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ArecRain (8 KP) rated Eighth Grade Bites (The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod, #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
This review is really hard to write mainly because I did not have any feelings about this book after I read it. It was a quick read, only taking me two hours; yet it was hard to stay focused. I felt so unmotivated to read this book, which I sometimes had to force myself to keep going.
I am not saying it is a bad book. In fact, I think quite the opposite. While it was not anything to heavy or thought provoking, Brewer did a good job at creating a practical storyline with realistic characters and an in-depth vampire society I felt that she teased us with all the glimpses into the vampire society. It was obvious this novel was the first in the series. We are introduced to Vlad and the people important to the storyline. I wish she had shown us more because I am not interested in reading the rest of the series to find out.
The only thing that truly annoyed me, however, was Brewers lack of subtly. She brings up subjects that are supposed to be revealed later in novel/series, but she makes it so obvious that you are supposed to be interested.
I am not saying it is a bad book. In fact, I think quite the opposite. While it was not anything to heavy or thought provoking, Brewer did a good job at creating a practical storyline with realistic characters and an in-depth vampire society I felt that she teased us with all the glimpses into the vampire society. It was obvious this novel was the first in the series. We are introduced to Vlad and the people important to the storyline. I wish she had shown us more because I am not interested in reading the rest of the series to find out.
The only thing that truly annoyed me, however, was Brewers lack of subtly. She brings up subjects that are supposed to be revealed later in novel/series, but she makes it so obvious that you are supposed to be interested.
David McK (3764 KP) rated Dauntless (The Lost Fleet, #1) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
While I doubt this novel is going to win any awards for literature, I have to say that it is a good enough read: not brilliant, but not terrible either.
Written by a ex-navy man, it's easy to see the influnece of his career in the pages: this is 'real' science-fiction, not science-fantasy, with the space battles obeying the laws of physics as we know them. The plot outline is also somewhat remniscient of the new series of BattleStar Galactica, with a smaller rag-tag force being chased by a numerically superior foe. Ironically, this book was first released at around the same time as that series came on TV, with (in this edition) the author claiming that that WAS NOT an inspiration (in the interview at the end), as if he'd been thinking of BSG it woud've been the older series.
With the way the book opens I must also admit that, at first, I thought I'd missed something: the best corollary I can think of is as if the film Aliens (that's the one with the 'S') had started without the whole prologue of them finding Ripleys life pod: you'd be able to infer what had happened, but would be feeling a bit lost at first.
Written by a ex-navy man, it's easy to see the influnece of his career in the pages: this is 'real' science-fiction, not science-fantasy, with the space battles obeying the laws of physics as we know them. The plot outline is also somewhat remniscient of the new series of BattleStar Galactica, with a smaller rag-tag force being chased by a numerically superior foe. Ironically, this book was first released at around the same time as that series came on TV, with (in this edition) the author claiming that that WAS NOT an inspiration (in the interview at the end), as if he'd been thinking of BSG it woud've been the older series.
With the way the book opens I must also admit that, at first, I thought I'd missed something: the best corollary I can think of is as if the film Aliens (that's the one with the 'S') had started without the whole prologue of them finding Ripleys life pod: you'd be able to infer what had happened, but would be feeling a bit lost at first.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Peaky Blinders - Season 4 in TV
Sep 22, 2019
Back on form
After the rather bonkers and confusing Russian madness in series 3, I’m very pleased to say that series 4 does not follow in 3’s footsteps and is instead a rather welcome return to form.
The threat faced in this series seems very real, and it brings an entirely sinister feeling to the entire show. The Shelbys have always come across as being bulletproof and able to overcome any obstacles or gangsters in their way, but this series shows an entirely different vulnerable side which is good to watch. As always, there are some wonderful performances in this and some great twists and turns in the plot. I felt like Adrien Brody’s Luca Changretta was a little too stereotypical and over the top, but I’m guessing that was how Italian gangsters were (or perceived to be) during those times, so I won’t hold it against him too much. I do sometimes think that some of the twists and turns get to be a little too much but overall this is a rather wonderful series as a great return to form.
