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Sensitivemuse (246 KP) rated Dangerous Boy in Books
Nov 6, 2017
Filled with cliches, but a quick read
I would call this a guilty pleasure book. Why? Because it’s not the most greatest read out there but you read it anyway because something about it just draws you to continue reading. Whether it be characters, or the cheesy plot albeit ridiculous as it may be.
This is supposed to be a modern day retelling of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. I see some similarities although the way it’s explained (the soul thing) is a bit of a stretch. At least with Jekyll/Hyde he had something concrete and explanatory (eg; the serum that gets him to change personalities).
The book itself is filled with oodles of cliches so it’s not for everyone. It may induce eye rolls and may have some readers frustrated and quit reading altogether. Why did I keep reading? It’s a very simple plot and there’s not much when it comes to twists and turns, there’s a bit of a creepy and chilly factor which was actually pretty well done and I stuck with it. Despite the plot being as it is, the writing was pretty good and I enjoyed it.
A couple of things however. I’m not sure what Madison really had to do with the story. She’s just your average mean girl but doesn’t really add to the plot (except for being a previous romance. Woopie) so to me, this was just unnecessary filler moments in the novel.
Harper isn’t really that likable and there were moments where she goes off the deep end into the realm of stupidity. I do admit though, she’s got good chemistry with Logan and the writing that conveys their feelings towards each other is well done. Logan seems to be a great boyfriend if it wasn’t for that fatal flaw. Harper does tend to have some annoying qualities to herself - being a forgiving doormat for one, and lacking common sense in particular stages of the story (seriously? You’re going to break into a house and you say: “hello?” can we say first one to die in a horror movie here?)
Although this book has quite a few flaws, I couldn’t help but enjoy reading it. It’s a very quick read and it’s like you’re watching a B movie but you enjoyed it despite the many cliches and things you normally wouldn’t watch. There’s just something about it that makes you want to continue reading it. I’m not going to recommend this one, but if you’re up for a quick read to get back into the reading groove, why not?
This is supposed to be a modern day retelling of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. I see some similarities although the way it’s explained (the soul thing) is a bit of a stretch. At least with Jekyll/Hyde he had something concrete and explanatory (eg; the serum that gets him to change personalities).
The book itself is filled with oodles of cliches so it’s not for everyone. It may induce eye rolls and may have some readers frustrated and quit reading altogether. Why did I keep reading? It’s a very simple plot and there’s not much when it comes to twists and turns, there’s a bit of a creepy and chilly factor which was actually pretty well done and I stuck with it. Despite the plot being as it is, the writing was pretty good and I enjoyed it.
A couple of things however. I’m not sure what Madison really had to do with the story. She’s just your average mean girl but doesn’t really add to the plot (except for being a previous romance. Woopie) so to me, this was just unnecessary filler moments in the novel.
Harper isn’t really that likable and there were moments where she goes off the deep end into the realm of stupidity. I do admit though, she’s got good chemistry with Logan and the writing that conveys their feelings towards each other is well done. Logan seems to be a great boyfriend if it wasn’t for that fatal flaw. Harper does tend to have some annoying qualities to herself - being a forgiving doormat for one, and lacking common sense in particular stages of the story (seriously? You’re going to break into a house and you say: “hello?” can we say first one to die in a horror movie here?)
Although this book has quite a few flaws, I couldn’t help but enjoy reading it. It’s a very quick read and it’s like you’re watching a B movie but you enjoyed it despite the many cliches and things you normally wouldn’t watch. There’s just something about it that makes you want to continue reading it. I’m not going to recommend this one, but if you’re up for a quick read to get back into the reading groove, why not?
Darren (1599 KP) rated Veronica Mars (2014) in Movies
Jul 25, 2019
Story: Veronica Mars starts as Veronica Mars (Bell) fills the fans of the show in with the last few years of her life after the television show finished and gave us first time viewers a chance to get a basic grip of who the main characters are going to be.
Veronica is now about to take her bar exam, but when her ex-boyfriend Logan Echolls (Dohring) is accused of killing his celebrity girlfriend, Veronica returns home to get to the bottom of the crime, re-living her private eye ways and catching up with old friends.
