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Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated The Fault in Our Stars in Books
Jul 10, 2018
Have you ever had a novel that you were too scared to read because it might change who you are after you finish it? That was what ÛÏThe Fault In Our StarsÛ was for me. I constantly picked it up and put it back down. It was extremely high on my to read list, yet I never picked it up to read. I will say that I am glad I finally took the plunge into the water, struggled to breathe and just as I felt the current pulling me under, I finally broke through and reached the air.
If youÛªre on the fence with this book, I suggest you read it. I found this novel extremely interesting. It truly made me think, and that is what I have been missing in some of the past novels I have read. This is one novel, I will have to read again, I have a feeling that it will offer more insights, and more emotions when I read it again.
I will say that this is not a ÛÏlife changingÛ novelÛ_ but yet, it kind of is. The main characters force you to face your fear of death, and the unknown fear of living. I was truly invested in the characters. The characters are brilliant individuals, sarcastic, funny, and very witty.
All in all, this novel is an emotional read. It evoked so many emotions in me. I cried, I almost slammed the book down, and I laughed (truly laughed). IÛªm glad that I read this novel, itÛªs one that I will read again.
If youÛªre on the fence with this book, I suggest you read it. I found this novel extremely interesting. It truly made me think, and that is what I have been missing in some of the past novels I have read. This is one novel, I will have to read again, I have a feeling that it will offer more insights, and more emotions when I read it again.
I will say that this is not a ÛÏlife changingÛ novelÛ_ but yet, it kind of is. The main characters force you to face your fear of death, and the unknown fear of living. I was truly invested in the characters. The characters are brilliant individuals, sarcastic, funny, and very witty.
All in all, this novel is an emotional read. It evoked so many emotions in me. I cried, I almost slammed the book down, and I laughed (truly laughed). IÛªm glad that I read this novel, itÛªs one that I will read again.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Endurance: A Year in Space, A Lifetime of Discovery in Books
Jul 12, 2018
I just finished reading Endurance by Scott Kelly and I have to say I really enjoyed the book. I ended up buying the audiobook after I received the physical book simply because I saw that the book was read by Scott Kelly. I always love listening to the person read their own life story.
I have to say that I was really impressed with this book. Scott Kelly really adds the human element to Space Exploration. It was motivating in a "I will never be that motivated" kind of way. Growing up, I never even thought of being an astronaut so reading about his experiences was truly one of a kind.
One thing when reading this book that I noticed is that Scott Kelly is a facts only kind of guy. He seems to almost lack emotions at certain pivotal parts in the book. He really just states the facts and moves on. That was something that I really had to accept because most of the biographies that I read have some sort of emotion placed in them. Even though the emotions was missing, I have to say I still really enjoyed learning about his journey and I'm sure it was better to not get lost in the details.
All in all, this book was fascinating. If anyone is wanting to learn more about the daily struggle that astronauts go through, this is a great book to read. I truly hope that this book speaks to many people and helps them realize their full potential. Scott Kelly just proved that picking up a book can truly change your life.
I have to say that I was really impressed with this book. Scott Kelly really adds the human element to Space Exploration. It was motivating in a "I will never be that motivated" kind of way. Growing up, I never even thought of being an astronaut so reading about his experiences was truly one of a kind.
One thing when reading this book that I noticed is that Scott Kelly is a facts only kind of guy. He seems to almost lack emotions at certain pivotal parts in the book. He really just states the facts and moves on. That was something that I really had to accept because most of the biographies that I read have some sort of emotion placed in them. Even though the emotions was missing, I have to say I still really enjoyed learning about his journey and I'm sure it was better to not get lost in the details.
All in all, this book was fascinating. If anyone is wanting to learn more about the daily struggle that astronauts go through, this is a great book to read. I truly hope that this book speaks to many people and helps them realize their full potential. Scott Kelly just proved that picking up a book can truly change your life.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated The Skeleton Makes a Friend in Books
Nov 9, 2018
Sid's Friends Draw Georgia to Murder
Dr. Georgia Thackery has landed a summer job teaching a high school enrichment program on the campus of Overfeld College. Even better, she's found a semi-private cabin on a nearby lake to rent, meaning that her daughter, Madison, and her best friend, Sid, are able to accompany her. Even better, they are isolated enough that Sid, who is a living skeleton, can get outside the house occasionally. Their solitude is interrupted when a teen shows up asking to meet Sid. She is a member of Sid's clan in an online game, and she thinks a third member of their clan has gone missing. Sid and Georgia haven't investigated for too long before they stumble over a dead body. Can they figure out what is going on?
