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The Night Gate
Book
In a sleepy French village, the body of a man shot through the head is disinterred by the roots of...
Hidden Masterpiece (Soli Hansen Mysteries #3)
Book
In this riveting third book in the Soli Hansen Mysteries series, a woman’s courage to follow her...
Historical Fiction Mystery Dual Timeline
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated Thirteen Minutes (2021) in Movies
Feb 25, 2022
A new disaster film, cue excitement. Even a low budget disaster film can be good…
Life is disrupted when a storm turns its eye on a small town. Residents are tested, and they must put their differences aside to help each other make it through safely.
... that thing I said above about even low budget disaster films being good? Yeah, I don’t know how much this cost (I’m assuming not a lot), but it was not good.
This could have been a great short that ran 13 minutes, instead, it’s 1 hour and 48 minutes long. Those extra 95 minutes are made of bloated storylines, and while they overlap, none of them really have any weight. Removing a couple could easily have allowed the others more time to develop and actually let the viewer become more invested.
Out of the cast I can’t really call out anyone. There are faces you’ll recognise from other things, and they’re generally solid actors, but in this... there wasn't really a lot for them to work with.
There are many moments that defy sensible behaviour, as you'd expect from a disaster film. Only one amused me, while the others were mainly annoying.
You either need to take yourself seriously, or embrace the inevitable ridiculousness behind the idea. If this had leaned hard into the ridiculousness it could have been great. 13 Minutes disappointed on so many levels that adding truly terrible effects may actually have helped! I won’t need to watch this again, a disaster film that barely has a disaster in it was not what I signed up for.
[Side note: Initially I gave this 2 out of 5 stars. I have since retracted a star for this film's sheer audacity.]
Originally posted on: https://emmaatthemovies.blogspot.com/2022/02/13-minutes-movie-review.html
Life is disrupted when a storm turns its eye on a small town. Residents are tested, and they must put their differences aside to help each other make it through safely.
... that thing I said above about even low budget disaster films being good? Yeah, I don’t know how much this cost (I’m assuming not a lot), but it was not good.
This could have been a great short that ran 13 minutes, instead, it’s 1 hour and 48 minutes long. Those extra 95 minutes are made of bloated storylines, and while they overlap, none of them really have any weight. Removing a couple could easily have allowed the others more time to develop and actually let the viewer become more invested.
Out of the cast I can’t really call out anyone. There are faces you’ll recognise from other things, and they’re generally solid actors, but in this... there wasn't really a lot for them to work with.
There are many moments that defy sensible behaviour, as you'd expect from a disaster film. Only one amused me, while the others were mainly annoying.
You either need to take yourself seriously, or embrace the inevitable ridiculousness behind the idea. If this had leaned hard into the ridiculousness it could have been great. 13 Minutes disappointed on so many levels that adding truly terrible effects may actually have helped! I won’t need to watch this again, a disaster film that barely has a disaster in it was not what I signed up for.
[Side note: Initially I gave this 2 out of 5 stars. I have since retracted a star for this film's sheer audacity.]
Originally posted on: https://emmaatthemovies.blogspot.com/2022/02/13-minutes-movie-review.html
Merissa (12061 KP) rated Kelvin (Tangled Tentacles #5) in Books
Dec 20, 2022
KELVIN is the final book in the Tangled Tentacles series and brings to a close this amazing series. Kelvin and Magnus (or FBI Guy) finally meet in person and realise they are fated mates. No fuss, no panic, just straight-up acceptance and happiness. I loved that, I really did. They don't allow their new bond to stand in the way of those they are trying to help though. By searching for others, they find Marvin. Be prepared for your heart to melt!
Wow! Just... wow!!! That's how I felt after I'd finished reading this. The overlying arc, the one that I've followed since Alexi, is now finished - in a way I never saw coming and that I love even more for that. All of the mates and their partners feature in this book which also helped with the general feeling of closure. There is also one moment in there that made my eyes leak. It's when Magnus is remembering his sister, with Kelvin by his side in the pool. There were a few scenes or sentences (usually by Marvin) that made me fill up. That scene? Broke me down. So emotional and perfect.
What I can't wait for, though, is the continuation. That epilogue!!! Man, it about killed me. I NEED MORE!!!
This pair of authors are simply outstanding - writing unusual and intricate stories with a skill second to none. I have loved the whole series and HIGHLY RECOMMEND every single one of them. What a way to end this series and to still leave you wanting more!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Wow! Just... wow!!! That's how I felt after I'd finished reading this. The overlying arc, the one that I've followed since Alexi, is now finished - in a way I never saw coming and that I love even more for that. All of the mates and their partners feature in this book which also helped with the general feeling of closure. There is also one moment in there that made my eyes leak. It's when Magnus is remembering his sister, with Kelvin by his side in the pool. There were a few scenes or sentences (usually by Marvin) that made me fill up. That scene? Broke me down. So emotional and perfect.
What I can't wait for, though, is the continuation. That epilogue!!! Man, it about killed me. I NEED MORE!!!
