his ability to say no, by manipulating him mentally, come on! Really? And getting jealous that he actually loves his daughter and wanting her to suffer for it. This girl has issues!
And to top it all off, trying to get Selene murdered by "accident" only to take her throne and have the gall to stand up at the podium at both Selene's and Channary's funeral smug as hell because she gets to be queen now? I can't believe that someone would be that heartless.
Channary, for all of her messed up qualities, is even given some amount of redemption in her love for Selene. It was only really revealed eight years after she was murdered, but still, it is something that shows she is at least part human in her emotions. Even though she is a pretty bad character, I kind of like Channary?!? Out of the two sisters, she is the most "real" in her ability to act like a person.
I also like getting the backstory of Winter so I can know what to expect and understand why she acts as she does before I start reading her book. It is interesting to know that she, Selene, and Jacin were really close as children and that Selene's death hit her so hard. I also like that we got to meet her mother, Solstice, because she was a freaking angel and should not have died. Ugh. But then, Selene wouldn't have had any friends growing up because Levana would have shut that down so fast.
Overall, I was disappointed with this book. Especially since all of the other ones have been so great. It is hard to see characters who are just so bad with no redeeming qualities. It makes me think less of the story, in a way, because it is not making that character as deep as they can be. I am going to read the rest of the series, because I love the other characters, but this one was kind of a let down.
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Doppelgangster (Esther Diamond, #2) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
Wow, this was a real disappointment. The title was great, and I'll probably never use the term doppelganger ever again, but the story didn't live up to it. As opposed to the first book, [b:Disappearing Nightly|1405551|Disappearing Nightly|Laura Resnick|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1183345232s/1405551.jpg|1231526], the humor was nearly nonexistent, the energy and zip lost, the new characters didn't add much and weren't very interesting - heck, even Esther and Max were boring, and the plot just wasn't that good. A hundred pages could have easily been shaved off and they wouldn't have been missed, especially with the mostly boring, redundant blathering that went on between the three main characters (Esther, Max and Lucky). So there were a few good points, mainly Lucky and Nelli, but overall the book meandered too much and took its sweet time getting anywhere; by the two-thirds mark I just wanted it to be over already. Everything was explained over and over again with each new suspect, I felt like it was being spelled out in excruciatingly slow details, in case the reader was too much of an idiot to figure anything out for themself. I hope, hope, hope that this is just a sophomore slump and the next book will be better. Also, keeping Lopez out of the magic loop will get old fast, so hopefully the author introduces it to him by the fourth entry.
Amy Curtis (49 KP) rated The Great Gatsby in Books
Dec 14, 2018
Not sure what the fuss is about
Just because I rated this book just above average, doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it. I was expecting this book to be much longer than it is and I must admit that I'm glad it isn't. The first few chapters of the novel were tedious and slightly dull. I can understand the need for them in order to set the scene but it could have been improved on. The story follows Nick Carraway who moved next door to the well known Jay Gatsby. He is known to throw extravagant parties where most of the guests are unsure of what he looks like. It is focalised through Carraway as he develops a friendship with Gatsby and learns more about his life and not just by listening to the rumours. The book gives love, life, secrets, mystery and death. Out of all the books I have read, this is not one I rated highly. Whilst I did feel involved in the story line half way through and didn't want to put it down, there wasn't anything in the beginning that dragged me in. I would recommend for you to read it, purely to say you have done so. However, other than that, I can't see myself picking up this novel again. I may give the movie a go and see how DiCaprio plays his part though!
Merissa (13555 KP) rated Matching Bloodlines (The Princeton Allegiant #3) in Books
Jan 27, 2020
MATCHING BLOODLINES is the third book in The Princeton Allegiant series, and trust me when I say this series just keeps on getting better and better! Although I would say you "could" read this as a standalone, the better question would be "why?"
At the end of the last book, Francisco (and us) found out that Sophia was alive and also got a location. The start of this book takes us to that location. Poor Francisco. That's all I'm saying. And what the hell is Loren thinking? He's got his mate so he should have some idea of what it is he's saying!!!
I am sincerely loving this world. It gets more amazing with every book. Francisco really shines in this, showing the reader just how caring (and possessive) a vampire can be about his mate. Charlotte has a hard choice to make. Well, hard for her, at any rate. The attraction between them is off the charts and I loved every moment of it. Sophia is playing a game and I really don't like her. Just saying!
If I could do half stars, this would definitely be a 4 1/2, but I can't so it's not. Do NOT let that put you off though. I sincerely recommend this book and the series, and I really can't wait to continue. But who is next? Is it Reese or Victor? Either way, I'm ready and waiting.
