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Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated Spine Chillers: Empty Eyes in Books
Nov 14, 2018
Well Written Plot (2 more)
Believable Characters
Lots of Spookiness
A Spooky Read
I'm a sucker for a good horror story. When I saw that Spine Chillers: Empty Eyes by Nancy Gray was available for review, I knew it was a story I would be interested in. Luckily, it was a great read.
Empty Eyes is a short read, and the chapters are also fairly short. Combine that with a book that has great pacing, and you've got the recipe for a winner. I found myself so enthralled in this book that I never wanted to stop reading. I was always wanting to know what would happen next. Not once did I find myself becoming bored with Empty Eyes, nor do I think it's too fast paced where it becomes difficult to understand what's going on. The pacing was perfect and consistent throughout.
This is a middle grade novel, and the world building suits this age group. Even though I'm not in the middle grade age group, the plot still felt realistic and spooky! There were a couple of plot twists which I enjoyed, and all my questions were answered by the end of the book. Everything is explained perfectly throughout the book for a middle grade student. Nothing was dumbed down either. I did enjoy the plot immensely. Ian is at a school carnival one night when he encounters some bullies. Desperate to get away from them, he runs into an abandoned house. While hiding in the house, he is confronted by two children wearing gray hoodies with black eyes. They want to be Ian's friend, but Ian is terrified. The children decide they will be Ian's friend regardless of if he wants them too. He develops a black mark near his heart that pulses. Grown ups can't really see the mark, but Ian and his best friend can. Soon, Ian is behaving in a way that he never has before. Will Ian ever return to his former self or are the black eyed children controlling him?
I found the characters in Empty Eyes to be enjoyable. They also acted their age instead of coming across as sounding younger than their actual ages. I think many children (and adults) can relate to the character of Ian who is constantly bullied in school. I admired Duane, Ian's best friend. I loved how loyal he was to Ian throughout the whole ordeal. The black eyed children were very creepy characters, and I was really impressed with how they were written.
Trigger warnings for Empty Eyes include some swearing, some violence, thoughts of murder (although this isn't graphic), sneaking out, and bullying.
All in all, Empty Eyes was a very enjoyable spooky read. Even though it is written with a middle grade audience in mind, I found myself really getting pulled into the story. I would definitely recommend Spine Chillers: Empty Eyes by Nancy Gray. I believe any age group aged 12 and above would find this story to be a creepy read that will draw them in immediately from the very first page and not let go until it's over.
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(A special thank you to Lola's Blog Tours for providing me with an eBook of Spine Chillers: Empty Eyes by Nancy Gray in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.)
Empty Eyes is a short read, and the chapters are also fairly short. Combine that with a book that has great pacing, and you've got the recipe for a winner. I found myself so enthralled in this book that I never wanted to stop reading. I was always wanting to know what would happen next. Not once did I find myself becoming bored with Empty Eyes, nor do I think it's too fast paced where it becomes difficult to understand what's going on. The pacing was perfect and consistent throughout.
This is a middle grade novel, and the world building suits this age group. Even though I'm not in the middle grade age group, the plot still felt realistic and spooky! There were a couple of plot twists which I enjoyed, and all my questions were answered by the end of the book. Everything is explained perfectly throughout the book for a middle grade student. Nothing was dumbed down either. I did enjoy the plot immensely. Ian is at a school carnival one night when he encounters some bullies. Desperate to get away from them, he runs into an abandoned house. While hiding in the house, he is confronted by two children wearing gray hoodies with black eyes. They want to be Ian's friend, but Ian is terrified. The children decide they will be Ian's friend regardless of if he wants them too. He develops a black mark near his heart that pulses. Grown ups can't really see the mark, but Ian and his best friend can. Soon, Ian is behaving in a way that he never has before. Will Ian ever return to his former self or are the black eyed children controlling him?
I found the characters in Empty Eyes to be enjoyable. They also acted their age instead of coming across as sounding younger than their actual ages. I think many children (and adults) can relate to the character of Ian who is constantly bullied in school. I admired Duane, Ian's best friend. I loved how loyal he was to Ian throughout the whole ordeal. The black eyed children were very creepy characters, and I was really impressed with how they were written.
Trigger warnings for Empty Eyes include some swearing, some violence, thoughts of murder (although this isn't graphic), sneaking out, and bullying.
