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Submerged: Miku and the Sunken City
Games
App
NOTE: iPhone 5s, iPad Mini 2, iPad Mini 3, iPad Air 1 not supported Submerged is a third-person...
Bonnie and Clyde: Resurrection Road
Clark Hays and Kathleen McFall
Book
THE RETURN OF BONNIE AND CLYDE Saving democracy, one bank robbery at a time. In the provocative...
series adult fiction Bonnie & Clyde Bonnie and Clyde
Merissa (12684 KP) rated Sins of the Shadow Walkers (The Familiar Curse #3) in Books
Mar 31, 2021 (Updated Aug 2, 2023)
SINS OF THE SHADOW WALKERS is the last book in The Familiar Curse, and we finish Juliet and Dante's story. I have loved this couple, I really have, and I certainly didn't want this series to end. The good news is... there is more to come! Yey!! This story wraps up Juliet and Dante (although I still want more) but also leaves it open to other characters.
My reason for the 4 stars is this - I wanted to know more about the Shadow Walkers. I get Juliet's history, and I can appreciate how Faye feels. But Kaine, and his mum and dad? The rest of the clan? They were only touched on, and Kaine just sort of disappeared. I am hoping they will feature in future books, so I may get my answers there.
As for some of the others, well now. I'm matching them up in my mind and now I just have to wait to see if my mind matches C.L. Bright's! Nicholas and Sin need to be together. He showed a slight hint of redemption, and Sin is interested in him. Plus, I think he will keep her on her toes, and we all know how Sin hates to be bored. I really want Geori and Serena to get together. I really don't believe Alaric deserves her! And why should the nice guy always finish last? He's the one who has stayed with Serena and supported her. Alaric? Grrr!
I enjoyed this story just as much as the first two, even with the difference in stars. I read it in one sitting, not moving until I had finished. The pacing is smooth and will keep you turning the pages. A brilliant end to this trilogy and I'm looking forward to the next. Definitely recommended by me.
** 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 31, 2021
My reason for the 4 stars is this - I wanted to know more about the Shadow Walkers. I get Juliet's history, and I can appreciate how Faye feels. But Kaine, and his mum and dad? The rest of the clan? They were only touched on, and Kaine just sort of disappeared. I am hoping they will feature in future books, so I may get my answers there.
As for some of the others, well now. I'm matching them up in my mind and now I just have to wait to see if my mind matches C.L. Bright's! Nicholas and Sin need to be together. He showed a slight hint of redemption, and Sin is interested in him. Plus, I think he will keep her on her toes, and we all know how Sin hates to be bored. I really want Geori and Serena to get together. I really don't believe Alaric deserves her! And why should the nice guy always finish last? He's the one who has stayed with Serena and supported her. Alaric? Grrr!
I enjoyed this story just as much as the first two, even with the difference in stars. I read it in one sitting, not moving until I had finished. The pacing is smooth and will keep you turning the pages. A brilliant end to this trilogy and I'm looking forward to the next. Definitely recommended by me.
** 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 31, 2021
D.B. and Me
Book
In the gripping tale of D.B. and Me, the enigmatic hijacker, D.B. Cooper, parachutes into the...
Contemporary MM Romance True Crime Suspense Mystery
Rachel King (13 KP) rated Lion's Honey: The Myth of Samson in Books
Feb 11, 2019
I was a little surprised as to what comprised this book, as I expected to find a fictional retelling after the reproduction of Judges 13-16 of the King James Bible. Instead, what follows is a detailed commentary that examines and dissects the Biblical account, using even the original language to understand the full meaning of the text, with all of its nuances and allusions. As many times that I have studied the story of Samson in church growing up, there is apparently quite a bit that I never knew about such an interesting character in Hebrew history.
As any person chosen of God to do His will, Samson is a man plagued by his destiny and how it separates him from the rest of humanity. Though chosen of God from the womb to live as a Nazarite, he is still very much human with human urges. Almost constantly at war with himself, Samson seems to set himself up to be hurt by those he puts his trust in so that he may let loose his anger and rage against those who hold his people captive -- the Philistines. Like so many modern-day psychological head cases, much of his choices are also driven by a need for that hidden something lacking in his relationship with his parents. He looks for it in the wrong places and the wrong women, even paying a visit to a prostitute. He seems to use his strength and anger with an artistic flair, first setting up a group of Philistines at his wedding with an unsolvable riddle, and later finding rather unique ways of further punishing the Philistines, such as using the jawbone of an ass to kill a thousand of them. Furthermore, every verbal account from Samson is spoken poetically.