Thoughts on Veronica Mars
Characters – Veronica Mars is the former private eye that has moved on to study law only to learn a former friend has been accused of murder. The character gets to return to see old friends to see where they are in life now and how things have changed, in the biggest case of her life. Logan Echolls is the ex-boyfriend of Veronica that has been accused of murder, he needs her help to prove his innocence.
Performances – Kristen Bell made this role her own on television and now you can see her own enjoyment of returning to this role. Jason Bohring is solid enough in the role of the suspect. It would be fair to say the whole returning cast enjoyed coming back and it worked for the film.
Story – The story plays into the hands of the fans of the show wonderfully, the problem comes if you never saw the show, you will never understand the moments between characters in this movie. This isn’t a film for people that never saw the show, but it does bring our character back to her old role to see where friends are which is always a nice touch for popular shows.
Crime/Mystery – The crime mystery tone is everything the TV show kept up with the light-hearted comic tone of the movie, with plenty of mystery moments to keep us guessing.
Settings – The settings do help the fans of the original show that have returned to their favourite show, seeing all the places we saw their favourite characters.
Scene of the Movie – Reunion.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – Not knowing enough from the TV show.
Final Thoughts – This is a wonderful treat for the fans of the show, catching up with our favourite characters is something we all like to do and this is no different.
Overall: Good TV show to movie.
Veronica is now about to take her bar exam, but when her ex-boyfriend Logan Echolls (Dohring) is accused of killing his celebrity girlfriend, Veronica returns home to get to the bottom of the crime, re-living her private eye ways and catching up with old friends.
Thoughts on Veronica Mars
Characters – Veronica Mars is the former private eye that has moved on to study law only to learn a former friend has been accused of murder. The character gets to return to see old friends to see where they are in life now and how things have changed, in the biggest case of her life. Logan Echolls is the ex-boyfriend of Veronica that has been accused of murder, he needs her help to prove his innocence.
Performances – Kristen Bell made this role her own on television and now you can see her own enjoyment of returning to this role. Jason Bohring is solid enough in the role of the suspect. It would be fair to say the whole returning cast enjoyed coming back and it worked for the film.
Story – The story plays into the hands of the fans of the show wonderfully, the problem comes if you never saw the show, you will never understand the moments between characters in this movie. This isn’t a film for people that never saw the show, but it does bring our character back to her old role to see where friends are which is always a nice touch for popular shows.
Crime/Mystery – The crime mystery tone is everything the TV show kept up with the light-hearted comic tone of the movie, with plenty of mystery moments to keep us guessing.
Settings – The settings do help the fans of the original show that have returned to their favourite show, seeing all the places we saw their favourite characters.
Scene of the Movie – Reunion.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – Not knowing enough from the TV show.
Final Thoughts – This is a wonderful treat for the fans of the show, catching up with our favourite characters is something we all like to do and this is no different.
Overall: Good TV show to movie.
Joe Goodhart (27 KP) rated X-Force, Vol. 2: Old Ghosts in Books
Nov 30, 2020
Wow, I can't believe I stopped reading this incarnation of X-FORCE around Issue 3! Mind you, I was going through personal issues, and a darker, edgier comic was more angst than I could handle at the time. However, now that I have it all in digital and I am in a better state - mentally, physically, spiritually - I couldn't have picked a better opportunity to dive back in from the beginning.
Volume Two is as good as, if not better than, the first Volume. The continuity throughout is seamless, not missing a beat, carefully tapping into old "big bads", with end-result being a high-tension, white-knuckle thrill-ride that manages to inject some humorous dialogue (Oh, Domino, you always says some snarkiest remarks sometimes, but ah, that timing! *grin*) every so often but never enough to break the mood.
Craig Kyle and Christopher Yost were the perfect choice for the writers of the series revision. They get in the characters' heads when the write, presenting us with the ones we knew rather than badly-plotted inconsistent shadows of their former selves.
Especially good, I remarked on this review of Volume One, is their treatment of X-23/Laura Kinney. She wants to be part of something, a "family" of sorts. It shows as her involvement in the team progresses. She watches out for them, tapping into techniques learned during her time in the Weapon X Project, working to ensure that everyone should remain alive, thus remaining a "family" of sorts.
