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Merissa (14173 KP) rated Dalysian Hope (Dalysia #1) in Books
Jun 7, 2023
If you like Fantasy with an Urban twist, then this is definitely one for you. Sophie is living a 'normal' life until one evening when weirdness erupts and two guys show up in her life. One may be there to help, and one may be there to hinder, but until Sophie figures out what the heck is going on, then she will be none the wiser!
This is the author's debut novel and I am already in love with her intimate and descriptive writing style. It doesn't feel like it was written for the masses, but rather just for "you" alone. This means that you are drawn right into the story and care about the characters, some more than others!
With layer upon layer woven together in a thrilling elemental story, this book will sweep you away and definitely leave you wanting more.
Oh, one thing more I need to say - TEAM REN!!!
* 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!
Apr 30, 2016
This is the author's debut novel and I am already in love with her intimate and descriptive writing style. It doesn't feel like it was written for the masses, but rather just for "you" alone. This means that you are drawn right into the story and care about the characters, some more than others!
With layer upon layer woven together in a thrilling elemental story, this book will sweep you away and definitely leave you wanting more.
Oh, one thing more I need to say - TEAM REN!!!
* 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!
Apr 30, 2016
Merissa (14173 KP) rated Breathing Betrayal (Elemental Evidence #1) in Books
Jun 8, 2023
This is a story with two main characters who are both a bit broken and battered around the edges. Things move very quickly between the two, but then circumstances also push them together. With two very different gifts, they work together to try and find a Professor's missing brother, only to find that the 'case' takes on a sinister twist.
The prologue is written without using anyone's name, and because Chapter 1 is from Jake's point of view, I incorrectly assumed that it was to do with him. However, things became clear as the story moved on.
Well written, with plenty of twists and turns, as well as hot and sexy scenes, Breathing Betrayal shows all the signs of being the first book in a new series. I'm sincerely hoping that this is the case as I would love to know more about Jake and Mari. Definitely recommended for all M/M fans.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 7, 2016
The prologue is written without using anyone's name, and because Chapter 1 is from Jake's point of view, I incorrectly assumed that it was to do with him. However, things became clear as the story moved on.
Well written, with plenty of twists and turns, as well as hot and sexy scenes, Breathing Betrayal shows all the signs of being the first book in a new series. I'm sincerely hoping that this is the case as I would love to know more about Jake and Mari. Definitely recommended for all M/M fans.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 7, 2016
Morgan Sheppard (1037 KP) created a post
Aug 27, 2026
Imagistory: Schools Edition - A Storytelling App
Education and Book
App
"This app is an educators dream come true" - BestAppsforKids.com Review (4.9 Stars) * "This app is...
Bob Mann (459 KP) rated Hillbilly Elegy (2020) in Movies
Apr 22, 2021
General Shoutiness and a glowering Glenn Close
I missed Ron Howard's "Hillbilly Elegy" when it came out at the end of last year, but principally wanted to catch up on it to see Glenn Close's Oscar nominated performance before Sunday's Oscars.
Positives:
- When this film started, I suspected that the Glenn Close nomination might be another 'Judi Dench in Shakespeare in Love' - - where her acceptance speech is longer than the time spent on screen! But no. Because of the flashback format deployed in the film, she actually gets a good amount of air time. And it's a really solid and impressive performance.
- The supporting cast is also good. Amy Adams is given a lot to do with a challenging role, and (just about) pulls it off. And young Owen Asztalos as the younger J. D. particularly impressed me.
Negatives:
- Although it's based on J. D. Vance's true life story, I really struggled to get very invested in the story. The choppy nature of the narrative - hopping repeatedly between 'the present' and multiple flashback timelines - really doesn't help with this.
- The whole J. D. / Usha romance element almost felt like it belonged in a different film. In fact, I found it frustrating that I found the elements with J. D.'s struggles at college, with the emerging love and guidance of Usha, as a more compelling narrative than the druggie mother lead story. Perhaps the movie was just trying to be too ambitious?
- Apart from one 'personal decision' scene in a motel bedroom, there's not much of an "up-side" to the story for the viewer to take away. It's not a movie that I found a positive experience.
Viewer Advisory;
If you've had any history of life in a dysfunctional family, there is a lot of shouting, slapping and general tension in this movie which you might find disturbing.
Summary Thoughts:
So, I came to this to see the performance of Glenn Close, and it's very good. I would personally be surprised if she takes the Oscar for this. However, having been nominated eight times before and never won, the 'sympathy vote' may play here.
But one of my bellweathers for a movie is to think whether I'll remember it in six months time. I'm afraid this one is unlikely to pass the test. If you say "Hillbilly Elegy" to me in October, I'll probably recall a whole lot of shouty people and Glenn Close glowering at me from the screen. That's not a wholly great recommendation for a movie. Sorry Mr Howard, but this one's a 'miss' for me.
(For the full graphical review, please see the One Mann's Movies review here - https://bob-the-movie-man.com/2021/04/21/hillbilly-elegy-review/ ).
Positives:
- When this film started, I suspected that the Glenn Close nomination might be another 'Judi Dench in Shakespeare in Love' - - where her acceptance speech is longer than the time spent on screen! But no. Because of the flashback format deployed in the film, she actually gets a good amount of air time. And it's a really solid and impressive performance.
