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Cynthia Armistead (17 KP) rated Changes (The Dresden Files, #12) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
I do not give out many 5-star ratings, but for this book I couldn't do anything else. That is despite the fact that [a:Jim Butcher|10746|Jim Butcher|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1400640324p2/10746.jpg] did something I honestly didn't think he would do to his legions of loyal readers, something that I absolutely detest. Something that I will not tell you about, because I loathe spoilers.
If you know anything about me, though, it means a great deal to say that even though I would drop most authors who use that particular technique like not just hot, but rotten hot potatoes, I cannot even consider not getting the next Dresden Files book and devouring it the very first millisecond I am able to do so.
My family can attest to the fact that I didn't just laugh out loud while reading <i>Changes</i>. (Anybody who doesn't laugh out loud at least once while reading the Dresden Files should be checked for rigor mortis.) This time I laughed so loud and so long at one point that Sam got up and came into the room where I was to make sure that I was okay and getting enough air. There was absolutely no way for me to explain what was so funny, of course, without spoilers.
While there is a great deal of humor, there is also darkness. A lot of darkness. The blurb for the book makes that clear. Susan, the love of Harry's life, kidnapped years ago by a Red Court vampire and half-turned in a plot to get at Dresden, is back with big, bad news: she had a daughter by him, and the child has been kidnapped by someone. As usual, things go downhill from there.
Many series start out with a bang, have maybe two or three strong volumes, then devolve into more and more and more contract fulfillment books that I occasionally think might be written by clever shell scripts. The Dresden Files is one of the few, beautiful exceptions, as volume twelve proves. I honestly thought that Butcher was winding things up to move on to other projects, due to some of the events in the book, but I will say that he surprised the bejesus out of me. This is definitely not a series-ending book!
I anxiously await number thirteen. I might even do something I've never done before, and pre-order it. Yes, Jim, you've got me hooked, and how.
If you know anything about me, though, it means a great deal to say that even though I would drop most authors who use that particular technique like not just hot, but rotten hot potatoes, I cannot even consider not getting the next Dresden Files book and devouring it the very first millisecond I am able to do so.
My family can attest to the fact that I didn't just laugh out loud while reading <i>Changes</i>. (Anybody who doesn't laugh out loud at least once while reading the Dresden Files should be checked for rigor mortis.) This time I laughed so loud and so long at one point that Sam got up and came into the room where I was to make sure that I was okay and getting enough air. There was absolutely no way for me to explain what was so funny, of course, without spoilers.
While there is a great deal of humor, there is also darkness. A lot of darkness. The blurb for the book makes that clear. Susan, the love of Harry's life, kidnapped years ago by a Red Court vampire and half-turned in a plot to get at Dresden, is back with big, bad news: she had a daughter by him, and the child has been kidnapped by someone. As usual, things go downhill from there.
Many series start out with a bang, have maybe two or three strong volumes, then devolve into more and more and more contract fulfillment books that I occasionally think might be written by clever shell scripts. The Dresden Files is one of the few, beautiful exceptions, as volume twelve proves. I honestly thought that Butcher was winding things up to move on to other projects, due to some of the events in the book, but I will say that he surprised the bejesus out of me. This is definitely not a series-ending book!
I anxiously await number thirteen. I might even do something I've never done before, and pre-order it. Yes, Jim, you've got me hooked, and how.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Between Wrath & Mercy ( The Divine Between 1) in Books
Jan 15, 2024
10 of 220
Kindle
Between Wrath & Mercy ( The Divine Between 1)
By Jess Wisecup
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A mother will do anything to save her child, no matter the cost.
After her daughter is kidnapped, Emmeline Highclere—a thirty-four-year-old mother living in isolation with memories and grief her only companion—must do everything in her limited power and divine abilities to get the girl back.
Emmeline believes her daughter, Elora, is the Beloved—the conduit with goddess-granted divine abilities prophesied to bring peace to the Three Kingdoms. Because the last person thought to be the Beloved was brutally murdered by the enemy kingdom of Folterra, Emmeline has dedicated the last sixteen years to hiding her daughter and keeping her safe. When Elora is kidnapped by a Folterran prince, Emmeline must leave her place of hiding, resolving to do anything to rescue her daughter. But to have any chance against those who took the girl, Emmeline must call upon one of the most powerful conduits in the Three Kingdoms, the Crown Prince of Vesta—the man who broke her heart—and hope he helps her despite their estrangement.
With the weight of his father’s impending death hanging over his head, Crown Prince Rainier has begun to make moves to prove his dedication to assume the role of king. When he is visiting the estate that was once a second home to him, the woman who has long haunted his dreams and consumed his thoughts appears before him, asking for his help to find the child she had with another man. Now, he must decide: does he drop what he is doing to help Emmeline, or does he maintain his unwavering duty to the Crown?
