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Joelene Marie (28 KP) rated The Heir and the Spare in Books
Oct 1, 2018
2.5 stars really but had to round up. I had high expectations for this book. It sounded like the royal we, which I loved, with a bit of mystery thrown in. While it was very similar to the royal we the mystery bit was way too easy to figure out very early on. I didn't like how it jumped around with no lead in or anything to let you know. I also thought it was way too short at 242 pages (nook app). The entire story was horribly underdeveloped. The author could have done so much more both with the characters, who were fairly one dimensional and flat with no real development, and the plot. The back and forth between evie and Edmund got old fast, their relationship could have used more challenges besides the same thing over and over. Would have been nice to see some exploration of the other characters, namely the gang of friends evie and Edmund shared as well as her mother and grandmother. The quest to uncover the family mystery/secret was far too simple. The ending felt rushed. It was just a general disappointment that could have been a great story had the author only taken a little more time to flesh it out. Definitely not worth the $10.99 I paid for it :(
Merissa (13600 KP) rated Scion's Redemption (Seven Seals #4) in Books
Oct 19, 2018
Scion's Redemption (Seven Seals #4) by Traci Douglass
Scion's Redemption is the fourth book in the Seven Seals series, and this time we focus on Luther, and his Seal, Thana.
Luther is completely against having a relationship with his Seal, even though he knows others have. He wishes them well, but he doesn't want that for himself. However, this latest incarnation of the Seal is giving him trouble. Keeping a distance is no longer as easy as it once was. Thana is intrigued by Luther, even more so when she has to face up to what he is. She is drawn into a world far beyond her understanding, and yet manages to find her feet.
This was a wonderful addition to the series, and in my opinion, better than book 3. I don't know if this book was longer than the others, but the pacing was perfect, building up to the climax with ease. We get cameo appearances from the other Scions, and find out more about what is happening, or has happened!
I am loving this series, and am looking forward to the next book. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Luther is completely against having a relationship with his Seal, even though he knows others have. He wishes them well, but he doesn't want that for himself. However, this latest incarnation of the Seal is giving him trouble. Keeping a distance is no longer as easy as it once was. Thana is intrigued by Luther, even more so when she has to face up to what he is. She is drawn into a world far beyond her understanding, and yet manages to find her feet.
This was a wonderful addition to the series, and in my opinion, better than book 3. I don't know if this book was longer than the others, but the pacing was perfect, building up to the climax with ease. We get cameo appearances from the other Scions, and find out more about what is happening, or has happened!
I am loving this series, and am looking forward to the next book. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
2 and a half star rating rounded up.
I love reading books about dogs as I just love animals and I find most of the stories heartwarming and inspirational.
This was an ok read, I did enjoy parts of it but in other parts it grated on me...quite a lot.
From reading the book's description you know it's going to be a very emotional read and at the start of the book you are made aware of the death of Muffin. This means that throughout the whole book you are awaiting the inevitable which, for me, left me a bit emotionally detatched as I was continually expecting that bomb to be dropped at any moment.
The constantly shifting timeline made this book somewhat difficult to read as it just made it a bit of a mess, it felt like it wasn't planned or thought out very well and it definitely lacked structure. Another problem for me was the author's relationship to Muffin, I was constantly questioning it. In some parts Muffin is the back bone of the family but in other parts Muffin is referred to as 'The Dog', that, to me, seems a bit cold towards a much loved family pet. I added a star just because I enjoy reading about animals and Muffin sounded like a wonderful companion.
I love reading books about dogs as I just love animals and I find most of the stories heartwarming and inspirational.
This was an ok read, I did enjoy parts of it but in other parts it grated on me...quite a lot.
From reading the book's description you know it's going to be a very emotional read and at the start of the book you are made aware of the death of Muffin. This means that throughout the whole book you are awaiting the inevitable which, for me, left me a bit emotionally detatched as I was continually expecting that bomb to be dropped at any moment.
