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Change is coming to the Autumn County werewolves, and someone would kill to keep it from...
MM Urban Fantasy Romance
Merissa (11925 KP) rated Light From The Grave in Books
Nov 6, 2023
LIGHT FROM THE GRAVE is a standalone paranormal with an element of romance. I say element as, for me, it wasn't the main part of the story. That was the realisation of Dylan's new powers and what he had to do with them. Dylan goes from small-town, Ohio to Charleston. From his home where he has friends, to a new place with family - who are odd, to say the least. He has to master his powers before he can open the family grimoire, renew the wards, and save them all. No pressure!
Keller is the loaded weapon of the coven, and you learn more about his abilities as the story progresses. He has an apprentice, Raven, who doesn't like Dylan to start with, for reasons that are both clear and understandable. As for the other characters, well, I would say those in Charleston are morally grey at best.
There are plenty of twists and turns in this story, and I was never 100% sure of most of the characters! It is very fast-paced, but the descriptions are clear and concise. As for the romance side of things - I just never felt it between Keller and Dylan. Yes, the fascination, the attraction, but not love.
And the ending? That seemed a little out of place somehow. Logically, it makes sense because of who Dylan was/is and the home he had. Emotionally, it just didn't feel right to me.
This is a great read that held my attention and I definitely recommend it.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 3, 2023
Keller is the loaded weapon of the coven, and you learn more about his abilities as the story progresses. He has an apprentice, Raven, who doesn't like Dylan to start with, for reasons that are both clear and understandable. As for the other characters, well, I would say those in Charleston are morally grey at best.
There are plenty of twists and turns in this story, and I was never 100% sure of most of the characters! It is very fast-paced, but the descriptions are clear and concise. As for the romance side of things - I just never felt it between Keller and Dylan. Yes, the fascination, the attraction, but not love.
And the ending? That seemed a little out of place somehow. Logically, it makes sense because of who Dylan was/is and the home he had. Emotionally, it just didn't feel right to me.
This is a great read that held my attention and I definitely recommend it.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 3, 2023
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Transplanted Evil in Books
Apr 1, 2024
61 of 220
Book siren’s review
Transplanted Evil
By Len Handleand
⭐️⭐️
Meet Elizabeth Bennington. A shy young girl raised in privilege with a distant and uncaring father and a doting and overly protective mother outside of Boston in the neighboring town of Charlestown. Yet, despite coming from wealth, Elizabeth was born with a congenital heart condition, leading to bullying at school, hopelessness, and a failed suicide attempt rescued by her parents. She is sent to Bourneville psychiatric hospital, where she undergoes transformative therapy sessions, dramatically improving her outlook on life. She is released after a year. But Elizabeth has a secret: she can see into the future and is haunted by recurring nightmares foreshadowing unspeakable acts of murder involving a mysterious young man with hair the color of a raven splattered with blood. Marty Bowles attends school with Elizabeth and is madly in love with her, almost obsessed with her. Marty’s propensity for violence at school, his depraved lust for killing stray animals, and his involvement with the black arts, including demonic worship, conjuring a demon named Kashgar, and possession, directly threaten her. Could Marty be the mysterious young man in her nightmares who will stop at nothing to gain her love and unite them with his sinister plan?
Oh this is a difficult one for me. I love the premise of the book it was really interesting and hard in some places I wanted to love it but found that Elizabeth’s side of things felt stilted and kinda forced where as Marty’s read better I got a little frustrated half way through wondering where it was going there was a lot things that didn’t need to be there.