All in all, Empty Eyes was a very enjoyable spooky read. Even though it is written with a middle grade audience in mind, I found myself really getting pulled into the story. I would definitely recommend Spine Chillers: Empty Eyes by Nancy Gray. I believe any age group aged 12 and above would find this story to be a creepy read that will draw them in immediately from the very first page and not let go until it's over.
-
(A special thank you to Lola's Blog Tours for providing me with an eBook of Spine Chillers: Empty Eyes by Nancy Gray in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.)
How to Make Electricity
Education and Book
App
"I never knew learning about electricity can be so fun... It is one of the most interesting science...
Lindsay (1807 KP) rated Night of Nonsense (The Magic Magnifying Glass #3) in Books
Aug 23, 2021 (Updated Aug 24, 2021)
The third book in this series of Magic Magnifying Glass is called "Night of Nonsense." It seems like we will meet two more creatures of the night. We meet that Fin has got a new baby sister. Between this and now, his cousins come to visit. He shows off a unique present to these cousins. All because he got a new baby sister.
What adventures will Fin find himself in? He seems to need a few of these new forest friends; We seem to meet a Horned Owl and a Bat named Bella. We seem to run into Perry. What is Perry doing near the lake?
Does Fin seem to be pulled into a mystery of finding his cousin's diary? Will his cousin Dennis get blamed for the missing journal. While they are on the beach enjoying themselves. There seem to be mix-ups as Fin's mom is looking for his baby sister's diaper bag for either diapers or wet wipes. What happens to Jusinina's diary?
Dennis comes to Fin, and he gets pulled into solving the mystery of a missing diary and clearing this cousin Dennis's name. Will Fin be able to solve the mystery? This adventure started when Fin gets trapped in his sister's playpen and finds a pink ribbon. Does Fin seem to have to help his friend Elliott when they get into a bit of ruffle play with a fox? Will the fox be friendly or not. Fin and Elliott seem to meet a Horn Owl, and who is this horned owl, and will he be nice or not?
Children will learn about bats and owls, and foxes in this book. We met up with a few other forest friends. I love how these adventures are clean and educational for children to learn about nature and animal facts. This book takes you on an adventure with Fin during the night. You will meet a few night creatures and learn about them.
Parents can talk with the children and help them learn more about these lovely animals that come out at night. Maybe you can spend an evening outdoors with your child or children, and they can try and spot these night creatures or name them if they see them.
I can't wait to see the next adventure Fin and his friend Elliott get up to and what other friends Fin meets along the way.
What adventures will Fin find himself in? He seems to need a few of these new forest friends; We seem to meet a Horned Owl and a Bat named Bella. We seem to run into Perry. What is Perry doing near the lake?
Does Fin seem to be pulled into a mystery of finding his cousin's diary? Will his cousin Dennis get blamed for the missing journal. While they are on the beach enjoying themselves. There seem to be mix-ups as Fin's mom is looking for his baby sister's diaper bag for either diapers or wet wipes. What happens to Jusinina's diary?
Dennis comes to Fin, and he gets pulled into solving the mystery of a missing diary and clearing this cousin Dennis's name. Will Fin be able to solve the mystery? This adventure started when Fin gets trapped in his sister's playpen and finds a pink ribbon. Does Fin seem to have to help his friend Elliott when they get into a bit of ruffle play with a fox? Will the fox be friendly or not. Fin and Elliott seem to meet a Horn Owl, and who is this horned owl, and will he be nice or not?
Children will learn about bats and owls, and foxes in this book. We met up with a few other forest friends. I love how these adventures are clean and educational for children to learn about nature and animal facts. This book takes you on an adventure with Fin during the night. You will meet a few night creatures and learn about them.
Parents can talk with the children and help them learn more about these lovely animals that come out at night. Maybe you can spend an evening outdoors with your child or children, and they can try and spot these night creatures or name them if they see them.
I can't wait to see the next adventure Fin and his friend Elliott get up to and what other friends Fin meets along the way.
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Pumpka (57 KP) rated Wingspan in Tabletop Games
Aug 15, 2019
Replayability (4 more)
Family friendly
Easy to learn
Stunning components
Fun engine building
Wingspan, blown away again!
Wingspan continues to blow me away with each play. It’s not only very easy to teach but brings an element of engine building in a way I wasn’t expecting. Creating combos of birds that help you to make an efficient board for gaining points and scoring those all important end of round bonuses. Which change from game to game, giving wingspan replayablility in more than one way, each game encouraging you to employ new tactics. This prevents any style of meta gaming where “if you play this certain way, you will always win”!
