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Oh what to say... what to say... Harry Potter truly shaped me into the woman I am today. Not a day goes by that I don't have something remind me of my second home (Hogwarts). I was excited to find out that there was a play, and I couldn't wait for the screenplay to be released.
Now, the first thing that everyone should know is that this is not your typical book. This is a screenplay. This is not like the other novels, it is a completely different medium. Honestly, it scared me that it was going to be so different but I loved it.
This play brings you back to various books, and gives you a fresh perspective. It's a little predictable but honestly, it just made me love the series even more. J.K. Rowling did an amazing job at mapping out this screenplay and John Tiffany & Jack Thorne did a beautiful job at creating a screenplay that will make many fans geek out in the amazingness that is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
If you're on the fence about reading this book, I suggest giving it a try. It's fun, has a few twists and brings back the excitement of Harry Potter. Who knew that 9 years later we would have yet another midnight release? Who knew that Harry Potter would live again (even if it is in a different format)?
Siriusly, just pick it up. I laughed, I cried, I smiled, and I am now content.
Now, the first thing that everyone should know is that this is not your typical book. This is a screenplay. This is not like the other novels, it is a completely different medium. Honestly, it scared me that it was going to be so different but I loved it.
This play brings you back to various books, and gives you a fresh perspective. It's a little predictable but honestly, it just made me love the series even more. J.K. Rowling did an amazing job at mapping out this screenplay and John Tiffany & Jack Thorne did a beautiful job at creating a screenplay that will make many fans geek out in the amazingness that is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
If you're on the fence about reading this book, I suggest giving it a try. It's fun, has a few twists and brings back the excitement of Harry Potter. Who knew that 9 years later we would have yet another midnight release? Who knew that Harry Potter would live again (even if it is in a different format)?
Siriusly, just pick it up. I laughed, I cried, I smiled, and I am now content.
Purple Phoenix Games (2266 KP) rated Onitama: Sensei's Path in Tabletop Games
Feb 10, 2021
In the expansion review series, we take a look at a game expansion to discuss whether it is a necessary purchase/addition to one’s collection.
This breakdown is for the excellent two-player game Onitama, and the expansion is named Sensei’s Path, from Arcane Wonders.
This expansion includes 16 Move cards to be added to the base Onitama game box. That’s really all it is.
I do not have much to say on this expansion as it merely adds more of the same to a game that may or may not feel stagnant and samey after a bunch of plays. I personally have not played Onitama near enough to be tired of the base game Move cards, but having more options is always a good thing. Especially when you only have five Move cards each game and base Onitama ships with 16 Move cards as well. Sensei’s Path doubles your Move card arsenal and adds slightly new strategy options to the game.
Is it necessary to own? No. If you like base Onitama the way it is, then there is no need to expand it at all. If the base game Move cards are getting predictable and you play Onitama a whole lot, then pick this up and explore your new options.
Official recommendation: If you suffer from completionist syndrome, as I used to, then get this. If you are looking for more out of Onitama, then get this. If you are looking to add something a little different to the game, check out the Way of the Wind expansion instead.
This breakdown is for the excellent two-player game Onitama, and the expansion is named Sensei’s Path, from Arcane Wonders.
This expansion includes 16 Move cards to be added to the base Onitama game box. That’s really all it is.
I do not have much to say on this expansion as it merely adds more of the same to a game that may or may not feel stagnant and samey after a bunch of plays. I personally have not played Onitama near enough to be tired of the base game Move cards, but having more options is always a good thing. Especially when you only have five Move cards each game and base Onitama ships with 16 Move cards as well. Sensei’s Path doubles your Move card arsenal and adds slightly new strategy options to the game.
Is it necessary to own? No. If you like base Onitama the way it is, then there is no need to expand it at all. If the base game Move cards are getting predictable and you play Onitama a whole lot, then pick this up and explore your new options.
Official recommendation: If you suffer from completionist syndrome, as I used to, then get this. If you are looking for more out of Onitama, then get this. If you are looking to add something a little different to the game, check out the Way of the Wind expansion instead.