Those who love this series are in for another treat. Drop everything and read this book now. If you haven't picked up the series yet, you really should do so. Yes, there is a slight paranormal element to the book, but it really is slight. The characters are so strong that you'd swear they were fully fleshed out, yes, even Sid. We don't have a large cast of recurring characters, but the new characters more than make up for it. The twists keep us guessing up until the very end, when everything comes together perfectly. But it is Georgia, Sid, and Madison that make up the heart of this book. Their relationship is wonderful, and the bone puns and other jokes kept me smiling. I truly enjoyed my time with the characters.
Those who love this series are in for another treat. Drop everything and read this book now. If you haven't picked up the series yet, you really should do so. Yes, there is a slight paranormal element to the book, but it really is slight. The characters are so strong that you'd swear they were fully fleshed out, yes, even Sid. We don't have a large cast of recurring characters, but the new characters more than make up for it. The twists keep us guessing up until the very end, when everything comes together perfectly. But it is Georgia, Sid, and Madison that make up the heart of this book. Their relationship is wonderful, and the bone puns and other jokes kept me smiling. I truly enjoyed my time with the characters.
Hazel (1853 KP) rated Rogue Wave (Waterfire Saga, #2) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
This eBook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Jennifer Donnelly continues the story of the brave mermaid, Principessa Serafina, as she searches for talismans that will help to save the watery world she lives in. The reader was already introduced to Sera in the first book in the Waterfire Saga, Deep Blue. Rogue Waves follows Sera as well as her friend Neela as the story alternates between their perspectives.
In the previous book Sera's realm had been destroyed and her mother killed. She visited the Iele, otherwise known as the river witches where she met other mermaids: Becca, Ling and Ava. Here she learnt about the missing talismans and is now determined to find them. However, now there are death riders everywhere and no where is safe. With a little help from those they can trust, both Sera and Neela go their separate ways and begin their search for the magic objects. Just when the ending of the story was beginning to look positive, there was a twist in the plot and a final cliff hanger, leaving readers eager to read the next instalment.
Compared with the first book, Rogue Waves was not as exciting and was a little confusing in some parts. As with Deep Blue, the characters felt very human and it was easy to forget that they were actually mermaids.
In a way it was a disappointing sequel as the story line was not as strong as the first book. On the other hand there is the potential for improvement and more excitement in the following books yet to be written.
Jennifer Donnelly continues the story of the brave mermaid, Principessa Serafina, as she searches for talismans that will help to save the watery world she lives in. The reader was already introduced to Sera in the first book in the Waterfire Saga, Deep Blue. Rogue Waves follows Sera as well as her friend Neela as the story alternates between their perspectives.
In the previous book Sera's realm had been destroyed and her mother killed. She visited the Iele, otherwise known as the river witches where she met other mermaids: Becca, Ling and Ava. Here she learnt about the missing talismans and is now determined to find them. However, now there are death riders everywhere and no where is safe. With a little help from those they can trust, both Sera and Neela go their separate ways and begin their search for the magic objects. Just when the ending of the story was beginning to look positive, there was a twist in the plot and a final cliff hanger, leaving readers eager to read the next instalment.
Compared with the first book, Rogue Waves was not as exciting and was a little confusing in some parts. As with Deep Blue, the characters felt very human and it was easy to forget that they were actually mermaids.
In a way it was a disappointing sequel as the story line was not as strong as the first book. On the other hand there is the potential for improvement and more excitement in the following books yet to be written.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Sundered (Nevermore book #1) in Books
Jul 19, 2019
Contains spoilers, click to show
Author Warning: This book has a cliffhanger. Proceed with caution as you may fall off the edge screaming for more.
