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Love and Virtue
Book
A provocative contemporary Australian campus novel, Love & Virtue is laden with conversation...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2173 KP) rated Murder in the Wine Country in Books
Aug 29, 2023
Too Much Going on
Kelly’s boss is bringing in others to get a vision of what he’s accomplished in Redwood Cove in the hopes of replicating it around the country. Part of this is a wine tasting, and Eric is supposed to be assisting with it. However, not too long after Kelly meets him, Eric turns up dead. Could it have to do with the poachers in the area looking for a rare and expensive plant?
This teaser doesn’t even mention a storyline that starts part way into the book and really takes over. I get why it does, but it makes the resulting story feel way more rushed than it should have been. There was enough here for two books. Plus, there’s a sub-plot that is resolved way too easily (and unrealistically). But, as always, I loved the characters and watching their relationships grow. I was smiling as I read about them. Likewise, I enjoyed revisiting the setting. If you are new to the series, don’t start here. Fans will enjoy it even if it is the weakest in the series.
This teaser doesn’t even mention a storyline that starts part way into the book and really takes over. I get why it does, but it makes the resulting story feel way more rushed than it should have been. There was enough here for two books. Plus, there’s a sub-plot that is resolved way too easily (and unrealistically). But, as always, I loved the characters and watching their relationships grow. I was smiling as I read about them. Likewise, I enjoyed revisiting the setting. If you are new to the series, don’t start here. Fans will enjoy it even if it is the weakest in the series.
Bethr1986 (305 KP) rated Trick of the Spotlight (A Series of Falling Stars #1) in Books
May 2, 2022
Kit is a rising K-pop star who is doing everything she can to be as successful as her idols vortex she has a crush on one of the members how far will it go?
Oh my gosh, parts of this book had me completely broken! I have never known so many torn emotions swirling around at once. The relationships of everyone involved are almost like a vortex, there are so many moments where my heart was breaking for one character and getting angry at another at the same time.
There are some very important topics covered in this book in my opinion, and I think it would be a good read for anybody who is struggling to be able to be true to themselves. It takes you on a tempestuous journey of romance, heartache, the highs and lows of being famous and the behind the scenes issues and trauma that stars have to deal with in order to keep a picture-perfect world.
This is a recommendation for you to read
Oh my gosh, parts of this book had me completely broken! I have never known so many torn emotions swirling around at once. The relationships of everyone involved are almost like a vortex, there are so many moments where my heart was breaking for one character and getting angry at another at the same time.
There are some very important topics covered in this book in my opinion, and I think it would be a good read for anybody who is struggling to be able to be true to themselves. It takes you on a tempestuous journey of romance, heartache, the highs and lows of being famous and the behind the scenes issues and trauma that stars have to deal with in order to keep a picture-perfect world.
This is a recommendation for you to read
Professional Distance (Thorne and Dash #1)
10.0
Rate It
Book
Thornwell Shipton is wealthy, uptight, closeted, and an incurable workaholic. A tragic love affair...
Contemporary MM Romance BDSM
ClareR (5686 KP) rated Ritual of Fire in Books
Sep 24, 2024
I didn’t want to get involved with another series, I’d sworn off them. But here we are, Ritual of Fire is excellent, and I need to hurry up and read book 4 (A Divine Fury) before I read book 5!
I’m addicted to the world of Cesare Aldo and 16th Century Florence with all of its richly described sights, sounds and smells. I love the characters, their relationships (Aldo, Saul the Jewish Doctor, Strocchi and the obnoxious Bindi) - just the whole package!
From the title you can guess that there’s going to be some unpleasant murders this time, and the first death is set up in the same way as that of a renegade monk, Savanola, 40 years previously. Burning.
Aldo had been banished in the last book, but he manages to become embroiled in the mystery (thank goodness!), and Strocchi has to work with him (after a word or two from his wife!).
This series is well worth becoming deeply involved with (ahem…me!). Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
I’m addicted to the world of Cesare Aldo and 16th Century Florence with all of its richly described sights, sounds and smells. I love the characters, their relationships (Aldo, Saul the Jewish Doctor, Strocchi and the obnoxious Bindi) - just the whole package!
