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Adobe After Effects CC Classroom in a Book: 2015
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This Web Edition is available for free with the purchase of the Adobe After Effects CC Classroom in...
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Murder of Crows (The Others, #2) in Books
Jul 16, 2020
It's been a handful of months since I read the first book in this series and I had to go and read my review of it so I could remember enough to get really into this.
This picks up not long after the first one. Meg is still working in the liaison office, accepting parcels for the Others in the courtyard and getting over the events of her almost dying. As a cassandra sangue - a blood prophet, she still has the urge to cut when pins and needles sensations take over her body and in doing so she sees black feathers in snow - Crow feathers. It foretells a coming war between humans and the Others and by reading some of their history, I am definitely on the Others side in this.
There's also a few scenes involving Meg's old handler. It seems he still wants her back and the Others are determined to track him down as his crimes and those like him escalate to almost unforgivable proportions.
The author doesn't mind writing some gory scenes and towards the end of this book, it was a little graphic in the violence.
One thing I was hoping for - a romance between Meg and Simon - seems to be brewing. It's a little awkward because Meg's never had a relationship before and isn't sure how to interact with him and Simon has never really done anything with a human before so they both try and stay as friends, though feelings are clearly starting to emerge.
There's something with this series. It hasn't completely grabbed my attention - I sometimes skip paragraphs! - but I want to read it and when I am reading it, I find it hard to put down. I want these characters to defeat every obstacle, I want them to be on top, to win.
I will be continuing the series at some point.
This picks up not long after the first one. Meg is still working in the liaison office, accepting parcels for the Others in the courtyard and getting over the events of her almost dying. As a cassandra sangue - a blood prophet, she still has the urge to cut when pins and needles sensations take over her body and in doing so she sees black feathers in snow - Crow feathers. It foretells a coming war between humans and the Others and by reading some of their history, I am definitely on the Others side in this.
There's also a few scenes involving Meg's old handler. It seems he still wants her back and the Others are determined to track him down as his crimes and those like him escalate to almost unforgivable proportions.
The author doesn't mind writing some gory scenes and towards the end of this book, it was a little graphic in the violence.
One thing I was hoping for - a romance between Meg and Simon - seems to be brewing. It's a little awkward because Meg's never had a relationship before and isn't sure how to interact with him and Simon has never really done anything with a human before so they both try and stay as friends, though feelings are clearly starting to emerge.
There's something with this series. It hasn't completely grabbed my attention - I sometimes skip paragraphs! - but I want to read it and when I am reading it, I find it hard to put down. I want these characters to defeat every obstacle, I want them to be on top, to win.
I will be continuing the series at some point.
Merissa (13068 KP) rated Duron (Assassin's To Order #3) in Books
Jul 21, 2023
DURON is the third book in the Assassin's To Order series, continuing to delight.
Duron is the one who has lingered on Marvin, knowing he wasn't his but still... It turns out that it wasn't Marvin he wanted, but the closeness and affection he'd never had before. And Beaumont brings that in spades.
Oh, man. These two are delightful. Both are so protective of each other and find each so sexy that no furniture is safe! I loved how Beaumont was an alligator shifter. There aren't many cold-blooded reptile shifter stories and I loved this one. As for Duron, he's a hybrid, housing a multitude of animals who all play their own part.
They meet in Paraguay as they try to help Ben's brothers in hunting down the Devil. It became obvious early on just who he was, but the emotional devastation was no less for knowing! Beaumont about killed me with his reactions, and Duron was perfect in allowing him time - plus his own special way of helping!
I am absolutely loving this duo of authors. Each time, they produce the highest quality of writing and fresh storylines that keep my interest from the very beginning. The only downside - if you can call it that - is that I would recommend reading the Tangled in Tentacles series first, just to get a grounding of what has happened to this point, followed by the first and second books in this series. No, it's not absolutely necessary to do so, but you're missing out on some amazing stories and backgrounds if you don't.
Absolutely brilliant and HIGHLY recommended by me.
** 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 17, 2023
Duron is the one who has lingered on Marvin, knowing he wasn't his but still... It turns out that it wasn't Marvin he wanted, but the closeness and affection he'd never had before. And Beaumont brings that in spades.