- The supporting cast is also good. Amy Adams is given a lot to do with a challenging role, and (just about) pulls it off. And young Owen Asztalos as the younger J. D. particularly impressed me.
Negatives:
- Although it's based on J. D. Vance's true life story, I really struggled to get very invested in the story. The choppy nature of the narrative - hopping repeatedly between 'the present' and multiple flashback timelines - really doesn't help with this.
- The whole J. D. / Usha romance element almost felt like it belonged in a different film. In fact, I found it frustrating that I found the elements with J. D.'s struggles at college, with the emerging love and guidance of Usha, as a more compelling narrative than the druggie mother lead story. Perhaps the movie was just trying to be too ambitious?
- Apart from one 'personal decision' scene in a motel bedroom, there's not much of an "up-side" to the story for the viewer to take away. It's not a movie that I found a positive experience.
Viewer Advisory;
If you've had any history of life in a dysfunctional family, there is a lot of shouting, slapping and general tension in this movie which you might find disturbing.
Summary Thoughts:
So, I came to this to see the performance of Glenn Close, and it's very good. I would personally be surprised if she takes the Oscar for this. However, having been nominated eight times before and never won, the 'sympathy vote' may play here.
But one of my bellweathers for a movie is to think whether I'll remember it in six months time. I'm afraid this one is unlikely to pass the test. If you say "Hillbilly Elegy" to me in October, I'll probably recall a whole lot of shouty people and Glenn Close glowering at me from the screen. That's not a wholly great recommendation for a movie. Sorry Mr Howard, but this one's a 'miss' for me.
(For the full graphical review, please see the One Mann's Movies review here - https://bob-the-movie-man.com/2021/04/21/hillbilly-elegy-review/ ).
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Northern Lights in Books
Nov 1, 2017
A great YA novel
I read this over 10 years ago, remember enjoying it but for some reason never bothered with the other books in the trilogy. So I decided to try again.
This is a fantastic first novel in the trilogy, and a great fantasy story. I love the idea of people having daemons, and the plight of Lyra is intriguing and full of twists and turns. There are some great characters, all well developed and I really found myself caring for some and hating others, as intended. Pullman id a fantastic writer. My only criticisms would be the heavy emphasis on religion, and that the plot does seem a little bit over the top at times. Still can't wait to read the rest!
This is a fantastic first novel in the trilogy, and a great fantasy story. I love the idea of people having daemons, and the plight of Lyra is intriguing and full of twists and turns. There are some great characters, all well developed and I really found myself caring for some and hating others, as intended. Pullman id a fantastic writer. My only criticisms would be the heavy emphasis on religion, and that the plot does seem a little bit over the top at times. Still can't wait to read the rest!
Maddie (37 KP) rated The Mortal Instruments 2: City of Ashes in Books
Dec 5, 2017
Relatable Characters (1 more)
Colorful Prose
Slower Pace (1 more)
Obvious Love Triangles
Second Installment of Solid YA Series
I just recently re-read the entire Mortal Instruments series and thoroughly enjoyed it (maybe even more so than the first time around). This book is a solid sequel to the first one, and continues to develop Claire's creative world and characters.
The action is fun, the romance is hot (although sometimes a little too distracting from the plot), and the writing is good. Claire does a great job mixing in humor and emotion with her story, so the characters are engaging - even when they are unreasonable, selfish, and childish.
Give the series a chance if you like YA. It's a fantastic source of entertainment.
The action is fun, the romance is hot (although sometimes a little too distracting from the plot), and the writing is good. Claire does a great job mixing in humor and emotion with her story, so the characters are engaging - even when they are unreasonable, selfish, and childish.
Give the series a chance if you like YA. It's a fantastic source of entertainment.
Mark Halpern (153 KP) created a post
Dec 30, 2017
Mark Halpern (153 KP) rated Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) in Movies
Jan 4, 2018
Why Rum Gone
Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) plays our beloved pirate to love and hate in this adaption of a Disney ride. The movie from the word go is filled with action,comedy and suspense as we follow our captain take possession of a powerful boat with the help of Orlando bloom and try to rescue our damsel in distress Nightly and recover the last gold coin of a lost treasure to try and break and long time curse. This movie storyline took time and patience to make sure everything flowed right and it does. To me there is not a moment of down time and my favorite line when marooned on an island is "Why Rum Gone" Enjoy
BobbiesDustyPages (1259 KP) rated Watchmen in Books
Jul 21, 2017
The characters (4 more)
The ending
The art work
How dark and real the whole story feels
Characters that are so flawed they feel real.
Can freaking drag (1 more)
Way too much dialog at times.
You either love it or hate it but it does change how you see super heroes.
This is one comic book I honestly believe everyone should read but art the same time don't make it your first like I tried to do because HOLY hell does thing drag along at some points but at about half way it finally sinks its teeth in and does not let you go.
To date I think this has one of the best conclusions I've ever read. And you definitely find your looking at superheroes different after reading this.
To date I think this has one of the best conclusions I've ever read. And you definitely find your looking at superheroes different after reading this.