This pair of authors are simply outstanding - writing unusual and intricate stories with a skill second to none. I have loved the whole series and HIGHLY RECOMMEND every single one of them. What a way to end this series and to still leave you wanting more!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Ben (Assassin's To Order #2)
JP Sayle and Lisa Oliver
9.5
Rate It
Book
Has Fate taken science and shown it who’s boss, when everything about Nico and Teilo is not what...
MMM Paranormal Romance
Debbiereadsbook (1202 KP) rated Meet Me at the Top in Books
Aug 5, 2022
a wonderful short read!
Oh this book? Its so good, but too short! I need more, I really do! I do hope Alicce and Sam get a follow up, I really do!
Alice's parents treat her to a trip of a lifetime, to see all the places in her favourite movie, Sleepless In Seattle. She bumps into Sam, quite literally, and he gives her an unofficial guided tour. It's clear they get along, and the few days they spend together are the best either have had in a long time, but Alice lives clear across the country. Can they make it work?
What I loved most about this book, was what's missing in my usual reads: there is none of that explicit sex I usually like. Now, don't get me wrong, a good sex scene works in the right place in all manner of books, but this one? Does NOT need it. At. All. I really did love that all that was not here.
Sam and Alice are well suited, both carrying some baggage and both not really looking for anything, but finding each other at this time and in this place really was the right thing.
Like I said at the beginning, it's only short, and I really hope Ms Pratt will find time for a follow up, cos I want to know, no, I NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED to know, that Alice and Sam really do make it work. So PULEEEEEEEZE???
Oh, and I really should comment on the cover of this book. I loves it, for almost the same reason as I loves the book: lack of nekkid man on the cover. So please, don't ever change your covers, I love them all.
5 warm and fuzzy, too stinking cute, far too short stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Alice's parents treat her to a trip of a lifetime, to see all the places in her favourite movie, Sleepless In Seattle. She bumps into Sam, quite literally, and he gives her an unofficial guided tour. It's clear they get along, and the few days they spend together are the best either have had in a long time, but Alice lives clear across the country. Can they make it work?
What I loved most about this book, was what's missing in my usual reads: there is none of that explicit sex I usually like. Now, don't get me wrong, a good sex scene works in the right place in all manner of books, but this one? Does NOT need it. At. All. I really did love that all that was not here.
Sam and Alice are well suited, both carrying some baggage and both not really looking for anything, but finding each other at this time and in this place really was the right thing.
Like I said at the beginning, it's only short, and I really hope Ms Pratt will find time for a follow up, cos I want to know, no, I NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED to know, that Alice and Sam really do make it work. So PULEEEEEEEZE???
Oh, and I really should comment on the cover of this book. I loves it, for almost the same reason as I loves the book: lack of nekkid man on the cover. So please, don't ever change your covers, I love them all.
5 warm and fuzzy, too stinking cute, far too short stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Mother/Android (2021) in Movies
Jan 14, 2022
Whilst there are a handful of positives about Mother/Android, they are woefully overshadowed by just how unoriginal the overall movie is.
Starting with said positives - Chloë Grace Moretz is always trying her best and here is no different. It's also nice to see Raúl Castillo popping up more and more at the moment and here is no different. There's a scene fairly late on, set in a house full of androids that is genuinely quite tense and is an obvious highlight.
Other than that, it's pretty dire. The dialogue is shoddy, and the writing is all over the place. None of the characters are particularly likable and there's not really anyone to root for (started rooting for the androids by the end). The opening scene is one of intrigue, promising something vaguely resembling Detroit: Become Human, but the story is rushed along so quickly that we're thrown straight into 9 months later, following a pregnant lady through some woods in America, whilst trying to stay silent. Very A Quiet Place. The android designs do nothing to differentiate from the designs seen in Terminator.
However, the most insulting moment of plagiarism comes during the climax, the events of which are quite bleak, and aim for the heartstrings. This moment is intercut with flashes of a happier time, whilst chaos unfolds in the distance, set to some somber music. All of which would have landed way better if it wasn't ripped straight from the undead hands of Train to Busan!
I'm sure that there will be plenty of people out there who find something to like when it comes to Mother/Android but for me, it just came across as plain lazy, lifting ideas from far superior movies left, right, and centre.
Starting with said positives - Chloë Grace Moretz is always trying her best and here is no different. It's also nice to see Raúl Castillo popping up more and more at the moment and here is no different. There's a scene fairly late on, set in a house full of androids that is genuinely quite tense and is an obvious highlight.
Other than that, it's pretty dire. The dialogue is shoddy, and the writing is all over the place. None of the characters are particularly likable and there's not really anyone to root for (started rooting for the androids by the end). The opening scene is one of intrigue, promising something vaguely resembling Detroit: Become Human, but the story is rushed along so quickly that we're thrown straight into 9 months later, following a pregnant lady through some woods in America, whilst trying to stay silent. Very A Quiet Place. The android designs do nothing to differentiate from the designs seen in Terminator.