Now, Emmeline and Rainier must work together to find the Beloved—to save the girl from the Folterrans and fulfill the prophecy of peace—while they both battle feelings of remorse, grief, and heartbreak, trying to ignore the heated desire and simmering attraction between them that never left.
This was really good! The characters really draw you in and I love the story. My only issue was it was very repetitive and could have done with a lot less it. I settled for a 4⭐️ as 3 was a bit to low as I did really like it. Also a very abrupt cliffhanger at the end which is Annoying. Oh and how did they not see who the father was from the start?
Kindle
Between Wrath & Mercy ( The Divine Between 1)
By Jess Wisecup
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A mother will do anything to save her child, no matter the cost.
After her daughter is kidnapped, Emmeline Highclere—a thirty-four-year-old mother living in isolation with memories and grief her only companion—must do everything in her limited power and divine abilities to get the girl back.
Emmeline believes her daughter, Elora, is the Beloved—the conduit with goddess-granted divine abilities prophesied to bring peace to the Three Kingdoms. Because the last person thought to be the Beloved was brutally murdered by the enemy kingdom of Folterra, Emmeline has dedicated the last sixteen years to hiding her daughter and keeping her safe. When Elora is kidnapped by a Folterran prince, Emmeline must leave her place of hiding, resolving to do anything to rescue her daughter. But to have any chance against those who took the girl, Emmeline must call upon one of the most powerful conduits in the Three Kingdoms, the Crown Prince of Vesta—the man who broke her heart—and hope he helps her despite their estrangement.
With the weight of his father’s impending death hanging over his head, Crown Prince Rainier has begun to make moves to prove his dedication to assume the role of king. When he is visiting the estate that was once a second home to him, the woman who has long haunted his dreams and consumed his thoughts appears before him, asking for his help to find the child she had with another man. Now, he must decide: does he drop what he is doing to help Emmeline, or does he maintain his unwavering duty to the Crown?
Now, Emmeline and Rainier must work together to find the Beloved—to save the girl from the Folterrans and fulfill the prophecy of peace—while they both battle feelings of remorse, grief, and heartbreak, trying to ignore the heated desire and simmering attraction between them that never left.
This was really good! The characters really draw you in and I love the story. My only issue was it was very repetitive and could have done with a lot less it. I settled for a 4⭐️ as 3 was a bit to low as I did really like it. Also a very abrupt cliffhanger at the end which is Annoying. Oh and how did they not see who the father was from the start?
Harshini (25 KP) rated The Bunker Diary in Books
Jan 4, 2018
Knew it would win
Contains spoilers, click to show
I read this book for my book club back when it was on the shortlist for the Carnegie award. I was the only one who was sure it was going to win. The theme that year was abuse - I think - though you wouldn't exactly get the idea from the book. The Bunker Diary isn't really an abuse book, but it does have some very jarring and very creepy undertones.
Since Linus is captured by the strange 'blind' man, all he wants to do is figure out where he is and why he's there. His family was rich, though he had lived for a while as a homeless boy since he hated his family, so he assumed it was for the money, but when more people enter the bunker Linus appears to be locked in, he realises that money cannot be the reason. Soon, a strange rag-tag bunch of people are assembled in the bunker and they have to learn to live together. Slowly, though, they realise things about the way they live. They cannot communicate directly to the person who kidnapped them, but they can write notes in the only exit - an elevator. The entire book is Linus' diary.
Since Linus is captured by the strange 'blind' man, all he wants to do is figure out where he is and why he's there. His family was rich, though he had lived for a while as a homeless boy since he hated his family, so he assumed it was for the money, but when more people enter the bunker Linus appears to be locked in, he realises that money cannot be the reason. Soon, a strange rag-tag bunch of people are assembled in the bunker and they have to learn to live together. Slowly, though, they realise things about the way they live. They cannot communicate directly to the person who kidnapped them, but they can write notes in the only exit - an elevator. The entire book is Linus' diary.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated 12 Years a Slave (2013) in Movies
Sep 6, 2017
Cast and acting is spectacular (1 more)
Fantastic direction by Steve McQueen
Harrowing, disturbing beyond belief
It's taken me four years to watch this film out of fear I'd be seriously disturbed by the end of it. And no doubt it is disturbing.
The story of Solomon Northrup entails a free black man in America being kidnapped and then sold into slavery. He is gifted and educated, on top of having led a free life with his wife and children, hence in many ways it can be seen as even more traumatic knowing what is already out there.
