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Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017) in Movies
Jun 19, 2019
Johnny Depp returns as Capt. Jack Sparrow in the fifth outing for the “Pirates of the Caribbean” film franchise. Based on the phenomenally popular attraction at Disneyland and Walt Disney World; the latest film “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” finds Jack and his crew once again at odds with British authorities in St. Maarten. Adding Jack’s troubles is a malevolent spirit from his past named Capt. Salazar (Javier Bardem), who seeks to return to the living by exacting his revenge upon Jack. Along for the adventure are a young man named Henry Turner (Brenton Thwaites), and a science minded woman named Carina (Kaya Scodelario), who all have their reasons for joining one another on the adventure despite ample levels of mistrust amongst them.
In keeping with the series all sorts of comedic hijinks mixed with action and the supernatural to give audiences a very noisy and destruction filled storyline.
While there is a decent amount of action in the film there were also large gaps where things just plod along which caused me to glance at my watch from time to time during the two-hour runtime of the film. Adding to the issues is the tendency of depth to slur and mumble his lines playing the frequently inebriated Capt. Jack which does hamper some of the better lines in the film.
Well I certainly enjoyed this one much better than the second and third films in the series I kept thinking that I have seen this all before and that this film was essentially a collection of some of the best moments from previous films combined into one. The end result is that I found myself saying that while I would not mind another outing in the series I would also be more than okay they decided to end the cinematic adventures with this film. Diehard fans will likely enjoy this new effort but more casual fans may not have as much patience this time around.
http://sknr.net/2017/05/25/pirates-caribbean-dead-men-tell-no-tales/
In keeping with the series all sorts of comedic hijinks mixed with action and the supernatural to give audiences a very noisy and destruction filled storyline.
While there is a decent amount of action in the film there were also large gaps where things just plod along which caused me to glance at my watch from time to time during the two-hour runtime of the film. Adding to the issues is the tendency of depth to slur and mumble his lines playing the frequently inebriated Capt. Jack which does hamper some of the better lines in the film.
Well I certainly enjoyed this one much better than the second and third films in the series I kept thinking that I have seen this all before and that this film was essentially a collection of some of the best moments from previous films combined into one. The end result is that I found myself saying that while I would not mind another outing in the series I would also be more than okay they decided to end the cinematic adventures with this film. Diehard fans will likely enjoy this new effort but more casual fans may not have as much patience this time around.
http://sknr.net/2017/05/25/pirates-caribbean-dead-men-tell-no-tales/
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2528 KP) rated Death with a Dark Red Rose in Books
Feb 29, 2020
Mysterious Disappearance
Life is going well for Lena London. Her latest collaboration with bestselling novelist Camilla Graham is doing well, she and her fiance, Sam West, are just starting to plan their wedding, and she enjoys spending time with her new friends in Blue Lake. The only shadow is the new factory that is being built just outside of town. It looks like the building is going to be an eye sore, and Lena is not happy about it and other ways it might change this area she considers home. However, a cold wind blows in when someone vanishes. Soon, Lena and her friends are caught up in another race to figure out what is happening before things turn deadly. Will they solve things in time?
I thought this novel’s beginning was weak, but it was the weakest part of the story. Even then, that is a minor complaint since I was hooked from the very first page and could hardly put the book down until I reached the end. If real life didn’t interfere, I could have easily finished it in one sitting. I did see one or two twists coming, but there were plenty others I didn’t suspect, but they made perfect sense by the time we reached the end of the story. I love Lena and her friends, and we got plenty of time with them in these pages. Their relationships are fantastic. Each chapter starts with a quote from the projects that Lena and Camilla are currently working on, and I found they helped me better understand just how this series works Gothic elements into each book. Honestly, I’d love to read their books if they were real. It is best to read this series in order since some events of previous books are spoiled by necessity. That’s not an issue since all the books in this series are great. Set aside plenty of time when you pick up this book because you won’t want to put it down until you’ve read every thrilling page.
