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KatieLouCreate (162 KP) rated The Legacy in Books
Feb 6, 2018
Great Ending
This books makes up for the downfall and slower pace of the second one in this series. It is high paced, action packed, and the stakes are high. All of this makes for a great YA dystiopian read. Again, the book is easy to read so it is perfect for those who only want to commit a few hours for a book.
What I love about this series is how it raises controversial topic and does not shy away at involving them in the writing for maximum effect. The book allows you to question what is going on along with the characters. Perfect for the developing mind of a teenager and even adults. The ending is good as well with the major plot twist which I won't delve into much. But its good.
As I've already said in my previous reviews so I won't bang on about it too much here, the characters could be improved. They can be bland and predictable. I don't know whether that is just I, being older, cannot relate to the characters as much, or whether the characters are underdeveloped for the world that has been created around them. I'm tempted to go with the latter theory.
Anyway, I recommend this book if you want something a little different to the types of YA dystopians that are out today. This book is not wholly different to the big things now, but it a little different to what is usually on offer for this genre. It has an edge about it that I like.
What I love about this series is how it raises controversial topic and does not shy away at involving them in the writing for maximum effect. The book allows you to question what is going on along with the characters. Perfect for the developing mind of a teenager and even adults. The ending is good as well with the major plot twist which I won't delve into much. But its good.
As I've already said in my previous reviews so I won't bang on about it too much here, the characters could be improved. They can be bland and predictable. I don't know whether that is just I, being older, cannot relate to the characters as much, or whether the characters are underdeveloped for the world that has been created around them. I'm tempted to go with the latter theory.
Anyway, I recommend this book if you want something a little different to the types of YA dystopians that are out today. This book is not wholly different to the big things now, but it a little different to what is usually on offer for this genre. It has an edge about it that I like.
ClareR (6129 KP) rated The Mystery Knight: A Graphic Novel in Books
Nov 15, 2017
More Westeros back story
One of the tales of Dunk and Egg (Ser Duncan, a Hedge Knight and Prince Aegon, his squire. Aegon went on to be the Maester of the Black Watch at the wall - I'm not sure if that's a spoiler or not?!). As with most of the Song of Ice and Fire stories, there's a fair bit of intrigue and double crossing going on in this story. Lots of fighting, bloodshed. The artwork is lovely - the opening scene shows a picture of a head on a spike, decaying and having been eaten by birds/ animals. So lovely, yes!
I found this at the library, and I'd be keen to read more as they get them. I'm aware that this isn't the first in the series, but I don't think it really matters. I don't feel as though I missed out on any former knowledge.
I found this at the library, and I'd be keen to read more as they get them. I'm aware that this isn't the first in the series, but I don't think it really matters. I don't feel as though I missed out on any former knowledge.
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 (3764 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 (1718 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**