Smashbomb

Cynthia Armistead (17 KP) rated The Shekinah Legacy (Charlotte Ansari, #1) in Books

Mar 1, 2018

This is another one that I probably wouldn't have ever read if it hasn't been free, followed by an occasion some time later when it seemed the most interesting-sounding thing hanging around on the Kindle when I happened to be bored. The plot reminds me if Dan Brown to some extent, although I know he certainly wasn't the first to write novels along such lines. Religious secrets, conspiracies, secret societies, competing spies, and a great deal of violence are all tossed together. I wanted the answer to a couple of questions just barely enough to keep reading, but I figured out all the big mysteries long before the last chapter. I think the book would have been much better if it had been edited down to be much shorter.

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Awix (3310 KP) rated Downsizing (2017) in Movies

Feb 13, 2018 (Updated Mar 30, 2018)

Downsizing (2017)

2017 | Comedy, Drama, Sci-Fi

7

6.0

(47 Ratings)

Movie Rating

Rather charming SF comedy-drama in which Matt Damon has himself shrunk down to ickle-wickle size in the hopes of starting a new and idyllic life but discovers things are not so straightforward.

Ignore the deeply suspect science (even Ant-Man was more accurate) and the lack of strict narrative control and this is a thoughtful and quietly rather witty film that's more interested in exploring the ramifications of its central idea than hitting particular plot points. Eventually reveals itself to be something of a meditation on what it means to live well; poses many questions, doesn't thrust particular solutions upon the audience.

Well cast, full of ideas, made me think differently about the world (for a while, anyway). Meanders about a bit but is never actually dull.

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Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated On Our Street: Our First Talk about Poverty in Books

Jun 18, 2018

On Our Street: Our First Talk About Poverty by Jillian Roberts; Jaime Casap is a book that talks about poverty, homeless, refugee, and all the difference between people in they basic way of loving. The story is easy to use with kids to show them how they are lucky to live the way of live they have, to make them aware of social issues and to explain to them how we can all play a part to make others lives better.

A direct and clear way to talk about the issues of poverty, I like how it's framed as questions with the answers, nice photographs from around the world illustate the points well.

I received this ARC from Orca Book Publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated SPIN Selling: Situation Problem Implication Need-payoff in Books

Jul 12, 2018

I listened to this audiobook. I'm not a huge fan of the narrator but honestly it wasn't as dry as most business/selling books.

The concepts of this book are interesting and I do like all of the methodology the author did to show how his studies were conducted. Honestly, this is a required reading for my job and I'm still not sure if I fully grasp the concepts. I tried reading just the field guide and it didn't give me all of the information that I craved.

It was truly interesting to see the differences between Situational, Problem, Implication, & Need-payoff questions and how they can help or in some cases hinder selling. I will definitely need to process this book & put the concepts into practice. Hopefully it helps me develop my selling skills.

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Leah (: (569 KP) rated Talented (Talented Saga, #1) in Books

Jul 9, 2018

Talented (Talented Saga, #1)

Sophie Davis | 2012 | Dystopia, Young Adult (YA)

8

8.7

(3 Ratings)

Book Rating

I first read this book and most of the series years ago before it became popular. Before long I was hooked and had binge read all the available books!!

The book follows Talia as she graduates school and lands her dream job. Throughout the story you learn more about the Talented and the world they live in, from Talia’s perspective.

I found Talia to be a very relatable character, particularly as she has a temper which often gets her in trouble. It was also very easy to empathise with Talia and the struggles she faced in the book.

The book is part of a series so there are still many unanswered questions by the end.

I would definitely recommend this book series especially if you like dystopian books.

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GinaGee (448 KP) rated The Bunker Diary in Books

Oct 26, 2019

The Bunker Diary

Kevin Brooks | 2013 | Young Adult (YA)

10

8.0

(5 Ratings)

Book Rating

The ending! (0 more)

Contains spoilers, click to show

This is the diary of a young man who finds himself kidnapped and held captive in a bunker with a few others.

I think this is a massively underrated book and one that I always tell my friends about when they want book recommendations. It's a short book but it is a memorable one, which is why I rate it so highly.

The ending was brilliant, it leaves you asking a dozen other questions that won't be answered. I can see why some people may not like that, as a lot of stories don't leave you to imagine the ending, but I thought it was brilliant. I was left asking "But why were they abandoned?" Did the kidnapper get bored? Were the police getting too close to finding them?

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Elizabeth Sharrod (5 KP) rated The Woman in the Window in Books

Jul 9, 2019

Character development (0 more)

Can be predictable (0 more)

This debut thriller by AJ Finn is an easy read with some great character development especially in regards to the main protagonist, an agrophobe ex psychiatrist who enjoys watching her neighbours through her window while drinking her favourite alcoholic beverage. Soon she finds herself the only witness to a murder where she questions her sanity (did this murder really take place and if so who did it and can she make anyone believe her?)

Finn really creates a character that anyone can relate to or feel for. A thriller of its genre which is already being made into a movie. The story has some twists (a tad predictable if you have an eye for detail.) However, it was an easy and enjoyable read.

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Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Saw V (2008) in Movies

Jan 11, 2020

Saw V (2008)

2008 | Action, Horror

7

6.5

(12 Ratings)

Movie Rating

Good Work Detective

Saw V- this frachise is keeping me on a loop, so many twist and turns, im on the edge of my seat, cause its soo good. This franchsie is keeping me questioning everything about the charcters, john and his motivation, the detective's, the victims, so many questions and so many unexpected answers, that you wont see coming from a mile away. I love this franchise.

The Plot: Despite the fact that fiendish serial killer Jigsaw is dead, his work lives on through a new apprentice, Lieutenant Mark Hoffman, a cop who appeared to be hot on the murderer's trail. As fellow lawman Agent Peter Strahm begins to suspect Hoffman is Jigsaw's protégé, the fledgling killer sets out to dispose of him.

What will happened next, i will soon find out. Cant wait.

Kudos

Ollie SB (2279 KP) shared own list

Apr 8, 2020

Hey Smashbombers!
I hope you are all well and finding ways to keep yourself entertained at this difficult time.
This could help, I have put together a list of 10 top games that have great online multiplayer experiences. I think these games are a great way of keeping in contact with your friends, whilst having some fun at the same time!
If you've played any of these games, drop me a comment to let me know what you thought.
Or if you have any suggestions to add to the list let me know!
I've played most of these games so if you have any questions about them don't hesitate to ask me! (Although @Imogen SB is our resident Animal Crossing expert)
Stay Safe & Happy Reviewing!
Ollie.