A fantastic story and highly recommended by me.
At the end of the last book, Francisco (and us) found out that Sophia was alive and also got a location. The start of this book takes us to that location. Poor Francisco. That's all I'm saying. And what the hell is Loren thinking? He's got his mate so he should have some idea of what it is he's saying!!!
I am sincerely loving this world. It gets more amazing with every book. Francisco really shines in this, showing the reader just how caring (and possessive) a vampire can be about his mate. Charlotte has a hard choice to make. Well, hard for her, at any rate. The attraction between them is off the charts and I loved every moment of it. Sophia is playing a game and I really don't like her. Just saying!
If I could do half stars, this would definitely be a 4 1/2, but I can't so it's not. Do NOT let that put you off though. I sincerely recommend this book and the series, and I really can't wait to continue. But who is next? Is it Reese or Victor? Either way, I'm ready and waiting.
A fantastic story and highly recommended by me.
Happy Little Accidents: The Wit & Wisdom of Bob Ross
Book
Bob Ross-whose happy paintings, memorable hairstyle, and quirky catchphrases make us grin from ear...
Alice (117 KP) rated The Switch in Books
Mar 3, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio and Flatiron Books for early access to this audiobook
I wholeheartedly adored this book! After reading and loving The Flat Share I knew I wanted to read this book as well so when I saw it was available as an audiobook on NetGalley I jumped at the chance to get to read it. Also, the fact that it was narrated by the absolute ICON that is Alison Steadman and Normal People's Daisy Edgar-Jones really sold it to me! I love when audiobooks have multiple perspectives narrated by different actors as I feel like it adds a lot to the story that you don't always get from a single narrator. This was just so charmingly Beth O'Leary and I loved this one just as much - if not more than I loved The Flat Share. I loved all of the characters and this was such a fun read but it also deals with very serious topics as well such as death, grief and abuse but all rolled up in a charming little tale of love, friendship and family. It gave me major Hallmark Christmas movie vibes as in I kind of knew how it was going to end right at the start but it was so fun and sweet and it was nice just to do life with the characters. I couldn't recommend this book enough!
I wholeheartedly adored this book! After reading and loving The Flat Share I knew I wanted to read this book as well so when I saw it was available as an audiobook on NetGalley I jumped at the chance to get to read it. Also, the fact that it was narrated by the absolute ICON that is Alison Steadman and Normal People's Daisy Edgar-Jones really sold it to me! I love when audiobooks have multiple perspectives narrated by different actors as I feel like it adds a lot to the story that you don't always get from a single narrator. This was just so charmingly Beth O'Leary and I loved this one just as much - if not more than I loved The Flat Share. I loved all of the characters and this was such a fun read but it also deals with very serious topics as well such as death, grief and abuse but all rolled up in a charming little tale of love, friendship and family. It gave me major Hallmark Christmas movie vibes as in I kind of knew how it was going to end right at the start but it was so fun and sweet and it was nice just to do life with the characters. I couldn't recommend this book enough!
LoganCrews (2861 KP) rated The Conjuring (2013) in Movies
Oct 11, 2020
Have the exact same opinion from when I first saw it, it's fun and has its share of scary moments but holy hell is it also exhausting and conventional. Very handsomely made with a lot of visual personality (it's impossible for Wan to make a bad film simply because of how damn good they look) but otherwise short on nuance and running about fifteen minutes too lengthy. I mean this was practically made for normies to love but otherwise in terms of its acclaim even at the time, I don't really get it? I can't stress enough how much this did for modern horror as we know it and I of course applaud it for that, but I think most people were just shocked that a high-grossing studio horror movie could be shot and acted well back then imo. Putting aside the fact that they're real-life bullshit artists, the Warrens depicted here are just about as bland as can be - for me this whole affair just doesn't have the verve or the flavor of Wan's ππ―π΄πͺπ₯πͺπ°πΆπ΄. His playfulness and the entire cast's conviction help ultimately sell this for me even in spite of its austerity; the moments when this feels like a rustic haunted house joyride make it work but the rest it of mostly *strains* man come on this shit is so beyond familiar territory even by this point. Fine, but could have been better.
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022) in Movies
Apr 5, 2022
I was pleasantly surprised but just how damn delightful the first Sonic the Hedgehog movie was, and with this sequel, Jeff Fowler has wisely stuck with the formula, added more to it, and the results are just as enjoyable.
Jim Carrey once again steals the show, as a more unhinged Robotnik, closer to his game counterpart than he was the first time around. When coupled with the inclusion of fan favourite characters Tails and Knuckles, alongside series mainstays like the Chaos Emeralds, Sonic 2 runs headfirst into its source material whilst still feeling at home in the real world. It's a good balance.