BUT like I said the premise was really interesting and different.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Book siren’s review
Transplanted Evil
By Len Handleand
⭐️⭐️
Meet Elizabeth Bennington. A shy young girl raised in privilege with a distant and uncaring father and a doting and overly protective mother outside of Boston in the neighboring town of Charlestown. Yet, despite coming from wealth, Elizabeth was born with a congenital heart condition, leading to bullying at school, hopelessness, and a failed suicide attempt rescued by her parents. She is sent to Bourneville psychiatric hospital, where she undergoes transformative therapy sessions, dramatically improving her outlook on life. She is released after a year. But Elizabeth has a secret: she can see into the future and is haunted by recurring nightmares foreshadowing unspeakable acts of murder involving a mysterious young man with hair the color of a raven splattered with blood. Marty Bowles attends school with Elizabeth and is madly in love with her, almost obsessed with her. Marty’s propensity for violence at school, his depraved lust for killing stray animals, and his involvement with the black arts, including demonic worship, conjuring a demon named Kashgar, and possession, directly threaten her. Could Marty be the mysterious young man in her nightmares who will stop at nothing to gain her love and unite them with his sinister plan?
Oh this is a difficult one for me. I love the premise of the book it was really interesting and hard in some places I wanted to love it but found that Elizabeth’s side of things felt stilted and kinda forced where as Marty’s read better I got a little frustrated half way through wondering where it was going there was a lot things that didn’t need to be there.
BUT like I said the premise was really interesting and different.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Connor Sheffield (293 KP) rated The Following - Season 1 in TV
Apr 28, 2017
Character Development (4 more)
Kevin Bacon
Joe Purefoy
Connections and references to Poe
An insight into the mind of shepherd and sheep
Excitement, Twists and Tension.
So if you read my review on 'The Raven' then you know my love for Edgar Allan Poe and how these stories use his work to create brilliant murder mysteries that keep you on your toes thinking about what might happen next.
However, this show is different, because you know who the murderers and the head of the cult are, but what makes this show so thrilling is trying to figure out what is going through Joe Carroll's (portrayed by Joe Purefoy, who is absolutely brilliant and charming) twisted mind when toying with ex-detective Ryan Hardy (portrayed by Kevin Bacon who also excels as a brilliantly charming character). One of my favourite aspects of this show is the on screen relationship between Kevin Bacon and Joe Purefoy because solo, they are entertaining but together they are very very tense and humorous which can make the audience feel uneasy at times.
The show is very graphic which might put off some viewers, but if a lot of blood and a lot of stabbing, quite often with the eyes in the first season, doesn't bother you that much then you may enjoy this show.
My favourite aspect of this show however, is that the writers delve into the minds of the shepherd and his sheep as it were. Joe Carroll is well written as a manipulative psychotic serial killer who is able to convince many young followers to do his dirty work and toy with Ryan Hardy, and yet they are given very strict instructions about what to do, how to do it, and when.
This is brilliantly written, beautifully shot for both the action sequences and the slow thought provoking sequences that help move the plot along, and to top it all off, each episode is a thrilling and exciting experience that lead you to a grand finale.
However, this show is different, because you know who the murderers and the head of the cult are, but what makes this show so thrilling is trying to figure out what is going through Joe Carroll's (portrayed by Joe Purefoy, who is absolutely brilliant and charming) twisted mind when toying with ex-detective Ryan Hardy (portrayed by Kevin Bacon who also excels as a brilliantly charming character). One of my favourite aspects of this show is the on screen relationship between Kevin Bacon and Joe Purefoy because solo, they are entertaining but together they are very very tense and humorous which can make the audience feel uneasy at times.
The show is very graphic which might put off some viewers, but if a lot of blood and a lot of stabbing, quite often with the eyes in the first season, doesn't bother you that much then you may enjoy this show.
My favourite aspect of this show however, is that the writers delve into the minds of the shepherd and his sheep as it were. Joe Carroll is well written as a manipulative psychotic serial killer who is able to convince many young followers to do his dirty work and toy with Ryan Hardy, and yet they are given very strict instructions about what to do, how to do it, and when.
This is brilliantly written, beautifully shot for both the action sequences and the slow thought provoking sequences that help move the plot along, and to top it all off, each episode is a thrilling and exciting experience that lead you to a grand finale.
Connor Sheffield (293 KP) rated RWBY in TV
May 27, 2017
Hilarious (6 more)
Adorable characters
Brilliant and ever improving animation
Insanse action sequences
Great voice cast
Brilliant Character developments
Awesome plot
This show is incredible
RWBY is an anime show created by the Rooster Teeth team famous for their many YouTube channels such as Lets Play, Achievement Hunter, and many more. With a cast starring some of their own team as well as some other voice actors, this show has some great references to a variety of things such as the Grimm monsters, one being called a Nevermore which is a giant bird, clearly a reference to Edgar Allan Poe's The Raven.
