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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.
Cynthia Armistead (17 KP) rated Grave Secret (Harper Connelly, #4) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
I'd say that wraps it up for this series. No, I won't tell you why I'm saying that, or it'll ruin the book for you.
The Harper Connelly series hasn't ever been as strong as the Southern Vampire series, in my opinion, but it wasn't too bad in comparison to some of her earlier work, like the Aurora Teagarden and Shakespeare mysteries. She seemed to be experimenting with something darker this time around. I haven't looked at the Amazon rank or any other figures for the series, but it's my gut feeling that they never took off in comparison to the Sookie Stackhouse series, especially since True Blood has gotten so much attention with the television series. I have to wonder what that feels like for Ms. Harris, as this really was a decent concept with some promise, and it doesn't seem to have been given that much of a chance to blossom.
In any case, Harper and her brother are prickly characters and not very easy to relate to, and they don't get any easier in this book. They are back in their home town, and we get to now a lot more about their origins this time around. We finally get the whole story about their missing sister, and we meet the two little sisters who live with an aunt and uncle.
The portrayal of the devout blue-collar people with their working-man's faith is absolutely smack on. I came from those people, and I could taste the sweet tea and see the linoleum and the absolutely clean Formica dinette, feel the cracked chairs the characters sat on and look around at the carefully kept house. Harris did a great job with that town and those people, so much so that I'm sure she either came from a similar place or has spent plenty of time in one.
There isn't as much new magic/plot stuff as there are answers this time. The sexy gypsy boy-almost-man is back, to my delight. Harper's love interest is still a bit of a squick, but I suppose it makes sense for the characters. I have to wonder how many authors would stick with that kind of decision, knowing the backlash they'd get from their readers?
If you've read the other Harper Connelly books, read this one for closure. If you haven't, this isn't the place to start!
The Harper Connelly series hasn't ever been as strong as the Southern Vampire series, in my opinion, but it wasn't too bad in comparison to some of her earlier work, like the Aurora Teagarden and Shakespeare mysteries. She seemed to be experimenting with something darker this time around. I haven't looked at the Amazon rank or any other figures for the series, but it's my gut feeling that they never took off in comparison to the Sookie Stackhouse series, especially since True Blood has gotten so much attention with the television series. I have to wonder what that feels like for Ms. Harris, as this really was a decent concept with some promise, and it doesn't seem to have been given that much of a chance to blossom.
In any case, Harper and her brother are prickly characters and not very easy to relate to, and they don't get any easier in this book. They are back in their home town, and we get to now a lot more about their origins this time around. We finally get the whole story about their missing sister, and we meet the two little sisters who live with an aunt and uncle.
The portrayal of the devout blue-collar people with their working-man's faith is absolutely smack on. I came from those people, and I could taste the sweet tea and see the linoleum and the absolutely clean Formica dinette, feel the cracked chairs the characters sat on and look around at the carefully kept house. Harris did a great job with that town and those people, so much so that I'm sure she either came from a similar place or has spent plenty of time in one.
There isn't as much new magic/plot stuff as there are answers this time. The sexy gypsy boy-almost-man is back, to my delight. Harper's love interest is still a bit of a squick, but I suppose it makes sense for the characters. I have to wonder how many authors would stick with that kind of decision, knowing the backlash they'd get from their readers?
If you've read the other Harper Connelly books, read this one for closure. If you haven't, this isn't the place to start!
ClareR (6253 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 (3835 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.