What I found most interesting is the way that David Grossman explored the account of Samson and Delilah. He alludes that Samson in fact knew the betrayal that Delilah harbored and welcomed it in order to finally shed his God-given destiny. While he ends his life in a final act of redemption, I have to wonder if he did complete the task that God had given him to "begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines."
Despite the intense detail that David Grossman goes into when writing this study of Samson, the book is a very good read and well worth my time.
As any person chosen of God to do His will, Samson is a man plagued by his destiny and how it separates him from the rest of humanity. Though chosen of God from the womb to live as a Nazarite, he is still very much human with human urges. Almost constantly at war with himself, Samson seems to set himself up to be hurt by those he puts his trust in so that he may let loose his anger and rage against those who hold his people captive -- the Philistines. Like so many modern-day psychological head cases, much of his choices are also driven by a need for that hidden something lacking in his relationship with his parents. He looks for it in the wrong places and the wrong women, even paying a visit to a prostitute. He seems to use his strength and anger with an artistic flair, first setting up a group of Philistines at his wedding with an unsolvable riddle, and later finding rather unique ways of further punishing the Philistines, such as using the jawbone of an ass to kill a thousand of them. Furthermore, every verbal account from Samson is spoken poetically.
What I found most interesting is the way that David Grossman explored the account of Samson and Delilah. He alludes that Samson in fact knew the betrayal that Delilah harbored and welcomed it in order to finally shed his God-given destiny. While he ends his life in a final act of redemption, I have to wonder if he did complete the task that God had given him to "begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines."
Despite the intense detail that David Grossman goes into when writing this study of Samson, the book is a very good read and well worth my time.
YellowDancer (8 KP) rated the PlayStation 4 version of Red Dead Redemption 2 in Video Games
Jun 11, 2019 (Updated Jun 11, 2019)
It's realistic, beautiful and has very fine detail. (1 more)
Good storyline.
No passive play. (Online) (1 more)
Expensive in-game purchases. (Online)
Contains spoilers, click to show
The Story mode is absolutely fantastic. The scenery, the story itself, the characters are great.
Arthur as a character is like a father figure, until he dies towards the end and you end up playing as John. Now, I don't mind John myself (after playing Red Dead Redemption) but the game was about Arthur's journey. It was a bit predictable about Micah being the bad guy but thats what made a good story. Very realistic.
The "underweight/overweight" is a big downfall. Especially online play. My character is constantly overweight as when I lose health from pestering players, or falling off cliffs, or running into trees accidently, I have no choice but to eat. This gains weight and therefore hard to lose. So Iintend to run more than ride my horse which takes forever to reduce my weight ever so slightly. But since I've started playing the Beta online, I haven't been average weight or under.
If you're like me and don't use deadeye (probably only me) as I find it drains quickly after looking for herbs, animals etc. it is quite difficult to do missions involving headshots or showdowns. Now if there was an easier way to regain your deadeye core quickly (same goes for health and stamina) then it may be easier for players to use deadeye more often.
I would suggest a 'passive mode' online as if you would like to play just to relax and enjoy the game without the odd muppets who just shoots you for fun, who then ruins it for you.
Another thing is paying for fast travel or having a camp which seems so far away from you. Be easier to make a temporary one where you are if you have the resources etc. Why not owning your own home or with other settlers? Paying a morgage or building materials? (Like John at the end of the story).
Overall, I think the game is a great, and Rockstar has done a fantastic job. Just a few tweaks here and there and the game will be better. But it's early days yet as the game is still new and all.
Arthur as a character is like a father figure, until he dies towards the end and you end up playing as John. Now, I don't mind John myself (after playing Red Dead Redemption) but the game was about Arthur's journey. It was a bit predictable about Micah being the bad guy but thats what made a good story. Very realistic.
The "underweight/overweight" is a big downfall. Especially online play. My character is constantly overweight as when I lose health from pestering players, or falling off cliffs, or running into trees accidently, I have no choice but to eat. This gains weight and therefore hard to lose. So Iintend to run more than ride my horse which takes forever to reduce my weight ever so slightly. But since I've started playing the Beta online, I haven't been average weight or under.
