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Princess Puffybottom . . . and Darryl
Susin Nielsen and Olivia Chin Mueller
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What's a pampered cat to do now that she has to compete for attention with an ill-mannered puppy?...
Don't Drink the Pink
8.0
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Madeline adores her Grandpa Gilderberry – she always has. To everyone else he might seem a bit...
picture book family rhymes rhyming
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Village (The Spread #2) in Books
Nov 14, 2021
Following on from "The Hill", the first in this series and one which I do think you need to have read in order to get the full picture of just what the heck has gone on, this is another great book from Iain Rob Wright.
Here we have the survivors from "The Hill" making their way to "The Village" in the hope of safety and salvation. What they get is quite the opposite.
Iain creates brilliant characters each with their own interesting back story and all with their part to play. He also creates suspense, tension and the unexpected - one thing I have learned with Iain's books is not to get too comfortable with any of the characters no matter how big or small ... no one is safe!
This is an interesting take on the zombie theme and one which I am looking forward to seeing where it goes with subsequent books - I'm here for the ride and I know it's going to be bumpy!
Here we have the survivors from "The Hill" making their way to "The Village" in the hope of safety and salvation. What they get is quite the opposite.
Iain creates brilliant characters each with their own interesting back story and all with their part to play. He also creates suspense, tension and the unexpected - one thing I have learned with Iain's books is not to get too comfortable with any of the characters no matter how big or small ... no one is safe!
This is an interesting take on the zombie theme and one which I am looking forward to seeing where it goes with subsequent books - I'm here for the ride and I know it's going to be bumpy!
Benedick Lewis (3001 KP) rated Nothing Lasts Forever (Die Hard, #1) in Books
Sep 30, 2020
Good to see origins to a great film (1 more)
Quick read - less than 250 pages
Only one perspective- feels like it needs more character viewpoints (1 more)
Prose can be difficult to follow
Surprising: film better than book
Nothing Lasts Forever was the framework for the great film Die Hard. Being a massive fan of the film as well as putting it under academic scrutiny, it was interesting to see the similarities and differences between book and film.
However, having seen Die Hard multiple times, it was sometimes difficult to picture the protagonist, Joe Leland, doing the John McClane things. Further more, the book only depicts Leland’s point of view and the story could have benefited from being told from multiple perspectives: Leland’s, the terrorists and the hostages. Unfortunately, the terrorists’ motive is summed up in one page and it doesn’t wholly satisfy, especially given in the film, the plot is more devious and fiendishly clever giving cinema one of its all time greatest villains.
To talk more about the comparisons is doing literature an injustice. Time and again, it needs to be reminded that they are two different mediums with different requirements. That said, there is definitely one big major difference that really distinguishes the two products of this idea and the only thing that can be said is that it is towards the end. Those that know the film and decide to read this book will know when you get to that part but it is one that really sets it apart.
Frank Sinartra played Leland in the prequel to this book, The Detective. It’s not essential that you read that book first to understand this one. Author Roderick Thorp plays catch up in the opening chapters. He does however spoil that story so if you are looking to read that, best put this to one side.
Thorp’s style is a little all over the place, especially regarding the set pieces and it can be difficult to imagine the scenes he is trying to depict. Leland is not the most likeable of heroes either and it can be difficult to root for him but it is a short story and can be done in one sitting so it’ll be over before you have the time to really dislike him.
Read this if you haven’t seen Die Hard. Read this but make sure you watch Die Hard rather adjacent to that. It would be surprising if you found the book better. In this case, the film is superior. A rare case indeed.
However, having seen Die Hard multiple times, it was sometimes difficult to picture the protagonist, Joe Leland, doing the John McClane things. Further more, the book only depicts Leland’s point of view and the story could have benefited from being told from multiple perspectives: Leland’s, the terrorists and the hostages. Unfortunately, the terrorists’ motive is summed up in one page and it doesn’t wholly satisfy, especially given in the film, the plot is more devious and fiendishly clever giving cinema one of its all time greatest villains.