The action sequences are insane and so entertaining, and the characters are really adorable and hilarious. Perfectly timed gags, with adorable voices make this an incredible show.
Some viewers may find it easier to watch if you know the Rooster Teeth Team since some of the main cast are voiced by them and represent them in a way such as Yang making bad puns just like her voice actress Barbara Dunkelman, does in a lot of the Rooster Teeth shows.
However, if you are a fan of anime shows, I recommend this show, because it doesn't take long to get through as each of the episodes are a maximum of 10-20 minutes long each depending on the season and the importance of the events. Some can be as short at 2-3 minutes, whilst other, more important event based episodes, can be between 15-20 minutes. So it's easy to binge watch and enjoy it to the fullest as quick as you can. This means that whilst some shows struggle to keep you hooked, this show will quickly get through the lesser entertaining areas (of which there are very few in this, if any) and get you back to the fun and action.
The action sequences are insane and so entertaining, and the characters are really adorable and hilarious. Perfectly timed gags, with adorable voices make this an incredible show.
Some viewers may find it easier to watch if you know the Rooster Teeth Team since some of the main cast are voiced by them and represent them in a way such as Yang making bad puns just like her voice actress Barbara Dunkelman, does in a lot of the Rooster Teeth shows.
However, if you are a fan of anime shows, I recommend this show, because it doesn't take long to get through as each of the episodes are a maximum of 10-20 minutes long each depending on the season and the importance of the events. Some can be as short at 2-3 minutes, whilst other, more important event based episodes, can be between 15-20 minutes. So it's easy to binge watch and enjoy it to the fullest as quick as you can. This means that whilst some shows struggle to keep you hooked, this show will quickly get through the lesser entertaining areas (of which there are very few in this, if any) and get you back to the fun and action.
Erika (17788 KP) rated X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019) in Movies
Jun 8, 2019 (Updated Jun 8, 2019)
Better than Last Stand
Last Stand didn't exactly set a high bar for the Dark Phoenix story line, and luckily, this film surpassed it. To be honest, the only reason they got my butt in a seat was for Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy.
The story goes the way you expect it to go. I'm not completely convinced Sophie Turner is a good actress. I'm also glad that they killed Raven (not a spoiler, it's common knowledge), though it wasn't quick enough in my opinion.
I'm unsure as to why Jessica Chastain was cast (or why she's ever cast in ANYTHING); her 'villain' was completely useless. The movie didn't even need that subplot, they would have had a better movie without it and her. Pro-tip: don't introduce new characters in the last film of a saga because no one will care enough about them. Seriously, I felt like my time was wasted having to watch her.
I will say, this film FINALLY gave us good scenes with the X-Men kicking some ass, all using their unique powers. They really gave Nicholas Hoult something to do, and he was great!
Finally, the reason I was there, McFassy. This was one of McAvoy's best Professor X performances, he wasn't black or white, he was more gray and it really worked. They didn't give Magneto much to do, but I loved that they introduced Genosha. This will be below the 'see more' line, so, the best flexing his power scene was when he lifted the subway through the concrete, it was almost on par with the submarine being lifted out of the sea in First Class, and pulling up the Auschwitz gate in Apocalypse.
The last scene shows the entire new saga go first circle. Of course, it's very Dark Knight Rises, but it was perfect. I'm only rating it a 6 because of that.
The story goes the way you expect it to go. I'm not completely convinced Sophie Turner is a good actress. I'm also glad that they killed Raven (not a spoiler, it's common knowledge), though it wasn't quick enough in my opinion.
I'm unsure as to why Jessica Chastain was cast (or why she's ever cast in ANYTHING); her 'villain' was completely useless. The movie didn't even need that subplot, they would have had a better movie without it and her. Pro-tip: don't introduce new characters in the last film of a saga because no one will care enough about them. Seriously, I felt like my time was wasted having to watch her.