From the title you can guess that there’s going to be some unpleasant murders this time, and the first death is set up in the same way as that of a renegade monk, Savanola, 40 years previously. Burning.
Aldo had been banished in the last book, but he manages to become embroiled in the mystery (thank goodness!), and Strocchi has to work with him (after a word or two from his wife!).
This series is well worth becoming deeply involved with (ahem…me!). Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Bridge at the Beach (A Clyde Smith Mystery #4)
Book
Clyde’s idyllic afternoon in the surf with his mates is interrupted by the news that there’s...
Crime Thriller Series
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2173 KP) rated A Feast Most Foul in Books
Jun 8, 2024
Murder in a Neighboring Kingdom
Duchess Jacqueline is making her first official trip after becoming ruler of her kingdom. She’s attending a two-week tournament hosted by her grandfather, a duke in a neighboring kingdom. They have a strained relationship (at best), so she isn’t looking forward to it. But the first night, a knight is killed and the evidence points of Jax’s intended. Can she find more evidence to clear his name?
I enjoyed the first book in the series, so I was really looking forward to this one. I wasn’t disappointed. We are still in the novellas that started this series, so it is a fast read, but it doesn’t skimp on plot with plenty of twists that kept me engaged. I enjoyed watching the relationships grow for the returning characters, and the new cast are just as engaging. If you haven’t read the first book, be aware there are some hints as to what happened in that book. I also am really enjoying the light fantasy setting of the series. I’m looking forward to catching up with Jax again soon.
I enjoyed the first book in the series, so I was really looking forward to this one. I wasn’t disappointed. We are still in the novellas that started this series, so it is a fast read, but it doesn’t skimp on plot with plenty of twists that kept me engaged. I enjoyed watching the relationships grow for the returning characters, and the new cast are just as engaging. If you haven’t read the first book, be aware there are some hints as to what happened in that book. I also am really enjoying the light fantasy setting of the series. I’m looking forward to catching up with Jax again soon.
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Lost In Translation (2003) in Movies
May 13, 2018
Solid Film
When a famous actor hops over to Tokyo to shoot a commercial, he meets a young woman that fills an empty void in his life.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 10
My son hates dramas and rightfully so as he's a thirteen-year-old boy. He wants to see things blowing up and people getting thrown through walls. Yet somehow, the first ten minutes of Lost In Translation sucked him in as much as it did me prompting him to watch the whole thing. From the time he touches down in Tokyo, Bob Harris (Bill Murray) sucks you in and holds on to your attention for dear life. You're anxious to see what this man is going to do next.
Characters: 10
Staying on Bob for a moment, his character made the film. His dry sense of humor and pure disinterest in everything going on around him is so sincere and captured just perfectly. He's torn between his sense of duty with work and family, so much so that he's almost forgotten how to enjoy life. When Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) comes along, everything changes for him. Charlotte is innocent and sweet and is somehow drawn to Bob like a moth to a flame. Like most "opposites attract" relationships, the two fit extremely well together and add a sense of appeal to the film. Watching them both interact with the Japanese people and try to bridge cultural and language gaps was easy comedy that works everytime.
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
Conflict: 7
Genre: 10
Memorability: 9
There are a number of memorable scenes that stick out in my head with a couple of favorites I keep replaying. The first is where he's trying to shoot his commercial. The director is trying to relay something to Bob in Japanese which a translator is telling Bob in English. The scene is only five minutes long and had me cracking up from start to finish. In my other favorite scene, Bob has a run-in in his hotel room with a Japanese prostitute. Again, the language disparity makes the entire interaction one hilarious situation.
Outside of memorable scenes, Lost In Translation gives you a pause for introspection and contemplative thought. Oftentimes we wander aimlessly through the relationships in our lives...but what do they really mean? What are relationships without happiness or closeness? What is the real meaning of a connection?
Pace: 9
Plot: 10
Had this film's story taken place in North America somewhere, it wouldn't have been nearly as impactful. With the setting in Japan, it throws a monkey-wrench into a plot that could have been extremely simple and makes it way more intriguing. Are Bob and Charlotte truly falling for each other or are they just connecting because they are lonely and so far from home? Definite food for thought.