Logan is still watching over from a distance, but close enough that if things get really bad, I imagine he's pull her. The way Yost and Kyle write it, I took it that Logan was still not comfortable with Cry-clops' decision for to be on the team, but as befits a father, he wants to give her the room to find herself
The only thing I didn't like about Laura/X-23 was the art. Facially? Nailed it, you seemed to be late 16, early-ish 17. However, her body was leaning towards objectification. From the noticeable breast enhancement to the bared mid-riff (Domino was not drawn as such) to the super-tight, two sizes too small uniform, I was, to say the least, disappointed that was how Marvel (and artist Mike Choi) chose to present her! X-23 illustration quibbles aside, the art overall was solid!
Again, I can't say enough good about the overall story, art, etc. If you are looking for a good X-read, look no further, for you have one right here! Enjoy.
Volume Two is as good as, if not better than, the first Volume. The continuity throughout is seamless, not missing a beat, carefully tapping into old "big bads", with end-result being a high-tension, white-knuckle thrill-ride that manages to inject some humorous dialogue (Oh, Domino, you always says some snarkiest remarks sometimes, but ah, that timing! *grin*) every so often but never enough to break the mood.
Craig Kyle and Christopher Yost were the perfect choice for the writers of the series revision. They get in the characters' heads when the write, presenting us with the ones we knew rather than badly-plotted inconsistent shadows of their former selves.
Especially good, I remarked on this review of Volume One, is their treatment of X-23/Laura Kinney. She wants to be part of something, a "family" of sorts. It shows as her involvement in the team progresses. She watches out for them, tapping into techniques learned during her time in the Weapon X Project, working to ensure that everyone should remain alive, thus remaining a "family" of sorts.
Logan is still watching over from a distance, but close enough that if things get really bad, I imagine he's pull her. The way Yost and Kyle write it, I took it that Logan was still not comfortable with Cry-clops' decision for to be on the team, but as befits a father, he wants to give her the room to find herself
The only thing I didn't like about Laura/X-23 was the art. Facially? Nailed it, you seemed to be late 16, early-ish 17. However, her body was leaning towards objectification. From the noticeable breast enhancement to the bared mid-riff (Domino was not drawn as such) to the super-tight, two sizes too small uniform, I was, to say the least, disappointed that was how Marvel (and artist Mike Choi) chose to present her! X-23 illustration quibbles aside, the art overall was solid!
Again, I can't say enough good about the overall story, art, etc. If you are looking for a good X-read, look no further, for you have one right here! Enjoy.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Upgrade (2018) in Movies
May 20, 2019
Unexpectedly good
Well I have to say that this film was rather a pleasant surprise. I’d been expecting a rather low budget trashy sci-fi but instead I got an action packed, gory and strangely humorous film - which was a complete surprise until I saw it had been directed by Leigh Whannell, then it all made a little more sense.
Don’t get me wrong, this is quite like a good old B movie and does have a slightly dodgy script at times but the rest of the film more than makes up for it. The whole interaction between Grey and Stem is brilliant, very quick and witty and often pretty funny, and the camera work and robotic style of the fight scenes works really well, especially with the blood and gore thrown in too. The acting too from Logan Marshall Green is very good, and he isn’t an actor I’ve seen much from. My only criticism is the ending, I wouldn’t say it was entirely predictable but it didn’t come as a huge surprise. But then I’ve read far too many books and seen far too many films.
Also, was I the only one wishing Alan Tudyk did the voice of Stem? He’s such a good voiceover actor.
Don’t get me wrong, this is quite like a good old B movie and does have a slightly dodgy script at times but the rest of the film more than makes up for it. The whole interaction between Grey and Stem is brilliant, very quick and witty and often pretty funny, and the camera work and robotic style of the fight scenes works really well, especially with the blood and gore thrown in too. The acting too from Logan Marshall Green is very good, and he isn’t an actor I’ve seen much from. My only criticism is the ending, I wouldn’t say it was entirely predictable but it didn’t come as a huge surprise. But then I’ve read far too many books and seen far too many films.