I thought this novel’s beginning was weak, but it was the weakest part of the story. Even then, that is a minor complaint since I was hooked from the very first page and could hardly put the book down until I reached the end. If real life didn’t interfere, I could have easily finished it in one sitting. I did see one or two twists coming, but there were plenty others I didn’t suspect, but they made perfect sense by the time we reached the end of the story. I love Lena and her friends, and we got plenty of time with them in these pages. Their relationships are fantastic. Each chapter starts with a quote from the projects that Lena and Camilla are currently working on, and I found they helped me better understand just how this series works Gothic elements into each book. Honestly, I’d love to read their books if they were real. It is best to read this series in order since some events of previous books are spoiled by necessity. That’s not an issue since all the books in this series are great. Set aside plenty of time when you pick up this book because you won’t want to put it down until you’ve read every thrilling page.
Merissa (13931 KP) rated Instinct (Werewolf Academy #3) in Books
May 21, 2020
Instinct is the third book in the series, and this should definitely be read in order. In fact, to get the best from this series, I would highly recommend you read the Silver series but then that is a favourite of mine so I may be slightly biased!
Alex is still targeted although now it's by the General as the Packs have Drogan. He is going out more with Jaze and the others which seems to help the broken pieces inside of him. If he can help others, he feels useful. It is on one such mission that he is buried alive for a while; trapped in the dark with a young werewolf who is in danger of dying. Alex keeps her alive until they are rescued. It is during this time that he realises Kalia is not The One for him but she is still a very good friend. Now he just has to find a way to let her know without hurting her too much.
I've been wondering when this would happen as it was obvious from his confusion, even before Siale came along, that Kalia wasn't for him. Cassie has found happiness with Tennison so she is able to understand and try to help. I love the lessons from the Professors but I love it even more when Alex goes along on their missions. Only now, it's not just Alex but some of the others too, which makes it even better.
I am loving the overall story arc that I am following and the individual stories within each book. There are new characters to meet, new situations, and new lessons for Alex. One thing I would say, is to make sure you have the next book ready before you finish reading as you will absolutely NEED to continue with the story.
* 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!
Alex is still targeted although now it's by the General as the Packs have Drogan. He is going out more with Jaze and the others which seems to help the broken pieces inside of him. If he can help others, he feels useful. It is on one such mission that he is buried alive for a while; trapped in the dark with a young werewolf who is in danger of dying. Alex keeps her alive until they are rescued. It is during this time that he realises Kalia is not The One for him but she is still a very good friend. Now he just has to find a way to let her know without hurting her too much.
I've been wondering when this would happen as it was obvious from his confusion, even before Siale came along, that Kalia wasn't for him. Cassie has found happiness with Tennison so she is able to understand and try to help. I love the lessons from the Professors but I love it even more when Alex goes along on their missions. Only now, it's not just Alex but some of the others too, which makes it even better.
I am loving the overall story arc that I am following and the individual stories within each book. There are new characters to meet, new situations, and new lessons for Alex. One thing I would say, is to make sure you have the next book ready before you finish reading as you will absolutely NEED to continue with the story.
* 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!
Masters' Mistress (The Angel Eyes #1)
6.0
Rate It
Book
A man bound by chains. A woman burdened by regret. Will love set this tortured pair free? In...
Adult Dystopian Romance
BEARLY GOLD is the second in the Fairy Tale Fatale series and is a very imaginative retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
'Goldilocks' is a young, incredibly brave girl who has seen and suffered more than any should do. Our main character, Fayola, is a lightning bird of legend, an impundulu. She is on her fortieth mission, after which she will be free to do what she wants with her life. But that fortieth mission brings untold action and the saving of children from a war-torn area. Initially, she doesn't want to. She wants to finish her mission and go home. But how can she leave them?
