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Mike Carlson (115 KP) rated Batman & Robin: Volume 4 in Books
Apr 7, 2018
This six-issue arc is the aftermath of an event that occurs in another title. Yet it is impressive all on its own, without having read the other. Taken individually, each issue might not seem like much. But together they form a compelling analysis of Bruce Wayne's obsessiveness.
The first issue, "Undone", is a wonderful dialogue-free one. It gets the message across without anyone saying a single word. The next five are named after stages of grief, pairing each one to Batman's interactions with his extended family. Thus we have Red Robin/Denial, Red Hood/Rage, Batgirl/Barginning, Catwoman/Despair and, finally, Nightwing/Acceptance. Such a stylized crafting of story should not go unrewarded.
Each chapter of this series increases my respect for Tomasi. I'm only halfway through, yet I already think this is an equal of Snyder's New 52 run of Batman. Definitely a must-read for fans.
The first issue, "Undone", is a wonderful dialogue-free one. It gets the message across without anyone saying a single word. The next five are named after stages of grief, pairing each one to Batman's interactions with his extended family. Thus we have Red Robin/Denial, Red Hood/Rage, Batgirl/Barginning, Catwoman/Despair and, finally, Nightwing/Acceptance. Such a stylized crafting of story should not go unrewarded.
Each chapter of this series increases my respect for Tomasi. I'm only halfway through, yet I already think this is an equal of Snyder's New 52 run of Batman. Definitely a must-read for fans.
i-SPY Signs and Instructions: You Must Obey
Book
From Sam Jordison, author of the bestselling Crap Towns series, comes I-SPY for Grown-ups. The I-SPY...
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated One in Books
Jan 7, 2021
DNF@48%
I'd been struggling to get to even half way in this. No offense to the story or anything but i'm in a paranormal mood right now so Kim Harrison's The Hollows series is winning in my kindle vs paperback war and i just can't get into this.
It might have been them getting together so early...I like the whole will they/won't they thing in my romances, so i was really enjoying this until after the China/Japan visit when they declared their love for each other about the 30% mark. It was too soon in my opinion, whether they'd fallen in love three years earlier or not.
Also the prosthetic had nothing on the one in [b:Worth It|32608774|Worth It|S.M. Shade|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1481739183s/32608774.jpg|53191396], which i read not long ago and fell in love with.
I'd been struggling to get to even half way in this. No offense to the story or anything but i'm in a paranormal mood right now so Kim Harrison's The Hollows series is winning in my kindle vs paperback war and i just can't get into this.
It might have been them getting together so early...I like the whole will they/won't they thing in my romances, so i was really enjoying this until after the China/Japan visit when they declared their love for each other about the 30% mark. It was too soon in my opinion, whether they'd fallen in love three years earlier or not.
Also the prosthetic had nothing on the one in [b:Worth It|32608774|Worth It|S.M. Shade|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1481739183s/32608774.jpg|53191396], which i read not long ago and fell in love with.
David McK (3632 KP) rated Sandstorm (Sigma Force, #1) in Books
Jul 26, 2021
The first in [author:James Rollins|38809] 'Sigma Force' series (effectively, scientists with guns) in which, I felt, the author was trying to get his feet somewhat - for my money, this was just not as smooth, as entertaining or as gripping as some of the later entries.
I don't know whether or not that is because this one is burdened with the world-building; with introducing Sigma Force and the Guild and, effectively, laying the groundwork for the later entries.
Starting with a (literal) bang - an explosion in the British Museum - this is soon off to Arabia to investigate the mystery of a vanished ancient city that once belonged to the Queen of Sheba, as a gigantic megastorm brews up over the desert.
Think Indiana Jones, throw in a touch of 'Sahara' and add a soupcon of James Bond/Jason Bourne and, I think, you're more-or-less there.
I don't know whether or not that is because this one is burdened with the world-building; with introducing Sigma Force and the Guild and, effectively, laying the groundwork for the later entries.