Also, was I the only one wishing Alan Tudyk did the voice of Stem? He’s such a good voiceover actor.
Merissa (11805 KP) rated The Mercenary's Tale (In the Company of Men #1) in Books
Sep 2, 2019
The Mercenary's Tale is the first book in the In the Company of Men series, and it is a tale of two halves. In the first half, we have Drake and Ansel. Unfortunately, as happens in war zones, Ansel dies a tragic death, leaving Drake broken. Two years later, when he is still trying to lose himself in the bottom of a mug of ale, he is asked by a friend to help him. This leads him to Logan, a widower with a young boy.
Both parts of this story were good, and it was a very brave decision by the author to kill off Ansel after investing so much time and energy into his character. Even though I sort of guessed it was coming (it is in the blurb after all), it still came as a shock.
This was an easy to read novella, with plenty of hot scenes. Everything is easy, and everyone is gay 😉 All in all, a great coffee break book.
* 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!
Both parts of this story were good, and it was a very brave decision by the author to kill off Ansel after investing so much time and energy into his character. Even though I sort of guessed it was coming (it is in the blurb after all), it still came as a shock.
This was an easy to read novella, with plenty of hot scenes. Everything is easy, and everyone is gay 😉 All in all, a great coffee break book.
* 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!
Merissa (11805 KP) rated Blue Skies (Collier's Creek) in Books
Oct 30, 2023
BLUE SKIES is the last book in the multi-author series, Collier's Creek.
Kit and Felix are both new in town, although Felix is just returning to his roots. Both of them have baggage, although Kit's is more tragic than Felix's. Kit has writer's block and hopes new scenery will clear it. Felix needs to regroup and figure out what he wants to do with his life. When these two meet, it is definitely a case of opposites attract, although that does change.
As with all of the books in this series, it is low angst. I enjoyed their story, although I didn't quite 'feel' it as much as some of the others. I did enjoy the cameos from Logan though, and hearing the update of how he and Coop are getting on. They still remain my favourite pairing of Collier's Creek.
This was a sweet and sometimes spicy read, that felt like coming home. I have enjoyed this addition to the series and have no hesitation in recommending it.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 30, 2023
Kit and Felix are both new in town, although Felix is just returning to his roots. Both of them have baggage, although Kit's is more tragic than Felix's. Kit has writer's block and hopes new scenery will clear it. Felix needs to regroup and figure out what he wants to do with his life. When these two meet, it is definitely a case of opposites attract, although that does change.
As with all of the books in this series, it is low angst. I enjoyed their story, although I didn't quite 'feel' it as much as some of the others. I did enjoy the cameos from Logan though, and hearing the update of how he and Coop are getting on. They still remain my favourite pairing of Collier's Creek.
This was a sweet and sometimes spicy read, that felt like coming home. I have enjoyed this addition to the series and have no hesitation in recommending it.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 30, 2023
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Cold Granite (Logan McRae #1) in Books
Dec 5, 2019
Well, what can I say? What a book this is ... there aren't enough superlatives to say how much I enjoyed it ... just brilliant and a must-read for any fans of crime novels. This is the first in the Logan McRae series but I have read subsequent stories before this one and can confirm that it made no difference to my enjoyment of this book.
Now, I must warn you that this book deals with the disturbing and upsetting subject of child murders with the additional sub-plot of the murder of a gangster and there are graphic descriptions of the crime scenes so if you are of a nervous disposition or easily offended, I would probably steer clear of this particular one.
The characters are strong, well developed, interesting and believable with authentic dialogue throughout and despite the dark subject matter, there are many moments of humour which made me chuckle on several occasions which helped to lighten things a little. The setting of Aberdeen in the winter is perfect and creates further atmosphere. The pace is non-stop with twists, turns and red-herrings throughout which certainly kept me on my toes and guessing until near the end.
Don't let this series pass you by ... highly recommended.
I have to thank HarperCollins UK via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
Now, I must warn you that this book deals with the disturbing and upsetting subject of child murders with the additional sub-plot of the murder of a gangster and there are graphic descriptions of the crime scenes so if you are of a nervous disposition or easily offended, I would probably steer clear of this particular one.