I had the pleasure of teaching a family of two parents and two children, ages 7 and 10. Who all thoroughly enjoyed playing, the children loved the components as well as figuring out the bird combos for themselves. Having fun feeding the birds to bring them into their tableaux, the theme is well done like this. Everything fits well and hasn’t been “tacked on”. Even if you’re no bird fanatic, this game just feels lovely to play, and is honestly worth a shot if you ever have the chance to play.
The game also plays in a nice timescale, when you first start playing the game seems as if it may take a while. Then before you know it you’ve only got one action left! And it’s all over :) leaving time for another go!
Overall, a magnificent game. Although I must mention it is a light-weight game at that. IF you’re style of game is more meaty than light to medium weight. This one might not be for you entirely, BUT as I mentioned before, for the unique style of engine building, I’d highly encourage you to give it a go anyway! :)
I had the pleasure of teaching a family of two parents and two children, ages 7 and 10. Who all thoroughly enjoyed playing, the children loved the components as well as figuring out the bird combos for themselves. Having fun feeding the birds to bring them into their tableaux, the theme is well done like this. Everything fits well and hasn’t been “tacked on”. Even if you’re no bird fanatic, this game just feels lovely to play, and is honestly worth a shot if you ever have the chance to play.
The game also plays in a nice timescale, when you first start playing the game seems as if it may take a while. Then before you know it you’ve only got one action left! And it’s all over :) leaving time for another go!
Overall, a magnificent game. Although I must mention it is a light-weight game at that. IF you’re style of game is more meaty than light to medium weight. This one might not be for you entirely, BUT as I mentioned before, for the unique style of engine building, I’d highly encourage you to give it a go anyway! :)
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Retribution (A Claire Whitcomb Western #1) in Books
Nov 8, 2020
I am lucky enough to be a part of D.V. Berkom's advance reader team and I was sent a copy of this prior to it's release on 20-Nov-2020 for which I will be eternally grateful because what we have here is an introduction to what I believe will be another excellent series featuring a strong female character.
I am not normally one for reading westerns, in fact I usually give them a wide berth and don't even bother reading the blurb but given I have read several of D.V. Berkom's books featuring the excellent Leine Basso, when I was asked if I would like to receive an advance copy, I thought why the heck not and I was so pleased I did.
Claire, her husband Josiah and 3 children move to the Wild West in search of a new life however, tragedy strikes when Josiah and the children are brutally killed and Claire is left alone. It soon transpires that Claire is being accused of the murders and so she teams up with Mart and Thomas to clear her name and seek revenge.
This is a fast paced read with excellent characters, great setting and exciting plot. If I have one complaint, it's that it's over way too quickly; I was left wanting to read more now ... oh well, I will just have to wait to see what scrapes and adventures Claire finds herself mixed up in and how her character develops as she roams the Wild West on her trusty steed, Rose.
Thank you to D.V. Berkom for writing another absolute cracker, for giving me the opportunity to broaden my horizons and for introducing me to another genre ... now hurry up and get the next one finished 😉
I am not normally one for reading westerns, in fact I usually give them a wide berth and don't even bother reading the blurb but given I have read several of D.V. Berkom's books featuring the excellent Leine Basso, when I was asked if I would like to receive an advance copy, I thought why the heck not and I was so pleased I did.
Claire, her husband Josiah and 3 children move to the Wild West in search of a new life however, tragedy strikes when Josiah and the children are brutally killed and Claire is left alone. It soon transpires that Claire is being accused of the murders and so she teams up with Mart and Thomas to clear her name and seek revenge.
This is a fast paced read with excellent characters, great setting and exciting plot. If I have one complaint, it's that it's over way too quickly; I was left wanting to read more now ... oh well, I will just have to wait to see what scrapes and adventures Claire finds herself mixed up in and how her character develops as she roams the Wild West on her trusty steed, Rose.
Thank you to D.V. Berkom for writing another absolute cracker, for giving me the opportunity to broaden my horizons and for introducing me to another genre ... now hurry up and get the next one finished 😉
Lindsay (1807 KP) rated I Miss You Most in Books
Jan 4, 2021
Were you looking for a book for your child last year to explain the different way life is for some time and still going on a bit for now with Covid? Well “I Miss You Most” by Cassie Hoyt has come to mind. I would have read this one earlier in the year if I received it earlier. That's okay I read it now. This book reminds me of the Covid 19 lockdowns and might be able to help children with the stress of distancing.