The constantly shifting timeline made this book somewhat difficult to read as it just made it a bit of a mess, it felt like it wasn't planned or thought out very well and it definitely lacked structure. Another problem for me was the author's relationship to Muffin, I was constantly questioning it. In some parts Muffin is the back bone of the family but in other parts Muffin is referred to as 'The Dog', that, to me, seems a bit cold towards a much loved family pet. I added a star just because I enjoy reading about animals and Muffin sounded like a wonderful companion.
Merissa (13600 KP) rated Picture this (Birds of a Feather #3) in Books
Dec 5, 2018
Picture this (Birds of a Feather #3) by Lena North
Picture This is the third book in the Birds of a Feather series, and we find out more about Mary. At the beginning of the story, she is with Kit, but you can see immediately that it is going nowhere. Mary yearns for that 'catch your breath when you see them' relationship that her friends all have. She knows she won't get that from Kit so she breaks it off with him. On her way home, Mary is kidnapped and held hostage. When she is rescued, feelings begin to show.
I loved how this book was written. Mary may be younger than *** (I won't say who because it doesn't say in the blurb and I don't want to ruin it!), but she certainly isn't immature. I thought how she handled situations that would have been stressful for anyone was brilliant. Mary knows what she is, what she wants, and isn't afraid of hard work to ensure it happens. She also isn't a doormat!
With the full cast of characters, you get more insight into all of them, whilst still maintaining the focus on the main ones. Absolutely brilliant addition to the series. I loved it, and have no hesitation in recommending it!
* Verified Purchase ~ July 2018. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
I loved how this book was written. Mary may be younger than *** (I won't say who because it doesn't say in the blurb and I don't want to ruin it!), but she certainly isn't immature. I thought how she handled situations that would have been stressful for anyone was brilliant. Mary knows what she is, what she wants, and isn't afraid of hard work to ensure it happens. She also isn't a doormat!
With the full cast of characters, you get more insight into all of them, whilst still maintaining the focus on the main ones. Absolutely brilliant addition to the series. I loved it, and have no hesitation in recommending it!
* Verified Purchase ~ July 2018. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Michael Packner (32 KP) rated Jurassic World (2015) in Movies
Jun 20, 2019
Returns a sense of wonder to the franchise. (5 more)
Brilliantly adresses plotholes and minor issues from previous installments.
Takes the next logical step in the series.
High quality dinosaur action.
New dinosaurs we haven't seen before.
Chris Pratt
This, at least in my opinion, is the second best film in the Jurassic Park/Jurassic World series. Just like the original, this installment returns that sense of wonder to the series by returning to the park setting. The dinosaurs are an attraction again rather than just dinosaurs living in the wild. People come from all over to see them and this time they've created a new species, the Indominus Rex. Sure it's corny, but the film acknowledges that and also plays on the fact that hybrid dinosaurs were the next logical step. I like the fact too that now that dinosaurs are no longer a new novelty in this universe that people have figured out it makes sense to train some of these animals from birth, hence the relationship between Owen and his Raptors. I like that if you're paying attention, you'll notice the film adresses plot holes from the previous films, especially the first one. This may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I enjoyed it. In my opinion this is the sequel we deserved from the very beginning.
Kayleigh (12 KP) rated The Clock Of Life in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Firstly, thank you to Nancy Klann-Moren for approaching me to read and review this book. Congratulations are also in order, as The Clock of Life was nominated for the general fiction/novel section of the Indie Book Awards.
This book gets a middling 3 stars from me. I found the character development to be really detailed, and I felt as though I knew the characters by the end. As the blurb already mentions, the main focus of the book is on Jason Lee. Starting from when he began school and ending with a relationship and career choice as a teenager, this book is Jason's journey through childhood.
The reason it didn't rate any higher for me though is that I found it to be fairly slow paced, and at times weighed down with politics that as an English woman, I didn't completely connect with. Plotwise, while things did happen, it didn't become exciting until right at the end.