I will say, this film FINALLY gave us good scenes with the X-Men kicking some ass, all using their unique powers. They really gave Nicholas Hoult something to do, and he was great!
Finally, the reason I was there, McFassy. This was one of McAvoy's best Professor X performances, he wasn't black or white, he was more gray and it really worked. They didn't give Magneto much to do, but I loved that they introduced Genosha. This will be below the 'see more' line, so, the best flexing his power scene was when he lifted the subway through the concrete, it was almost on par with the submarine being lifted out of the sea in First Class, and pulling up the Auschwitz gate in Apocalypse.
The last scene shows the entire new saga go first circle. Of course, it's very Dark Knight Rises, but it was perfect. I'm only rating it a 6 because of that.
Rikki Hammond (33 KP) rated X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019) in Movies
Jun 9, 2019
Dull plot (3 more)
Contrived tropes
Extremely poor ending to the franchise
Villains aren't threatening in the slightest
Blame Game: The Movie
Contains spoilers, click to show
I've just come back from watching Dark Phoenix, and boy, was I let down! This certainly wasn't the way X-Men should end!
After the brilliant Days of Future Past and Apocalypse, Dark Phoenix falls very short of the mark in terms of plot, character development, and action.
The plot revolves around the X-Men going to space to rescue some astronauts, and Jean Grey getting caught in what we are led to believe is a solar flare, giving her unimaginable power. What follows is basically a gigantic blame game, where Jean blames Charles Xavier for hiding her past, Beast blaming Charles for Raven's death (due to Jean losing control, accidently killing Raven, who blames herself for it,) Magneto blaming Jean for the same thing, etc etc, all the while, Jean gets angry sometimes and destroys stuff.
Then some random aliens (the D'Bari) show up who want to use Jean for her powers, and these guys are supposed to be the villains of the film, however, they are the least threatening villains to come out in a long time, and there's no big finale to their demise at the end, they are literally disintegrated by Jean/Phoenix.
The biggest problem with Dark Phoenix is that there really isn't much in the way of story here, and it certainly doesn't add to the X-Men universe much at all. Even after Jean 'dies' no one grieves or mourns for her, we simply see Charles and Magneto playing chess, then the film ends.
The only positives I can really give are that the acting was decent enough, especially from James McAvoy, and there were a couple of good action scenes, but overall, this will end up being another highly forgettable film, and a very disappointing end to the X-Men franchise.
After the brilliant Days of Future Past and Apocalypse, Dark Phoenix falls very short of the mark in terms of plot, character development, and action.
The plot revolves around the X-Men going to space to rescue some astronauts, and Jean Grey getting caught in what we are led to believe is a solar flare, giving her unimaginable power. What follows is basically a gigantic blame game, where Jean blames Charles Xavier for hiding her past, Beast blaming Charles for Raven's death (due to Jean losing control, accidently killing Raven, who blames herself for it,) Magneto blaming Jean for the same thing, etc etc, all the while, Jean gets angry sometimes and destroys stuff.
Then some random aliens (the D'Bari) show up who want to use Jean for her powers, and these guys are supposed to be the villains of the film, however, they are the least threatening villains to come out in a long time, and there's no big finale to their demise at the end, they are literally disintegrated by Jean/Phoenix.
The biggest problem with Dark Phoenix is that there really isn't much in the way of story here, and it certainly doesn't add to the X-Men universe much at all. Even after Jean 'dies' no one grieves or mourns for her, we simply see Charles and Magneto playing chess, then the film ends.
The only positives I can really give are that the acting was decent enough, especially from James McAvoy, and there were a couple of good action scenes, but overall, this will end up being another highly forgettable film, and a very disappointing end to the X-Men franchise.
Debbiereadsbook (1166 KP) rated Ravens: A Sons of Olympia Reverse Harem Romance in Books
Mar 22, 2018
hot hot HOT!!!
I was asked to read this by Ms Perry, that I write a review was not required.
But I gotta! OOOEEEE I gotta!!
