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Eleanor Luhar (47 KP) rated The Elite (The Selection, #2) in Books
Jun 24, 2019
The Elite is the second book in the Selection series by Kiera Cass. It follows the progress of the Selection's participant America Singer, and her struggles within the palace.
First of all, I'd like to say that this book was actually a lot better than I had originally expected it to be. I'm not much into romances, and the main plot of this is relatively predictable, but there are definitely some unique aspects. Honestly, the situation with Marlee was just... awful. But in a good way. I mean, it was written wonderfully, and it made me really angry. But Maxon managed to bring it around so well, in a way that I really wasn't expecting (and neither was America!).
As for the king's reaction... I really wasn't expecting that either. I think it really brings some depth to Maxon's character, and some suspense to America's fight within the contest.
One thing I'm not so sure about is the way America just decides to accept the way Maxon flirts with the other girls. I understand that he has to have a back-up in case things don't work out with his first choice, but I would not be as calm as her about it. She does get a little upset by it, but I just feel like Maxon's just that bit shallower thanks to his relationships with the other girls.
America continues to be a strong character, and as defiant as ever. But something about her was missing in this sequel. I'm not sure, perhaps she seemed a little less passionate in this book or something. Something with her just didn't seem quite right.
Anyway, I did enjoy this book. There's a decent amount of action with the rebel attacks, and a fair amount of romance (if you're into that kinda thing). Some parts were a bit rushed in my opinion, but there were multiple unexpected, unique parts too. I think The Elite just about deserves 4 stars.
First of all, I'd like to say that this book was actually a lot better than I had originally expected it to be. I'm not much into romances, and the main plot of this is relatively predictable, but there are definitely some unique aspects. Honestly, the situation with Marlee was just... awful. But in a good way. I mean, it was written wonderfully, and it made me really angry. But Maxon managed to bring it around so well, in a way that I really wasn't expecting (and neither was America!).
As for the king's reaction... I really wasn't expecting that either. I think it really brings some depth to Maxon's character, and some suspense to America's fight within the contest.
One thing I'm not so sure about is the way America just decides to accept the way Maxon flirts with the other girls. I understand that he has to have a back-up in case things don't work out with his first choice, but I would not be as calm as her about it. She does get a little upset by it, but I just feel like Maxon's just that bit shallower thanks to his relationships with the other girls.
America continues to be a strong character, and as defiant as ever. But something about her was missing in this sequel. I'm not sure, perhaps she seemed a little less passionate in this book or something. Something with her just didn't seem quite right.
Anyway, I did enjoy this book. There's a decent amount of action with the rebel attacks, and a fair amount of romance (if you're into that kinda thing). Some parts were a bit rushed in my opinion, but there were multiple unexpected, unique parts too. I think The Elite just about deserves 4 stars.
Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated The Captain and the Theatrical in Books
Sep 3, 2019
very enjoyable read
I was gifted my copy of this book, that I write a review was not required.
Ambrose Pendleton is a hero and returns home from war to his father’s meddling into his love life. Or lack thereof. Pen now faces an arranged marriage his father has brokered as part of a business deal. To get out of this marriage, Pen needs a fiancée, and who better than his long-time friend and actor, Orsini, who has a leading lady who might just fit the bill. But Pen has long held feelings for Orsini, feelings a man should not have for another. Then Orsini surprises him and throws his own feelings at Pen. Now they just need to get rid of the dreadful arranged marriage and they can be together.
For the most part, I did enjoy this. It was a little bit different and different is always good in my book, but something didn’t quite work for me, and I cannot figure out what. And I hate that I can’t!
Pen and Orsini are old friends, and Pen has crushed on Orsini for a long time. He did not know that feeling was the same for Orsini, though. With Orsini pretending to be Pen’s new bride, the pair get close, far closer than they should. I loved how it really was a bit of a slow burn for these two. It’s not overly explicit, but it doesn’t need to be for these two.
Both Pen and Orsini have a say, and I didn’t think that was going to be the case for a while, so I am glad they both were given a voice.
There was a little twist, with the missing jewels, that I did not see coming, and I thought Pen’s mother might have given the game away a time or two. I think she had them sussed, I really do!
An enjoyable way to spend and lazy Sunday evening.
