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Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated The Serpent (The Gameshouse, #1) in Books
Apr 27, 2018
The Gameshouse is a novella series by Claire North, author of Touch and several other books. She is a stunning writer with a distinct and mysterious writing style that engages the reader and forces them to think harder and harder with every passing page.
The first novella, The Serpant, proved a beautiful introduction to the world in which the Gameshouse resides, which is our world, except not. It’s a world in which there are cunning, clever, devious, and skilled players using our world as a game board. The game might be an election, a war, or something more simple such as hide and seek. But they play for more than money. They play for years of their lives, their love of the taste of strawberries, a memory, the affections of the person they last loved, the richness of the color purple… or something more detrimental: if I win, you take my asthma. If you win, I take your constant migraines.
The story begins with a beautiful portrait and backstory of our main character Thini, who later becomes a crucial piece in a bigger game. Her game is played, the game is won, and the world goes on.
Read my review of the whole series here: http://haleymathiot.blogspot.com/2015/12/the-gameshouse.html
The first novella, The Serpant, proved a beautiful introduction to the world in which the Gameshouse resides, which is our world, except not. It’s a world in which there are cunning, clever, devious, and skilled players using our world as a game board. The game might be an election, a war, or something more simple such as hide and seek. But they play for more than money. They play for years of their lives, their love of the taste of strawberries, a memory, the affections of the person they last loved, the richness of the color purple… or something more detrimental: if I win, you take my asthma. If you win, I take your constant migraines.
The story begins with a beautiful portrait and backstory of our main character Thini, who later becomes a crucial piece in a bigger game. Her game is played, the game is won, and the world goes on.
Read my review of the whole series here: http://haleymathiot.blogspot.com/2015/12/the-gameshouse.html
Awix (3310 KP) rated Aquaman (2018) in Movies
Feb 12, 2019
DC Comics adaptation boasts a colour palette that will make your eyes bleed and some casting decisions that will leave your mind near-permanently boggled (Julie Andrews and Dolph Lundgren, together at last), but still manages to be one of their better recent films - I'm aware that probably isn't saying much, so let me clarify it: Aquaman is a lot of fun. Jason Momoa plays the scion of Atlantis as a slightly dimwitted bro, which is a curious but entertaining take on the character; he has to go off on a quest for plot coupons in order to stop a war between the underwater world and the surface nations.
It probably takes a bit too long, and if you don't like wall-to-wall CGI this is definitely not the movie for you, but it ticks all the boxes and manages to be jolly popcorn-blockbuster fun, unsaddled by references to other DC movies. There's a bit of dead wood along the way (Black Manta is just there to facilitate a big action sequence, and allow the designers to get away with one of the most ridiculous costumes in living memory), but this is a surprisingly confident and epic-feeling take on a perennially second-string character.
It probably takes a bit too long, and if you don't like wall-to-wall CGI this is definitely not the movie for you, but it ticks all the boxes and manages to be jolly popcorn-blockbuster fun, unsaddled by references to other DC movies. There's a bit of dead wood along the way (Black Manta is just there to facilitate a big action sequence, and allow the designers to get away with one of the most ridiculous costumes in living memory), but this is a surprisingly confident and epic-feeling take on a perennially second-string character.
Scarlett doesn't remember anything before the age of four, which she doesn't find too unsettling, until, as a teen, a car accident jars her memory and makes her start wondering what happened to her as a kid. Around the same time as her accident, Scarlett meets Noah, a new kid to town, and falls for him immediately. Noah tries to help Scarlett remember her past, but does he have her best intentions at heart?
Not really sure how to explain this book. The story itself is odd - another quick teenage romance, with a cult thrown in! However, it is oddly compelling in its own strange way - I read the book in about a day or so. The writing is rather silly and disjointed at times and the plot seems unbelievable. It's not even the cult aspect, per se. It seems weird that Scarlett focuses so much on not being able to remember things before the age of four (is that really so strange)? The end of the book ties up awfully easily, without much semblance or adherence to legal niceties. All in all, while the book moves quickly, not sure it's worth that little amount of time.
(Note: I received an copy of this book from Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.)
Not really sure how to explain this book. The story itself is odd - another quick teenage romance, with a cult thrown in! However, it is oddly compelling in its own strange way - I read the book in about a day or so. The writing is rather silly and disjointed at times and the plot seems unbelievable. It's not even the cult aspect, per se. It seems weird that Scarlett focuses so much on not being able to remember things before the age of four (is that really so strange)? The end of the book ties up awfully easily, without much semblance or adherence to legal niceties. All in all, while the book moves quickly, not sure it's worth that little amount of time.
(Note: I received an copy of this book from Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.)