Oh, man. These two are delightful. Both are so protective of each other and find each so sexy that no furniture is safe! I loved how Beaumont was an alligator shifter. There aren't many cold-blooded reptile shifter stories and I loved this one. As for Duron, he's a hybrid, housing a multitude of animals who all play their own part.
They meet in Paraguay as they try to help Ben's brothers in hunting down the Devil. It became obvious early on just who he was, but the emotional devastation was no less for knowing! Beaumont about killed me with his reactions, and Duron was perfect in allowing him time - plus his own special way of helping!
I am absolutely loving this duo of authors. Each time, they produce the highest quality of writing and fresh storylines that keep my interest from the very beginning. The only downside - if you can call it that - is that I would recommend reading the Tangled in Tentacles series first, just to get a grounding of what has happened to this point, followed by the first and second books in this series. No, it's not absolutely necessary to do so, but you're missing out on some amazing stories and backgrounds if you don't.
Absolutely brilliant and HIGHLY recommended by me.
** 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 17, 2023
Sam (74 KP) rated The Miserable Mill (A Series of Unfortunate Events #4) in Books
Mar 27, 2019
Here we are again, with yet another review of a book from A Series of Unfortunate Events. I hope You’re not bored of these yet, you’ve still got 9 more of them to go!
The Baudelaire’s are now under the care of yet another guardian, this time it’s a man just known as Sir who always has a cloud of smoke around his head. He owns Lucky Smells Lumber Mill with his partner Charles. He comes to an arrangement with the orphans that if they work for the lumber mill, he will keep them safe from Count Olaf. The Baudelaire’s don’t have any option other than to accept his offer and are put straight to work.
I’ve got to say I absolutely love Charles. He’s probably the best character in the whole series, the way he’s always happy no matter what is happening and how nice he is to the Baudelaires.
The Miserable Mill is probably one of the least mysterious books in the series as it’s quite clear quite soon on what is going to happen and how it’s going to end, however (without adding too many details) it does have one of the most gruesome endings out of them all.
I read it in a day which speaks for itself how much I loved this book. More than anything I was excited to move onto the books that haven’t been adapted on Netflix quite yet and this was the last of the books that they adapted in season one.
The Baudelaire’s are now under the care of yet another guardian, this time it’s a man just known as Sir who always has a cloud of smoke around his head. He owns Lucky Smells Lumber Mill with his partner Charles. He comes to an arrangement with the orphans that if they work for the lumber mill, he will keep them safe from Count Olaf. The Baudelaire’s don’t have any option other than to accept his offer and are put straight to work.
I’ve got to say I absolutely love Charles. He’s probably the best character in the whole series, the way he’s always happy no matter what is happening and how nice he is to the Baudelaires.
The Miserable Mill is probably one of the least mysterious books in the series as it’s quite clear quite soon on what is going to happen and how it’s going to end, however (without adding too many details) it does have one of the most gruesome endings out of them all.
I read it in a day which speaks for itself how much I loved this book. More than anything I was excited to move onto the books that haven’t been adapted on Netflix quite yet and this was the last of the books that they adapted in season one.
Merissa (13068 KP) rated Wilder (Birds of a Feather #1) in Books
Nov 20, 2018
Wilder (Birds of a Feather #1) by Lena North
Wilder is the first book in the Birds of a Feather series, and it starts many, MANY years after The Dreughan Trilogy. Wilder has just lost her beloved grandfather and also learns more about her family. Some surprises were in store for her, and she struggles to deal with them all. Funnily enough, the biggest surprise was easy for her. The hardest was dealing with people she thought she knew, and finding out they had a whole other life that didn't involve her. With a whole new family to contend with, plus a love interest, there is a lot going on for Wilder.
First of all, the thing that I ADORED in this book was the appearance of Vilda, Sannah, and Troy! I loved how they made their appearance, and their appearances after. For me, it helped to wrap up their trilogy, and I loved every single time they were mentioned.
There is plenty of action in this story, and it is different from The Dreughan Trilogy. For a start, it is set in a contemporary time, not medieval. A whole new bunch of characters and abilities light the way, giving this series a great introduction in a well written story. There are some editing and grammatical errors, but nothing that spoilt my enjoyment of the story.