Starting with a (literal) bang - an explosion in the British Museum - this is soon off to Arabia to investigate the mystery of a vanished ancient city that once belonged to the Queen of Sheba, as a gigantic megastorm brews up over the desert.
Think Indiana Jones, throw in a touch of 'Sahara' and add a soupcon of James Bond/Jason Bourne and, I think, you're more-or-less there.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Tears of Tess (Monsters in the Dark, #1) in Books
Jan 11, 2021
3.5 stars.
I dunno with this one. I'm hit and miss with D/s books. Sometimes I like them sometimes I don't. This one, that side of the story, I'm not that big a fan of. I don't always understand it, and I think that was definitely the case with this one.
I loved the storyline and everything--minus the above mentioned thing, anyway--the kidnapping and the owner who isn't all bad. The romance between them. I think it was the sex side of things, I skipped through the first one (at least I think it was the first one? About half way through?) and skimmed the rest, looking for the more romantic take on it all.
Hmm. I'm not sure if I'm intrigued enough to continue the series. I'll think about in my sleep and see how I feel in the morning.
I dunno with this one. I'm hit and miss with D/s books. Sometimes I like them sometimes I don't. This one, that side of the story, I'm not that big a fan of. I don't always understand it, and I think that was definitely the case with this one.
I loved the storyline and everything--minus the above mentioned thing, anyway--the kidnapping and the owner who isn't all bad. The romance between them. I think it was the sex side of things, I skipped through the first one (at least I think it was the first one? About half way through?) and skimmed the rest, looking for the more romantic take on it all.
Hmm. I'm not sure if I'm intrigued enough to continue the series. I'll think about in my sleep and see how I feel in the morning.
Dean (6927 KP) rated Widows (2018) in Movies
Oct 4, 2019
A heist film that doesn't quite payoff
A film that's based on an early 80's TV series of the same name. After seeing the cast line up and directed by Steve McQueen I was looking forward to this. It does have a great ensemble cast although the main plot is quite simple and a bit predictable. There are many layers to this film, with plenty of social comments on many themes. Something you expect from Steve McQueen. As a result though the actual heist almost plays second fiddle to all the other subplots and insights. I really thought the heist part would be very clever and elaborate. Instead it pales in comparison to many others of a similar genre. See it for the performances, story and not for the action of the heist itself. This way you'll enjoy the film a lot more.
Southern Today (21 KP) rated And I Darken (The Conqueror's Saga #1) in Books
Nov 7, 2017
And I Darken: Audio Book Review
Contains spoilers, click to show
Historical fiction! Heavy on the fiction, light on the historical, and a good young adult. Now, this is young adult fiction, the kind that even adults can appreciate. Though, this is not for YOUNG young adults. If you are wary of what your kids read, stay away from this. I enjoyed this story, and loved the twists and turns the author took us on.
Again, I did not like the voice of the reader for this novel. She was grating, could not do much variation of the voices and I wish she would not have tried, and was the reason I often considered stopping the track. And I have no idea how to spell any of the names without looking them up.
This novel, by Kiersten White, follows Lada and Radu, in the 1400s, in the Ottoman empire as insurances for the Sultan.
I wonder if, like many young adult series, this would have been better as a single book with the next being far in the future or following other characters during the same time frame.
If you enjoy war novels, historically-set novels, or stories of growing up in difficult circumstances will enjoy this.
Alright, SPOILERS BELOW, SPOILERS BELOW, PLEASE SCROLL FOR DISCUSSION there, that is out of the way.
So, this book covers a good lifetime, showing us the development, fully, of characters. Saw the gay man coming as soon as he was born, which is kind of sad. Why, why make the gay man beautiful? Why make it so obvious from the start?
Why have her fall in love with the future Sultan?
I wanted her, based on the description of the book, to be in her homeland more often than they are. The hatred between the siblings isn't what is odd, but what causes it. How Radu doesn't understand Lada's love towards him and what drives her. I do not understand it.