If you're like me and don't use deadeye (probably only me) as I find it drains quickly after looking for herbs, animals etc. it is quite difficult to do missions involving headshots or showdowns. Now if there was an easier way to regain your deadeye core quickly (same goes for health and stamina) then it may be easier for players to use deadeye more often.
I would suggest a 'passive mode' online as if you would like to play just to relax and enjoy the game without the odd muppets who just shoots you for fun, who then ruins it for you.
Another thing is paying for fast travel or having a camp which seems so far away from you. Be easier to make a temporary one where you are if you have the resources etc. Why not owning your own home or with other settlers? Paying a morgage or building materials? (Like John at the end of the story).
Overall, I think the game is a great, and Rockstar has done a fantastic job. Just a few tweaks here and there and the game will be better. But it's early days yet as the game is still new and all.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Expatriates in Books
Feb 13, 2018
Lee's latest novel intricately details the lives of three American women living in the expatriate community in Hong Kong. Margaret, who moved to Hong Kong with her husband and three children, is dealing with a horrible loss and how it has affected her entire being. Hilary, wealthy and married, is adrift in life - struggling to have a baby and floundering in her marriage. And Mercy, the youngest, is a Korean American trying to recover from her own recent horrors and figure out where she belongs. Their lives and stories are linked in small and large ways, as they each traverse the difficulties of life and the consequences of their actions.
It sounds trite - the linked stories of three women, but the book is nearly magical. The chapters are compelling and amazing: you truly feel as if you are there, with the characters, getting completely caught up in their lives and stories. It's one of those books where not a lot happens, yet in some ways, everything happens, and it's mesmerizing somehow. Lee has a unique voice for each character and they each become clearer and defined as the book goes on; they are so themselves that you can't ever imagine not knowing them, or how they would react to a given situation. Much of what happens is sad- in fact, there were times where I felt like my heart was physically hurting reading - but there is much redemption in the book as well. I truly found parts of it to be beautiful.
The ending, which I felt like could have been too easy, or conversely, easily ruined, felt perfect somehow. My only complaint with this book? That it ended. After I finished it, I found myself standing at the sink later that evening, washing some dishes, and thinking, "oh at least I get to read my book later tonight" and then feeling nothing but profound disappointment that the book was over, and I was done being a part of these characters' lives. Lovely, poignant book - highly recommend.
I must note that I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley (thanks!), though I wasn't approved until after it was published. The good news for you is that this novel is available now (as of 1/12/16) in all the various publication forms. You can check out a review of this book and many others on my <a href="http://justacatandabookatherside.blogspot.com/">blog</a>;.
It sounds trite - the linked stories of three women, but the book is nearly magical. The chapters are compelling and amazing: you truly feel as if you are there, with the characters, getting completely caught up in their lives and stories. It's one of those books where not a lot happens, yet in some ways, everything happens, and it's mesmerizing somehow. Lee has a unique voice for each character and they each become clearer and defined as the book goes on; they are so themselves that you can't ever imagine not knowing them, or how they would react to a given situation. Much of what happens is sad- in fact, there were times where I felt like my heart was physically hurting reading - but there is much redemption in the book as well. I truly found parts of it to be beautiful.
The ending, which I felt like could have been too easy, or conversely, easily ruined, felt perfect somehow. My only complaint with this book? That it ended. After I finished it, I found myself standing at the sink later that evening, washing some dishes, and thinking, "oh at least I get to read my book later tonight" and then feeling nothing but profound disappointment that the book was over, and I was done being a part of these characters' lives. Lovely, poignant book - highly recommend.
I must note that I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley (thanks!), though I wasn't approved until after it was published. The good news for you is that this novel is available now (as of 1/12/16) in all the various publication forms. You can check out a review of this book and many others on my <a href="http://justacatandabookatherside.blogspot.com/">blog</a>;.
Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated The Distance Travelled in Books
Mar 1, 2018
Just how this book ended up on my iTouch is something of a mystery to me, but it was there and I'd read everything else, and it was the middle of the night and I couldn't sleep, so I figured what the heck.
A few minutes later, I stopped, looked back at the title and author, and tried really hard to figure out where this book could have possibly come from, because, um, wtf? A guy is sitting in his kitchen, minding his own business, and a pig comes sailing through the window? A live pig? Right. Then he starts checking the thermostat and it is pretty clear that he must live in hell. Oh, and the pig sits down and helps itself to his cereal, sitting upright in the chair and using the spoon.