To talk more about the comparisons is doing literature an injustice. Time and again, it needs to be reminded that they are two different mediums with different requirements. That said, there is definitely one big major difference that really distinguishes the two products of this idea and the only thing that can be said is that it is towards the end. Those that know the film and decide to read this book will know when you get to that part but it is one that really sets it apart.
Frank Sinartra played Leland in the prequel to this book, The Detective. It’s not essential that you read that book first to understand this one. Author Roderick Thorp plays catch up in the opening chapters. He does however spoil that story so if you are looking to read that, best put this to one side.
Thorp’s style is a little all over the place, especially regarding the set pieces and it can be difficult to imagine the scenes he is trying to depict. Leland is not the most likeable of heroes either and it can be difficult to root for him but it is a short story and can be done in one sitting so it’ll be over before you have the time to really dislike him.
Read this if you haven’t seen Die Hard. Read this but make sure you watch Die Hard rather adjacent to that. It would be surprising if you found the book better. In this case, the film is superior. A rare case indeed.
Debbiereadsbook (1421 KP) rated DNA Demons N Angels in Books
Dec 3, 2021
well written but hard work in places
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
There comes along from time to time, a book that really pushes my ability to write a coherent review. This is such a book.
I could not see, or I had a picture in my mind that turned out to be so very wrong, where this was going for a long time. As I neared the end, it became clear that it would end round about when Evie gave birth. And I wasn't sure HOW it was gonna end, not til I ran out of book.
And herein lies my problem with this book.
I read it, I finished it. At NO point did I feel the need to dump it, even when it became clear only Evie is given a voice, it's her story after all. I enjoyed reading it, I really did. And then it finished! And I'm left kind of "well how do I write a review?!"
I mean, don't get me wrong, it's a very well written book. Hard work in places, but very good. It's original, I can honestly say I've never read such a book. It has many twists, some I saw coming, and some not so much. It led me on a merry dance across the States, and across the whole supporting cast, some of whom held my interest a little more than Evie in places.
Evie did well to fully grasp her situation, once Lucas told her what he was. Lucas was, in my opinion, a little too much too fast and I wanted to punch him a time or two! (please don't hate me, but I did!)
I just didn't get the whole point of it! A lot of things, actually, made me think, once I'd finished it. Made me question why that bit was even in the story. I'm not going to say which bits, because that's spoilers, though.
So, for originality and great writing, I'm giving it 4 stars, but taking one off, because I really would liked to have heard from Lucas, and maybe Melisa and maybe even Ken, when he's doing his research.
I think this will probably be one of "THOSE" books, you know? One that have a gazillion 5-star reviews, but you can't see what the fuss was about, and I'm sorry for that, because it was well written.
3 good solid stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
There comes along from time to time, a book that really pushes my ability to write a coherent review. This is such a book.
I could not see, or I had a picture in my mind that turned out to be so very wrong, where this was going for a long time. As I neared the end, it became clear that it would end round about when Evie gave birth. And I wasn't sure HOW it was gonna end, not til I ran out of book.
And herein lies my problem with this book.
I read it, I finished it. At NO point did I feel the need to dump it, even when it became clear only Evie is given a voice, it's her story after all. I enjoyed reading it, I really did. And then it finished! And I'm left kind of "well how do I write a review?!"
I mean, don't get me wrong, it's a very well written book. Hard work in places, but very good. It's original, I can honestly say I've never read such a book. It has many twists, some I saw coming, and some not so much. It led me on a merry dance across the States, and across the whole supporting cast, some of whom held my interest a little more than Evie in places.
Evie did well to fully grasp her situation, once Lucas told her what he was. Lucas was, in my opinion, a little too much too fast and I wanted to punch him a time or two! (please don't hate me, but I did!)
I just didn't get the whole point of it! A lot of things, actually, made me think, once I'd finished it. Made me question why that bit was even in the story. I'm not going to say which bits, because that's spoilers, though.