Kristin (149 KP) rated The Slayer and the Sphinx (The Slayer and the Sphinx, #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy from the author in exchange for an honest review
Porter is a Slayer. He kills the mythological creatures of the world, aka Mythics, and he's good at his job. On the flipside, there's Sarah, a Sphinx, just minding her own business when her house is attacked by a trio of Slayers, Porter included. When she tries to escape by teleporting, she unknowingly brings Porter along for the ride, and she doesn't know what will happen when he wakes up. However, he's damaged goods, and doesn't remember who or what he is. Cue adventure!
I'll admit, when I first glanced at the cover for this book, I thought it might be slightly childish, maybe a middle-grade book. Boy, was I wrong!! It completely pulled me in from the very beginning, and all I could picture was Porter fighting alongside Buffy. Once the pair teleports and Porter loses his memory, I was so engrossed in the story, trying to guess what would happen around the next corner, how he would remember himself and what he would think. I'm definitely going to read Book 2 in the series, because I need more of these two (and Tick!) and their struggle to deal with the world around them!
5 stars
Porter is a Slayer. He kills the mythological creatures of the world, aka Mythics, and he's good at his job. On the flipside, there's Sarah, a Sphinx, just minding her own business when her house is attacked by a trio of Slayers, Porter included. When she tries to escape by teleporting, she unknowingly brings Porter along for the ride, and she doesn't know what will happen when he wakes up. However, he's damaged goods, and doesn't remember who or what he is. Cue adventure!
I'll admit, when I first glanced at the cover for this book, I thought it might be slightly childish, maybe a middle-grade book. Boy, was I wrong!! It completely pulled me in from the very beginning, and all I could picture was Porter fighting alongside Buffy. Once the pair teleports and Porter loses his memory, I was so engrossed in the story, trying to guess what would happen around the next corner, how he would remember himself and what he would think. I'm definitely going to read Book 2 in the series, because I need more of these two (and Tick!) and their struggle to deal with the world around them!
5 stars
The plot wasn’t memorable (2 more)
The characters weren’t great
A forced love triangle between people with no chemistry
Not a Big Fan
I was not a big fan of this book. It’s not so much that it was a horrible book, it was simply completely forgettable. I read it about two years ago, and then in the last year I started to here a lot about it. I watched reviews for it and read blog posts discussing it. The problem is, that as I watched the reviews, I had no idea that I had already read the book. The plot was so generic that what they were describing made no impact on my memory. It wasn’t until I watched a detailed spoiler review that I realized I had been researching a book I had already read. Mare, the protagonist, has little personality and her desires are not really clear. There is an incredibly forced love triangle. I saw no reason for the love triangle as there was no chemistry between any of the characters. The plus side that I liked was the twist at the end. The writing was also fairly good. The plot was just not there for me.
Rachel Maria Berney (114 KP) rated Duolingo in Apps
Dec 4, 2018
Learn a new language in a way that sticks
If you want to learn a new language, the Duolingo app should be your first stop. With simple lesson plans, from the alphabet to names, places and parts of speech, it guides you step by step on your journey. You can hear the language spoke, get the chance to practice spelling and when the microphone works you can practice speaking it. It keeps referring back to previous lesson plans, which helps you to transfer your learning to your ong term memory. It's also fun, you can join a club and get talking with others learning the same language, you can practice what your learing in your club too
The app works well, despite the microphone problem which isn't an issue for learing the language. Simple, easy to use and follow lesson plan. A good community and loads of languages available. Evem a couple of fictionale ones, like Klingon.
Whether you want to master a language, or just learn a few phrases for holiday, this app is the first step to immersing yourself in a language. Forget the rosetta stone, this will have you speaking and reading another language in no time.
The app works well, despite the microphone problem which isn't an issue for learing the language. Simple, easy to use and follow lesson plan. A good community and loads of languages available. Evem a couple of fictionale ones, like Klingon.
Whether you want to master a language, or just learn a few phrases for holiday, this app is the first step to immersing yourself in a language. Forget the rosetta stone, this will have you speaking and reading another language in no time.
Carma (21 KP) rated What Matters Most (The Billionaire Bargains, #2) in Books
Jun 17, 2019
4.5/5 stars ~ I AM distracted by bacon!!!! This should be my theme song. Just one of many lines in the book that had me laughing hysterically.
I loved Tony Steele since meeting him in book one of this series. Putting this persona out there when he was really the opposite. Tough, no nonsense, take no prisoners playboy whos best way to handle anything was throw money at it.
He lusts after Reese and jumps at the opportunity to make her his. Too bad he cant remember anything about their wedding.
We learn Tony loves Reese and Bacon and that Tequila makes him have short term memory loss. Is there anything money cant buy? Yes, Reese. Reese is a penny pincher, a saver, an investor. She helps everyone be the best they can be. She makes Tony her next mission. Make him understand he doesnt have to throw money around to make a difference and be happy.
I enjoyed this book immensely, I knew I would with Tony front and center. This series is 3 books and each could easily be read as a stand-alone but the 1st book does shed some light into the 3rd book. Another gem by Erin Nicholas!!!