The characters are strong, well developed, interesting and believable with authentic dialogue throughout and despite the dark subject matter, there are many moments of humour which made me chuckle on several occasions which helped to lighten things a little. The setting of Aberdeen in the winter is perfect and creates further atmosphere. The pace is non-stop with twists, turns and red-herrings throughout which certainly kept me on my toes and guessing until near the end.
Don't let this series pass you by ... highly recommended.
I have to thank HarperCollins UK via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Jul 22, 2022
Hazel (2934 KP) rated All That's Dead in Books
May 27, 2019
Darkly humorous and thrilling
Having read and thoroughly loved one of Mr MacBride's previous outings starring Logan McRae - A Dark So Deadly - I was thrilled to be accepted by the publisher, HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction, via NetGalley to read and review "All That's Dead" before publication in return for an honest and unbiased review.
This instalment had a lot to live up to and, overall, it hit the mark with it's dark humour, the fantastic characters, the setting, the twists and all wrapped up in an excellent plot amongst the backdrop of domestic terrorism and the independence movement in Scotland which although results in a fair bit of English-bashing, does mirror Brexit (oh how I hate that word!) in many respects which makes it topical and current too!
I did have a few niggles that did irritate me somewhat ... one or two of the characters who were supposed to be Police Officers did not come across as very believable; they were overly childish and not very good at their jobs. In addition, I found the word "sooked" extremely annoying for some reason - not sure why but it just wound me up.
I am absolutely certain that it would be better to read the series in order, it does work as a standalone pretty successfully and although the niggles prevented me from awarding this a 5 star read, I would still recommend it.
This instalment had a lot to live up to and, overall, it hit the mark with it's dark humour, the fantastic characters, the setting, the twists and all wrapped up in an excellent plot amongst the backdrop of domestic terrorism and the independence movement in Scotland which although results in a fair bit of English-bashing, does mirror Brexit (oh how I hate that word!) in many respects which makes it topical and current too!
I did have a few niggles that did irritate me somewhat ... one or two of the characters who were supposed to be Police Officers did not come across as very believable; they were overly childish and not very good at their jobs. In addition, I found the word "sooked" extremely annoying for some reason - not sure why but it just wound me up.
I am absolutely certain that it would be better to read the series in order, it does work as a standalone pretty successfully and although the niggles prevented me from awarding this a 5 star read, I would still recommend it.
Jesters_folly (230 KP) rated Dead Island: The Book in Books
Jul 21, 2020
Contains spoilers, click to show
Welcome to the paradise island of Banoi, a luxury, tropical island where you can relax and not worry about anything. That is until a mysterious epidemic started to spread, an epidemic that brings the dead back to life as flesh eating zombies.
Dead Island: The Book is the novelisation of the video game of the same name (Dead Island).
The first couple of chapters introduce us to the four main protagonists of the game: Sam B, Logan and Purna meet on the plane one the way to Banoi and Xian Mei is the receptionist who books them in to the hotel. The we are treated to the first of many scenes that will be familiar the anyone who has played the game, a concert with Sam B as the main act, followed up by a zombie outbreak.
The story follows the four main protagonists and the people they meet as they travel around the island in search for help, a cure or a way off the island. On their way they must work out who they can trust and how to deal with those they can't.
Dead Island the book almost follows the first game but not riptide so the ending is slightly different, there also seemed to be more guns but that may just be because the narrative is more compressed in the novel as there are a lot less side quests.
Dead Island: The Book is the novelisation of the video game of the same name (Dead Island).
The first couple of chapters introduce us to the four main protagonists of the game: Sam B, Logan and Purna meet on the plane one the way to Banoi and Xian Mei is the receptionist who books them in to the hotel. The we are treated to the first of many scenes that will be familiar the anyone who has played the game, a concert with Sam B as the main act, followed up by a zombie outbreak.
The story follows the four main protagonists and the people they meet as they travel around the island in search for help, a cure or a way off the island. On their way they must work out who they can trust and how to deal with those they can't.
Dead Island the book almost follows the first game but not riptide so the ending is slightly different, there also seemed to be more guns but that may just be because the narrative is more compressed in the novel as there are a lot less side quests.