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Sarah (7800 KP) rated The Mercy (2018) in Movies
Feb 13, 2018
A little depressing
I think the problem with this film is that it's a little too depressing. It's a true story that hasn't been hollywood-ised, and it comes across as very bleak and sad.
Performance wise, Colin Firth and Rachel Weisz do well and they come across as endearing and likeable characters. The issue is that the story feels like it's missing something. It hurries along at a rather speedy pace and although it doesn't at least linger too long, I feel like there's more to Donald Crowhurst's story and life than they tell us. The score at times seems a little misplaced, seeming ominous in what should be a fairly light hearted scene. The scenes towards the end of the film that really highlight the loneliness and madness are done well and some are actually quite harrowing to watch. This is definitely not a feel good film.
Performance wise, Colin Firth and Rachel Weisz do well and they come across as endearing and likeable characters. The issue is that the story feels like it's missing something. It hurries along at a rather speedy pace and although it doesn't at least linger too long, I feel like there's more to Donald Crowhurst's story and life than they tell us. The score at times seems a little misplaced, seeming ominous in what should be a fairly light hearted scene. The scenes towards the end of the film that really highlight the loneliness and madness are done well and some are actually quite harrowing to watch. This is definitely not a feel good film.
Sean Farrell (9 KP) rated The Blumhouse Book of Nightmares: The Haunted City in Books
Mar 15, 2018
An anthology of horror stories commissioned by producer Jason Blum ("Paranormal Activity", "Insidious", "Sinister", "The Purge"), and written by many of the people who made those films with him, sounds like a pretty genius idea. Unfortunately, it turns out to be more than a little less so in actuality. Don't get me wrong, most of the stories here are pretty decent at the very least, and many contain interesting ideas, but there is one all-important thing missing across the board: fear. While there is no shortage of creepy imagery, upsetting situations and gore, at no point did any of these actually scare me. Some of the stories were so lacking in any sense of suspense that it was hard not to wonder if they were actually even horror. All in all it's not a bad read, but it's hard not to come out of this at least somewhat disappointed.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2357 KP) rated Woof (Bowser and Birdie #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Bowser is thrilled when Birdie and her Grammy pick him to be their new dog. The trio has just returned from the shelter when they discover that Grammy’s prize marlin is missing. The stuffed fish was only worth sentimental memories. Or was it? Rumors of a treasure map spark Bowser and Birdie’s interest. Can they solve the mystery?
Like Spencer Quinn’s series for adults, this middle grade novel is narrated by Bowser the dog. That part of the story is cute and feels right, although it can get over done, especially as the good reaches the end. The human characters are just as well drawn and lovely. Unfortunately, the plot is very uneven with a slow start and a rush to wrap things up that leaves a major plot thread unanswered.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/02/book-review-woof-by-spencer-quinn.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Like Spencer Quinn’s series for adults, this middle grade novel is narrated by Bowser the dog. That part of the story is cute and feels right, although it can get over done, especially as the good reaches the end. The human characters are just as well drawn and lovely. Unfortunately, the plot is very uneven with a slow start and a rush to wrap things up that leaves a major plot thread unanswered.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/02/book-review-woof-by-spencer-quinn.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2357 KP) rated Spaced Out (Moon Base Alpha #2) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
When you are living in a small base on the moon, it’s hard to vanish. And yet, that’s exactly what has happened to Nina Stack, the commander. Dash Gibson finds himself in the middle of the hunt for the missing woman, all the time with one thought in the back of his mind – if they don’t find her soon, time might run out.
This is a delightful combination of mystery and science fiction that will keep fans of either genre turning pages. The characters are sharp and well done. There are plenty of twists and clues. Plus there are some very funny scenes. My only warning is that this book spoils the first in the series, but that’s a very minor issue since both books are delightful reads.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/04/book-review-spaced-out-by-stuart-gibbs.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This is a delightful combination of mystery and science fiction that will keep fans of either genre turning pages. The characters are sharp and well done. There are plenty of twists and clues. Plus there are some very funny scenes. My only warning is that this book spoils the first in the series, but that’s a very minor issue since both books are delightful reads.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/04/book-review-spaced-out-by-stuart-gibbs.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Luke Skywalker Can't Read: And Other Geeky Truths in Books
Jul 12, 2018
I was really excited to read this book. I love all things filled with geekdom but this one was a little too much for me. I felt like this book was filled with so much opinion that I had a hard time finishing it.
The author was funny and it kept me entertained at times but I felt that this was a giant rant about fandoms. I think that this book could have been marketed a little differently. This is definitely a book that would fit in as a literary essay or critical thinking in a science fiction class. I enjoyed it but I really wish there was more to it than rants about specific details.
All in all, I'm not a huge fan but if you like rants or are missing that science fiction fanatic in your life, this would be the book for you.
The author was funny and it kept me entertained at times but I felt that this was a giant rant about fandoms. I think that this book could have been marketed a little differently. This is definitely a book that would fit in as a literary essay or critical thinking in a science fiction class. I enjoyed it but I really wish there was more to it than rants about specific details.
All in all, I'm not a huge fan but if you like rants or are missing that science fiction fanatic in your life, this would be the book for you.
ashezbookz (32 KP) rated Turtles All The Way Down in Books
Jul 5, 2018
This book was great - I love a good mental health illness book! I think that aspect of the book was interesting to read and the description toward the mid-end there was amazing in the description. I think the aspect of the, lets track down this missing person was a bit of a wildcard in the book - cool concept but very random. And was not a very "all there" part of the book.