The message about race is a good one, and the book highlights how far attitudes towards race have come. I did enjoy it, although maybe not in the way I enjoyed a book like The Hunger Games, where I felt a sense of satisfaction and couldn't wait to read more. If you like bildungsromans/coming-of-age stories, I'd definitely recommend it.
This book gets a middling 3 stars from me. I found the character development to be really detailed, and I felt as though I knew the characters by the end. As the blurb already mentions, the main focus of the book is on Jason Lee. Starting from when he began school and ending with a relationship and career choice as a teenager, this book is Jason's journey through childhood.
The reason it didn't rate any higher for me though is that I found it to be fairly slow paced, and at times weighed down with politics that as an English woman, I didn't completely connect with. Plotwise, while things did happen, it didn't become exciting until right at the end.
The message about race is a good one, and the book highlights how far attitudes towards race have come. I did enjoy it, although maybe not in the way I enjoyed a book like The Hunger Games, where I felt a sense of satisfaction and couldn't wait to read more. If you like bildungsromans/coming-of-age stories, I'd definitely recommend it.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated The Noble Servant (A Medieval Fairy Tale, #3) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
I have always loved the way Melanie Dickerson can take a fairy tale and weave in scripture and faith seamlessly. Our leading characters in The Noble Servant are faced with so many trials. But through the hard things they face, they allow God to change their hearts. To mold them into a better person. And if it wasn't for their worlds falling to pieces around them. It is possible that their paths would not have led them to each other.
In the midst of chaos it can be hard to see God's blessings. To put your trust in God when your world falls apart can be easier said than done. Yet time after time (at least for me personally) He always has a way of making something beautiful blossom from the ashes of what once was.
This book has adventure, deceit, romance, betrayal, and a twist on The Goose Girl that is sure to captivate you. I love the friendship that Steffan and Magdalen build. Trust, honor, truth, "Chivalrous to the core." As they both undergo a transformation set in motion by their circumstances, their relationship grows and their trust in God's plan does too.
I received a complimentary copy of The Noble Servant through NetGalley.I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
In the midst of chaos it can be hard to see God's blessings. To put your trust in God when your world falls apart can be easier said than done. Yet time after time (at least for me personally) He always has a way of making something beautiful blossom from the ashes of what once was.
This book has adventure, deceit, romance, betrayal, and a twist on The Goose Girl that is sure to captivate you. I love the friendship that Steffan and Magdalen build. Trust, honor, truth, "Chivalrous to the core." As they both undergo a transformation set in motion by their circumstances, their relationship grows and their trust in God's plan does too.
I received a complimentary copy of The Noble Servant through NetGalley.I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Merissa (13600 KP) rated Double Negative in Books
Dec 17, 2018
I received this book from Xpresso Book Tours as part of their blog tour, in return for a fair and honest review.
Wow, this book packs a punch in more ways than one. It is tough and gritty and doesn't spare your feelings as you read through. You will be neck deep in teenage angst, abuse, drugs, body issues, bullying but also friendships, teamwork and mentorship. This book covers it all and in such a way that you won't be able to stop turning the pages. You will need to read "just a little bit more."
One thing I will say is that I actually found it quite hard to read at the beginning before I got used to Hutch's 'voice'. I actually found it quite painful which is funny when you're not actually reading it. I was very pleased with him as he started to correct his grammar!
As he changes his attitude and takes up 'swimming', I found the book progressed in a wonderful and heartwarming way. His relationship with Maggie in particular brought a tear to my eye on more than one occasion.
I thought the whole book dealt with subjects usually swept under the carpet and in a rough, in your face, dignified and respectful manner. Does that sentence not make sense to you? Read Double Negative and it will make perfect sense!
Wow, this book packs a punch in more ways than one. It is tough and gritty and doesn't spare your feelings as you read through. You will be neck deep in teenage angst, abuse, drugs, body issues, bullying but also friendships, teamwork and mentorship. This book covers it all and in such a way that you won't be able to stop turning the pages. You will need to read "just a little bit more."
