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Christine A. (965 KP) rated Old Man's War (Old Man's War, #1) in Books
Nov 14, 2018
If I hadn't read this for a book club I would have stopped reading it. Of course, now that I finished it, I have to read the next in the series.
In actuality, the book took me less than 4 hours to read. It just took 8 days to finish those 4 hours.
There wasn't anything wrong with the book. I just wasn't connected to the characters. I would have liked the whole Old Farts club to have been a major part of the book.
Edit - I just read someone's review of the series comparing it to the movie "Avitar". I wasn't a fan of the movie so, with the similarities, it would make sense I'm not overly enthusiastic about the book. If you get a chance, read the review of the 2nd book that describes an elevator ride between James Cameron and John Scalzi. I liked it more than Avitar.
In actuality, the book took me less than 4 hours to read. It just took 8 days to finish those 4 hours.
There wasn't anything wrong with the book. I just wasn't connected to the characters. I would have liked the whole Old Farts club to have been a major part of the book.
Edit - I just read someone's review of the series comparing it to the movie "Avitar". I wasn't a fan of the movie so, with the similarities, it would make sense I'm not overly enthusiastic about the book. If you get a chance, read the review of the 2nd book that describes an elevator ride between James Cameron and John Scalzi. I liked it more than Avitar.
Vegas (725 KP) rated Ten Days in the Valley in TV
Feb 5, 2020
Kyra Sedgwick (1 more)
Twists to the plot
Better than the critics would have you believe
Kyra Sedgwick plays a workaholic mum who is working the night her daughter goes missing. Her performance is one of the high spots as her life unravels around her and she doesn't know who to trust reminds me a bit of Claire Danes performance in the first season of Homeland.
There are some plot holes but not enough to ruin the series and the twists and turns in the story keep you wanting to watch the next episode.
Who can she trust, who is helping her and who is against her are all things that crop up in this series where every episode is a different day with some parts told in flashback.
Recommended, even if the critics didn't particularly like it
There are some plot holes but not enough to ruin the series and the twists and turns in the story keep you wanting to watch the next episode.
Who can she trust, who is helping her and who is against her are all things that crop up in this series where every episode is a different day with some parts told in flashback.
Recommended, even if the critics didn't particularly like it
Cori June (3033 KP) rated Sleeping Late on Judgement Day (Bobby Dollar #3) in Books
Apr 29, 2021
Contains spoilers, click to show
I think Tad Williams did a disservice to the characters by making this into a trilogy and not a longer series. He leaves a few loose threads that could be made into another book or two. While the ending is good it is a little too open ended to be great. I have too many questions that have no answers. and while they could be answered in short stories, Bobby (in my opinion) deserves more. Still worth the read.
Having to pick himself up in the aftermath of what happened after his trip to Hell. Bobby finds that his allies and even acquaintances are leaving him high and dry. Even his Somewhat Best Friend Sam is ghosting him.
Bobby has to navigate his suspicion of superiors in Heaven, Neo-Nazis, and Nightmare Children, or he may lose more than his halo.
Having to pick himself up in the aftermath of what happened after his trip to Hell. Bobby finds that his allies and even acquaintances are leaving him high and dry. Even his Somewhat Best Friend Sam is ghosting him.
Bobby has to navigate his suspicion of superiors in Heaven, Neo-Nazis, and Nightmare Children, or he may lose more than his halo.
Lover's Knot (Dorina Basarab #3.5)
9.0
Rate It
Book
One of the most powerful vampires in existence has gone missing, which is fine with Dorina Basarab....
urban fantasy
The fourth - and, to date, final - entry in L.G. Estrella's 'Unconventional Heroes' series, which came across largely (to me, at least) as three or even four books in some, with distinct cuts between each of the various sections as follows:
1) Rescuing a princess from a powerful crime lord
2) Dealing with a rampaging horde of goblins that are about to overrun a dwarf kingdom
3) Recovering the lost Sky City from a different dimension
4) The start of a war, fought over the possession of that Sky City in the first instance.
AS in the previous three entries in the series, this also seems to end with Timmy's, ummm, 'entourage' expanding ever and ever larger - I would not be at all surprised to find who was a secondary character here to become a primary character in further entries.
Of which, I assume (and hope) there will be more ... ?
1) Rescuing a princess from a powerful crime lord
2) Dealing with a rampaging horde of goblins that are about to overrun a dwarf kingdom
3) Recovering the lost Sky City from a different dimension
4) The start of a war, fought over the possession of that Sky City in the first instance.
AS in the previous three entries in the series, this also seems to end with Timmy's, ummm, 'entourage' expanding ever and ever larger - I would not be at all surprised to find who was a secondary character here to become a primary character in further entries.
Of which, I assume (and hope) there will be more ... ?
Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated Blood Crescent in Books
Jun 5, 2019
In this magical, and quite ambitious, story Stevie McCoy delves into the mystical world of
Blood Crescent where main character realises her missing mother may still be alive and her own life is not what she thought it was. Big time! What they wanted from her mother, they now want from her. But who are ‘they’?