A great beginning to the series, and I can't wait to continue. Definitely recommended by me.
* Verified Purchase ~ July 2018. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
First of all, the thing that I ADORED in this book was the appearance of Vilda, Sannah, and Troy! I loved how they made their appearance, and their appearances after. For me, it helped to wrap up their trilogy, and I loved every single time they were mentioned.
There is plenty of action in this story, and it is different from The Dreughan Trilogy. For a start, it is set in a contemporary time, not medieval. A whole new bunch of characters and abilities light the way, giving this series a great introduction in a well written story. There are some editing and grammatical errors, but nothing that spoilt my enjoyment of the story.
A great beginning to the series, and I can't wait to continue. Definitely recommended by me.
* Verified Purchase ~ July 2018. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Training Design Basics
Book
The instructional designer's pocket guide to training is back. If you are designing a training...
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Darkest Before Dawn (The Veil, #3) in Books
Jan 11, 2021
Charlie is now working as an independent enforcer for the Institute; meaning she gets her own space and can be away from the series of warehouses that once held her captive. In her new place, she's getting over the fact that Stefan has pretty much shunned her when Akil comes knocking on her door bearing a young half blood demon, Dawn, that he tells her to protect before disappearing into the night.
Unfortunately, it seems that Dawn is hot property in the Netherworld and wanted by the Princes so they don't stay hidden away for long. She gets recaptured by Charlie's half brother, Valenti, and spirited back to the Netherworld. Charlie finally learns just why Dawn is being kept as a slave and it's because she girls demon is so scary powerful.
Then there's also Stefan who still hasn't regained control of his demon fully yet but is coming around to face the fact that Muse wasn't entirely to blame for what happened in the last book.
We also see a bit of a softer side to Akil in this one when, for a time, the world believes Muse to be dead. He doesn't take the news well.
It all gets a little more complicated and, if I'm honest, my attention has began to waver with this series. I still like Muse/Charlie and Stefan and sometimes Akil isn't so bad either but their complicated relationships are maybe getting a little TOO complicated for me to keep up with.
I'm not sure if I'll continue the series at this point.
Unfortunately, it seems that Dawn is hot property in the Netherworld and wanted by the Princes so they don't stay hidden away for long. She gets recaptured by Charlie's half brother, Valenti, and spirited back to the Netherworld. Charlie finally learns just why Dawn is being kept as a slave and it's because she girls demon is so scary powerful.
Then there's also Stefan who still hasn't regained control of his demon fully yet but is coming around to face the fact that Muse wasn't entirely to blame for what happened in the last book.
We also see a bit of a softer side to Akil in this one when, for a time, the world believes Muse to be dead. He doesn't take the news well.
It all gets a little more complicated and, if I'm honest, my attention has began to waver with this series. I still like Muse/Charlie and Stefan and sometimes Akil isn't so bad either but their complicated relationships are maybe getting a little TOO complicated for me to keep up with.
I'm not sure if I'll continue the series at this point.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Killman Creek: Stillhouse Lake Series in Books
Aug 19, 2020
Contains spoilers, click to show
150 of 200
Kindle
Killman Creek ( Stillhouse book 2)
By Rachel Caine
Every time Gwen closed her eyes, she saw him in her nightmares. Now her eyes are open, and he’s not going away.
Gwen Proctor won the battle to save her kids from her ex-husband, serial killer Melvin Royal, and his league of psychotic accomplices. But the war isn’t over. Not since Melvin broke out of prison. Not since she received a chilling text…
You’re not safe anywhere now.
Her refuge at Stillhouse Lake has become a trap. Gwen leaves her children in the protective custody of a fortified, well-armed neighbor. Now, with the help of Sam Cade, brother of one of Melvin’s victims, Gwen is going hunting. She’s learned how from one of the sickest killers alive.
But what she’s up against is beyond anything she feared—a sophisticated and savage mind game calculated to destroy her. As trust beyond her small circle of friends begins to vanish, Gwen has only fury and vengeance to believe in as she closes in on her prey. And sure as the night, one of them will die.