So, for originality and great writing, I'm giving it 4 stars, but taking one off, because I really would liked to have heard from Lucas, and maybe Melisa and maybe even Ken, when he's doing his research.
I think this will probably be one of "THOSE" books, you know? One that have a gazillion 5-star reviews, but you can't see what the fuss was about, and I'm sorry for that, because it was well written.
3 good solid stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1421 KP) rated Scoring Position (Hockey Ever After #2) in Books
Oct 20, 2022
loved this much more than book 1!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Hockey Ever After series. I don't think its fully necessary to read book one, Winging It, before this but it might give you a better picture of the world these players live in. And I really enjoyed that book. Dante and Gabe do pop up, but knowing their story isn't essential, just helpful, especially with Tom and Kitty (side characters) playing a large part here.
Ryan is traded out and his new team is a mess. Their star player, Nico, even more so. But Ryan can see that Nico is hurting, in more ways than one. Finding his sense of humour was a great start. The Ryan messed it all up. And just what is going on with the coach?
I really enjoyed book one, gave it 4 stars, but I found this a much more engaging read, a deeper emotion read. I loved it.
Neither man is in the closet, so there was none of the coming out issue. What there was, though, was a lot of anger on Nico's part and much was misplaced. Ryan needed him to focus that anger, on the ice, rather than punishing himself. Falling for the other gay teamn member was in neither man's plans but fate has a way, huh?
I loved that it really did creep up on them both. Yes there was attraction from the start but the feelings came later and they both fought it hard. Ryan messing up, though? THAT came out of nowhere and I did NOT see that coming! I was reading, and then I was "OH MY GOD, RYAN, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?!?!?!" out loud and my partner was somewhat shocked at me! Oh he does redeem himself, but I loved that Nico makes him work hard for that redemption. There is not a quick fix, either, and it does take time for them to be really together.
I loved that we caught up with Dante and Gabe from book one. And Tom and Kitty. I think this is a couple of years after Winging It, since Tom is captain of Ryan's new team, and has a couple of kids. Kitty surprised me though!
Are there any more planned?? I'm loving this series, but these authors are growing on me, as a duo.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 2 in the Hockey Ever After series. I don't think its fully necessary to read book one, Winging It, before this but it might give you a better picture of the world these players live in. And I really enjoyed that book. Dante and Gabe do pop up, but knowing their story isn't essential, just helpful, especially with Tom and Kitty (side characters) playing a large part here.
Ryan is traded out and his new team is a mess. Their star player, Nico, even more so. But Ryan can see that Nico is hurting, in more ways than one. Finding his sense of humour was a great start. The Ryan messed it all up. And just what is going on with the coach?
I really enjoyed book one, gave it 4 stars, but I found this a much more engaging read, a deeper emotion read. I loved it.
Neither man is in the closet, so there was none of the coming out issue. What there was, though, was a lot of anger on Nico's part and much was misplaced. Ryan needed him to focus that anger, on the ice, rather than punishing himself. Falling for the other gay teamn member was in neither man's plans but fate has a way, huh?
I loved that it really did creep up on them both. Yes there was attraction from the start but the feelings came later and they both fought it hard. Ryan messing up, though? THAT came out of nowhere and I did NOT see that coming! I was reading, and then I was "OH MY GOD, RYAN, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?!?!?!" out loud and my partner was somewhat shocked at me! Oh he does redeem himself, but I loved that Nico makes him work hard for that redemption. There is not a quick fix, either, and it does take time for them to be really together.
I loved that we caught up with Dante and Gabe from book one. And Tom and Kitty. I think this is a couple of years after Winging It, since Tom is captain of Ryan's new team, and has a couple of kids. Kitty surprised me though!