A lot of the comedy fell flat for me however. A lot of jokes didn't land properly, but it's important to remember that this is a movie geared towards kids, and as such, it's not a huge issue. There's also a kind of discount Meet the Parents side plot that feels wholly unnecessary and drags the mid point, but this is completely made up for by one of the most entertaining final acts in recent blockbuster memory. The final showdown is an unencumbered blast. As someone who grew up playing the Sonic games, it's a joy to behold and is a testament to how fucking fun video game adaptions can be when handled well.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is just a damn good time, and I say that confidently as a grown ass man. Make the trip to the cinema and treat yo self.
Jim Carrey once again steals the show, as a more unhinged Robotnik, closer to his game counterpart than he was the first time around. When coupled with the inclusion of fan favourite characters Tails and Knuckles, alongside series mainstays like the Chaos Emeralds, Sonic 2 runs headfirst into its source material whilst still feeling at home in the real world. It's a good balance.
A lot of the comedy fell flat for me however. A lot of jokes didn't land properly, but it's important to remember that this is a movie geared towards kids, and as such, it's not a huge issue. There's also a kind of discount Meet the Parents side plot that feels wholly unnecessary and drags the mid point, but this is completely made up for by one of the most entertaining final acts in recent blockbuster memory. The final showdown is an unencumbered blast. As someone who grew up playing the Sonic games, it's a joy to behold and is a testament to how fucking fun video game adaptions can be when handled well.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is just a damn good time, and I say that confidently as a grown ass man. Make the trip to the cinema and treat yo self.
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated Tempests and Slaughter: the Numair Chronicles Book 1 in Books
Apr 5, 2018
Tamora's excellent writing (2 more)
Awesome worldbuilding
ENZI
A new Tamora Pierce book! About the origins of Numair! YES! I waited SO ANXIOUSLY for this book to make its way through the line of holds at my library and get in my grabby hands, and I was rewarded. Tempests is classic Tamora Pierce. It's set in Carthak, not Tortall, but the themes and feel are exactly what I was expecting. I love diving back into my favorite fantasy worlds, and Tortall ranks right near the top. (It might be the top, I haven't sat down and attempted to rank them - that would probably be a futile effort!)
My only issue with the book, really, is that it feels like an introduction. I know it's the first part of a trilogy, but the rest isn't OUT YET! So I feel like I've read the first third of a story and now I have to wait. Tempests introduces a LOT of story threads, and resolves exactly none of them. It managed to do so without leaving us on a cliffhanger, though, so there's that, at least. I'm probably going to go re-read the books around Numair's adult life to tide me over until the rest of this trilogy comes out!
I think my favorite character overall was Enzi - he was hilarious and obstinate and I'm looking forward to the rest of his storyline.
I was surprised but pleased to see a gay couple as side characters - and that it wasn't mentioned the character was gay until his husband arrived on the scene. It wasn't a defining point of his character, his spouse just happened to be male. I've said it before, but I love seeing the change in fantasy - it's gone from "that's strange or scandalous" to "absolutely no big deal, people have differently-gendered partners." It will be even lovelier once real society reaches that point!
Final verdict: Tempests and Slaughter was an excellent addition to Tortall, but if you like books that resolve their storylines, you might want to wait until the rest of the trilogy is published. If you can't wait, just expect that you won't get many answers from this first book!
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
My only issue with the book, really, is that it feels like an introduction. I know it's the first part of a trilogy, but the rest isn't OUT YET! So I feel like I've read the first third of a story and now I have to wait. Tempests introduces a LOT of story threads, and resolves exactly none of them. It managed to do so without leaving us on a cliffhanger, though, so there's that, at least. I'm probably going to go re-read the books around Numair's adult life to tide me over until the rest of this trilogy comes out!
I think my favorite character overall was Enzi - he was hilarious and obstinate and I'm looking forward to the rest of his storyline.
I was surprised but pleased to see a gay couple as side characters - and that it wasn't mentioned the character was gay until his husband arrived on the scene. It wasn't a defining point of his character, his spouse just happened to be male. I've said it before, but I love seeing the change in fantasy - it's gone from "that's strange or scandalous" to "absolutely no big deal, people have differently-gendered partners." It will be even lovelier once real society reaches that point!
Final verdict: Tempests and Slaughter was an excellent addition to Tortall, but if you like books that resolve their storylines, you might want to wait until the rest of the trilogy is published. If you can't wait, just expect that you won't get many answers from this first book!
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com