Lindsay (1779 KP) rated A Celebration of Autumn (Mariana Books Rhyming #3) in Books
Sep 11, 2021
Have you wanted your child or children to learn about the seasons? Most if not all children know there are four seasons in a year. I just read another book that deals with the season we call "Fall" called "Autumn." The book's name is "A Celebration of Autumn" by Roger Carlson.
The book talks about the month changing and temperatures drop. "A Celebration of Autumn" is the third book in the series. What a fun way for this book to start. The first paragraph in this book is below:
When August fades and turn to September,
and you start to feel a nip in the air;
it can only mean one thing:
Autumn is nearly there!
Children will learn about the season. They will also learn to rhyme as well. Kids will want their older siblings or parents to read this book repeatedly if it's not a favorite already. What fun activities can children come up with that goes on during this season. The illustrations are colorful and bright. The colors remain shown and represented nicely throughout the book.
I know they mention two autumn holidays that we celebrate during this time. Can you name them? We have fun and games for one and the other we get together as a family to have a meal. Autumn is when children are getting ready to go to school or started school for the year. I am surprised the school does not get a mention in the book. It deals with the different seasonal changes and temperatures that we deal with this season.
The book talks about the month changing and temperatures drop. "A Celebration of Autumn" is the third book in the series. What a fun way for this book to start. The first paragraph in this book is below:
When August fades and turn to September,
and you start to feel a nip in the air;
it can only mean one thing:
Autumn is nearly there!
Children will learn about the season. They will also learn to rhyme as well. Kids will want their older siblings or parents to read this book repeatedly if it's not a favorite already. What fun activities can children come up with that goes on during this season. The illustrations are colorful and bright. The colors remain shown and represented nicely throughout the book.
I know they mention two autumn holidays that we celebrate during this time. Can you name them? We have fun and games for one and the other we get together as a family to have a meal. Autumn is when children are getting ready to go to school or started school for the year. I am surprised the school does not get a mention in the book. It deals with the different seasonal changes and temperatures that we deal with this season.
Merissa (13443 KP) rated Sticks and Stones (The Wish Makers #1) in Books
Apr 10, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
The premise of this book is unusual which immediately grabbed my interest. It isn't the same formula re-worded. However, I was still unsure, even after reading the synopsis, about what I would be getting.
What I got was an interesting, rich and fully detailed book covering not just our main female character but Lexi and the Wish Mistress too. There is enough background on the other characters that they all slot in perfectly together and you know that you are getting a complete story. There are no big chunks missed out of this one.
Mandy's birthday wish was a rare one - it was her soul wish. And it is not just granted without a thought. The wish is the start of a journey that she can choose whether to take or not. And therein lies a brilliant story. It starts off quite light but soon gets darker (in a YA-friendly way). The secret that Mandy was hiding was heartbreaking in its childlike simplicity. It is easy to forget how literal children are with what you say to them and how long it can stay with them. During the conversation with Mandy and her mum, it brought tears to my eyes.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and will be reading Break My Bones, the second in this series.
* 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!
September 12, 2016
What I got was an interesting, rich and fully detailed book covering not just our main female character but Lexi and the Wish Mistress too. There is enough background on the other characters that they all slot in perfectly together and you know that you are getting a complete story. There are no big chunks missed out of this one.
Mandy's birthday wish was a rare one - it was her soul wish. And it is not just granted without a thought. The wish is the start of a journey that she can choose whether to take or not. And therein lies a brilliant story. It starts off quite light but soon gets darker (in a YA-friendly way). The secret that Mandy was hiding was heartbreaking in its childlike simplicity. It is easy to forget how literal children are with what you say to them and how long it can stay with them. During the conversation with Mandy and her mum, it brought tears to my eyes.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and will be reading Break My Bones, the second in this series.
* 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!
September 12, 2016
Debbiereadsbook (1570 KP) rated The Veranda (Lavander Shores #3) in Books
Aug 18, 2018 (Updated Aug 18, 2018)
5 star book, 5 star narration
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian I was gifted my copy of this book.