Are there any more planned?? I'm loving this series, but these authors are growing on me, as a duo.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I'm an avid, some might even say obsessive, crocheter. I love looking through crochet books for new patterns and inspirations. Paging through Crochet with One Sheepish Girl, I noticed the book had a nice, clean, and attractive look with a crisp and easy to read layout. The contents has not only the project and page number, but a picture of the project as well. There's a nice use of color that's classy and shows off the projects well. Looking further, I saw a lot of useful projects, i.e. coasters, placemats, baskets, a cowl, a clutch, an apron, and a darling hook case, among many others. Sure, there are some purely decorative items, like a pillow, a stuffed latte and muffin, bunting, crocheted edges and frames for cards, tags, and art, etc. However the bulk I would describe as useful and cute.
The yarn used is given, as is the weight so an alternative can be utilized instead, which I always appreciate that addition. There does seem to be a decent amount of bulky yarn used, but worsted can always be doubled or tripled up as a substitute. The instructions are fairly clear and detailed, although there were times I wish for a picture or illustration to clearly show proper execution. This mainly came up with the turban earwarmer. I'm pretty sure I made it accurately but it took more time figuring it out with only the written instructions. The bow brooch also seemed a bit more difficult than it needed to be and I think I could figure out a way to make it easier in the future. The gift boxes are cute, but the use of sugar water to stiffen the yarn? I don't think so, I'll find an alternative, thank you. There is a few pages of artwork that can be scanned to add the crocheted edges to the tags and cards. The artwork is by Oana Befort and is pretty darned adorable, I especially love the snowman made of yarn balls, crochet hooks, and a thimble and the kittens playing with yarn (yarn and crochet hooks make up the designs on the cards). I'm not so fond of flattening a book to scan the images and would have preferred a link to a specific webpage, pdf file or something like that instead.
Overall, the book is mostly well done and I really enjoyed it. The bulk of the projects would best be described as cute and kitschy, so if that's not your thing, than this book isn't for you. I happen to love those type of items, so will be making many projects from the book. I'd recommend this to someone who isn't a complete newbie to crochet unless supplemented by online videos, otherwise it has many fun, fast, and easy projects.
<i>Received for review through Amazon Vine.</i>
The yarn used is given, as is the weight so an alternative can be utilized instead, which I always appreciate that addition. There does seem to be a decent amount of bulky yarn used, but worsted can always be doubled or tripled up as a substitute. The instructions are fairly clear and detailed, although there were times I wish for a picture or illustration to clearly show proper execution. This mainly came up with the turban earwarmer. I'm pretty sure I made it accurately but it took more time figuring it out with only the written instructions. The bow brooch also seemed a bit more difficult than it needed to be and I think I could figure out a way to make it easier in the future. The gift boxes are cute, but the use of sugar water to stiffen the yarn? I don't think so, I'll find an alternative, thank you. There is a few pages of artwork that can be scanned to add the crocheted edges to the tags and cards. The artwork is by Oana Befort and is pretty darned adorable, I especially love the snowman made of yarn balls, crochet hooks, and a thimble and the kittens playing with yarn (yarn and crochet hooks make up the designs on the cards). I'm not so fond of flattening a book to scan the images and would have preferred a link to a specific webpage, pdf file or something like that instead.
Overall, the book is mostly well done and I really enjoyed it. The bulk of the projects would best be described as cute and kitschy, so if that's not your thing, than this book isn't for you. I happen to love those type of items, so will be making many projects from the book. I'd recommend this to someone who isn't a complete newbie to crochet unless supplemented by online videos, otherwise it has many fun, fast, and easy projects.
<i>Received for review through Amazon Vine.</i>
EverColor - Coloring Book
Entertainment and Photo & Video
4.0
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New function of screen record added in Evercolor! Every step of coloring will be recorded...
Debbiereadsbook (1421 KP) rated Her Lord of Death in Books
Mar 21, 2019
loved this!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I'm not writing a blurby bit here, gonna jump straight in!
I bloody loved this!
So many layers, so much betrayal and back stabbing. Such pain for Acheron in his past, his present, and as he sees, his future. Kora is a woman he can never have, then he does, but still he can't. Cryptic, I know but I ain't doing spoilers!
And so, so many plot twists, I did not see any of them coming at me!