To begin with Blood Crescent has a surreal, hazy, yet mystical feel to it, as the mysterious Crystal slowly comes to grips with what is happening to her forcing her to embark on a fantastical and multi-layered journey of self-discovery and adventure.
As the story unfolded, I was transported into another realm where I met some amazing characters. Angel Aishlin with her witchy ways, and the (adorable) anti-hero Victor are just two characters who leapt right out of the pages and into my heart! Not only that, but I felt that this is ventured into the vampire world with a unique slant. You’ve heard of people being called ’emotional vampires’ right? There the sort of people who drain your energy by just being in the same room as them, because they’re for some reason, negative or miserable. Well this book takes that idea and runs with it. Like energy draining vampires who can suck out any goodness in your aura, just because they can. But of course, in this world it’s not that simple. And for good reason, too!
Overall I have the feeling this is the start of a vast universe, with complex rules and therefore has the capacity to branch off in so many directions, this could the first of a long-running series, and would make great viewing on the box. In fact, I watched these characters play out their roles in my head as if it were already on the TV! There’s an intense, dark atmosphere to this story where the surreal meets a reality not unlike our own… if we are to believe there’s more to life than what we can see. And why shouldn’t there be?
A rich tapestry of characters in a world where there is so much more to be discovered. I’m looking forward to continuing this adventure!
Blood Crescent where main character realises her missing mother may still be alive and her own life is not what she thought it was. Big time! What they wanted from her mother, they now want from her. But who are ‘they’?
To begin with Blood Crescent has a surreal, hazy, yet mystical feel to it, as the mysterious Crystal slowly comes to grips with what is happening to her forcing her to embark on a fantastical and multi-layered journey of self-discovery and adventure.
As the story unfolded, I was transported into another realm where I met some amazing characters. Angel Aishlin with her witchy ways, and the (adorable) anti-hero Victor are just two characters who leapt right out of the pages and into my heart! Not only that, but I felt that this is ventured into the vampire world with a unique slant. You’ve heard of people being called ’emotional vampires’ right? There the sort of people who drain your energy by just being in the same room as them, because they’re for some reason, negative or miserable. Well this book takes that idea and runs with it. Like energy draining vampires who can suck out any goodness in your aura, just because they can. But of course, in this world it’s not that simple. And for good reason, too!
Overall I have the feeling this is the start of a vast universe, with complex rules and therefore has the capacity to branch off in so many directions, this could the first of a long-running series, and would make great viewing on the box. In fact, I watched these characters play out their roles in my head as if it were already on the TV! There’s an intense, dark atmosphere to this story where the surreal meets a reality not unlike our own… if we are to believe there’s more to life than what we can see. And why shouldn’t there be?
A rich tapestry of characters in a world where there is so much more to be discovered. I’m looking forward to continuing this adventure!
David McK (3918 KP) rated The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, #6) in Books
Jan 28, 2019
Chronologically the first Narnia book, this was actually the last book written in the series, and goes back to how the magical land of Narnia (going by publication date, first visited in [b: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe|100915|The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (Chronicles of Narnia, #1)|C.S. Lewis|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1353029077s/100915.jpg|4790821]) came to be.
As such, who says that the concept of prequels is a new invention??
Personally, I think I approached this from the wrong perspective: when I hear the word 'magician' mentioned (as in the title of the book) I tend to think either of the likes of Paul Daniels, or (going by literature) of Gandalf the Grey/White.
That, however, is not how the magician is portrayed here: rather than a benevolent, kindly old character, we instead have a selfish, greedy older man, who is responsible for sending the two children protagonists (Digory and Polly) into the magical woods between the worlds, and eventually into the land that will become Narnia.
If I'm honest, it's also not a story that I was overly familiar with: sure, I'd read (as a kid) that more famous previously mentioned entry and (more recently) have even watched a few of the movies, but this one? Not so much.
As such, who says that the concept of prequels is a new invention??
Personally, I think I approached this from the wrong perspective: when I hear the word 'magician' mentioned (as in the title of the book) I tend to think either of the likes of Paul Daniels, or (going by literature) of Gandalf the Grey/White.
That, however, is not how the magician is portrayed here: rather than a benevolent, kindly old character, we instead have a selfish, greedy older man, who is responsible for sending the two children protagonists (Digory and Polly) into the magical woods between the worlds, and eventually into the land that will become Narnia.
If I'm honest, it's also not a story that I was overly familiar with: sure, I'd read (as a kid) that more famous previously mentioned entry and (more recently) have even watched a few of the movies, but this one? Not so much.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated The Swallows in Books
Jan 30, 2020 (Updated Jan 31, 2020)
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
Lisa Lutz's latest, The Swallows, introduces Alex Witt, a teacher with a past. She is hired at Stonebridge Academy and asks her creative writing students to answer innocent questions so she can get to know them. "What do you love? What do you hate? What do you want?" The answers surprise Alex. They are not innocent and reveal much more about the students and the school's activities than she expects. The students reveal online bullying and a private message board. She encourages the female students to fight back and fight they do.
While I have not worked at a boarding school, I have worked at urban schools. The online bullying and message board are all too real. So is the school's attitude that "boys will be boys". Lutz uses her characters to show the dark side of technology and teenagers. This is not a young adult book. It is a book for adults which is set in a school.
