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Jessica Cashen (1 KP) rated True Storm (True Born Trilogy, #3) in Books
May 16, 2018
Awesome read. Well written with a great plot and characters. I was engrossed from start to finish. Twins Lucy and Margot are safe and together in Dominion City, coping with the aftermath of Margot’s time held captive in Russia and reeling from all of the betrayal. Margot’s experiences have clearly changed her, but Lucy is happy to have her twin back and is hopeful that their close bond will heal over time.
The twins have recently learned that almost everyone in their lives has kept secrets from them. They’re even keeping secrets from each other now. Finally, all of these secrets will be revealed and questions will be answered. True Storm is full of plot twists and surprises that I didn't see coming. I wish there was another book to tell what kind of life Lucy has after evertything she has been fighting for. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Netgalley.
The twins have recently learned that almost everyone in their lives has kept secrets from them. They’re even keeping secrets from each other now. Finally, all of these secrets will be revealed and questions will be answered. True Storm is full of plot twists and surprises that I didn't see coming. I wish there was another book to tell what kind of life Lucy has after evertything she has been fighting for. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Netgalley.
David McK (3687 KP) rated Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015) in Movies
Feb 17, 2019 (Updated Mar 29, 2020)
BB-8 (2 more)
Harrison Ford
Return to practical effects instead of an over excess of cgi
It's no coincidence that one of the earliest lines in the film is 'this will make everything right'.
The first Post-Disney acquisition film in the Star Wars saga, this one had a lot of expectation on its shoulders: it had to appease those who felt 'sold out' by the prequels (i.e. largely those who grew up with the originals) while also had to appeal to a whole new generation. In other words, it had quite a tightrope to walk.
A tightrope which, by and large, it does so successfully.
It's not perfect: JJ Abrams sets up a lot of questions which Rian Johnson would later deem irrelevant (in The Last Jedi), while elements of the plot are, shall we say, more than a little familiar, but by and large...
The first Post-Disney acquisition film in the Star Wars saga, this one had a lot of expectation on its shoulders: it had to appease those who felt 'sold out' by the prequels (i.e. largely those who grew up with the originals) while also had to appeal to a whole new generation. In other words, it had quite a tightrope to walk.
A tightrope which, by and large, it does so successfully.
It's not perfect: JJ Abrams sets up a lot of questions which Rian Johnson would later deem irrelevant (in The Last Jedi), while elements of the plot are, shall we say, more than a little familiar, but by and large...
Dean (6927 KP) rated Hotel Artemis (2018) in Movies
Apr 5, 2019
This is no 5 star Hotel
I was intrigued by the trailer for this a while back but missed it at the cinema. It features a secret hotel in LA for members only, usually those on the wrong side of the law. Set in the near future during a city riot.
There are a mix of characters at the Hotel which is mainly used as a patch up service for those injured and need treatment no questions asked.
The main issue of the film is it gives a glimpse into this world and tries to give some info to the back stories of the characters with varying success. Also leaving a few things unexplained and some plotlines thread bare. The direction is all over the place, part action, drama, thriller. It doesn't seem to know which one it should be. It's still an enjoyable film but it had much greater potential.
There are a mix of characters at the Hotel which is mainly used as a patch up service for those injured and need treatment no questions asked.
The main issue of the film is it gives a glimpse into this world and tries to give some info to the back stories of the characters with varying success. Also leaving a few things unexplained and some plotlines thread bare. The direction is all over the place, part action, drama, thriller. It doesn't seem to know which one it should be. It's still an enjoyable film but it had much greater potential.
April Rose Mossow (93 KP) rated Sadie in Books
May 20, 2019
When Sadie’s sister Maddie is found dead, it sets off a series of events: A road trip, uncovering secrets, but also, asking more questions than it answers. I really enjoyed this book, slowly the adrenaline just kicks you into gear and you’re rushing through the book to finish. It’s a murder-mystery, tangled with lies, family dysfunction, and vengeance. Told between podcasts and the perspective of its main character, it’s a different style of writing, written especially for this generation’s teens. You feel so deeply for Sadie, and the people she meets along the way. The story is fast-paced and keeps you thoroughly engaged. (I didn’t want to put it down!) Sadie is a well written, real character you root for through the entirety of the book. It’s such a sad chain of events, you don’t really know what to expect, but you hope against all hope that Sadie makes it out alive.
Rickey A. Mossow Jr. (689 KP) rated Us (2019) in Movies
May 25, 2019
Performances are on point. (1 more)
Engrossing plot is well-paced throughout.
Enthralling thriller that promotes discussion.
Having only seen the trailer and done all I could to avoid spoilers. I wasn't sure what to expect with this film. The only thing I knew was that being a Peele film, I knew it would make me think and would be deeper than the average horror flick. The suspense and action are taut throughout and keeps you enwrapped. Little pieces of the plot are paced beautifully throughout and the performances are on point. You're left with questions well past the final reveal and the movie's message promotes inner thought. Any movie that can keep you enthralled from the opening scene to the final one and also promotes discussion is a win-win in my books. May have to rewatch this just to take in more of the messages throughout.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Bring Me Back in Books
Mar 2, 2018
Unnerving with lots of twists
B. A. Paris returns once again with a deeply troubling psychological thriller following a couple and a woman, who disappeared 12 years ago.
Finn and his girlfriend Layla are in France before she mysteriously vanishes, leaving him to answer police questions over her disappearance. Fast forward 12 years, and Finn has settled down, about to marry Layla's older, much more mature sister, but suddenly bizarre events begin to occur, and they wonder - has she returned?