I loved Tony Steele since meeting him in book one of this series. Putting this persona out there when he was really the opposite. Tough, no nonsense, take no prisoners playboy whos best way to handle anything was throw money at it.
He lusts after Reese and jumps at the opportunity to make her his. Too bad he cant remember anything about their wedding.
We learn Tony loves Reese and Bacon and that Tequila makes him have short term memory loss. Is there anything money cant buy? Yes, Reese. Reese is a penny pincher, a saver, an investor. She helps everyone be the best they can be. She makes Tony her next mission. Make him understand he doesnt have to throw money around to make a difference and be happy.
I enjoyed this book immensely, I knew I would with Tony front and center. This series is 3 books and each could easily be read as a stand-alone but the 1st book does shed some light into the 3rd book. Another gem by Erin Nicholas!!!
Michael Packner (32 KP) rated Dane Cook: Vicious Circle (2006) in Movies
Jun 17, 2019
I gotta say, I remember liking Dane Cook much more in the 2000s when I was in my 20s. I still like him in films like Mr Brooks and Employee of the Month, but his stand up just doesn't grab me like it used to. I enjoy his energy and how much he enjoys what he's doing. Watching him brings me a feeling of nostalgia that I most definitely enjoy, but most of the jokes just fell flat for me this time around. Sure, some of it is still funny as hell. The guy was talented, but I just don't connect with his type of humor much anymore. It's kinda disappointing. Makes me feel old. It was still worth the trip down memory lane. A lot of these jokes feel dated though as well. Kids today would not understand the type of humor that we engaged in back then. Dane Cook is most definitely for people who enjoyed their 20s in the 2000s. That's definitely me. The only question you have to ask yourself is how much of it do you still connect with.
Merissa (12971 KP) rated Chasing Butterflies (Bad Girls #1) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
Chasing Butterflies (Bad Girls #1) by Jennifer Labelle
Chasing Butterflies is the first novella in the Bad Girls series. In it, we meet Sawyer. She left her home town with her big sister and never looked back. Now, due to the death of her sister, she returns there, needing a fresh start. Her first night in town, and she bumps into the one memory she was hoping to avoid.
This is a very fast-paced novella, although it is an easy read. Unfortunately for me, I didn't really connect with Carley before she died, so the impact on Sawyer was pretty much lost. And while I understood Sawyer's reasons for selling her parents' home, actually moving back there to work didn't make a lot of sense. Not exactly a fresh start.
Still, this was written very well, with love a foregone conclusion so the declarations that came thick and fast actually didn't seem that premature. For a quick coffee break book, then I would recommend this.
* 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!
This is a very fast-paced novella, although it is an easy read. Unfortunately for me, I didn't really connect with Carley before she died, so the impact on Sawyer was pretty much lost. And while I understood Sawyer's reasons for selling her parents' home, actually moving back there to work didn't make a lot of sense. Not exactly a fresh start.
Still, this was written very well, with love a foregone conclusion so the declarations that came thick and fast actually didn't seem that premature. For a quick coffee break book, then I would recommend this.
* 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!
Elli H Burton (1288 KP) rated Tell Me Who I Am (2019) in Movies
Oct 25, 2019
It's direction. (2 more)
The courage of the people involved.
The way it's shot.
Heartbreaking. Unbelievable.
The story follows twins Alex and Marcus they are 54 years old and when they were 18 Alex lost his memory. He couldn't remember anything or anyone other than his twin brother. (All in the introduction, no spoilers here)
It is something so unique it wouldn't be believed if it wasn't true. This in itself is such an interesting premise but it's full of so many twists and turns by the end you're head is spinning.
The story is gripping, at times I thought I'm tired maybe here will be a good time to pause, go to sleep and start back up tomorrow but I couldn't switch it off. It makes you go from confusion, anger, sadness and rage in such a small amount of time.
What makes this so heartbreaking is that not only is it true, it is something I believe every person should watch. It touches on subjects that happen in peoples everyday lives and aren't talked about enough.
I sincerely hope people will watch this, appreciate these courageous men for their pure strength and if the story they tell is similar to something in your life, it will help you open up too.
It is something so unique it wouldn't be believed if it wasn't true. This in itself is such an interesting premise but it's full of so many twists and turns by the end you're head is spinning.
The story is gripping, at times I thought I'm tired maybe here will be a good time to pause, go to sleep and start back up tomorrow but I couldn't switch it off. It makes you go from confusion, anger, sadness and rage in such a small amount of time.
What makes this so heartbreaking is that not only is it true, it is something I believe every person should watch. It touches on subjects that happen in peoples everyday lives and aren't talked about enough.
I sincerely hope people will watch this, appreciate these courageous men for their pure strength and if the story they tell is similar to something in your life, it will help you open up too.