Resolution: 8
Ah, the famous ending of Lost In Translation. What did she say? What does it all mean? How does the story end anyway? The ending, while it does leave you hanging, is an intriguing one for sure. I understand the ambiguity and I don't love it, but I'm ok with it.
Overall: 92
Bill Murray is like the Marvel Cinematic Universe...on steroids. They have been putting out hits for a decade now. Murray has been starring in classics for decades. This film is another notch on his belt. Loved it!
Acting: 10
Beginning: 10
My son hates dramas and rightfully so as he's a thirteen-year-old boy. He wants to see things blowing up and people getting thrown through walls. Yet somehow, the first ten minutes of Lost In Translation sucked him in as much as it did me prompting him to watch the whole thing. From the time he touches down in Tokyo, Bob Harris (Bill Murray) sucks you in and holds on to your attention for dear life. You're anxious to see what this man is going to do next.
Characters: 10
Staying on Bob for a moment, his character made the film. His dry sense of humor and pure disinterest in everything going on around him is so sincere and captured just perfectly. He's torn between his sense of duty with work and family, so much so that he's almost forgotten how to enjoy life. When Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) comes along, everything changes for him. Charlotte is innocent and sweet and is somehow drawn to Bob like a moth to a flame. Like most "opposites attract" relationships, the two fit extremely well together and add a sense of appeal to the film. Watching them both interact with the Japanese people and try to bridge cultural and language gaps was easy comedy that works everytime.
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
Conflict: 7
Genre: 10
Memorability: 9
There are a number of memorable scenes that stick out in my head with a couple of favorites I keep replaying. The first is where he's trying to shoot his commercial. The director is trying to relay something to Bob in Japanese which a translator is telling Bob in English. The scene is only five minutes long and had me cracking up from start to finish. In my other favorite scene, Bob has a run-in in his hotel room with a Japanese prostitute. Again, the language disparity makes the entire interaction one hilarious situation.
Outside of memorable scenes, Lost In Translation gives you a pause for introspection and contemplative thought. Oftentimes we wander aimlessly through the relationships in our lives...but what do they really mean? What are relationships without happiness or closeness? What is the real meaning of a connection?
Pace: 9
Plot: 10
Had this film's story taken place in North America somewhere, it wouldn't have been nearly as impactful. With the setting in Japan, it throws a monkey-wrench into a plot that could have been extremely simple and makes it way more intriguing. Are Bob and Charlotte truly falling for each other or are they just connecting because they are lonely and so far from home? Definite food for thought.
Resolution: 8
Ah, the famous ending of Lost In Translation. What did she say? What does it all mean? How does the story end anyway? The ending, while it does leave you hanging, is an intriguing one for sure. I understand the ambiguity and I don't love it, but I'm ok with it.
Overall: 92
Bill Murray is like the Marvel Cinematic Universe...on steroids. They have been putting out hits for a decade now. Murray has been starring in classics for decades. This film is another notch on his belt. Loved it!
Kyera (8 KP) rated Queen of Shadows in Books
Feb 1, 2018
In the fourth book of the Throne of Glass series, Queen of Shadows is the most epic in scope and storyline of Sarah J Maas' ToG books yet. We finally get to experience life outside of Rifthold on a grand scale. She continues switching perspectives in her chapters, bringing us more from the Prince, Aelin, Manon, etc. with the addition of Elide who is located in Morath.
World building is one of my favourite parts of novels, so the inclusion of many new places was wonderful. We got to see places that we had only heard of before, even if they were just brief glimpses. There still was not enough Abraxos in this novel for my liking, where is my favourite character?
I love seeing character development in novels and being the fourth book, the author has had a lot of storylines to play with and allow her characters to grow. While Aelin and Chaol seemed to have experienced personality changes between the first two and second two novels in the series, the other characters walked the line between interesting character development and outright personality changes. I enjoyed getting more of a glimpse into Rowan, Manon and Lysandra's heads.
That being said, I do feel that at times the characterization felt forced so that she could get to a plot point more quickly. I would have loved to experience a more authentic building of relationships, change of emotions because overall it felt too abrupt. There was a sense of insta-love, insta-friendship, insta-everything. The book is quite long, so I understand not being able to dedicate the pages to that development, but it is disappointing not to see it.