My name is Mara and I want desperately to become a mother. All of my dreams were dashed when the world was promised hope but instead became a place of danger, death . . . and monsters.
Living in a rural part of Canada, I thought life with my adoring husband was finally moving in the right direction. We had an idyllic home, friends, and plans for a future together.
The only thing missing, was the child we both so desperately wanted.
Hope came in the form of a single medical miracle. Yet the drug was not as it seemed and instead of healing, it beget a world of monsters.
Now we must find the will and strength to survive with only each other to hold onto.
But a deadly secret threatens our love and very survival .
So I'm new to Shannon Meyer and I really enjoyed this book it's the first in a trilogy and it kept me interested from the fist word to the last!
It's a spin on the zombie apocalypse and yes one that is quite obvious. What I like about this book is the connection you see between the nevermore's.
The only thing I kinda was annoyed by was the author warning of a cliff hanger. It wasn't what I was expecting in a cliff hanger I mean it was quite obvious what she was going to have to do!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
My name is Mara and I want desperately to become a mother. All of my dreams were dashed when the world was promised hope but instead became a place of danger, death . . . and monsters.
Living in a rural part of Canada, I thought life with my adoring husband was finally moving in the right direction. We had an idyllic home, friends, and plans for a future together.
The only thing missing, was the child we both so desperately wanted.
Hope came in the form of a single medical miracle. Yet the drug was not as it seemed and instead of healing, it beget a world of monsters.
Now we must find the will and strength to survive with only each other to hold onto.
But a deadly secret threatens our love and very survival .
So I'm new to Shannon Meyer and I really enjoyed this book it's the first in a trilogy and it kept me interested from the fist word to the last!
It's a spin on the zombie apocalypse and yes one that is quite obvious. What I like about this book is the connection you see between the nevermore's.
The only thing I kinda was annoyed by was the author warning of a cliff hanger. It wasn't what I was expecting in a cliff hanger I mean it was quite obvious what she was going to have to do!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Merissa (12897 KP) rated Sixteen (The Dreamwalker Diaries #2) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
Sixteen continues approximately six months after Fifteen finished. Ashling is on community service for trying to buy sleeping pills, Tate and Nadette are still missing, and Ashling is still without her mum. She decides that if she can just find Dr Dietz, she will find a way to dreamwalk again, so that she can save her mum from dying. She finds Dr Dietz, plus a whole more than she ever imagined. She does manage to dreamwalk again, but to a different time and place than she wanted. Walker Smith is still a horrible character, he still treats Skylar as not being worthy of him (for reasons she still doesn't know about).
Numerous twists and turns keep this story interesting. With new characters, old favourites, and old ones who become new, there is something here for everyone. I love that we meet Coop in this one and, although I understand the reasoning behind it, I'm not too happy with the hinting of a love triangle between Coop, Caleb, and Ash. That's just me, I don't like triangles, never have, and probably never will. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that things will work out, and now I just have to wait as patiently as possible for the next book to come out.
Extremely well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow, Sixteen continues to impress with the fresh ideas and circumstances detailed within its pages. Definitely recommended by me.
* 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!
Numerous twists and turns keep this story interesting. With new characters, old favourites, and old ones who become new, there is something here for everyone. I love that we meet Coop in this one and, although I understand the reasoning behind it, I'm not too happy with the hinting of a love triangle between Coop, Caleb, and Ash. That's just me, I don't like triangles, never have, and probably never will. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that things will work out, and now I just have to wait as patiently as possible for the next book to come out.
Extremely well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow, Sixteen continues to impress with the fresh ideas and circumstances detailed within its pages. Definitely recommended by me.
* 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!
Merissa (12897 KP) rated Turkish Delights in Books
Dec 17, 2018
I received this book from Totally Bound Publishing in return for a fair and honest review.
The premise of this story is that 3 men from different walks of life all come together to build a new, top of the range, hotel in Istanbul. Two of the men know each other already through work and are both attracted to each other but have never acted upon it due to mixing "business with pleasure". The third man comes along to help with the authenticity of the project with his amazing sculptures.