I loved that Acheron knew he was damaged, possibly beyond repair, but still he tries to make Kora see, to SEE that damage, in the only way he knows how: with violence. But KORA?? Kora SEES Acheron. She sees the man behind the rumours and whispers. She sees the man behind the scars, and finally, she SEES why Acheron does what he does to push her away and it makes her love him even more. She makes Acheron SEE, that there is more to life than pain.
And when WE find out why? Well, lets just say I bawled my eyes out. You get hints and snippets as to why Acheron reacts the way he does, but you don't get the full picture. Oh you put the clues together well enough, but really? Not enough. Nowhere NEAR enough.
After we get the full picture of what Acheron endured while in in Crete at the hands of Minos, it's a wonder the man is even sane! As Oz, Acheron's approximation of a best friend pointed out, he only had two years there, and Acheron had TEN years fighting for his life almost every day.
Suffices to say, this carries some dark story lines, but to say what they are would be spoilers. If you want to know, please message me, I'll tell you. Some readers may have triggers.
There is a little bit at the back of this, about how THIS book was Knight's first book, not Beautiful Beast. About how much of a battle Knight had with it. I'm so bloody glad she won that battle!
It's also billed as A Mythic World Romance. No idea what comes next, but I really wanna read it!
5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
I'm not writing a blurby bit here, gonna jump straight in!
I bloody loved this!
So many layers, so much betrayal and back stabbing. Such pain for Acheron in his past, his present, and as he sees, his future. Kora is a woman he can never have, then he does, but still he can't. Cryptic, I know but I ain't doing spoilers!
And so, so many plot twists, I did not see any of them coming at me!
I loved that Acheron knew he was damaged, possibly beyond repair, but still he tries to make Kora see, to SEE that damage, in the only way he knows how: with violence. But KORA?? Kora SEES Acheron. She sees the man behind the rumours and whispers. She sees the man behind the scars, and finally, she SEES why Acheron does what he does to push her away and it makes her love him even more. She makes Acheron SEE, that there is more to life than pain.
And when WE find out why? Well, lets just say I bawled my eyes out. You get hints and snippets as to why Acheron reacts the way he does, but you don't get the full picture. Oh you put the clues together well enough, but really? Not enough. Nowhere NEAR enough.
After we get the full picture of what Acheron endured while in in Crete at the hands of Minos, it's a wonder the man is even sane! As Oz, Acheron's approximation of a best friend pointed out, he only had two years there, and Acheron had TEN years fighting for his life almost every day.
Suffices to say, this carries some dark story lines, but to say what they are would be spoilers. If you want to know, please message me, I'll tell you. Some readers may have triggers.
There is a little bit at the back of this, about how THIS book was Knight's first book, not Beautiful Beast. About how much of a battle Knight had with it. I'm so bloody glad she won that battle!
It's also billed as A Mythic World Romance. No idea what comes next, but I really wanna read it!
5 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated Alternity in Books
Jun 7, 2018
(This review is also on my blog <a href="http://themisadventuresofatwentysomething.blogspot.co.uk">The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl</a>).
When I read the synopsis of Alternity by Mari Mancusi, I knew I would probably love this book! I wasn't wrong. This book is amazing!
Skye is just your average 18 year old girl. There's nothing that different about her. She has a fantastic boyfriend, she goes to school, and she works as a video games tester. She's been having these strange nightmares about being in a weird place. They're making her lose sleep until one day she actually wakes up in the place from her nightmare. Now she doesn't know who to trust. And why do people keep calling her Mariah?? Skye soon discovers she's arrived on another planet, and something sinister is going on.
The title to this book is great!! Alternity - like an alternative reality. It definitely fits right in with the story. From what I've heard, this book was originally released under the title of Moongazing. I'm glad the author decided to change the title as Alternity sounds like a much more interesting title.
I love the sci-fi feel of this cover. The picture of Skye on the front with a katana and the moon in the background is perfect for this story. I'm usually not a fan of just putting a pretty face on the cover, but it seems to work with this book.