I've had a run for male/male books to read, and I so desperately needed a down and dirty male/female book and this did not disappoint, three males!
Brenna dreams about 3 raven-haired brothers, who all want to mate with her! By day, her life is plagued by real ravens so she just assumes that the dreams are to counter-act her day, right??
Wrong! Brenna is able to travel to parallel plains, where the brothers are princes and Brenna somehow managed to create a mating bond between them by saving one of them! Waldrom brings Brenna to his home, and they perform a ceremony with Victor and Corbin but Brenna doesn't fully comprehend what she has done, and runs.
I get WHY she runs, though. She did not know what she was agreeing to, hell she would have sold her soul to get the sexy dark haired man to just hurry it up already! A girl's got needs, right?? But she is so miserable after, and the brothers are miserable too. They just have to talk. Lots of sexy time too, but TALK! Sexy time is well written, and well delivered. Hot hot HOT!!!
I love the take on shifters too, with the sci-fi/paranormal hints. Made for an enjoyable read! Very enjoyable! So much so, I stayed up til nearly 2am reading this! And that was after a 14 hour shift at work! I'll probably read book two straight through too!
Loved the other ladies who Brenna meets, Lauren and Jade. Those two know far more about the woods and what it contains than they let on!
Very different from Ms Perry's usual work, but I thank her kindly for writing this! I NEEDED this book!
Thank you!
5 full stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
But I gotta! OOOEEEE I gotta!!
I've had a run for male/male books to read, and I so desperately needed a down and dirty male/female book and this did not disappoint, three males!
Brenna dreams about 3 raven-haired brothers, who all want to mate with her! By day, her life is plagued by real ravens so she just assumes that the dreams are to counter-act her day, right??
Wrong! Brenna is able to travel to parallel plains, where the brothers are princes and Brenna somehow managed to create a mating bond between them by saving one of them! Waldrom brings Brenna to his home, and they perform a ceremony with Victor and Corbin but Brenna doesn't fully comprehend what she has done, and runs.
I get WHY she runs, though. She did not know what she was agreeing to, hell she would have sold her soul to get the sexy dark haired man to just hurry it up already! A girl's got needs, right?? But she is so miserable after, and the brothers are miserable too. They just have to talk. Lots of sexy time too, but TALK! Sexy time is well written, and well delivered. Hot hot HOT!!!
I love the take on shifters too, with the sci-fi/paranormal hints. Made for an enjoyable read! Very enjoyable! So much so, I stayed up til nearly 2am reading this! And that was after a 14 hour shift at work! I'll probably read book two straight through too!
Loved the other ladies who Brenna meets, Lauren and Jade. Those two know far more about the woods and what it contains than they let on!
Very different from Ms Perry's usual work, but I thank her kindly for writing this! I NEEDED this book!
Thank you!
5 full stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Micky Barnard (542 KP) rated Heartless in Books
Oct 6, 2018
Infuriating
I had such high hopes for this book, everything about it called to me. A re-take on an aspect of the crazy that is Alice in Wonderland that had a fantasy premise, I wanted to like, even love this book. My mind and heart are smashed into smithereens and I don't even feel that I can express my true feelings in this review or else I will spoil for others. There are no spoilers so please forgive any vague statements.
What I like about this book were the two lead characters Jest and Cath. Cath started as a disillusioned young woman, entitled in the true sense but longing to be ordinary and follow her love of baking. Cath evolved into a spirited but whiney woman but towards the end became unrecognisable and I can't even say there was a journey to the change in her. Cath become a bomb.
Jest was absolutely wonderful in every way. He was mysterious but loyal and he fell in love with Cath. I loved his character, his quirkiness, his tricks, his hat. Many of the side characters were enchanting: Cheshire, Raven and Hatter really stick out.