This book is also supposed to be a gender-bend of Dracula the Impaler. Which is interesting, because I did not figure that out from reading it. It is the correct time period, but gender bending DOESN'T WORK historically. I am sorry, it would be far to complicated to do that. It, it just doesn't work. You can write it and ponder what it would have been if one character was different. But not all. So, is that what this is?
I think I will be reading (or listening?) to the second book of this.
THIS VOICE IS TERRIBLE!
Alright, there. Little bits done
Again, I did not like the voice of the reader for this novel. She was grating, could not do much variation of the voices and I wish she would not have tried, and was the reason I often considered stopping the track. And I have no idea how to spell any of the names without looking them up.
This novel, by Kiersten White, follows Lada and Radu, in the 1400s, in the Ottoman empire as insurances for the Sultan.
I wonder if, like many young adult series, this would have been better as a single book with the next being far in the future or following other characters during the same time frame.
If you enjoy war novels, historically-set novels, or stories of growing up in difficult circumstances will enjoy this.
Alright, SPOILERS BELOW, SPOILERS BELOW, PLEASE SCROLL FOR DISCUSSION there, that is out of the way.
So, this book covers a good lifetime, showing us the development, fully, of characters. Saw the gay man coming as soon as he was born, which is kind of sad. Why, why make the gay man beautiful? Why make it so obvious from the start?
Why have her fall in love with the future Sultan?
I wanted her, based on the description of the book, to be in her homeland more often than they are. The hatred between the siblings isn't what is odd, but what causes it. How Radu doesn't understand Lada's love towards him and what drives her. I do not understand it.
This book is also supposed to be a gender-bend of Dracula the Impaler. Which is interesting, because I did not figure that out from reading it. It is the correct time period, but gender bending DOESN'T WORK historically. I am sorry, it would be far to complicated to do that. It, it just doesn't work. You can write it and ponder what it would have been if one character was different. But not all. So, is that what this is?
I think I will be reading (or listening?) to the second book of this.
THIS VOICE IS TERRIBLE!
Alright, there. Little bits done
Debbiereadsbook (1569 KP) rated Half Bound (Helheim Wolf Pack Tale #5) in Books
Apr 13, 2021
Thank you, Ms Dawes, for writing these books, I've thoroughly enjoyed delving into this world.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 5 in the Helheim Wolf Pack series, the last book and you do NEED to have read the other books before this one. This one pulls everything together but not everything important is recapped.
I found this one a much darker read than the others. The others are graphic and explicit but I thought this one was so much MORE. The violence Vivian expends to get what she wants is described in great detail, what she does and what she has others do. This is the only reason I gave it. . .oh . . no. . .wait, there is ANOTHER reason. Let me try that again! This is ONE of the reasons I gave it 4 stars. Oh but she does get her comeuppance, she really does!
Saxon is captured and Casey allows herself to be taken, on the condition Saxon is freed. Yeah, right, we did not see that one being double-crossed by Vivian! Vivian breaks Casey, she really does, physically and emotionally. It's painful reading, not just the physical stuff, but when Casey comes to terms with what Vivian does to her, what it means for her future, what it means she can never be. And then. . .not yet. . .I'll say soon.
Across the other side of the story, Brax, who left Rhett a while ago because he was addicted to Indi's bite, has to fetch a new pack member who affects him, and his wolf, deeply. But Andrea is damaged, both inside and out, and she doesn't think anyone will want her now her abusive ex has marked her as he did. Besides, all men are gonna hurt her, so she steers clear. When said ex gets too close, Brax and Drae bond, and when they do? Oh it's so beautiful, their bonding, it really is. Said ex also gets his comeuppance, but not quite how I thought he would!
Back to what Vivian does to break Casey emotionally. This is the other reason I gave it 4 stars. Casey loves Saxon and he loves her. But they never really got to tell each other that. After Casey gets free, I'm not surprised she has the thoughts she does. And then there was that "Besides. . . ." when Vivian was gloating! So now my mind is racing and I want answers! At least I know the questions this time!
A very fitting end, and one that spawns another series about Casey and her brothers. I hope to get my hands on them too.