I thought the world building and setting were fantastic!! The author has us believe that the planet of Terra is very much like Earth would be if there was to be some sort of post apocalyptic event. There's no sun, no sky...just bleakness. The underground bit of Terra is portrayed rather well with it being full of the poor people of Terra and those who have been mutated by radiation due to having to mine for the rich people.
The pacing for Alternity is beyond fantastic! In fact, I couldn't put this book down! Each chapter had me looking forward to the next as everything just flowed really well. Never, not even for one moment, was I even remotely bored reading Alternity.
The dialogue is fantastic in this book. I especially enjoyed the dialogue between Dawn and Skye. There are a few swear words but not many. The only minor annoyance I found was that at two points in the book, the author goes from using present tense to past tense.
The characters in this book are very believable. Skye was a great protagonist. She felt like a real person. In fact, I found myself wanting to be friends with her especially as we both have a love for video games! I love the fact that she started out a bit unsure of herself but throughout the story, she became a strong person. Dawn came across as a lovely guy. He wants what's best for his people, and he'll do whatever it takes to protect them. Duske makes an excellent villain. He's very charming, but he can be very very vile. He is very believable as being a bad guy, and he plays the role excellently.
Alternity by Mari Mancusi is a well executed book that will leave you feeling as if you are a part of the book. This is definitely one of those books that you have to read as you will not be disappointed!
I'd recommend this book to everyone aged 16+, especially those who are fans of dystopian or post-apocalyptic novels. However, I feel this is one of those books that can be enjoyed by almost everyone.
When I read the synopsis of Alternity by Mari Mancusi, I knew I would probably love this book! I wasn't wrong. This book is amazing!
Skye is just your average 18 year old girl. There's nothing that different about her. She has a fantastic boyfriend, she goes to school, and she works as a video games tester. She's been having these strange nightmares about being in a weird place. They're making her lose sleep until one day she actually wakes up in the place from her nightmare. Now she doesn't know who to trust. And why do people keep calling her Mariah?? Skye soon discovers she's arrived on another planet, and something sinister is going on.
The title to this book is great!! Alternity - like an alternative reality. It definitely fits right in with the story. From what I've heard, this book was originally released under the title of Moongazing. I'm glad the author decided to change the title as Alternity sounds like a much more interesting title.
I love the sci-fi feel of this cover. The picture of Skye on the front with a katana and the moon in the background is perfect for this story. I'm usually not a fan of just putting a pretty face on the cover, but it seems to work with this book.
I thought the world building and setting were fantastic!! The author has us believe that the planet of Terra is very much like Earth would be if there was to be some sort of post apocalyptic event. There's no sun, no sky...just bleakness. The underground bit of Terra is portrayed rather well with it being full of the poor people of Terra and those who have been mutated by radiation due to having to mine for the rich people.
The pacing for Alternity is beyond fantastic! In fact, I couldn't put this book down! Each chapter had me looking forward to the next as everything just flowed really well. Never, not even for one moment, was I even remotely bored reading Alternity.
The dialogue is fantastic in this book. I especially enjoyed the dialogue between Dawn and Skye. There are a few swear words but not many. The only minor annoyance I found was that at two points in the book, the author goes from using present tense to past tense.
The characters in this book are very believable. Skye was a great protagonist. She felt like a real person. In fact, I found myself wanting to be friends with her especially as we both have a love for video games! I love the fact that she started out a bit unsure of herself but throughout the story, she became a strong person. Dawn came across as a lovely guy. He wants what's best for his people, and he'll do whatever it takes to protect them. Duske makes an excellent villain. He's very charming, but he can be very very vile. He is very believable as being a bad guy, and he plays the role excellently.
Alternity by Mari Mancusi is a well executed book that will leave you feeling as if you are a part of the book. This is definitely one of those books that you have to read as you will not be disappointed!
I'd recommend this book to everyone aged 16+, especially those who are fans of dystopian or post-apocalyptic novels. However, I feel this is one of those books that can be enjoyed by almost everyone.