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Milleen (47 KP) rated Never Greener in Books

Nov 14, 2018  
Never Greener
Never Greener
Ruth Jones | 2018 | Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry, Romance
6
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
The much-anticipated debut novel by the very talented scriptwriter and actress Ruth Jones (Nessa from Gavin and Stacey) has had mixed reviews from critics but I think I know why. This novel doesnÕt have the quirkiness or levity that youÕd expect from JonesÕ TV work, although it originated from an abandoned TV script she rediscovered. This work delves into affairs and consequences and therefore itÕs a little more pensive. Ex-lovers Kate and Callum meet after seventeen years and consider walking away or taking a second chance to find out if the grass is greener. The two protagonists are not exactly likeable, I found myself wanting to know less about them and more about others. I enjoyed the book but forget any notion of Nessa, Ruth Jones has a voice of her own.
  
Blasphemy (Wyman Ford #2)
Blasphemy (Wyman Ford #2)
Douglas Preston | 2008 | Fiction & Poetry
6
6.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Qute a few years ago, I read a couple of books in the 'Jurassic Park' vein that I really quite enjoyed: 'Relic', and then 'Reliquary'. Not that long ago, I also read another book by the same author(s) ('Mount Dragon'), but found it to be rather slow moving and a bit tedious in places.

Never-the-less, and despite a rather provocative title, I thought I would give this a chance. I can happily report that this moves at a much faster pace then 'Mount Dragon', and is more enjoyable than that novel - more like what I remember 'Relic' and 'Reliquary' to be like. I might not agree with all the view-points expounded in the novel, nor even with its eventual denouement, but at least it has restored my faith in the author!
  
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David McK (3377 KP) rated Prey in Books

Jan 30, 2019  
P
Prey
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I'm pretty sure the first Michael Crichtom book I ever read was perhaps his most famous: "Jurassic Park" (back when I was still in school).

Why am I mentioning that fact? Since then, I've read many of his other thechno-thrillers (and one history thriller), none of which have really lived up to that first book. Of them all, however, this is perhaps the closest to doing so.

Taking the evolution of nano-technology as its basis, this novel can also be split into three distinct sections: the beginning (and end) sections at home, the wild strain in the desert wilds, and then the more evolved strain in the latter part. It's true that the ending doesn't quite tie-up with the beginning of the novel, but still a very enjoyable read.
  
Mary's the Name
Mary's the Name
Ross Sayers | 2017 | Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Wee Mary is a great character. (0 more)
Predictable plot. Should be young adult novel. (0 more)
Good book from a new author
Contains spoilers, click to show
This was my first book of the year and it didn't disappoint. Mary is a great wee character that the reader is drawn to from page 1. This is a novel about an innocent child and a corrupt granddad - a diamond of a man who loves his granddaughter dearly. The author did a great job of writing from Mary's point of view when the character is so young. My only criticism would be the explaining of Scottish words - trust your reader. Otherwise, it was great. The plot was brilliant and I even had a gasp, right in the middle, but I won't spoil it for anyone. Well done Ross, looking forward to the next one.
  
Doctor Sleep (2019)
Doctor Sleep (2019)
2019 | Horror
I have recently read and enjoyed the book so was looking forward to seeing what they have done with this. Thankfully I was pleasantly impressed, the film manages to be both a decent adaptation of King’s novel and a satisfying sequel to The Shining. It does change a few things and the ending of the novel but is largely a happy compromise between book and movie. The casting is good particularly Rebecca Ferguson as Rose and the film has some very dark disturbing scenes that linger with you afterwards. It’s certainly long (2.5 hours- theatrical version) but its well paced and kept me entertained and doesn’t really feel as long as that. The blu ray comes with the 3 hour directors cut which I am looking forward to watching as well.
  
The Handmaid’s Tale: The Graphic Novel
The Handmaid’s Tale: The Graphic Novel
Margaret Atwood, Renée Nault | 2019 | Comics & Graphic Novels, Dystopia, Fiction & Poetry
10
7.9 (18 Ratings)
Book Rating
A worthy addition to the original story.
This is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel which remains true to the original novel by Margaret Atwood. It seems even more disturbing with the pictures: the starkness of the almost black and white background against the red of the Handmaids clothes, not only makes the Handmaids stand out, it also, for me, highlights their separateness or ‘otherness’.

It’s a while since I read the original book, but the prose in it felt right. It’s not all prose in speech bubbles, there are more in-depth, explanatory short paragraphs - and I think they really worked well.

I thoroughly enjoyed this, and I can see myself reading this again and again - and I might just have to re-read the original too, especially in the lead up to The Testaments.