3.5 stars (rounded up to four the Amazon and Goodreads)
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Ambrose Pendleton is a hero and returns home from war to his father’s meddling into his love life. Or lack thereof. Pen now faces an arranged marriage his father has brokered as part of a business deal. To get out of this marriage, Pen needs a fiancée, and who better than his long-time friend and actor, Orsini, who has a leading lady who might just fit the bill. But Pen has long held feelings for Orsini, feelings a man should not have for another. Then Orsini surprises him and throws his own feelings at Pen. Now they just need to get rid of the dreadful arranged marriage and they can be together.
For the most part, I did enjoy this. It was a little bit different and different is always good in my book, but something didn’t quite work for me, and I cannot figure out what. And I hate that I can’t!
Pen and Orsini are old friends, and Pen has crushed on Orsini for a long time. He did not know that feeling was the same for Orsini, though. With Orsini pretending to be Pen’s new bride, the pair get close, far closer than they should. I loved how it really was a bit of a slow burn for these two. It’s not overly explicit, but it doesn’t need to be for these two.
Both Pen and Orsini have a say, and I didn’t think that was going to be the case for a while, so I am glad they both were given a voice.
There was a little twist, with the missing jewels, that I did not see coming, and I thought Pen’s mother might have given the game away a time or two. I think she had them sussed, I really do!
An enjoyable way to spend and lazy Sunday evening.
3.5 stars (rounded up to four the Amazon and Goodreads)
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
I was contacted by Lindzi herself to review her novel Maga High, the first in the Jodie Trilogy. I was excited and ready to have a fun easy-going read that dwindled my worries of stress. This novel didn’t quite hit home but it also didn’t really leave me disappointed. Just a big ole fat “meh” about it.
First off, there are quite a bit of grammatical errors and sentences/ paragraphs that don’t make any sense. I was utterly confused half of the time and I feel like there is so much that is missing from the story line. The writing is also very juvenile, where it kind of works in some parts but not in others. The characters feel more fake than what they are supposed to be, like they’re trying too hard. Wait, that’s not the word I’m looking for. The word I’m looking for is that they are lacking depth. They have no care in the world and seem destructive.
The story is a slow burn, yet it’s not really a burn at all. Just really a smolder that doesn’t feed the hunger in your brain at all. Also, why are there so many damn exclamation points?! It seriously takes away from the entirety of the novel. Well that, the juvenile writing style, and the lack of depth to the characters.
Reasons why I rated it 3 stars:
1. The characters lacked depth and background.
2. There was an over use of exclamation points and it really took away from the novel.
3. There were a ton of grammatical errors and sentences/ paragraphs that didn’t make any sense.
4. The story was interesting and it somehow captivated my attention long enough for me to finish reading it.
5. It was a fun read that packed tons of drama into it.
“It doesn’t matter what battle you might be fighting, everybody has their own going on. I suppose it’s how you handle it that counts.”
First off, there are quite a bit of grammatical errors and sentences/ paragraphs that don’t make any sense. I was utterly confused half of the time and I feel like there is so much that is missing from the story line. The writing is also very juvenile, where it kind of works in some parts but not in others. The characters feel more fake than what they are supposed to be, like they’re trying too hard. Wait, that’s not the word I’m looking for. The word I’m looking for is that they are lacking depth. They have no care in the world and seem destructive.
The story is a slow burn, yet it’s not really a burn at all. Just really a smolder that doesn’t feed the hunger in your brain at all. Also, why are there so many damn exclamation points?! It seriously takes away from the entirety of the novel. Well that, the juvenile writing style, and the lack of depth to the characters.
Reasons why I rated it 3 stars:
1. The characters lacked depth and background.
2. There was an over use of exclamation points and it really took away from the novel.
3. There were a ton of grammatical errors and sentences/ paragraphs that didn’t make any sense.
4. The story was interesting and it somehow captivated my attention long enough for me to finish reading it.
5. It was a fun read that packed tons of drama into it.
“It doesn’t matter what battle you might be fighting, everybody has their own going on. I suppose it’s how you handle it that counts.”