Overall, these abrupt personality changes and character interactions made the book feel like the author had decided halfway through writing Heir of Fire and Queen of Shadows that she wanted the series to go in a different direction. It's not entirely cohesive, but I still highly enjoyed the read because it is engaging and fun. I don't want it to seem like I didn't enjoy the read, I just want to be clear about the pitfalls of the book.
One major concern I had with the series is Sarah J Maas' portrayal of relationships. Sometimes you might feel warm and fuzzy about how cute they are together or how protective one is, but sometimes it goes too far. When the relationships become territorial or obsessive or commanding, essentially dictating what one party can do - that's when it slips into an unhealthy territory. As long as younger readers are aware that this is a fictional relationship and not to idealize it, I think that it is fine. I just worry that teens might internalize it as the right way (like Twilight, which is also unhealthy), so I wanted my concerns with the portrayal to be known.
Overall, this is a long but enjoyable read. I know a lot of people had struggled with Heir of Fire being so different from her first two books in the series. She did seem to change her mind about what she wanted to be and where the plot was going. Although this book continues that plotline, it is definitely better than its predecessor so it might be worth taking a chance on again. There is also a lot of action in Empire of Storms, the fifth book in the series. It has some great fight sequences and Abraxos, which is important, so you really need to read this book to get to that point.
World building is one of my favourite parts of novels, so the inclusion of many new places was wonderful. We got to see places that we had only heard of before, even if they were just brief glimpses. There still was not enough Abraxos in this novel for my liking, where is my favourite character?
I love seeing character development in novels and being the fourth book, the author has had a lot of storylines to play with and allow her characters to grow. While Aelin and Chaol seemed to have experienced personality changes between the first two and second two novels in the series, the other characters walked the line between interesting character development and outright personality changes. I enjoyed getting more of a glimpse into Rowan, Manon and Lysandra's heads.
That being said, I do feel that at times the characterization felt forced so that she could get to a plot point more quickly. I would have loved to experience a more authentic building of relationships, change of emotions because overall it felt too abrupt. There was a sense of insta-love, insta-friendship, insta-everything. The book is quite long, so I understand not being able to dedicate the pages to that development, but it is disappointing not to see it.
Overall, these abrupt personality changes and character interactions made the book feel like the author had decided halfway through writing Heir of Fire and Queen of Shadows that she wanted the series to go in a different direction. It's not entirely cohesive, but I still highly enjoyed the read because it is engaging and fun. I don't want it to seem like I didn't enjoy the read, I just want to be clear about the pitfalls of the book.
One major concern I had with the series is Sarah J Maas' portrayal of relationships. Sometimes you might feel warm and fuzzy about how cute they are together or how protective one is, but sometimes it goes too far. When the relationships become territorial or obsessive or commanding, essentially dictating what one party can do - that's when it slips into an unhealthy territory. As long as younger readers are aware that this is a fictional relationship and not to idealize it, I think that it is fine. I just worry that teens might internalize it as the right way (like Twilight, which is also unhealthy), so I wanted my concerns with the portrayal to be known.
Overall, this is a long but enjoyable read. I know a lot of people had struggled with Heir of Fire being so different from her first two books in the series. She did seem to change her mind about what she wanted to be and where the plot was going. Although this book continues that plotline, it is definitely better than its predecessor so it might be worth taking a chance on again. There is also a lot of action in Empire of Storms, the fifth book in the series. It has some great fight sequences and Abraxos, which is important, so you really need to read this book to get to that point.
Louise (64 KP) rated A Quiet Kind of Thunder in Books
Jul 2, 2018
*I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion*
I have been anticipating this book for months and couldn’t wait to read it. I read Beautiful Broken Things last year and really enjoyed Sara Barnard’s style of writing and how she captures teenage relationships/friendship perfectly. This book is exceptional and has blown Beautiful Broken Things out of the water.
Steffi has a condition called selective mutism, crippling shyness and anxiety, this has been her life since she can remember. Unable to find the words to communicate to people at school or in public has left her somewhat lonely especially as her best friend has left to attend a different college.