One thing I will say is that I actually found it quite hard to read at the beginning before I got used to Hutch's 'voice'. I actually found it quite painful which is funny when you're not actually reading it. I was very pleased with him as he started to correct his grammar!
As he changes his attitude and takes up 'swimming', I found the book progressed in a wonderful and heartwarming way. His relationship with Maggie in particular brought a tear to my eye on more than one occasion.
I thought the whole book dealt with subjects usually swept under the carpet and in a rough, in your face, dignified and respectful manner. Does that sentence not make sense to you? Read Double Negative and it will make perfect sense!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2464 KP) rated Murder, She Meowed in Books
Jan 31, 2019
Corpse of a Stripper
With three weeks before her wedding, Stan Connor is finding it hard to keep her mother and sister from taking over and planning things their way. She does finally give in to her sister’s desire to throw her a traditional bachelorette party, but things end on a somber note when the stripper is found dead in the cake he was supposed to jump out of. Worse yet, Stan knew the young man. Feeling the need to investigate, Stan tries to figure out who would have wanted to kill him. Can she do it?
I did feel this book got sidetracked at times by the wedding planning sub-plot, but that might be because I’m a guy. There is definitely a strong mystery here with several viable suspects and a great climax. Along the way, we get plenty of twists and turns. While Stan’s relationship with her family has grown some, the wedding planning brings out some of their old relationships, and it was interesting to see this side of the characters again. Some of the regulars play smaller parts here, but it is great to see the regulars no matter how much page time they got. Those who have pets will be interested in the two new recipes for organic treats at the end of the book.
I did feel this book got sidetracked at times by the wedding planning sub-plot, but that might be because I’m a guy. There is definitely a strong mystery here with several viable suspects and a great climax. Along the way, we get plenty of twists and turns. While Stan’s relationship with her family has grown some, the wedding planning brings out some of their old relationships, and it was interesting to see this side of the characters again. Some of the regulars play smaller parts here, but it is great to see the regulars no matter how much page time they got. Those who have pets will be interested in the two new recipes for organic treats at the end of the book.
Vegas (725 KP) rated Buffy The Vampire Slayer in TV
Oct 26, 2019
The cast (4 more)
The story
The humour
Spike
Giles
Holds up well for it's age.
Returning to watch Buffy after quite a few years, fully expecting the nostalgic feeling I had towards it to be ruined by it not aging well. I actually found it still held the same appeal and could easily have been made a couple of years ago, the humour, action and cast chemistry make it a joy to watch, even now.
The idea (for those who don't know) is one girl, being the chosen one, The Slayer who fights the forces of darkness, secretly, with the aid of a mentor "The Watcher" brilliantly played by Anthony Head. Except, Buffy is a bit different from other previous Slayers... She has a life, friends, relationship issues and so the "secret" part of the the task at hand isn't quite so secret... With help and hindrance in almost equal measure from humans, vampires, daemons, military, and witches to name but a few...
The 2 main watchers we encounter during the series are superbly played and could almost be clones of each other and Spike is still one of the best characters of all time on TV...
If you haven't seen it, it is really worth a go and if you haven't seen it for some time, spare a little time for a classic...
The idea (for those who don't know) is one girl, being the chosen one, The Slayer who fights the forces of darkness, secretly, with the aid of a mentor "The Watcher" brilliantly played by Anthony Head. Except, Buffy is a bit different from other previous Slayers... She has a life, friends, relationship issues and so the "secret" part of the the task at hand isn't quite so secret... With help and hindrance in almost equal measure from humans, vampires, daemons, military, and witches to name but a few...
The 2 main watchers we encounter during the series are superbly played and could almost be clones of each other and Spike is still one of the best characters of all time on TV...
If you haven't seen it, it is really worth a go and if you haven't seen it for some time, spare a little time for a classic...