This book was difficult to read and slow in pace until 60% but I powered on. At 60% it got pretty exciting and the pace picked up. Then a bomb was dropped and my investment in this world and book fell apart. Words cannot express my heartache and I am disillusioned with how the author dealt with the events that occurred. The characters had intangible behaviour towards the end and the lack of story once the events occurred was truly disappointing. I could have coped with the events if they were supported by good writing and depth, they were not. I feel let down as a reader and I can't see myself returning to this author again.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
What I like about this book were the two lead characters Jest and Cath. Cath started as a disillusioned young woman, entitled in the true sense but longing to be ordinary and follow her love of baking. Cath evolved into a spirited but whiney woman but towards the end became unrecognisable and I can't even say there was a journey to the change in her. Cath become a bomb.
Jest was absolutely wonderful in every way. He was mysterious but loyal and he fell in love with Cath. I loved his character, his quirkiness, his tricks, his hat. Many of the side characters were enchanting: Cheshire, Raven and Hatter really stick out.
This book was difficult to read and slow in pace until 60% but I powered on. At 60% it got pretty exciting and the pace picked up. Then a bomb was dropped and my investment in this world and book fell apart. Words cannot express my heartache and I am disillusioned with how the author dealt with the events that occurred. The characters had intangible behaviour towards the end and the lack of story once the events occurred was truly disappointing. I could have coped with the events if they were supported by good writing and depth, they were not. I feel let down as a reader and I can't see myself returning to this author again.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
I read Giles Kristian's Raven: Blood Eye series of books a few year back.
They were enjoyable, I felt, but not the greatest such novels I'd ever read (I enjoyed the first one the most)
I also, relatively recently, read the first in his 'Rise of Sigurd' prequel novels and felt that one, at times, to be a bit of a chore to get through.
As such, I'd never really gone out of my way to look for any other book by Giles Kristian
However, being the optimist that I (sometimes) am, with loads of adverts extolling its virtue on a popular social-media networking site and with a intriguing premise, I thought I would give this one a go.
And I'm glad I did: it's in (I felt) a completely different league that any of his previous.
This is, effectively, a semi-historical re-telling of the Arthurian myth unique, however, in that it is told from the point of view of Lancelot himself: one third of, perhaps, the most well known love-triangle in the English language but of whom has always been given short shrift, dropping in and out of the Arthurian myth.
This, however, turns that on it's head, with Arthur only appearing roughly about half-way through this book, and with Lancelot having previous history with Guinevere before she is even Arthur's wife. This work follows him right from his boyhood, through his rescue and upbringing by Lady Nimue (Arthurian myth name drop? Check), his first meetings with Merlin (another check) and with Arthur (major check), the reimagined Excalibur (check) and the Lady of the Lake ("listen, just 'cos some watery tart threw a sword at you …"), Mordred (yet another check), his love affair with Guinevere, his exile and even Mordred's betrayal of Arthur.
I have to say, I really enjoyed this: a strong contender for the best book I've read so far this year.
They were enjoyable, I felt, but not the greatest such novels I'd ever read (I enjoyed the first one the most)
I also, relatively recently, read the first in his 'Rise of Sigurd' prequel novels and felt that one, at times, to be a bit of a chore to get through.
As such, I'd never really gone out of my way to look for any other book by Giles Kristian
However, being the optimist that I (sometimes) am, with loads of adverts extolling its virtue on a popular social-media networking site and with a intriguing premise, I thought I would give this one a go.
And I'm glad I did: it's in (I felt) a completely different league that any of his previous.
This is, effectively, a semi-historical re-telling of the Arthurian myth unique, however, in that it is told from the point of view of Lancelot himself: one third of, perhaps, the most well known love-triangle in the English language but of whom has always been given short shrift, dropping in and out of the Arthurian myth.
This, however, turns that on it's head, with Arthur only appearing roughly about half-way through this book, and with Lancelot having previous history with Guinevere before she is even Arthur's wife. This work follows him right from his boyhood, through his rescue and upbringing by Lady Nimue (Arthurian myth name drop? Check), his first meetings with Merlin (another check) and with Arthur (major check), the reimagined Excalibur (check) and the Lady of the Lake ("listen, just 'cos some watery tart threw a sword at you …"), Mordred (yet another check), his love affair with Guinevere, his exile and even Mordred's betrayal of Arthur.
I have to say, I really enjoyed this: a strong contender for the best book I've read so far this year.