This book deals with the emotion of missing your loved ones that are far away. It is a good one all around. It might help the social distancing we have to deal with. It works for distance in a general manner rather than just a specific time.
The illustrations are beautiful. This book also deals with child imagination. It also shows that distance is not a faraway thing. You can call your distant relative as well to stay in contact. The rhyming in this book is just good. I do not all rhyme though. Think of all the things you can do when you see that loved one next time.
I love the way this book is done and can be used at any time. The plot can be used for any type of distance like a friend that lives far away or down the block. Good for bedtime reading as well. Parents will want this on their child's or children's bookshelves.
This book deals with the emotion of missing your loved ones that are far away. It is a good one all around. It might help the social distancing we have to deal with. It works for distance in a general manner rather than just a specific time.
The illustrations are beautiful. This book also deals with child imagination. It also shows that distance is not a faraway thing. You can call your distant relative as well to stay in contact. The rhyming in this book is just good. I do not all rhyme though. Think of all the things you can do when you see that loved one next time.
I love the way this book is done and can be used at any time. The plot can be used for any type of distance like a friend that lives far away or down the block. Good for bedtime reading as well. Parents will want this on their child's or children's bookshelves.
Lindsay (1807 KP) rated Death Logs Out in Books
Jan 4, 2019
Really Make you look at your real world
Do we ever really know what really happens after death? Did Alex really die or is he still alive somewhere? The author put us in to story as Michael is wondering about this as he find out that his brother Alex as somehow getting in touch with several of his ex-wives.
Sofia is reached out by her uncle but doe not really know for sure. Then she is kidnapped? Will she survive or is this a mad woman going to get her revenge on Michael? Michael goes to his buddy a retired policeman. Whatever happens when they recruit a friend to save Sofia? There seem to be more going on that someone once Sindy Steel gone?
What does the Vatican want? There seems to be more of terrifying going on? Who is the Free Force Party? Kurt seem to want more power then what he got. We got back to learn some history about the Nazi occupation. There are more action and twist as you turn the page.
The author takes you for a ride of a lifetime. Learn a bit about the Vatican church. You also get to tour a bit of Paris. What will happen to Michael as he goes to hunt down the bad guys that murdered his to brothers. Alex is mentioned and talked to though out the book. What is AI? Is it real?
What does John Goldstin want with Michael? I know that once you start reading this book you will not want to put it down. It action packed. I do wish to that parent are aware that his is book has a lot of deaths in it. I would suggest this to be for children of ages 16 + with Mature in it. Please know this is only what i suggest and the parents have the right to allow there children to read it if choose to or not.
I thought this book acted like a lot of my real world that going on around me. Though not at lot but you might remember 9/11 and think of how real that might be if or what really happen to Malaysia plane that when down over the ocean. I know that fact or there but they may not be real in the story but sure feel that way when reading the book. Thank to the author I have enjoyed these books. I can not wait for more. Check out my review for Death Never Sleeps and Death Logs In
Sofia is reached out by her uncle but doe not really know for sure. Then she is kidnapped? Will she survive or is this a mad woman going to get her revenge on Michael? Michael goes to his buddy a retired policeman. Whatever happens when they recruit a friend to save Sofia? There seem to be more going on that someone once Sindy Steel gone?
What does the Vatican want? There seems to be more of terrifying going on? Who is the Free Force Party? Kurt seem to want more power then what he got. We got back to learn some history about the Nazi occupation. There are more action and twist as you turn the page.
The author takes you for a ride of a lifetime. Learn a bit about the Vatican church. You also get to tour a bit of Paris. What will happen to Michael as he goes to hunt down the bad guys that murdered his to brothers. Alex is mentioned and talked to though out the book. What is AI? Is it real?
What does John Goldstin want with Michael? I know that once you start reading this book you will not want to put it down. It action packed. I do wish to that parent are aware that his is book has a lot of deaths in it. I would suggest this to be for children of ages 16 + with Mature in it. Please know this is only what i suggest and the parents have the right to allow there children to read it if choose to or not.
I thought this book acted like a lot of my real world that going on around me. Though not at lot but you might remember 9/11 and think of how real that might be if or what really happen to Malaysia plane that when down over the ocean. I know that fact or there but they may not be real in the story but sure feel that way when reading the book. Thank to the author I have enjoyed these books. I can not wait for more. Check out my review for Death Never Sleeps and Death Logs In