The threat faced in this series seems very real, and it brings an entirely sinister feeling to the entire show. The Shelbys have always come across as being bulletproof and able to overcome any obstacles or gangsters in their way, but this series shows an entirely different vulnerable side which is good to watch. As always, there are some wonderful performances in this and some great twists and turns in the plot. I felt like Adrien Brody’s Luca Changretta was a little too stereotypical and over the top, but I’m guessing that was how Italian gangsters were (or perceived to be) during those times, so I won’t hold it against him too much. I do sometimes think that some of the twists and turns get to be a little too much but overall this is a rather wonderful series as a great return to form.
Dana (24 KP) rated Annihilation, Book Three in Books
Mar 23, 2018
Again, this review will probably be quite short because I have already stated a lot of my thoughts on these characters.
I really enjoyed what they did what this series. The story line was well thought out, though there were a few moments that were a bit slow for me.
SPOILERS FOR THIS NEXT PARAGRAPH:
I loved Cammi's story arc in this series. She starts off a very strong character, so sassy and full of spunk, but in this book, she isn't allowed to have a lot of those moments as much. She is, quite literally, left behind when she is trying to have her heroic moment. I completely understand why they left her. Not only would Drax would have killed all of them for putting her in any amount of danger, she also would not have been able to survive. Not necessarily because she would not be able to hold her own, because I am completely convinced that she can and would kick some mega alien ass, but in an emotional aspect, I'm not quite sure she would have been able to come back from seeing what happened. All the death and carnage and hopelessness would have taken a toll on her, so, overall, I am glad she did not go along.
I also loved seeing Galactus' Heralds again. It's always great to see more of the characters who are seen as evil but are able to redeem themselves.
The wrap up of the series was a bit predictable for me, but there were some surprises. There will be some spoilers in this next part, if you don't want to read them, skip to the next paragraph. I knew from the beginning that the Annihilation virus was going to fail, ultimately, but I was okay with it. I liked seeing that not all of the characters made it. Though I didn't like seeing them gone, because I really liked some of those characters, but it was good to see there wasn't predictability.
The last section of this book is just the records from the Nova Corps index that had been shown throughout the previous three books. I didn't really see the need for that, but it's there and there's nothing I can do about that.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this series. I believe there may be one more small comic to read from this series, so I'll have to read that soon.
I really enjoyed what they did what this series. The story line was well thought out, though there were a few moments that were a bit slow for me.
SPOILERS FOR THIS NEXT PARAGRAPH:
I loved Cammi's story arc in this series. She starts off a very strong character, so sassy and full of spunk, but in this book, she isn't allowed to have a lot of those moments as much. She is, quite literally, left behind when she is trying to have her heroic moment. I completely understand why they left her. Not only would Drax would have killed all of them for putting her in any amount of danger, she also would not have been able to survive. Not necessarily because she would not be able to hold her own, because I am completely convinced that she can and would kick some mega alien ass, but in an emotional aspect, I'm not quite sure she would have been able to come back from seeing what happened. All the death and carnage and hopelessness would have taken a toll on her, so, overall, I am glad she did not go along.
I also loved seeing Galactus' Heralds again. It's always great to see more of the characters who are seen as evil but are able to redeem themselves.
The wrap up of the series was a bit predictable for me, but there were some surprises. There will be some spoilers in this next part, if you don't want to read them, skip to the next paragraph. I knew from the beginning that the Annihilation virus was going to fail, ultimately, but I was okay with it. I liked seeing that not all of the characters made it. Though I didn't like seeing them gone, because I really liked some of those characters, but it was good to see there wasn't predictability.
The last section of this book is just the records from the Nova Corps index that had been shown throughout the previous three books. I didn't really see the need for that, but it's there and there's nothing I can do about that.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this series. I believe there may be one more small comic to read from this series, so I'll have to read that soon.
AT (1676 KP) rated The Girl from the Other Side, Siuil, a Run: Vol. 2 in Books
Apr 13, 2019
I didn't love volume 2 of the series as much as I liked the first volume. I feel like most of the time was spent in a mystery that would not be solved within the timeframe of this book. Not an intriguing mystery, though. It just felt a bit disjointed and like it was drawn out for no reason. I'm still going to read on, though.