Thank you, Ms Dawes, for writing these books, I've thoroughly enjoyed delving into this world.
4 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is book 5 in the Helheim Wolf Pack series, the last book and you do NEED to have read the other books before this one. This one pulls everything together but not everything important is recapped.
I found this one a much darker read than the others. The others are graphic and explicit but I thought this one was so much MORE. The violence Vivian expends to get what she wants is described in great detail, what she does and what she has others do. This is the only reason I gave it. . .oh . . no. . .wait, there is ANOTHER reason. Let me try that again! This is ONE of the reasons I gave it 4 stars. Oh but she does get her comeuppance, she really does!
Saxon is captured and Casey allows herself to be taken, on the condition Saxon is freed. Yeah, right, we did not see that one being double-crossed by Vivian! Vivian breaks Casey, she really does, physically and emotionally. It's painful reading, not just the physical stuff, but when Casey comes to terms with what Vivian does to her, what it means for her future, what it means she can never be. And then. . .not yet. . .I'll say soon.
Across the other side of the story, Brax, who left Rhett a while ago because he was addicted to Indi's bite, has to fetch a new pack member who affects him, and his wolf, deeply. But Andrea is damaged, both inside and out, and she doesn't think anyone will want her now her abusive ex has marked her as he did. Besides, all men are gonna hurt her, so she steers clear. When said ex gets too close, Brax and Drae bond, and when they do? Oh it's so beautiful, their bonding, it really is. Said ex also gets his comeuppance, but not quite how I thought he would!
Back to what Vivian does to break Casey emotionally. This is the other reason I gave it 4 stars. Casey loves Saxon and he loves her. But they never really got to tell each other that. After Casey gets free, I'm not surprised she has the thoughts she does. And then there was that "Besides. . . ." when Vivian was gloating! So now my mind is racing and I want answers! At least I know the questions this time!
A very fitting end, and one that spawns another series about Casey and her brothers. I hope to get my hands on them too.
Thank you, Ms Dawes, for writing these books, I've thoroughly enjoyed delving into this world.
4 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Debbiereadsbook (1569 KP) rated Room For Recovery (Hearts and Health #4) in Books
Mar 22, 2018
excellent addition to the series
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 4 in the Hearts and Health series, but you don't need to have read the others first, they are all stand alones.
I don't usually much care for younger main characters; end of high school, beginning of college age; probably because I'm far older than that, but while I KNEW Beau and Wade were that age, it never really sunk in, you know?? I KNEW they were 18 and 19, but they did not SEEM that age.
Wade and Beau have crushed on each other for as long as they can remember, but Wade's coming out led to disastrous consequences, and he doesn't want to admit that he's gay, not to himself, nor to anyone else. Beau, while not fully OUT, certainly aware of what and who he wants. When Beau is attacked, Wade goes all protective and the two get to really know each other.
I can't quite file this book on the warm and fuzzies shelf, like Bedside Manner, because Wade carries a lot of guilt about one thing and another BUT it is a fantastic read. Watching Wade and Beau getting to know each other properly, after being around each other for years, watching Wade deal with his demons, and watching them both fall, and fall far is excellent reading.
Wade pops up in Urgent Care, he is Trent's nephew and Wade is ANGRY at everything and everyone. We get just WHY he is so angry here and its painful reading, listening to Wade deal internally with everything, it really is.
An excellent addition to this series, and it introduces us to Dr Casper Rollins, who has his story next. I look forward to reading it.
5 not quite warm and fuzzie stars, but very nearly.
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is book 4 in the Hearts and Health series, but you don't need to have read the others first, they are all stand alones.
I don't usually much care for younger main characters; end of high school, beginning of college age; probably because I'm far older than that, but while I KNEW Beau and Wade were that age, it never really sunk in, you know?? I KNEW they were 18 and 19, but they did not SEEM that age.
Wade and Beau have crushed on each other for as long as they can remember, but Wade's coming out led to disastrous consequences, and he doesn't want to admit that he's gay, not to himself, nor to anyone else. Beau, while not fully OUT, certainly aware of what and who he wants. When Beau is attacked, Wade goes all protective and the two get to really know each other.