When Donovan met Spencer ten years ago, it was on Spencer's engagement to Donovan's sister. All that time, they had feelings for each but they were never acted upon . But when Spencer's marriage fell apart and he finds himself at masquerade sex party, and Donovan is there too, he can't pass up this chance to have him, even if its just once, and Donovan won't know who he is. But Donovan DID know. And he wants more.
This is book three in the Lavender Shores series, but you don't need to have read the first two to follow this. It might help to read book two first though, because Donovan plays a large part I that book. Not necessary, just might help.
I'm loving this series, I really am. They are easy books to read, and that's a good thing, especially for me currently.
They are told from both men's point of view, in the first person and it flips from chapter to chapter with each change clearly headed. Ya'll know its not my favourite way for a book to be written, but I knew that after book one they would be this way, and I think that helps massively.
You get each man's reaction to that encounter at the party, each man's attempt to stay away and you get it all in glorious detail when they finally, fully and totally give in to each other.
I love how these books have no major break up in them. They are full of story, and plots and people's reactions, but seriously? Lavender Shores is the best place in the damn world to live! I loved how, while obviously hurt by what Donovan and Spencer do, Erica can see they are happy together and she doesn't keep Spencer's kids from him.
While I am loving the easy reads that these books really are, I find myself waiting.....waiting.....waiting.....for that one in the series that has a bit more bite, is a bit more heart wrenching, gut churning, emotionally devastating. One book to tip it over the edge and give it those full five stars. It will be either one alike that, or one that is far too stinking cute and warm and fuzzies all at the same time, that tips it over! But I have no doubt, there will be a five star book in this series, I just gotta bide my time.
An extremely well written, well delivered, well needed...
4 stars
AUDIO Review.
Kirt Graves continues to narrate this series, and he really is growing on me!
His voices for Donovan and Spencer were similar, but just different enough for me, with my crappy hearing, to make out the difference if I had left it off, mid chapter.
He continues to portray much more than I got through reading, and that is only a reflection on his skill, rather than the book. I love the emotion that Graves gets across, that, while reading, you might not pick up. The WORDS are all there, but HEARING them makes it much more real.
His voices for the other guys who have appeared in the series remain consistent throughout, and I love reconnecting with them, each and every time they pop up.
I hope to get the opportunity to listen to the other books, too. Some cracking books in this series, and I CANNOT wait to see how Graves gets them across.
Upgrading the book form 4 to 5 stars, simply because of Graves narration.
5 star book,
5 star narration
5 stars overall
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
When Donovan met Spencer ten years ago, it was on Spencer's engagement to Donovan's sister. All that time, they had feelings for each but they were never acted upon . But when Spencer's marriage fell apart and he finds himself at masquerade sex party, and Donovan is there too, he can't pass up this chance to have him, even if its just once, and Donovan won't know who he is. But Donovan DID know. And he wants more.
This is book three in the Lavender Shores series, but you don't need to have read the first two to follow this. It might help to read book two first though, because Donovan plays a large part I that book. Not necessary, just might help.
I'm loving this series, I really am. They are easy books to read, and that's a good thing, especially for me currently.
They are told from both men's point of view, in the first person and it flips from chapter to chapter with each change clearly headed. Ya'll know its not my favourite way for a book to be written, but I knew that after book one they would be this way, and I think that helps massively.
You get each man's reaction to that encounter at the party, each man's attempt to stay away and you get it all in glorious detail when they finally, fully and totally give in to each other.
I love how these books have no major break up in them. They are full of story, and plots and people's reactions, but seriously? Lavender Shores is the best place in the damn world to live! I loved how, while obviously hurt by what Donovan and Spencer do, Erica can see they are happy together and she doesn't keep Spencer's kids from him.
While I am loving the easy reads that these books really are, I find myself waiting.....waiting.....waiting.....for that one in the series that has a bit more bite, is a bit more heart wrenching, gut churning, emotionally devastating. One book to tip it over the edge and give it those full five stars. It will be either one alike that, or one that is far too stinking cute and warm and fuzzies all at the same time, that tips it over! But I have no doubt, there will be a five star book in this series, I just gotta bide my time.
An extremely well written, well delivered, well needed...