The writing in The Swallows is witty while covering dark topics. Lutz's word choices and writing style keep the book from being too dark.
I added several of Lutz's books, including the Spellman Files series, to my "want to read" list.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 1/30/20.
Lisa Lutz's latest, The Swallows, introduces Alex Witt, a teacher with a past. She is hired at Stonebridge Academy and asks her creative writing students to answer innocent questions so she can get to know them. "What do you love? What do you hate? What do you want?" The answers surprise Alex. They are not innocent and reveal much more about the students and the school's activities than she expects. The students reveal online bullying and a private message board. She encourages the female students to fight back and fight they do.
While I have not worked at a boarding school, I have worked at urban schools. The online bullying and message board are all too real. So is the school's attitude that "boys will be boys". Lutz uses her characters to show the dark side of technology and teenagers. This is not a young adult book. It is a book for adults which is set in a school.
The writing in The Swallows is witty while covering dark topics. Lutz's word choices and writing style keep the book from being too dark.
I added several of Lutz's books, including the Spellman Files series, to my "want to read" list.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 1/30/20.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Broken Beauty (Broken Beauty Novellas #1) in Books
Jan 12, 2021
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars.
This is a novella length story, the first of six, and deals with the aftermath and issues surrounding rape. It was a tough read at times but a good strong story.
I felt sorry for Mia. Being brought up in a political family and then being raped…and her father wants to glorify it to get more voters so he can win his election. How twisted can your life get? Her family do and say things to get voters, whether it’s helping Mia cope or not–mainly not–and I wanted to scream and shout at them in her defence.
And despite all that, some people do care. Dom, the policeman that found her in the first place, tries to help her realise that the only way her attackers will not get away with it, is to tell the truth and stop following her family’s wish to let it drop. He’s so nice and gentle with her. Her friend, Ari, tries to do whatever Mia wants but seeing how she’s struggling…what can you do?
It’s an emotional and sometimes tough story to read but after finishing this, I’m looking forward to the next part in the series to see what Mia does next. I hope she’s strong enough to go against her family.
3.5 stars.
This is a novella length story, the first of six, and deals with the aftermath and issues surrounding rape. It was a tough read at times but a good strong story.
I felt sorry for Mia. Being brought up in a political family and then being raped…and her father wants to glorify it to get more voters so he can win his election. How twisted can your life get? Her family do and say things to get voters, whether it’s helping Mia cope or not–mainly not–and I wanted to scream and shout at them in her defence.
And despite all that, some people do care. Dom, the policeman that found her in the first place, tries to help her realise that the only way her attackers will not get away with it, is to tell the truth and stop following her family’s wish to let it drop. He’s so nice and gentle with her. Her friend, Ari, tries to do whatever Mia wants but seeing how she’s struggling…what can you do?
It’s an emotional and sometimes tough story to read but after finishing this, I’m looking forward to the next part in the series to see what Mia does next. I hope she’s strong enough to go against her family.
Erika (17789 KP) rated True Blood - Season 1 in TV
Aug 18, 2020
Awful Southern/Louisiana accents (1 more)
Not enough Alexander Skarsgård
So, since I have all the time in the world now, I decided to re-watch True Blood, but, I had to go old school because I am not subscribing to another services. Luckily, I own the first four seasons.
The first season sets up the world of True Blood, the vamps had come out of the closet and some drink the artificial True Blood. Apparently, this Bon Temps town is a hot bed for magical creatures, as the series progresses.
Sookie is the main character, and has a silly name. She can reads minds, and discovers that it doesn't apply to vamps when Bill comes strolling in.
Then someone's going around, killing chicks that associate with vamps in various ways. This is essentially a mystery, and from what I can recall, it does an ok job of following the book. The killer begins to become more obvious as the season goes on, and it's resolved in a super dramatic way.
As mentioned, the Southern/Louisiana accents are pretty bad and annoying to someone from the South, NOT ALL SOUTHERN STATES HAVE THE SAME ACCENTS. Out of all of the actors, Ryan Kwanten is the best.
Of course, there's gratuitous sex, this is an HBO show, but I just fast forward through all of that crap. It really makes the episodes much shorter.
The first season sets up the world of True Blood, the vamps had come out of the closet and some drink the artificial True Blood. Apparently, this Bon Temps town is a hot bed for magical creatures, as the series progresses.
Sookie is the main character, and has a silly name. She can reads minds, and discovers that it doesn't apply to vamps when Bill comes strolling in.
Then someone's going around, killing chicks that associate with vamps in various ways. This is essentially a mystery, and from what I can recall, it does an ok job of following the book. The killer begins to become more obvious as the season goes on, and it's resolved in a super dramatic way.
As mentioned, the Southern/Louisiana accents are pretty bad and annoying to someone from the South, NOT ALL SOUTHERN STATES HAVE THE SAME ACCENTS. Out of all of the actors, Ryan Kwanten is the best.
Of course, there's gratuitous sex, this is an HBO show, but I just fast forward through all of that crap. It really makes the episodes much shorter.