I liked where the title of the book came in too, I was like, why the heck is this book called that? ohk now I get it hah. Overall a great read, but taking a 1 star away for the overall cohesiveness of the concept working together, and it was a bit slow in a few places especially the beginning, but then I powered through the last 186 pages pretty quickly!
I liked where the title of the book came in too, I was like, why the heck is this book called that? ohk now I get it hah. Overall a great read, but taking a 1 star away for the overall cohesiveness of the concept working together, and it was a bit slow in a few places especially the beginning, but then I powered through the last 186 pages pretty quickly!
Sue (5 KP) rated Rescue Team (Grace Medical, #2) in Books
Aug 13, 2018
Tired of running from her past, nurse Kate Callison intends to become Austin Grace Hospital’s permanent ER director and make Texas her home. Despite staff friction, she’s moving ahead. Then unthinkable tragedy wraps the ER in crime tape, bringing swarms of media, legal chaos—and a search-and-rescue hero who seems determined to meddle in her life.
For Wes Tanner, nothing beats finding someone who’s lost; he’s known that helpless terror firsthand. So he’ll expand his team’s lifeline of hope: K9 tracking, swift water rescue, even horse-mounted searches. He’s ready for anything—except Austin Grace’s prickly and dismissive ER director.
As Kate and Wes discover more about each other, new respect becomes something deeper. Kate wonders if her heart might have finally found a home. Then an unsolved missing persons case—and a startling new one—become catalysts that threaten the loss of all she and Wes have found.
For Wes Tanner, nothing beats finding someone who’s lost; he’s known that helpless terror firsthand. So he’ll expand his team’s lifeline of hope: K9 tracking, swift water rescue, even horse-mounted searches. He’s ready for anything—except Austin Grace’s prickly and dismissive ER director.
As Kate and Wes discover more about each other, new respect becomes something deeper. Kate wonders if her heart might have finally found a home. Then an unsolved missing persons case—and a startling new one—become catalysts that threaten the loss of all she and Wes have found.
Toni M (6 KP) rated A Dark and Twisted Tide (Lacey Flint #4) in Books
Aug 22, 2018
I loved this one! The previous Lacey Flint novels have kept me guessing, and I'm always wrong. So this time, I thought outside the box and was sure I had it figured out. Wrong! I love that Bolton keeps me on my toes!
In spite of the fact that Joesbury is largely absent from this book, the Mark/Lacey storyline features more prominently than it did in Lost (or Like This, For Ever, depending which edition you read). I was really missing it in the last book so I was happy to see more of it this time around.
Finally, Thessa's character is well-written and beautifully portrayed. I fell in love with her straight away.
I've got Here Be Dragons next on my reading list and I have high hopes for it. Still, I can't wait for the next full-length novel in this series!
In spite of the fact that Joesbury is largely absent from this book, the Mark/Lacey storyline features more prominently than it did in Lost (or Like This, For Ever, depending which edition you read). I was really missing it in the last book so I was happy to see more of it this time around.
Finally, Thessa's character is well-written and beautifully portrayed. I fell in love with her straight away.
I've got Here Be Dragons next on my reading list and I have high hopes for it. Still, I can't wait for the next full-length novel in this series!
Sarah (8 KP) rated Girls' Night Out in Books
Sep 4, 2018
Gripping (3 more)
Perfect description of girl friendship
Page turner
Easy read
Love this book
Estranged friends Ashley, Natalie and Lauren take a vacation to Mexico to try to repair their lost friendships. The night before they are to return home Ashley disappears, leaving Natalie and Lauren to figure what happened to their 'friend'.
This book was gripping...from page one for me. We all have those friendships that become distant or strained through time. And this story takes you on the journey of hidden secrets and possibilities of when the truth comes out...can relationships survive nthe truth?!? Again, loved this booked, it was gripping, engaging and transported me to the beautiful location of Tulum, Mexico as Natalie and Lauren scramble to find out what happened to their missing friend.
Great work Liz and Lisa, you did it again and knocked it out of the park!
This book was gripping...from page one for me. We all have those friendships that become distant or strained through time. And this story takes you on the journey of hidden secrets and possibilities of when the truth comes out...can relationships survive nthe truth?!? Again, loved this booked, it was gripping, engaging and transported me to the beautiful location of Tulum, Mexico as Natalie and Lauren scramble to find out what happened to their missing friend.
Great work Liz and Lisa, you did it again and knocked it out of the park!
Chelsea (166 KP) rated The Lies We Told in Books
Nov 4, 2018
This book is two very interesting stories that seemingly have nothing to do with one another. Beth has always wanted a child but has had a lot of trouble conceiving. When Hannah comes along, she and her husband are completely in love. As Hannah grows, though, Beth notices that things are off with her, but tries not to think about it. Until she has to.
Clara’s life is turned upside down when her boyfriend, Luke, goes missing. As she frantically searches for clues of his whereabouts, she discovers threatening emails, pictures, notes, and a break in at her home that make her think that Luke was not only being stalked but that he was maybe not who she thought.
I could not put this book down. I kept wanting to know what would happen, kept guessing along the way, and was constantly surprised at how wrong I was!
Clara’s life is turned upside down when her boyfriend, Luke, goes missing. As she frantically searches for clues of his whereabouts, she discovers threatening emails, pictures, notes, and a break in at her home that make her think that Luke was not only being stalked but that he was maybe not who she thought.
I could not put this book down. I kept wanting to know what would happen, kept guessing along the way, and was constantly surprised at how wrong I was!