I can only imagine the hours upon hours of research that has been put into this book, which makes the story full of Eastern Promise and richness. The descriptions of Istanbul, the hotel in process, architecture, religion and what it means to specific families and people, it's all here. This gives the story a certain something which takes it above and beyond a 'usual' M/M or ménage story. Don't get me wrong, there is a lot of sex in this book if that is all you are interested in but personally, I feel like you'd be missing out on a whole lot more if you just skim to the sexy bits.
Incredibly well put together with a depth of knowledge and research that makes it a joy to read.
*** Minor Spoiler ***
I loved the part towards the end where Emir uncovers a sculpture he has done and it is all in sets of three. A small thing, unknown to most, that can mean so much. A wonderful touch.
Definitely recommended for all fans of M/M and Ménage and this is certainly an author for me to watch.
The premise of this story is that 3 men from different walks of life all come together to build a new, top of the range, hotel in Istanbul. Two of the men know each other already through work and are both attracted to each other but have never acted upon it due to mixing "business with pleasure". The third man comes along to help with the authenticity of the project with his amazing sculptures.
I can only imagine the hours upon hours of research that has been put into this book, which makes the story full of Eastern Promise and richness. The descriptions of Istanbul, the hotel in process, architecture, religion and what it means to specific families and people, it's all here. This gives the story a certain something which takes it above and beyond a 'usual' M/M or ménage story. Don't get me wrong, there is a lot of sex in this book if that is all you are interested in but personally, I feel like you'd be missing out on a whole lot more if you just skim to the sexy bits.
Incredibly well put together with a depth of knowledge and research that makes it a joy to read.
*** Minor Spoiler ***
I loved the part towards the end where Emir uncovers a sculpture he has done and it is all in sets of three. A small thing, unknown to most, that can mean so much. A wonderful touch.
Definitely recommended for all fans of M/M and Ménage and this is certainly an author for me to watch.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated Days of Heaven (1978) in Movies
Jul 7, 2019
Gorgeous sprawling vistas
While I am still a Terrence Malick novice, I truly appreciate the small amount of his films I have seen. Having recently watched The Tree of Life which I found amazing I thought I would look up a few more to see what I was missing.
In or around 1916 middle America, an expansive wheat farm is worked for harvesting by hoards of day laborers. The landowner takes a fancy to one of his prettiest workers and asks her to stay on along with her brother and little sister. Little does the man know the other man is indeed her beau instead of her brother. A love triangle develops after she marries the rich man that slowly builds in tension until the poor couple's relationship is uncovered.
Peril comes to the farm in the form of locusts which threaten the crops and a subsequent fire which could destroy the fields completely.
I have found when I watch a Malick film, an very important supporting character is the landscape, atmosphere and world of nature around their human counterparts. In this film, the majestic fields are supplemented with shots of animals in the fields, vast sky and cloud formations and even unseen plants fighting to break through the soil.
I think these elements add much to deepen the immersion of the audience into the story Malick is telling and helps you accept the world around them quickly.
Richard Gere, Brooke Adams and the handsome Sam Shepard (they all looked so young) were beautifully photographed and played their parts well as we believed their emotions completely.
A truly magnificent film!
In or around 1916 middle America, an expansive wheat farm is worked for harvesting by hoards of day laborers. The landowner takes a fancy to one of his prettiest workers and asks her to stay on along with her brother and little sister. Little does the man know the other man is indeed her beau instead of her brother. A love triangle develops after she marries the rich man that slowly builds in tension until the poor couple's relationship is uncovered.
Peril comes to the farm in the form of locusts which threaten the crops and a subsequent fire which could destroy the fields completely.
I have found when I watch a Malick film, an very important supporting character is the landscape, atmosphere and world of nature around their human counterparts. In this film, the majestic fields are supplemented with shots of animals in the fields, vast sky and cloud formations and even unseen plants fighting to break through the soil.
I think these elements add much to deepen the immersion of the audience into the story Malick is telling and helps you accept the world around them quickly.
Richard Gere, Brooke Adams and the handsome Sam Shepard (they all looked so young) were beautifully photographed and played their parts well as we believed their emotions completely.