I can't quite file this book on the warm and fuzzies shelf, like Bedside Manner, because Wade carries a lot of guilt about one thing and another BUT it is a fantastic read. Watching Wade and Beau getting to know each other properly, after being around each other for years, watching Wade deal with his demons, and watching them both fall, and fall far is excellent reading.
Wade pops up in Urgent Care, he is Trent's nephew and Wade is ANGRY at everything and everyone. We get just WHY he is so angry here and its painful reading, listening to Wade deal internally with everything, it really is.
An excellent addition to this series, and it introduces us to Dr Casper Rollins, who has his story next. I look forward to reading it.
5 not quite warm and fuzzie stars, but very nearly.
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Rachel King (13 KP) rated The Bronze and the Brimstone in Books
Feb 11, 2019
This book is the sequel to The Lens and the Looker: Book #1 of the Verona Series (History Camp: the Verona Trilogy) and opens with the main character, Hansum, in a dream. This is actually rather confusing, as I don't realize he is dreaming until afterwards, and it seems like a poorly-timed ploy to re-introduce the reader to what has occurred so far in the series.
Early in the book, Hansum is separated from his friends, but not before he manages to marry Guillietta in secret. What bugs me about this is how Guillietta's father still treats him like a child, even though he is certainly entitled to be treated as an adult by this time. Hansum exhibits a certain level of maturity that few seem to recognize or respect. Once Hansum is moved to a private estate, his story exchanges with the rest of his friends in alternating sections.
The drama that occurs between Shamira and the artist is quite transparent to me. I am not sure if the author intended for the reader to discern the artist's true intentions so easily, but the artist's lack of talent combined with obvious lies and an obsessive interest in the lookers made it apparent what he was really about. I can only feel sorry for Shamira in her first foray into the realm of romance.
Hansum does well at creatively avoiding an engagement to Lady Beatrice, but I had to wonder how long he would be successful at this. With Hansum's almost constant protectiveness over the genie, Pan, I also wondered how long he would really be able to keep up the ruse.
With a greater focus on the technological advancements that Hansum is introducing, and less of a focus on the relationship-building of the first book in the series, this book was better written and a more enjoyable read for me. The author's evident strengths lie in his knowledge of the technology used in the series and the history of 14th-century Verona, so when those are brought to the forefront, the writing is quite intriguing. I still feel that the author is trying to do too much with this novel and trying to appeal to a too-large audience with everything from romance, history, suspense, political intrigue, and technology, to numerous science fiction themes, but it is better written than the first book in the series.
Early in the book, Hansum is separated from his friends, but not before he manages to marry Guillietta in secret. What bugs me about this is how Guillietta's father still treats him like a child, even though he is certainly entitled to be treated as an adult by this time. Hansum exhibits a certain level of maturity that few seem to recognize or respect. Once Hansum is moved to a private estate, his story exchanges with the rest of his friends in alternating sections.
The drama that occurs between Shamira and the artist is quite transparent to me. I am not sure if the author intended for the reader to discern the artist's true intentions so easily, but the artist's lack of talent combined with obvious lies and an obsessive interest in the lookers made it apparent what he was really about. I can only feel sorry for Shamira in her first foray into the realm of romance.
Hansum does well at creatively avoiding an engagement to Lady Beatrice, but I had to wonder how long he would be successful at this. With Hansum's almost constant protectiveness over the genie, Pan, I also wondered how long he would really be able to keep up the ruse.
With a greater focus on the technological advancements that Hansum is introducing, and less of a focus on the relationship-building of the first book in the series, this book was better written and a more enjoyable read for me. The author's evident strengths lie in his knowledge of the technology used in the series and the history of 14th-century Verona, so when those are brought to the forefront, the writing is quite intriguing. I still feel that the author is trying to do too much with this novel and trying to appeal to a too-large audience with everything from romance, history, suspense, political intrigue, and technology, to numerous science fiction themes, but it is better written than the first book in the series.