4 stars
AUDIO Review.
Kirt Graves continues to narrate this series, and he really is growing on me!
His voices for Donovan and Spencer were similar, but just different enough for me, with my crappy hearing, to make out the difference if I had left it off, mid chapter.
He continues to portray much more than I got through reading, and that is only a reflection on his skill, rather than the book. I love the emotion that Graves gets across, that, while reading, you might not pick up. The WORDS are all there, but HEARING them makes it much more real.
His voices for the other guys who have appeared in the series remain consistent throughout, and I love reconnecting with them, each and every time they pop up.
I hope to get the opportunity to listen to the other books, too. Some cracking books in this series, and I CANNOT wait to see how Graves gets them across.
Upgrading the book form 4 to 5 stars, simply because of Graves narration.
5 star book,
5 star narration
5 stars overall
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
LA homicide detective Harry Bosch is facing a wrongful death lawsuit stemming from the Dollmaker case. Four years ago, this serial killer was terrorizing Los Angeles until Bosch killed him. But just as the case comes to trial, Harry gets a new note that appears to come from the killer. And it leads them to a fresh body. Did Bosch kill the right person? How might this affect his trial?
This is quite obviously not one of the cozies I normally read, and it got into some details I didn’t care for. However, the case was very compelling, and it kept me engrossed the entire time. This was half police procedural and half legal thriller, something this author has turned back to for the Mickey Haller series. We also got to see so true growth in Bosch in this book, and I can’t wait to see where that growth takes the character next.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/04/book-review-concrete-blonde-by-michael.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This is quite obviously not one of the cozies I normally read, and it got into some details I didn’t care for. However, the case was very compelling, and it kept me engrossed the entire time. This was half police procedural and half legal thriller, something this author has turned back to for the Mickey Haller series. We also got to see so true growth in Bosch in this book, and I can’t wait to see where that growth takes the character next.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/04/book-review-concrete-blonde-by-michael.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Kristin (149 KP) rated Let's Move On in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
We find ourselves where we left off with the last book: a bunch of dirty laundry is now out in the open, pretty much all the main cast has been filled in about the lives of the others, and there's a TON of mixed emotions flying around. However, this group have all been through Hell before, right? They'll definitely get past this, no problem...right?
This series is one of my favorites, because you can really find yourself involved with every single character. This one pays more attention to Zainab than the previous ones, but of course, everyone else still has significant roles. Without giving too much away for anyone who's not caught up by this point, there's a WHOLE lot of drama, many tears, lots of shouting, but also happy-go-lucky moments and love is still in the air. How will your favorite fair in this installment? Definitely read it to find out!
5 stars
We find ourselves where we left off with the last book: a bunch of dirty laundry is now out in the open, pretty much all the main cast has been filled in about the lives of the others, and there's a TON of mixed emotions flying around. However, this group have all been through Hell before, right? They'll definitely get past this, no problem...right?
This series is one of my favorites, because you can really find yourself involved with every single character. This one pays more attention to Zainab than the previous ones, but of course, everyone else still has significant roles. Without giving too much away for anyone who's not caught up by this point, there's a WHOLE lot of drama, many tears, lots of shouting, but also happy-go-lucky moments and love is still in the air. How will your favorite fair in this installment? Definitely read it to find out!
5 stars
Tom Turner (388 KP) rated Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz in Books
Apr 30, 2021
This was my least favourite Oz book so far. As with the previous book, it took a long time - almost the whole book in this case! - to actually read Oz, and so the only character (other than Dorothy) we know from before to feature significantly was the Wizard. Who is arguably the fullest of all characters, as anyone else familiar with the original Wizard of Oz understands.
From doing some research, the reason for this is because Baum has resigned himself to writing the series, so he was trying to have his cake and eat it by writing a Oz book without actually writing an Oz book. It's a shame he felt this way, because the moment we got into Oz all the magic for me returned. Sure there were some good ideas in the lead up, but I would have much preferred them to hammer occurred in Oz abs not this subterranean world. It felt more Jules Verne than Baum. Let's just hope this is the low point.