However, the most insulting moment of plagiarism comes during the climax, the events of which are quite bleak, and aim for the heartstrings. This moment is intercut with flashes of a happier time, whilst chaos unfolds in the distance, set to some somber music. All of which would have landed way better if it wasn't ripped straight from the undead hands of Train to Busan!
I'm sure that there will be plenty of people out there who find something to like when it comes to Mother/Android but for me, it just came across as plain lazy, lifting ideas from far superior movies left, right, and centre.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Blackbird Rising (. The Witch Kings Crown book 1) in Books
Feb 16, 2022
29 of 230
Book
Blackbird Rising ( The Witch Kings Crown book )
By Keri Arthur
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A modern fantasy novel inspired by the King Arthur legend...
For hundreds of years, the Witch King’s sword has been buried in stone awaiting the next hand to draw it.
Many have tried. None have succeeded.
Gwen is the last in a long line of De Montfort witches whose duty it is to protect the sword of all power. But when she returns to King Island to perform the blessing, a mysterious pulse of blue light tells her that someone has attempted to draw the sword. Before she can investigate any further, demons attack. She only survives with the help of a mysterious stranger who disappears as quickly as he appears.
Gwen and her grandmother, Moscelyne, soon discover that minor gateways into Darkside—the traditional home of both demons and dark elves—are being forced open by magic. Even worse, someone is now sending demons after the Witch King’s heirs.
As vital artifacts are stolen by Darkside and the deaths draw altogether too close to home, Gwen and Mo—with the help of old gods and an ancient order of knights once thought dead—scramble to unravel the clues and stop the murderous would-be king from claiming the crown.
If they fail and the wrong hand draws the sword of power, he can unlock the main gateway into Darkside and unleash utter hell onto an unsuspecting and unprepared England....
Another of Keri Arthur’s books I just just loved. King Arthur inspired based in England with some brilliant characters. Finished it quite quickly and can’t wait to start the next! Although it’s been added to a very long tbr pile 😂
Book
Blackbird Rising ( The Witch Kings Crown book )
By Keri Arthur
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A modern fantasy novel inspired by the King Arthur legend...
For hundreds of years, the Witch King’s sword has been buried in stone awaiting the next hand to draw it.
Many have tried. None have succeeded.
Gwen is the last in a long line of De Montfort witches whose duty it is to protect the sword of all power. But when she returns to King Island to perform the blessing, a mysterious pulse of blue light tells her that someone has attempted to draw the sword. Before she can investigate any further, demons attack. She only survives with the help of a mysterious stranger who disappears as quickly as he appears.
Gwen and her grandmother, Moscelyne, soon discover that minor gateways into Darkside—the traditional home of both demons and dark elves—are being forced open by magic. Even worse, someone is now sending demons after the Witch King’s heirs.
As vital artifacts are stolen by Darkside and the deaths draw altogether too close to home, Gwen and Mo—with the help of old gods and an ancient order of knights once thought dead—scramble to unravel the clues and stop the murderous would-be king from claiming the crown.
If they fail and the wrong hand draws the sword of power, he can unlock the main gateway into Darkside and unleash utter hell onto an unsuspecting and unprepared England....
Another of Keri Arthur’s books I just just loved. King Arthur inspired based in England with some brilliant characters. Finished it quite quickly and can’t wait to start the next! Although it’s been added to a very long tbr pile 😂
The Blood Demon's Pet (Demon Daddy #1)
10.0
Rate It
Book
Leviathan only wanted a new feeder. He ends up with something so much better. Eryn is broken. ...
MM Paranormal Romance
Merissa (12061 KP) rated The Founder (A Broken World #4) in Books
Nov 29, 2023
The Founder is the fourth book in the Broken World series, but this book takes you on a different route than the previous three. In this one, Skye is by herself, not knowing if she will ever see Brennan again. Instead of running away from the enclave, she is running towards it. She is searching for her mother and will do whatever it takes to get answers. This book certainly has a different dynamic to the others - don't get me wrong, I love Skye. It was just a bit strange to only hear about her and not Brennan too. Instead, Skye manages to get a small group of friends, none of whom know who she really is, whilst she is searching for her mother.
This is one heck of a book, with more twists and turns than a maize maze! There were some parts that were quite technical, but my husband was fascinated when I read them out to him, so I guess it's just not my strong point! Instead, I found the interpersonal relationships intriguing, especially when one of Skye's creche-mates turns up.
This is part of a series, so it does you no good to read this as a standalone. You need to have read the others for it to make sense. However, there were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and the pace and integrity of the characters are just what I have come to expect from Dean Murray. Ending on a cliffhanger, it will definitely leave you wanting more. 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!
Nov 3, 2017
This is one heck of a book, with more twists and turns than a maize maze! There were some parts that were quite technical, but my husband was fascinated when I read them out to him, so I guess it's just not my strong point! Instead, I found the interpersonal relationships intriguing, especially when one of Skye's creche-mates turns up.
This is part of a series, so it does you no good to read this as a standalone. You need to have read the others for it to make sense. However, there were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and the pace and integrity of the characters are just what I have come to expect from Dean Murray. Ending on a cliffhanger, it will definitely leave you wanting more. 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!
Nov 3, 2017