That's before things really get odd.
I have no objection to a few fnords, but I generally know what I'm getting into. I suppose that when a novel apparently puts itself onto your e-reader, you just deal with whatever happens.
So maybe I shouldn't be complaining about the fact that there isn't exactly a happy ending, because the ending isn't as unhappy as it could have been. But I LIKE happy endings. In fact, I have a thing about them, in that I tend to choose my reading with a very strong preference for them. That's one reason I'm unlikely to be reading any more Neil Gaiman (I know, I know, he's such a good author - but he's depressing as hell, too).
Let's be honest here: Savory is not Neil Gaiman, and there wasn't a really happy ending. The ending didn't wholly suck as much as it could have, but there wasn't any goodness and light. Or redemption. Or reward. No love. Just - blah.
So I don't know what else Brett Alexander Savory has written, but I probably won't be looking too hard at any of it. The book did keep me reading for about an hour and a half, though, so Savory did better than many other authors could. Kudos for that!
I know he put this novel, at least, out under a Creative Commmons license, according to the copy on my e-reader. I don't know if any of his other material is licensed that way or not, but I give him thumbs up for being part of the CC movement.
A few minutes later, I stopped, looked back at the title and author, and tried really hard to figure out where this book could have possibly come from, because, um, wtf? A guy is sitting in his kitchen, minding his own business, and a pig comes sailing through the window? A live pig? Right. Then he starts checking the thermostat and it is pretty clear that he must live in hell. Oh, and the pig sits down and helps itself to his cereal, sitting upright in the chair and using the spoon.
That's before things really get odd.
I have no objection to a few fnords, but I generally know what I'm getting into. I suppose that when a novel apparently puts itself onto your e-reader, you just deal with whatever happens.
So maybe I shouldn't be complaining about the fact that there isn't exactly a happy ending, because the ending isn't as unhappy as it could have been. But I LIKE happy endings. In fact, I have a thing about them, in that I tend to choose my reading with a very strong preference for them. That's one reason I'm unlikely to be reading any more Neil Gaiman (I know, I know, he's such a good author - but he's depressing as hell, too).
Let's be honest here: Savory is not Neil Gaiman, and there wasn't a really happy ending. The ending didn't wholly suck as much as it could have, but there wasn't any goodness and light. Or redemption. Or reward. No love. Just - blah.
So I don't know what else Brett Alexander Savory has written, but I probably won't be looking too hard at any of it. The book did keep me reading for about an hour and a half, though, so Savory did better than many other authors could. Kudos for that!
I know he put this novel, at least, out under a Creative Commmons license, according to the copy on my e-reader. I don't know if any of his other material is licensed that way or not, but I give him thumbs up for being part of the CC movement.
Mike Wilder (20 KP) rated 2012 (2009) in Movies
May 30, 2018
As a disaster movie it doesn't get much better than this.
Contains spoilers, click to show
Roland Emmerich has done it again. He seems to get a kick out of bringing out humanities worst fears and putting them on screen in all its glory. After destroying a large part of the world in Independence Day: ID4, and trashing New York with Godzilla, he decides to go the rest of the way and change the face of the earth forever and in the process kill off most of humanity. What is the enemy this time? Aliens? Nope done that. Monsters? Nope also done that. Bad weather? Once again done that. What is left? I know lets have the sun spit out solar flares that heat up the earth's core and destabilize the planet! Whatever his problem with humanity is, it translates well on to film. This is an epic disaster movie. No part of the world is safe and there is no magic quick fix here.
The film itself is simple, massive destruction minimal plot. But in this case it really works. With amazing effects and a great cast that includes John Cusack, Thandie Newton, Oliver Platt, Danny Glover and the story is played out well and the acting is good. It is not too over the top except the stand out performance from the great Woody Harrelson. He is your go to guy when you are looking for crazy, and once again he pulls off the crazy guy effortlessly.
I really enjoyed this film and I think it has been given an unfairly hard time by critics and movie goers alike. I don't understand what people expected from this film. It is a disaster film not The Shawshank Redemption! I expected disaster and destruction and it exceeded my expectations. I didn't expect award winning performances by the actors (many of who are award nominees and winners), and I didn't expect a plot more complicated than oh s**t, we are going to die what can we do? Many viewers and critics must have forgotten the other films by Roland Emmerich when viewing this or they were comparing it to other films that were released at the same time. However I judge a film on its own merit and not comparing it to films that are in a different category. As a disaster movie it doesn't get much better than this.