Jessica Erdas (463 KP) rated Guilty Pleasures in Books
Aug 20, 2018
A very attention grabbing roller coaster of action, not as much romance as brief eroticism, but a real page turner nonetheless. There were quite a few grammatical errors through the pages that momentarily detracted from the reading but not enough to stop you for long. I'm looking forward to reading more into this series as it seems promising.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Vampire Shift (Kiera Hudson Series One, #1) in Books
Jan 12, 2021
It had an interesting concept but I didn't really feel it. Unlike a lot of the authors other work I wasn't quickly drawn into the story and the characters didn't do anything for me.
Out of roughly 6/7 books this is only my second 3 star rating for one of Tim's books.
I'm not sure yet if I'll continue the series or not.
Out of roughly 6/7 books this is only my second 3 star rating for one of Tim's books.
I'm not sure yet if I'll continue the series or not.
B (15 KP) rated The Handmaid's Tale - Season 1 in TV
Jan 24, 2018
Contains spoilers, click to show
This series confronts the fears many women have feared in the past and still fear today. Facing a possible reality of the removal of rights to reproduction and anonymity the women of this future thought it was all but a joke. Suddenly a fundamentalist government takes power and dictates the lives of the women who are "blessed" enough to still be fertile. I recommend this series to all women and men who might not understand the fears other women have about having reproductive choices being removed as a personal choice but still have an open mind to hear those fears.
Kevin Wilson (179 KP) rated Frequency - Season 1 in TV
Nov 9, 2018
Likeable characters (3 more)
Good story
Good pacing
They were able to release an epilogue to tie up some loose ends
There were a few frustrating moments (1 more)
Missed out on finishing side stories thanks to cancellation
An interesting show that deserved 1 more season
I liked this series. I know it's based on a movie which I have seen but the movie itself was rather forgettable. I don't really remember much from it. This was far much better though. Maybe because we had more time to care about the characters.
It's not a perfect series. There were a lot of frustrating moments where things could have been made a lot more simple. People could have been told what was happening and there was proof if they were just allowed to talk into the radio themselves. But other than that the series was enjoyable and paced well. Time travel is a concept that is difficult to get right without sounding confusing but this was made simple.
It is a good series but it's not great. Sometimes the main lead got annoying at times but the series got cancelled too early so some of the side stories could not be looked at like the corruption in the police force.
***Spoilers*** stan is corrupt and I expected the dads death from a car accident to be the result of that and not actually an accident. I thought that would have made a good plot for the 2nd season ***end spoiler***
However this couldn't be told so they just ended up sizzling out. On the plus side they, they were able to send out a 3 minute epilogue to tie up a couple of loose ends to give the show a proper ending. More shows should be given this chance.
Still worth a watch and maybe 1 day we will see another shot at this.
It's not a perfect series. There were a lot of frustrating moments where things could have been made a lot more simple. People could have been told what was happening and there was proof if they were just allowed to talk into the radio themselves. But other than that the series was enjoyable and paced well. Time travel is a concept that is difficult to get right without sounding confusing but this was made simple.
It is a good series but it's not great. Sometimes the main lead got annoying at times but the series got cancelled too early so some of the side stories could not be looked at like the corruption in the police force.
***Spoilers*** stan is corrupt and I expected the dads death from a car accident to be the result of that and not actually an accident. I thought that would have made a good plot for the 2nd season ***end spoiler***
However this couldn't be told so they just ended up sizzling out. On the plus side they, they were able to send out a 3 minute epilogue to tie up a couple of loose ends to give the show a proper ending. More shows should be given this chance.
Still worth a watch and maybe 1 day we will see another shot at this.
Brown_Flopsy (3 KP) rated Thirteen Reasons Why: (TV Tie-in) in Books
Feb 4, 2018
Contains spoilers, click to show
As a school librarian and in light of the recent Netflix adaptation of this book, I felt that I should read it.
Firstly, I don't think this book actively promotes suicide. I actually think it is the intention of the author to make us think about how our actions affect other people's lives. It is not about revenge. It is about changing your actions...making time to talk to that person you think may need someone to talk to....being kinder. Listening to the tapes makes Clay appreciate that a person's actions can influence another's life in ways you do not realise and that making an effort to really get to know someone else can help them be happier if they are struggling.