I loved book 1 but this blew it out of the water! I don’t know if it’s because I’m a mum myself but I felt absolutely every agony Gwen went through! That one section of the book had me sobbing and I’m not a crier at books but I was sobbing my heart absolutely broke for Gwen. I think this series Rachel has really pulled you into the characters worlds, I feel like I’m living it with them! This is the best Rachel Caine book I’ve read to date! If I had one criticism it would be more of Melvyns death!
Kindle
Killman Creek ( Stillhouse book 2)
By Rachel Caine
Every time Gwen closed her eyes, she saw him in her nightmares. Now her eyes are open, and he’s not going away.
Gwen Proctor won the battle to save her kids from her ex-husband, serial killer Melvin Royal, and his league of psychotic accomplices. But the war isn’t over. Not since Melvin broke out of prison. Not since she received a chilling text…
You’re not safe anywhere now.
Her refuge at Stillhouse Lake has become a trap. Gwen leaves her children in the protective custody of a fortified, well-armed neighbor. Now, with the help of Sam Cade, brother of one of Melvin’s victims, Gwen is going hunting. She’s learned how from one of the sickest killers alive.
But what she’s up against is beyond anything she feared—a sophisticated and savage mind game calculated to destroy her. As trust beyond her small circle of friends begins to vanish, Gwen has only fury and vengeance to believe in as she closes in on her prey. And sure as the night, one of them will die.
I loved book 1 but this blew it out of the water! I don’t know if it’s because I’m a mum myself but I felt absolutely every agony Gwen went through! That one section of the book had me sobbing and I’m not a crier at books but I was sobbing my heart absolutely broke for Gwen. I think this series Rachel has really pulled you into the characters worlds, I feel like I’m living it with them! This is the best Rachel Caine book I’ve read to date! If I had one criticism it would be more of Melvyns death!
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated 13 Little Blue Envelopes (Little Blue Envelope, #1) in Books
Feb 1, 2018
Ginny Blackstone is leading a completely ordinary life in New York City. She has a best friend, she attends school; you know, the usual. The only "extraordinary" force in Ginny's life has always been her Aunt Peg, her charming, odd, albeit slightly flighty aunt. When Aunt Peg passes away, Ginny receives a series of 13 envelopes from her--to be opened strictly in order--each with a series of instructions that will take Ginny on a set of adventures.
I certainly wanted to like this book. I love Johnson's Shades of London series (seriously, read it) and, honestly, her Twitter account. When this book popped up as a deal on <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/">Bookbub</a>;, I figured, why not? However, I just never got into the premise. Part of it is that I'm probably a lot like Ginny: I'm not adventurous, and the thought of traveling around Europe without a map or a cell phone (or a freaking plan!) absolutely terrifies me, and so the book completely stressed me out. Ginny was sweet, but also awfully naive, to an almost painful extent. While I did like her (and empathized with her at times), I had a hard time getting into the other characters, including her supposed love interest, and honestly, I found myself getting irritated at her late aunt. Who does this to a teenager? I'm surprised the poor girl didn't just self-destruct.
All in all, this is just a weird book. It's supposed to be quirky (much like Aunt Peg), but it fell short for me. It's a shame, because I think Johnson is excellent at capturing the teen voice, especially those teens who are sort of on the outside (e.g., Shades of London), and you could certainly see hints of that here. There are definitely heartwarming moments to this book and parts to enjoy. But overall, it just fell flat, and I found it, as the Goodreads 2 stars states, "OK."
<a href="http://justacatandabookatherside.blogspot.com/">My Blog</a> ~ <a href="https://www.facebook.com/justacatandabook/">Facebook</a>; ~ <a href="https://twitter.com/mwcmoto">Twitter</a>;
I certainly wanted to like this book. I love Johnson's Shades of London series (seriously, read it) and, honestly, her Twitter account. When this book popped up as a deal on <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/">Bookbub</a>;, I figured, why not? However, I just never got into the premise. Part of it is that I'm probably a lot like Ginny: I'm not adventurous, and the thought of traveling around Europe without a map or a cell phone (or a freaking plan!) absolutely terrifies me, and so the book completely stressed me out. Ginny was sweet, but also awfully naive, to an almost painful extent. While I did like her (and empathized with her at times), I had a hard time getting into the other characters, including her supposed love interest, and honestly, I found myself getting irritated at her late aunt. Who does this to a teenager? I'm surprised the poor girl didn't just self-destruct.
