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Elements of Retrofit (Thomas Elkin #1)
Elements of Retrofit (Thomas Elkin #1)
N.R. Walker | 2018 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
6
7.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
As a long-term fan of the author's writing style, I was looking forward to reading a May-to-December story from her.

Whilst I adored Thomas himself, after all, what's not to like with a going silver fox professional who knows what he wants from life? I'm afraid Cooper just didn't quite hit the mark for me. Although he came across as mature at times, the majority of the time his cocky attitude annoyed me, and no, I couldn't get used to it (although Thomas managed to). I loved the world this book was set in, with the architectural references and the visual clues given. With so many things to love about this book, I'm sorry to give it a 3-star, but I just couldn't get to grips with Cooper. That's my issue, not the writing!

On the whole, another brilliant book by N.R. Walker, just one that didn't hit the mark for me. That doesn't mean I don't recommend it, because I do. You never know, you may find Cooper quirky and adorable!

* 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 2, 2018
  
Saw V (2008)
Saw V (2008)
2008 | Action, Horror
9
6.5 (12 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Contains spoilers, click to show
Ok so another review for another Saw film (with 4 more to go), it would be easy to just write 'more of the same' but that's the good thing about the Saw movies, they give the viewers what they want, more games and more gore. but they also expand on the law and the characters.
The previous two films have focused on Amanda (The Pig) and an John (Jigsaw), Saw V concentrates on Mark Hoffman, the first copy cat killer and (I think) the first pig.
As with the previous few films, Saw V tells Marks tale in the present and via flashbacks and manages to weave Mark into the events we have seen in the other films. All the whilst we have another 'Game' being played out. However this time around the game is almost irrelevant where as the games in the other films normally end up being part of the ongoing story in Saw V it's just something else that is happening. The police don't even seem to know or find out about it being more interested in if there is a traitor and who it is.
Saw V does go back to it's roots whilst pushing the franchise forward, there are flashbacks to the previous films, showing how Mark was involved, all though they did seem to almost totally ignore Amanda. There is a small nod to the film 'Seven' which was an inspiration for the first film when Johns wife receives her inheritance.
The Biggest problem with Saw V is that the time line is getting too complicated to follow and seems to interfere with the events in Saw IV but that doesn't cause to many problems.
We never did get to find out what was in the box though, maybe in Saw VI.
  
Gotti (2018)
Gotti (2018)
2018 | Biography, Crime, Drama
I've learned that I must come to accept that we may never again see the quality of gangster films that Hollywood churned out during the 70's-90's. Gotti is another example of a poorly executed attempt to retell a story that deserves to be told, but misses the mark by about a million miles.

John Travolta can only be partially blamed for this failure. He was exactly what you would expect him to be if you have ever seen his acting ability. The story he was attempting to convey was the true criminal. Convoluted and disoriented from the start, it was never able to get on its feet, let alone take a step in a forward direction. I'm not sure there is any actor alive who could have made up for the deficiencies everywhere you look in this movie.

I've definitely seen much worse, even in this genre. But I had high hopes and they were abruptly shattered.
  
40x40

Kristin (149 KP) rated Bump in Books

Dec 7, 2018  
B
Bump
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Holy s**t! This book *definitely* lives up to the "extreme horror" label on its cover. The Dills are sick and twisted, the mannequins scared the hell out of me, and it just gets better (or worse, depending on how you look at it) from there. From the very start, I was completely engrossed in the story and had to tear myself away from it to work, eat, or sleep (which didn't come easily after reading at night). I would definitely recommend this story to anyone who loves an awesome horror novel, although I'd caution that you'll wind up checking all your locks, under the bed, in the closets, etc. for many nights after you finish. I'm looking forward to the film version if it ever comes to light, but I'm sure I'll make it a daylight viewing.

Thanks for the scares, Mark, and I hope you continue for many years to come! =)

5 stars