However, this is definitely not a book to be given to someone who is suffering from depression. This is not a self-help book. Hannah is in a cycle of self-destruction, a downward spiral she is not able to escape from. She has already made up her mind that she cannot carry on and I am not sure she can be diverted from her course in the end. Mr Porter tries to help her talk, but unintentionally confirms the decision she has already made. I have not suffered from depression myself, but am very aware of what this can lead to and I can see that the book could be read in a way which could offer suicide as an option to someone who is in a dark place.
If you are worried about whether to recommend this book, or allow a young person to read this, my advice would be that this is not a story for younger children - this is a dark and sometimes sexual story and does have a rape in it. I would not recommend this book for anyone under the age of 15/16, because of this.
In addition, be aware that this is not a story for someone who suffers from depression as it can be read in a way which seems to offer suicide as an acceptable option if you can see youself in the same place as Hannah finds herself, although this is not its intention. Be aware of who is reading this book. It is, however an interesting read and does open the discussion about suicide, just be careful about who you recommend this to and do talk about it with them both before and afterwards.
Having said all this, I did enjoy reading the book and don't believe that the author intends anything dark by it or suggests intentionally that suicide is a way to get revenge on others.
The Netflix series worries me far more than the book itself. This strings out the story in a way which seems to glamorise Hannah's tapes and the idea of revenge on those that caused her suffering to make it into a "teen drama full of angst". I would be very worried about letting youngsters watch this series.
The Netflix series is horrific. This oringinally had a certificate of 15, but this was been amended to 18. The tv show definitely does not leave you with the same feelings as the book and most certainly is not for children. The final episode even shows Hannah sitting in a bath and cutting into her veins with a razor blade. Please do not watch this if you liked the book. Jay Asher, you should be ashamed that you had anything to do with this!
Firstly, I don't think this book actively promotes suicide. I actually think it is the intention of the author to make us think about how our actions affect other people's lives. It is not about revenge. It is about changing your actions...making time to talk to that person you think may need someone to talk to....being kinder. Listening to the tapes makes Clay appreciate that a person's actions can influence another's life in ways you do not realise and that making an effort to really get to know someone else can help them be happier if they are struggling.
However, this is definitely not a book to be given to someone who is suffering from depression. This is not a self-help book. Hannah is in a cycle of self-destruction, a downward spiral she is not able to escape from. She has already made up her mind that she cannot carry on and I am not sure she can be diverted from her course in the end. Mr Porter tries to help her talk, but unintentionally confirms the decision she has already made. I have not suffered from depression myself, but am very aware of what this can lead to and I can see that the book could be read in a way which could offer suicide as an option to someone who is in a dark place.
If you are worried about whether to recommend this book, or allow a young person to read this, my advice would be that this is not a story for younger children - this is a dark and sometimes sexual story and does have a rape in it. I would not recommend this book for anyone under the age of 15/16, because of this.
In addition, be aware that this is not a story for someone who suffers from depression as it can be read in a way which seems to offer suicide as an acceptable option if you can see youself in the same place as Hannah finds herself, although this is not its intention. Be aware of who is reading this book. It is, however an interesting read and does open the discussion about suicide, just be careful about who you recommend this to and do talk about it with them both before and afterwards.
Having said all this, I did enjoy reading the book and don't believe that the author intends anything dark by it or suggests intentionally that suicide is a way to get revenge on others.
The Netflix series worries me far more than the book itself. This strings out the story in a way which seems to glamorise Hannah's tapes and the idea of revenge on those that caused her suffering to make it into a "teen drama full of angst". I would be very worried about letting youngsters watch this series.
The Netflix series is horrific. This oringinally had a certificate of 15, but this was been amended to 18. The tv show definitely does not leave you with the same feelings as the book and most certainly is not for children. The final episode even shows Hannah sitting in a bath and cutting into her veins with a razor blade. Please do not watch this if you liked the book. Jay Asher, you should be ashamed that you had anything to do with this!