Jesters_folly (230 KP) rated the PC version of Beat Saber in Video Games
Sep 14, 2019
Beat Saber is a rhythm/dance game for PC VR. The premise is quite simple, you are armed with two Sabers, one red & one blue (Although some levels have different colours) and you have to hit blocks of the corresponding colour in time to music. Sounds easy right but, the blocks have arrows on them to tell you which direction you have to hit them in, you also have to avoid hitting bombs and avoiding walls. Being a VR game the blocks come towards you and you are free to swing the Sabers in any direction (Just make sure you’re not going to hit anything/one in reality.) and, to avoid the walls you do actually need to move and duck to get out of the way.
There is a good selection of songs available with (at the time of writing) three albums and one ‘extras’ track list for free and two albums to buy as expansion packs. One of the expansions is a pack by Imagine Dragons so I hold hopes that more bands will release official content. If you don’t like the tracks provided then you have two options; the game has an inbuilt level editor so you can make your own game maps or, if you don’t feel creative then beat Saber does support modding, although not through Steam and there are a large number of songs available this way, not to mention different Sabers, effects and other little treats.
Each song has anything from one to five levels of difficulty and some of the mods do seem harder than the level advertised.
The one thing a lot of people say is missing it multi player. There is a mode where one player has a turn then passes the headset to the nest player and you compare scores but you can’t currently play directly against someone else although I believe this function is being worked on.
There is a good selection of songs available with (at the time of writing) three albums and one ‘extras’ track list for free and two albums to buy as expansion packs. One of the expansions is a pack by Imagine Dragons so I hold hopes that more bands will release official content. If you don’t like the tracks provided then you have two options; the game has an inbuilt level editor so you can make your own game maps or, if you don’t feel creative then beat Saber does support modding, although not through Steam and there are a large number of songs available this way, not to mention different Sabers, effects and other little treats.
Each song has anything from one to five levels of difficulty and some of the mods do seem harder than the level advertised.
The one thing a lot of people say is missing it multi player. There is a mode where one player has a turn then passes the headset to the nest player and you compare scores but you can’t currently play directly against someone else although I believe this function is being worked on.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2393 KP) rated Murder in Chinatown in Books
Aug 18, 2019
Missing Girl Leads to Murder
After a recent close call, midwife Sarah Brandt has vowed to stay away from solving crimes and getting involved in anything dangerous. However, she is in Chinatown with the Lee family since Cora Lee is about to give birth and gets a front row to the family drama unfolding. Cora’s niece, Angel, is upset that her father has arranged a marriage for her to an older man and runs away. The family is frantic to find her because the city is no place for a fifteen-year-old to be alone. While the family does find her, she turns up dead a few days later. Sarah manages to get NYPD Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy involved in the case because she fears other police won’t care to fully investigate given who the victim was. But can Malloy figure it out? Will Sarah get involved despite her promise to stay away from murder?
Once again, we are expertly transported back to 1890’s New York City. Along with our normal glimpses of life during the time period, we get to see a bit of how the Chinese were treated during the time; unfortunately, it isn’t pretty. However, the book never stops to preach at us, instead working this in during the mystery. The case itself is strong with plenty of twists to keep us entertained until the end. I thought I had a few things figured out, but I discovered I was wrong when I reached the logical ending. Sarah, in her efforts to stay out of the case, isn’t quite as involved as Frank, but she still has plenty to contribute. Both are great lead characters, and I enjoyed spending time with the regular supporting players as well as meeting the new characters introduced here. We get some advancement on a couple of on-going storylines, and it looks like one of them will be the main focus of the next in the series. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing where that leads.
Once again, we are expertly transported back to 1890’s New York City. Along with our normal glimpses of life during the time period, we get to see a bit of how the Chinese were treated during the time; unfortunately, it isn’t pretty. However, the book never stops to preach at us, instead working this in during the mystery. The case itself is strong with plenty of twists to keep us entertained until the end. I thought I had a few things figured out, but I discovered I was wrong when I reached the logical ending. Sarah, in her efforts to stay out of the case, isn’t quite as involved as Frank, but she still has plenty to contribute. Both are great lead characters, and I enjoyed spending time with the regular supporting players as well as meeting the new characters introduced here. We get some advancement on a couple of on-going storylines, and it looks like one of them will be the main focus of the next in the series. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing where that leads.
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