The entire book is unnerving, moving between several narratives and voices, first establishing Finn's version of the past and the present. And then soon after, another voice emerges, and you're left to question whether it really is Layla.
While you do get an inkling with 30 minutes left of the book about what could be possible - it is written so that the final reveal is still harrowing and shocking. Another gripping thriller from Paris.
Finn and his girlfriend Layla are in France before she mysteriously vanishes, leaving him to answer police questions over her disappearance. Fast forward 12 years, and Finn has settled down, about to marry Layla's older, much more mature sister, but suddenly bizarre events begin to occur, and they wonder - has she returned?
The entire book is unnerving, moving between several narratives and voices, first establishing Finn's version of the past and the present. And then soon after, another voice emerges, and you're left to question whether it really is Layla.
While you do get an inkling with 30 minutes left of the book about what could be possible - it is written so that the final reveal is still harrowing and shocking. Another gripping thriller from Paris.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2470 KP) rated The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches (Flavia de Luce, #6) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Flavia’s mother has been found and her body is being returned to Bishop’s Lacey. Flavia is waiting with the rest of her family on the train station when the body arrives when a stranger comes up to her and gives her a cryptic message. Minutes later, he’s dead. What did his message mean? What does this have to do with Flavia’s mother?
As often in this series, the mystery takes a back seat to Flavia and her family. Still, the plot does answer some questions about the de Luce family and appears to wrap up a few long running plot threads. Fans will absolutely love this book however, because of the character study it gives us in grief. While the mystery is weak, it is a very strong book, especially if you know the characters.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/07/book-review-dead-in-their-vaulted.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
As often in this series, the mystery takes a back seat to Flavia and her family. Still, the plot does answer some questions about the de Luce family and appears to wrap up a few long running plot threads. Fans will absolutely love this book however, because of the character study it gives us in grief. While the mystery is weak, it is a very strong book, especially if you know the characters.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/07/book-review-dead-in-their-vaulted.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2470 KP) rated Claws for Concern (Cat in the Stacks, #9) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Charlie’s grandson has been born, and he’s delighted to be spending time with this addition to the family. But he soon begins to get drawn into another mystery. First a true crime writer wants to write about some of Charlie’s past cases. Then there’s the mysterious man in the library asking questions.
This is definitely a slower book in the series as it took a while for us to figure out exactly where the mystery might be. There is one in the book, and I enjoyed it once Charlie started investigating. As always, the characters, both new and old, shine. I loved getting to spend more time with the usual gang, and most of them get at least an appearance. We also get to see some characters from the author’s other series, which was a lot of fun.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2018/03/book-review-claws-for-concern-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This is definitely a slower book in the series as it took a while for us to figure out exactly where the mystery might be. There is one in the book, and I enjoyed it once Charlie started investigating. As always, the characters, both new and old, shine. I loved getting to spend more time with the usual gang, and most of them get at least an appearance. We also get to see some characters from the author’s other series, which was a lot of fun.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2018/03/book-review-claws-for-concern-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Dana (24 KP) rated Howl and Other Poems in Books
Mar 23, 2018
I don't overly enjoy poetry for the most part, but I have to say, I really enjoy Allen Ginsberg's writing.
I had previously read "Howl" and "A Supermarket in California" which I very much enjoyed. The other poems, being new to me, I thoroughly enjoyed.
Ginsberg has a very interesting writing style that is very vivid. I love how he speaks directly to his fellow poets in some of his poems. In writing them in, he is giving them an even greater form of immortality.
I enjoyed the poem "America." It's asking the citizens of America what the war is worth, but America is also asking things of him that he wouldn't be able to live up to. He questions his own writing in this as well.
Ginsberg has a very musical beat to his poems that makes you have to keep reading. It pulls you along, especially when you read it out loud.
Overall, I very much enjoyed this little book of poems.
I had previously read "Howl" and "A Supermarket in California" which I very much enjoyed. The other poems, being new to me, I thoroughly enjoyed.
Ginsberg has a very interesting writing style that is very vivid. I love how he speaks directly to his fellow poets in some of his poems. In writing them in, he is giving them an even greater form of immortality.
I enjoyed the poem "America." It's asking the citizens of America what the war is worth, but America is also asking things of him that he wouldn't be able to live up to. He questions his own writing in this as well.
Ginsberg has a very musical beat to his poems that makes you have to keep reading. It pulls you along, especially when you read it out loud.
Overall, I very much enjoyed this little book of poems.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Tea Cups and Carnage (A Tourist Trap Mystery, #7) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
It was a pleasure to return to South Cove, CA to visit with Jill and her friends again. There was a lot going on this time around. Between the extra business for the food truck during the local beach festival and a missing check, Jill's more than a little stressed out. Yet when a dead body is found, she can't help herself. She has to start asking questions, even if her police-detective boyfriend, Greg, isn't too thrilled about it.
The various sub-plots in this one made it hard to put down - I really needed to know what was going on, on all fronts! Besides the usual cast of characters, the new shop owner in town, Kathi, was a interesting addition. I'm hoping to see more of her during my next visit to South Cove.
NOTE: I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The various sub-plots in this one made it hard to put down - I really needed to know what was going on, on all fronts! Besides the usual cast of characters, the new shop owner in town, Kathi, was a interesting addition. I'm hoping to see more of her during my next visit to South Cove.
NOTE: I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.