What's interesting is the complicity of others involved, including other African Americans who have had to turn the other cheek in order to survive. The white men are despicable in this film, the brutality is truly horrifying.
It goes without saying Chiwetel Ejiofor is fantastic as Solomon, he's understated which makes his acting all the more moving. Michael Fassbender is particularly gratuitous in his role as a slave owner. Lupita Nyong'o is absolutely outstanding, playing a woman brutalized by the master for his own disgusting needs. The women go through a particular hell in this horrid period of history. You'll need a strong countenance to watch this.
The story of Solomon Northrup entails a free black man in America being kidnapped and then sold into slavery. He is gifted and educated, on top of having led a free life with his wife and children, hence in many ways it can be seen as even more traumatic knowing what is already out there.
What's interesting is the complicity of others involved, including other African Americans who have had to turn the other cheek in order to survive. The white men are despicable in this film, the brutality is truly horrifying.
It goes without saying Chiwetel Ejiofor is fantastic as Solomon, he's understated which makes his acting all the more moving. Michael Fassbender is particularly gratuitous in his role as a slave owner. Lupita Nyong'o is absolutely outstanding, playing a woman brutalized by the master for his own disgusting needs. The women go through a particular hell in this horrid period of history. You'll need a strong countenance to watch this.
Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated Girl Last Seen in Books
May 15, 2018
I like to listen to audiobooks while I game, which means I ended up reading Girl Last Seen by chance. It is the first book I’ve read by Nina Laurin and may very well be the last – harsh, I know. When I choose to read a thriller, suspense, or mystery book, I expect… well, the elements of those genres. Girl Last Seen was devoid of any excitement whatsoever and a bit too stereotypical for my taste.
Time and time again, I’ve made it clear that I hate slow plots. I want to feel urgency in a book, especially if it deals with a kidnapped child. In Girl Last Seen, the characters were underwhelming. It becomes obvious early on that things are going to go exactly the way the reader feels they are: girl disappears, guy everyone knows is at fault, oh dear god how can it possibly be. The main character is more unlikable than her own despicable mother, considering she’s drug addicted. There’s even a sex scene that’s a bit on the descriptive side thrown in for what feels like the hell of it. And that annoys me.
Fortunately, the narrator is an excellent choice and I would gladly listen to more books read by her.
Time and time again, I’ve made it clear that I hate slow plots. I want to feel urgency in a book, especially if it deals with a kidnapped child. In Girl Last Seen, the characters were underwhelming. It becomes obvious early on that things are going to go exactly the way the reader feels they are: girl disappears, guy everyone knows is at fault, oh dear god how can it possibly be. The main character is more unlikable than her own despicable mother, considering she’s drug addicted. There’s even a sex scene that’s a bit on the descriptive side thrown in for what feels like the hell of it. And that annoys me.
Fortunately, the narrator is an excellent choice and I would gladly listen to more books read by her.
Debbie (52 KP) rated Two Little Girls In Blue in Books
Jul 20, 2018
Two Little Girls In Blue By: Mary Higgins Clark
Adult Mystery 322 Pages
This book was not disappointing in keeping you wanting to know what was going on. Another 5 star read for me.
This book is about two twin girls who are kidnapped on the evening of their third birthday. Both parents go out that evening to a black tie event and when they get back the baby sitter is out cold and the girls are gone.
There is a ransom note asking for 8 million dollars. The couple do not have this kind of money. How will they get this kind of money to get their girls back unharmed. The police and FBI are called. Why did the kidnappers chose this family. Who are the kidnappers.
The book tells how events are unfolded and how he girls are talking to each other in what their parents call twin talk. This is very important to know but I won't tell how.
This is a mystery book and I don't want to give too much away. You really should read this book and any other book by her. She does a great job in spinning a tale.
I have read almost all of her books and have never been disappointed.
Adult Mystery 322 Pages
This book was not disappointing in keeping you wanting to know what was going on. Another 5 star read for me.
This book is about two twin girls who are kidnapped on the evening of their third birthday. Both parents go out that evening to a black tie event and when they get back the baby sitter is out cold and the girls are gone.
There is a ransom note asking for 8 million dollars. The couple do not have this kind of money. How will they get this kind of money to get their girls back unharmed. The police and FBI are called. Why did the kidnappers chose this family. Who are the kidnappers.
The book tells how events are unfolded and how he girls are talking to each other in what their parents call twin talk. This is very important to know but I won't tell how.
This is a mystery book and I don't want to give too much away. You really should read this book and any other book by her. She does a great job in spinning a tale.
I have read almost all of her books and have never been disappointed.