Rhys is the new guy starting at Windham sixth form, Rhys is deaf, as Steffi knows British Sign Language (BSL) they are introduced and Steffi is to be his guide for the time being until he gets to know his way around.
Being thrusted into Rhys’ world, Steffi finds another way of communicating and starts to embrace her problems head on and starts to realise she has so many possibilities out there….one of them being LOVE!
There was just so many aspects of this book that I loved for example; this is the best interpretation of anxiety I have read about in YA fiction. There is a part in the book where you get to witness Steffi’s thought process when she is anxious and it was spot on and I could really empathise with her. I also appreciated the fact that Sara Barnard didn’t use the popular trope of ‘anxiety being cured because of a boy’.
‘I don’t want a boy to be the reason I get better, what would that say about me if it is?’
I was so glad that this young girl despite her anxiety and mutism was really level-headed and wanted the change to be her doing. The topic of medication comes up several times and not once was it put in a negative light. I think anyone that suffers with anxiety will find this book relatable and show non sufferers just how much anxiety takes over your life.
The relationships in this book are freaking awesome, the family relationship was great,I loved the dynamics of the family and the different roles in which they played. The friendship between Steffi and Tem was really relatable, with them sharing gossip and worries about boys. There were so many emotional moments in this book, that had me turning the pages wanting more. The relationship between Steffi and Rhys was brilliant and cute and all things fluffy and the development is fantastic.
This book is so diverse, what with mental health, POC and disability, it was so beautifully written and had a perfect blend of them all that nothing was overshadowed.
This book is really easy read and uses different formats such as IM’s and text messages between Steffi, Rhys and Tem. There are also some lists which makes it much more fun to read.
This is a wonderful coming of age story with tons of diversity and a realistic portrayal of mental health and relationships.
I rated this 4.5/5 stars
I have been anticipating this book for months and couldn’t wait to read it. I read Beautiful Broken Things last year and really enjoyed Sara Barnard’s style of writing and how she captures teenage relationships/friendship perfectly. This book is exceptional and has blown Beautiful Broken Things out of the water.
Steffi has a condition called selective mutism, crippling shyness and anxiety, this has been her life since she can remember. Unable to find the words to communicate to people at school or in public has left her somewhat lonely especially as her best friend has left to attend a different college.
Rhys is the new guy starting at Windham sixth form, Rhys is deaf, as Steffi knows British Sign Language (BSL) they are introduced and Steffi is to be his guide for the time being until he gets to know his way around.
Being thrusted into Rhys’ world, Steffi finds another way of communicating and starts to embrace her problems head on and starts to realise she has so many possibilities out there….one of them being LOVE!
There was just so many aspects of this book that I loved for example; this is the best interpretation of anxiety I have read about in YA fiction. There is a part in the book where you get to witness Steffi’s thought process when she is anxious and it was spot on and I could really empathise with her. I also appreciated the fact that Sara Barnard didn’t use the popular trope of ‘anxiety being cured because of a boy’.
‘I don’t want a boy to be the reason I get better, what would that say about me if it is?’
I was so glad that this young girl despite her anxiety and mutism was really level-headed and wanted the change to be her doing. The topic of medication comes up several times and not once was it put in a negative light. I think anyone that suffers with anxiety will find this book relatable and show non sufferers just how much anxiety takes over your life.
The relationships in this book are freaking awesome, the family relationship was great,I loved the dynamics of the family and the different roles in which they played. The friendship between Steffi and Tem was really relatable, with them sharing gossip and worries about boys. There were so many emotional moments in this book, that had me turning the pages wanting more. The relationship between Steffi and Rhys was brilliant and cute and all things fluffy and the development is fantastic.
This book is so diverse, what with mental health, POC and disability, it was so beautifully written and had a perfect blend of them all that nothing was overshadowed.
This book is really easy read and uses different formats such as IM’s and text messages between Steffi, Rhys and Tem. There are also some lists which makes it much more fun to read.
This is a wonderful coming of age story with tons of diversity and a realistic portrayal of mental health and relationships.
I rated this 4.5/5 stars