A truly magnificent film!
Leigh J (71 KP) rated Midsommar (2019) in Movies
Nov 11, 2019
The Wicker Man 2.0
Contains spoilers, click to show
Grieving over the Murder/Suicide of her mentally ill Sister and Parents, Dani decides to get away for a while to Hårga, in Hälsingland, the Swedish community that her and her Boyfriend Christian's mutual friend Pele lives in. Christian and Dani's relationship is at breaking point (unbeknownst to Dani) and the other 2 friends of Christian are encouraging him to finally split with Dani. However, feeling bad about what happened to her Family, Christian and Pele ask Dani to take the trip with them and on to Hälsingland the group of 5 friends go. On the first leg of the road to Hälsinglang, where it is their time to have a special festival called Midsommar, they hang out in a field where they are prompted to partake in some Magic Mushrooms, to which they all have a nice trip before moving on to the "Community". Hälsinglang is a beautiful and seemingly gentle and friendly community, however small cracks start to appear... and Dani's friends start to go missing. Is this community, in fact, a Cult? Or will Dani find the salvation she so desperately needs...
I have to admit, Ari Aster hasn't had me from the jump. Hereditary in my opinion is a bit beige and "meh", but the Culty look of Midsommar attracted my attention straight away and did not disappoint! It's visually beautiful and the story is actually very tragic and gives you a realistic look as to why and how some people actually do join cults. It's an absolutely mind blowing watch and a Movie that I see myself watching many more times in the future. Well done, Ari Aster!
I have to admit, Ari Aster hasn't had me from the jump. Hereditary in my opinion is a bit beige and "meh", but the Culty look of Midsommar attracted my attention straight away and did not disappoint! It's visually beautiful and the story is actually very tragic and gives you a realistic look as to why and how some people actually do join cults. It's an absolutely mind blowing watch and a Movie that I see myself watching many more times in the future. Well done, Ari Aster!
Merissa (12897 KP) rated Dread Pirate Arcanist (Frith Chronicles #2) in Books
Nov 13, 2019
Dread Pirate Arcanist is the second book in the Frith Chronicles, and you return to the world of Volke and Illia, plus the others who are all becoming increasingly interesting as the books go on!
It starts with Volke and Illia both wanting to see griffins up-close-and-personal. However, the arcanists are called to action when the eldest griffin male and one of his cubs both go missing. Then it appears two boys have also disappeared. Whilst teamed up with someone Volke didn't really want to be teamed up with, they not only find the boys and the cub, but also find out the male griffin is ill.
The story only gets more involved from there. With manticores, mimics, and kappas, to name just a few, there is magic galore in this book, and I love how Volke is both self-deprecating and yet is prepared to dive headfirst into danger if his friends are in trouble. Master Zelfree has grown on me immeasurably and I would love to hear more from Gillie.
This world is simply amazing, with plenty to keep you occupied. The pacing is once again perfect, and the pages nearly turn themselves! I have loved catching up with this world, and can't wait to continue my adventure there. I just hope Volke leans how to cast without any pain!
Most definitely recommended by me, but I would suggest you start with book one, just so you know what has gone on before.
* 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. *
It starts with Volke and Illia both wanting to see griffins up-close-and-personal. However, the arcanists are called to action when the eldest griffin male and one of his cubs both go missing. Then it appears two boys have also disappeared. Whilst teamed up with someone Volke didn't really want to be teamed up with, they not only find the boys and the cub, but also find out the male griffin is ill.
The story only gets more involved from there. With manticores, mimics, and kappas, to name just a few, there is magic galore in this book, and I love how Volke is both self-deprecating and yet is prepared to dive headfirst into danger if his friends are in trouble. Master Zelfree has grown on me immeasurably and I would love to hear more from Gillie.
This world is simply amazing, with plenty to keep you occupied. The pacing is once again perfect, and the pages nearly turn themselves! I have loved catching up with this world, and can't wait to continue my adventure there. I just hope Volke leans how to cast without any pain!
Most definitely recommended by me, but I would suggest you start with book one, just so you know what has gone on before.
* 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. *