The film itself is simple, massive destruction minimal plot. But in this case it really works. With amazing effects and a great cast that includes John Cusack, Thandie Newton, Oliver Platt, Danny Glover and the story is played out well and the acting is good. It is not too over the top except the stand out performance from the great Woody Harrelson. He is your go to guy when you are looking for crazy, and once again he pulls off the crazy guy effortlessly.
I really enjoyed this film and I think it has been given an unfairly hard time by critics and movie goers alike. I don't understand what people expected from this film. It is a disaster film not The Shawshank Redemption! I expected disaster and destruction and it exceeded my expectations. I didn't expect award winning performances by the actors (many of who are award nominees and winners), and I didn't expect a plot more complicated than oh s**t, we are going to die what can we do? Many viewers and critics must have forgotten the other films by Roland Emmerich when viewing this or they were comparing it to other films that were released at the same time. However I judge a film on its own merit and not comparing it to films that are in a different category. As a disaster movie it doesn't get much better than this.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Unfinished Business (2015) in Movies
Jun 19, 2019
Dan Trunk man (Vince Vaughn), is a man barely holding on. After leaving his job due to being asked to take a pay cut for the second straight year, he ventures off to form his own company and compete directly with his former employer.
After a year on his own, Dan is about to conclude a long-term negotiation and complete a much needed business deal which is essential to the survival of his company and being able to keep his two employees Tim (Tom Wilkinson), and Mike (Dave Franco), employed.
All he needs to do is fly with his team to meet the client in Portland Maine to shake hands and close the deal which will pave the way for financial security and personal redemption for Dan and his team. Sadly he learns that his former boss Chuck (Sienna Miller), is also competing for the same deal. Dan slowly realizes that he may have been used as leverage to allow his rival to up their offer and as was never been seriously considered for the deal.
If this was not enough pressure for Dan, his son and daughter are having issues are school and his wife is persistently suggestion that they send their kids to a private school which forces Dan and his team to fly to Germany to make a master pitch to the head of the company he is trying to do business with,
Their meeting gets bumped and with several events in town, the team is forced to take some serious and hilarious actions in order to find lodging during their stay.
With his well-meaning and yet dysfunctional team in tow, Dan must find a way to beat the odds and save the day for everyone in his life by landing the deal no matter the cost.
The film has some very funny moments and the crude humor is cringe worthy at times but also very effective. What really makes the film stand out is that Vaughn is more restrained than usual and almost plays the straight man.
“Unfinished Business” also has a nice undertone of sentimentality to it that makes the film have a heart and purpose that resonates which is rare for R-rated comedies.
The film is an unexpected surprise with enough laughs and heart to give the enjoyable cast a pleasant if albeit predictable story.
http://sknr.net/2015/03/06/unfinished-business/
After a year on his own, Dan is about to conclude a long-term negotiation and complete a much needed business deal which is essential to the survival of his company and being able to keep his two employees Tim (Tom Wilkinson), and Mike (Dave Franco), employed.
All he needs to do is fly with his team to meet the client in Portland Maine to shake hands and close the deal which will pave the way for financial security and personal redemption for Dan and his team. Sadly he learns that his former boss Chuck (Sienna Miller), is also competing for the same deal. Dan slowly realizes that he may have been used as leverage to allow his rival to up their offer and as was never been seriously considered for the deal.
If this was not enough pressure for Dan, his son and daughter are having issues are school and his wife is persistently suggestion that they send their kids to a private school which forces Dan and his team to fly to Germany to make a master pitch to the head of the company he is trying to do business with,
Their meeting gets bumped and with several events in town, the team is forced to take some serious and hilarious actions in order to find lodging during their stay.
With his well-meaning and yet dysfunctional team in tow, Dan must find a way to beat the odds and save the day for everyone in his life by landing the deal no matter the cost.
The film has some very funny moments and the crude humor is cringe worthy at times but also very effective. What really makes the film stand out is that Vaughn is more restrained than usual and almost plays the straight man.
“Unfinished Business” also has a nice undertone of sentimentality to it that makes the film have a heart and purpose that resonates which is rare for R-rated comedies.
The film is an unexpected surprise with enough laughs and heart to give the enjoyable cast a pleasant if albeit predictable story.
http://sknr.net/2015/03/06/unfinished-business/