Featuring bear and elephant shifters, plus impundulu, as well as humans, this is an intricate and twisting story, telling the dark tale of child trafficking. It is lightened in places by Fay's musings, her friends and family, plus romantic elements with Jelani - her long-term partner. It is also violent in places but, I can honestly say, I really didn't care because it couldn't happen to nicer people!!!
This series is simply amazing, covering dark topics. I can't wait to read the next in this series, whichever story it is. HIGHLY recommended by me.
As an aside, there is a simply amazing line spoken in the book which rings true. I'm using the words as written by the author in her notes at the end:
"Heroes are needed in this fight. Not vampiric lightning birds of lore but informed and caring human beings. Child trafficking is not inconsequential but bringing the crime to its overdue end requires people to, like Fayola, engage in the fine art of giving a shit."
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 19, 2022
'Goldilocks' is a young, incredibly brave girl who has seen and suffered more than any should do. Our main character, Fayola, is a lightning bird of legend, an impundulu. She is on her fortieth mission, after which she will be free to do what she wants with her life. But that fortieth mission brings untold action and the saving of children from a war-torn area. Initially, she doesn't want to. She wants to finish her mission and go home. But how can she leave them?
Featuring bear and elephant shifters, plus impundulu, as well as humans, this is an intricate and twisting story, telling the dark tale of child trafficking. It is lightened in places by Fay's musings, her friends and family, plus romantic elements with Jelani - her long-term partner. It is also violent in places but, I can honestly say, I really didn't care because it couldn't happen to nicer people!!!
This series is simply amazing, covering dark topics. I can't wait to read the next in this series, whichever story it is. HIGHLY recommended by me.
As an aside, there is a simply amazing line spoken in the book which rings true. I'm using the words as written by the author in her notes at the end:
"Heroes are needed in this fight. Not vampiric lightning birds of lore but informed and caring human beings. Child trafficking is not inconsequential but bringing the crime to its overdue end requires people to, like Fayola, engage in the fine art of giving a shit."
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 19, 2022
Sue (5 KP) rated Vlad-Handing (Silver Hills Cozy Mysteries, #5) in Books
Apr 23, 2018
Vlad-Handing is book 5 in the Silver Hills Cozy Mystery series. It is set in a singles/retirement residency (think 55 and older) filled with an eccentric cast of characters. This time around, Flo and Agnes find themselves trying to prove that manager Vlad Newsome, who many consider a reprehensible creature of the night, is innocent of murder. The only problem is that these ladies are a not 100% sure that Vlad isn’t the murderer.
Flo and Agnes are two ladies that you would love to call your friends. They are laugh out loud funny adding comedy to a terrific cozy mystery that will have you in stitches until the end. I highly suggest starting out with book 1 Dose Vidanya and reading the books in order. While these books can be read stand alone, the cast of characters build as each book in the series continues.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Flo and Agnes are two ladies that you would love to call your friends. They are laugh out loud funny adding comedy to a terrific cozy mystery that will have you in stitches until the end. I highly suggest starting out with book 1 Dose Vidanya and reading the books in order. While these books can be read stand alone, the cast of characters build as each book in the series continues.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Connie (244 KP) rated Super Powereds: Year 3 in Books
Jun 8, 2018 (Updated Jun 8, 2018)
The series you NEED to read!
Drew has done it again. After Year 2 I was worried that there would be nowhere new and exciting to go... But boynwas I wrong! I've never been so glad to be wrong, either. The twists and turns of the plot would do ANY Subtlety hero proud!
The Melbrook crew has made it to their third year, and things get even tougher as they go. A lot of questions (and a little bit of romance) keep the ball rolling, and we start to see the adult more and more in each of the students. Situations aren't what they seem at first sight, and not everyone is who they claim to be. How do you find trust in a world where everyone has a hidden identity?
This series is building toward a fantastic climax, and I can't wait to see what happens next!
This book has about 650 pages and cost $6 via Kindle.