All in all, this is just a weird book. It's supposed to be quirky (much like Aunt Peg), but it fell short for me. It's a shame, because I think Johnson is excellent at capturing the teen voice, especially those teens who are sort of on the outside (e.g., Shades of London), and you could certainly see hints of that here. There are definitely heartwarming moments to this book and parts to enjoy. But overall, it just fell flat, and I found it, as the Goodreads 2 stars states, "OK."
<a href="http://justacatandabookatherside.blogspot.com/">My Blog</a> ~ <a href="https://www.facebook.com/justacatandabook/">Facebook</a>; ~ <a href="https://twitter.com/mwcmoto">Twitter</a>;
Merissa (13068 KP) rated Claimed by a Demon King (Eternal Mates, #2) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
I received an ARC edition of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
As the title says, this is book 2 in the Eternal Mates series and as such I recommend reading Kissed by a Dark Prince first, although this is not altogether necessary.
A lunar month has passed since the end of Book 1 and during that time Sable has been dreaming of King Thorne but keeps telling herself that she isn't interested. She is aiming to be Commander in Archangel and is determined to make the mission to help King Thorne a success - but only for career options, of course! Thorne has also been dreaming of Sable and knows that she is his fated female but is at a loss on how to proceed. During which time he is also trying to find a way to stop his kingdom from being overrun and how to improve his subjects' lives (if they survive the coming battle).
Felicity Heaton has written another fantastic series that you can lose yourself in. There are aspects of most characters that you can either relate to or admire... and trust me, I did a lot of admiring of Thorne! But with elves, werewolves, dragons and vampires there is someone there to interest everyone. And I just have to say that I love how the Vampire Erotique Theatre makes a show (another fantastic series if you haven't read it yet).
This book has everything from shapeshifters, vampires, demons (obviously) to war, battles, portals and angels. It is a book to immerse yourself in and not come up for air until you've finished it. Claimed by a Demon King is smoking hot and if Thorne is inexperienced, then all the angels in heaven won't be able to help Sable once he gets some experience under his belt! A perfect blend of innocence and pure, unadulterated male who has found his match in Sable. May the gods help Hell, because with this pair, anything is possible.
Highly recommended for all fans of Paranormal Romance and Felicity Heaton.
http://archaeolibrarianologist.blogspot.de/2014/02/claimed-by-demon-king-eternal-mates-2.html
As the title says, this is book 2 in the Eternal Mates series and as such I recommend reading Kissed by a Dark Prince first, although this is not altogether necessary.
A lunar month has passed since the end of Book 1 and during that time Sable has been dreaming of King Thorne but keeps telling herself that she isn't interested. She is aiming to be Commander in Archangel and is determined to make the mission to help King Thorne a success - but only for career options, of course! Thorne has also been dreaming of Sable and knows that she is his fated female but is at a loss on how to proceed. During which time he is also trying to find a way to stop his kingdom from being overrun and how to improve his subjects' lives (if they survive the coming battle).
Felicity Heaton has written another fantastic series that you can lose yourself in. There are aspects of most characters that you can either relate to or admire... and trust me, I did a lot of admiring of Thorne! But with elves, werewolves, dragons and vampires there is someone there to interest everyone. And I just have to say that I love how the Vampire Erotique Theatre makes a show (another fantastic series if you haven't read it yet).
This book has everything from shapeshifters, vampires, demons (obviously) to war, battles, portals and angels. It is a book to immerse yourself in and not come up for air until you've finished it. Claimed by a Demon King is smoking hot and if Thorne is inexperienced, then all the angels in heaven won't be able to help Sable once he gets some experience under his belt! A perfect blend of innocence and pure, unadulterated male who has found his match in Sable. May the gods help Hell, because with this pair, anything is possible.
Highly recommended for all fans of Paranormal Romance and Felicity Heaton.
http://archaeolibrarianologist.blogspot.de/2014/02/claimed-by-demon-king-eternal-mates-2.html