Lou Grande (148 KP) rated Tau (2018) in Movies
Jul 5, 2018
I had heard little whispers about this movie before it came out, comparing it to Upgrade (2018), only less gory. First of all, it was nothing like that, but it was very good. The premise is interesting--a young woman is kidnapped and held for experimentation by a sociopathic computer genius, who has created an AI named Tau to run his house. Only he's kept Tau in the dark about a lot of stuff. Like that there's more than just the house and other humans exist. I think lately, movies have skewed more towards negative depictions of AI, but Tau is actually rather positive. Without revealing anything, both Julia (the kidnapee) and Tau learn things about themselves and each other. The whole film brings up the question of what it is to be a person, how much empathy we can grant to non-human sentience, and what it means to be a prisoner.
Very good, and visually appealing as well. I loved the way Tau "looked," but there were times when the CG got a little shaky. Nothing unexpected for a movie with this kind of budget. If you enjoyed Dean Koontz's "Demon Seed" or the film adaptation, I think you'll like this.
Very good, and visually appealing as well. I loved the way Tau "looked," but there were times when the CG got a little shaky. Nothing unexpected for a movie with this kind of budget. If you enjoyed Dean Koontz's "Demon Seed" or the film adaptation, I think you'll like this.
justmissash (21 KP) rated Emma in the Night in Books
Aug 23, 2018
Suspenseful, twisty, cannot put down
Emma and Cassandra were missing for 3 years. Some believed they were dead. Were the kidnapped? Murdered? Did they run away?
It starts out with a young Cassandra, Cass for short, telling about her mother and her older sister Emma. Her mother loved Cass more, and would often brush her hair and tell her how beautiful she was, while Emma was often denied love from her mother. Their mother would also ask them to tell her how beautiful she was. She needed to hear it frequently. They had a routine. When their parents split up, Emma told Cass to tell the courts they should live with their father and when she did, Emma did the opposite. Emma stood by her mother as a sort of betrayal to her sister. Now their mother loves Emma more and Cass is off to the side.
Cass tells about the day she disappeared, when she was 15, and her sister who also disappeared.
She was with Emma then, but now she's home. Alone. How is she going to tell people what really happened. She is very nervous. Has to get her story straight. What will people think? So where was Cass and What Happened To Emma?
It starts out with a young Cassandra, Cass for short, telling about her mother and her older sister Emma. Her mother loved Cass more, and would often brush her hair and tell her how beautiful she was, while Emma was often denied love from her mother. Their mother would also ask them to tell her how beautiful she was. She needed to hear it frequently. They had a routine. When their parents split up, Emma told Cass to tell the courts they should live with their father and when she did, Emma did the opposite. Emma stood by her mother as a sort of betrayal to her sister. Now their mother loves Emma more and Cass is off to the side.
Cass tells about the day she disappeared, when she was 15, and her sister who also disappeared.
She was with Emma then, but now she's home. Alone. How is she going to tell people what really happened. She is very nervous. Has to get her story straight. What will people think? So where was Cass and What Happened To Emma?
Lindsay (1779 KP) rated The Frights of Fiji ( Alyssa McCarthy's Magical Missions #1) in Books
Apr 9, 2020
Well, I found a book to fall into during this strange time. That book is The Frights of Figi, it quite a good book. Once you get into it. This book is about a girl that somehow attracts magic into her life. Why this happens I do not know.
Her name is Alyssa and she lives with her Uncle and cousin. When things start happening, no one believes her. She gets into trouble. Will she get save herself and friends and family. Things get more interesting one she is kidnapped by an evil wizard.
This is good for middle-grade children and ages 8 to 12 years old. The author does a really good job with the plot of the story. The characters are developed well. If you are looking for a good fantasy book for your child or children this one is good. This one as a young girl as a hero.
This is a series. It is a good one at that. Alyssa McCarthy Magical Missions. I can not wait to pick up the second book. I am wondering if her friends from the previous book are going to need to help her or if she ends up doing it herself.
Her name is Alyssa and she lives with her Uncle and cousin. When things start happening, no one believes her. She gets into trouble. Will she get save herself and friends and family. Things get more interesting one she is kidnapped by an evil wizard.
This is good for middle-grade children and ages 8 to 12 years old. The author does a really good job with the plot of the story. The characters are developed well. If you are looking for a good fantasy book for your child or children this one is good. This one as a young girl as a hero.
This is a series. It is a good one at that. Alyssa McCarthy Magical Missions. I can not wait to pick up the second book. I am wondering if her friends from the previous book are going to need to help her or if she ends up doing it herself.
TL
The Lost Boy: the Definitive Story of the Moors Murders and the Search for the Final Victim
10.0
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Between 1963 and 1965 the Moors Murderers - Ian Brady and Myra Hindley - kidnapped and murdered five...