The Melbrook crew has made it to their third year, and things get even tougher as they go. A lot of questions (and a little bit of romance) keep the ball rolling, and we start to see the adult more and more in each of the students. Situations aren't what they seem at first sight, and not everyone is who they claim to be. How do you find trust in a world where everyone has a hidden identity?
This series is building toward a fantastic climax, and I can't wait to see what happens next!
This book has about 650 pages and cost $6 via Kindle.
Kristin (149 KP) rated Surviving ELE (ELE, #4) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the fourth book in the ELE Series, and once again, the authors do not disappoint. The war between Willow and her friends and Zack and his minions has reached epic proportions, and they'll stop at nothing to take each other down. Willow's fighting for her family, her friends, her love, and her life, as Zack wants to sell her blood and powers to the highest bidder, while also keeping some for himself. He has to be stopped, and fast!
"Surviving ELE" is a wonderful continuation of Willow's story, as we see further into Zack's evil plot and Willow's relationships with her family, friends, and especially Tony. He's under Zack's control, and she knows she has to stay away from him, but how can she when he's the love of her life? I can't wait for what happens next, this is such an awesome series!
5 stars
This is the fourth book in the ELE Series, and once again, the authors do not disappoint. The war between Willow and her friends and Zack and his minions has reached epic proportions, and they'll stop at nothing to take each other down. Willow's fighting for her family, her friends, her love, and her life, as Zack wants to sell her blood and powers to the highest bidder, while also keeping some for himself. He has to be stopped, and fast!
"Surviving ELE" is a wonderful continuation of Willow's story, as we see further into Zack's evil plot and Willow's relationships with her family, friends, and especially Tony. He's under Zack's control, and she knows she has to stay away from him, but how can she when he's the love of her life? I can't wait for what happens next, this is such an awesome series!
5 stars
ashezbookz (32 KP) rated Winter in Books
Jul 5, 2018
Who couldn't rate this 5 if they read all the others and rated any one of them 5 - I mean, it had every single character from the past in it. I must say though even though Scarlet was my favourite - Winter is my new one - and them together was just amazing - their interaction was just life.
The whole book was action non stop - I love books like that - there were a few down times but not many, and I just .. I'm sad, I'll get novellas but, it's over, and I really would like more Winter - I listened in audio and her sing song voice and her wolf howl was just so super awesome I just cant even deal I would fangirl the voice of these books so hard.
Perhaps theres fanfic for lunar chronicles .....perhaps I should go lurk because, for my first series finish I'm proud of myself that it's this series.
The whole book was action non stop - I love books like that - there were a few down times but not many, and I just .. I'm sad, I'll get novellas but, it's over, and I really would like more Winter - I listened in audio and her sing song voice and her wolf howl was just so super awesome I just cant even deal I would fangirl the voice of these books so hard.
Perhaps theres fanfic for lunar chronicles .....perhaps I should go lurk because, for my first series finish I'm proud of myself that it's this series.
Sue (5 KP) rated Vlad-Handing (Silver Hills Cozy Mysteries, #5) in Books
Aug 13, 2018
Vlad-Handing is book 5 in the Silver Hills Cozy Mystery series. It is set in a singles/retirement residency (think 55 and older) filled with an eccentric cast of characters. This time around, Flo and Agnes find themselves trying to prove that manager Vlad Newsome, who many consider a reprehensible creature of the night, is innocent of murder. The only problem is that these ladies are a not 100% sure that Vlad isn’t the murderer.
Flo and Agnes are two ladies that you would love to call your friends. They are laugh out loud funny adding comedy to a terrific cozy mystery that will have you in stitches until the end. I highly suggest starting out with book 1 Dose Vidanya and reading the books in order. While these books can be read stand alone, the cast of characters build as each book in the series continues.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Flo and Agnes are two ladies that you would love to call your friends. They are laugh out loud funny adding comedy to a terrific cozy mystery that will have you in stitches until the end. I highly suggest starting out with book 1 Dose Vidanya and reading the books in order. While these books can be read stand alone, the cast of characters build as each book in the series continues.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.