From doing some research, the reason for this is because Baum has resigned himself to writing the series, so he was trying to have his cake and eat it by writing a Oz book without actually writing an Oz book. It's a shame he felt this way, because the moment we got into Oz all the magic for me returned. Sure there were some good ideas in the lead up, but I would have much preferred them to hammer occurred in Oz abs not this subterranean world. It felt more Jules Verne than Baum. Let's just hope this is the low point.
David McK (3633 KP) rated Fall of Kings (Troy #3) in Books
May 14, 2023
The final part in David Gemmell's 'Troy' trilogy, this was also the final book he ever wrote, as he passed away (in 2006) before it was finished by his wife Stella Gemmell and published in 2007.
As evidenced by the title, this particular volume deals with events leading up to and the actual fall of the city of Troy itself, with the Trojan Horse largely responsible (still) for this fall, but having a more mundane explanation than in the legend.
The same characters appear in this version: Agamemnon, Odysseus and Hektor chief among them, with supporting work by Cassandra and both Andromache (Hektor's wife) and Helikaon proving to be more prominent than I remember from that legend (both of whom were also prominent in the first two entries in this series i.e. 'Lord of the Silver Bow' and 'Shield of Thunder'). There's also room for some of the cast of those earlier novels (such as Banokles or Gershom), but this particular entry, I felt, was not so much about them as about the 'power players' (if you will) of Hektor, Achilles and Odysseus.
As evidenced by the title, this particular volume deals with events leading up to and the actual fall of the city of Troy itself, with the Trojan Horse largely responsible (still) for this fall, but having a more mundane explanation than in the legend.
The same characters appear in this version: Agamemnon, Odysseus and Hektor chief among them, with supporting work by Cassandra and both Andromache (Hektor's wife) and Helikaon proving to be more prominent than I remember from that legend (both of whom were also prominent in the first two entries in this series i.e. 'Lord of the Silver Bow' and 'Shield of Thunder'). There's also room for some of the cast of those earlier novels (such as Banokles or Gershom), but this particular entry, I felt, was not so much about them as about the 'power players' (if you will) of Hektor, Achilles and Odysseus.
Merissa (13443 KP) rated Frozen Prospects (Guadel Chronicles #1) in Books
Apr 7, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
Dean Murray has done it again. I was entering uncomfortable territory in reading this as I have completely fallen for his Reflections and Dark Reflections series from the Paranormal genre. I was sure that I wouldn't be able to enjoy his Fantasy books with the same relish as I did the others. I really should know better by now than to a) assume ANYTHING where authors and genres are concerned and b) to even consider that this wouldn't be as good. It is!
Va'del is stuck in a world not of his choosing but he has no parents and this isn't the sort of place where you can go a-wandering whenever the mood takes you. There is a lot to learn about the traditions and restrictions of Va'del's world and not a lot of time to do it in as the action pretty much starts straight away.
Even though it is in the synopsis that Va'del's sponsors get killed, I was still upset when it happened because of the emotion that is written about Va'del and how he has to deal not only with the guilt of thinking that he should have been able to prevent it but also with facing what he had to upon arriving at the place he hoped would be his new home.
This is not a light and fluffy book - it is dark and gritty and will keep you turning the pages. I loved every moment of it and my review of Thawed Fortunes (book 2 of the Guadel Chronicles) will follow very shortly.
* 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!
July 21, 2016
Va'del is stuck in a world not of his choosing but he has no parents and this isn't the sort of place where you can go a-wandering whenever the mood takes you. There is a lot to learn about the traditions and restrictions of Va'del's world and not a lot of time to do it in as the action pretty much starts straight away.
Even though it is in the synopsis that Va'del's sponsors get killed, I was still upset when it happened because of the emotion that is written about Va'del and how he has to deal not only with the guilt of thinking that he should have been able to prevent it but also with facing what he had to upon arriving at the place he hoped would be his new home.
This is not a light and fluffy book - it is dark and gritty and will keep you turning the pages. I loved every moment of it and my review of Thawed Fortunes (book 2 of the Guadel Chronicles) will follow very shortly.
* 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!
July 21, 2016