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Merissa (11784 KP) rated Two-Faced in Books
Dec 17, 2018
I received this book from Mark My Words Publicity in return for a fair and honest review.
We rejoin Caity and Eric as they go through their first year at college. Not only does Caity have the usual stresses of college - completely opposite roommate, disliking certain teachers, frat parties, etc - but she also has to cope with her ability to "de-mask" people. She is trying to have a 'normal' life but sometimes the mask will take over and she will do what she thinks is right, even if sometimes it isn't.
She is getting more used to being able to handle her ability but there is friction between herself and Eric as he struggles to understand and appreciate her ability. On the one hand, he accepts and relies on what she has to say she has seen 'behind the mask' but only when it suits him. He doesn't want to have his illusions shattered when it is about someone he likes, respects or cares about.
This is the start of a tumultuous time for them both as they try to figure out who is doing what, who is saying what, how something could be happening as well as dealing with a suddenly rocky relationship and helping their friends too.
This is the second story in the Masks series and you will need to read book 1 first but I can highly recommend both books. I turned the first page of both books and was immediately sucked into Caity's world as she deals with her ability and friends alike. It was really good to see 'old' friends in Two-Faced and to see how they have progressed during the time we've been gone.And that is how the books feels. Like it's real, like these characters are friends that you know and care about.
Excellently written and well-paced building up to the climax, I really can't recommend this highly enough.
We rejoin Caity and Eric as they go through their first year at college. Not only does Caity have the usual stresses of college - completely opposite roommate, disliking certain teachers, frat parties, etc - but she also has to cope with her ability to "de-mask" people. She is trying to have a 'normal' life but sometimes the mask will take over and she will do what she thinks is right, even if sometimes it isn't.
She is getting more used to being able to handle her ability but there is friction between herself and Eric as he struggles to understand and appreciate her ability. On the one hand, he accepts and relies on what she has to say she has seen 'behind the mask' but only when it suits him. He doesn't want to have his illusions shattered when it is about someone he likes, respects or cares about.
This is the start of a tumultuous time for them both as they try to figure out who is doing what, who is saying what, how something could be happening as well as dealing with a suddenly rocky relationship and helping their friends too.
This is the second story in the Masks series and you will need to read book 1 first but I can highly recommend both books. I turned the first page of both books and was immediately sucked into Caity's world as she deals with her ability and friends alike. It was really good to see 'old' friends in Two-Faced and to see how they have progressed during the time we've been gone.And that is how the books feels. Like it's real, like these characters are friends that you know and care about.
Excellently written and well-paced building up to the climax, I really can't recommend this highly enough.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2091 KP) rated Buried to the Brim in Books
Jan 29, 2020
Brimming with Fun, Doggone It!
Cousins Scarlett and Viv have an unusual new client for their hat shop. Betty Wentworth, Scarlett’s fiancé Harrison’s aunt, is about to enter a dog show with her dog, Freddy, and she is hoping that a top hat will launch him from second place to first place this year. At first Viv, who designs the hats, is reluctant, but soon she is on board, and everyone is delighted with the results. However, the contest weekend gets off to a rocky start during the cocktail party that kicks things off when Betty gets into an argument with Gerry Swendson, the owner of the dog food company that sponsors the show. The next morning, Freddy is the one to find Gerry’s very dead body. With the police looking at Betty, Scarlett begins digging in, trying to figure out who else had motive. It quickly becomes apparent that this dog show is far from cute. But who committed murder?
It’s been a couple of years since the last book in this series came out, and it was wonderful to catch up with these old friends. Some time has passed for them as well, but the relationships were as great as ever. We saw plenty of the supporting characters and I loved every minute of it. The mystery was just as strong, with plenty of suspects and a fantastic ending. I did find one thing near the climax pushed me out of the book and I didn’t remember a few instances of very mild swearing in earlier books, but both are worth noting only in passing. The running gags involving puns were always one of my favorite things in the series, and it is as delightful as ever here. And the dogs! There are some very cute moments with the dogs here. Fans of the series will be delighted to get to revisit these characters.
It’s been a couple of years since the last book in this series came out, and it was wonderful to catch up with these old friends. Some time has passed for them as well, but the relationships were as great as ever. We saw plenty of the supporting characters and I loved every minute of it. The mystery was just as strong, with plenty of suspects and a fantastic ending. I did find one thing near the climax pushed me out of the book and I didn’t remember a few instances of very mild swearing in earlier books, but both are worth noting only in passing. The running gags involving puns were always one of my favorite things in the series, and it is as delightful as ever here. And the dogs! There are some very cute moments with the dogs here. Fans of the series will be delighted to get to revisit these characters.
Merissa (11784 KP) rated In Safe Arms (My Truth #2) in Books
Sep 23, 2019
In Safe Arms is the second book in the My Truth series, and we get to have Trent and Angelo's story. You could read this as a standalone, but in all honesty, why? Read book one (All He Needs) and get the bigger, better, fuller picture involving these characters!
Now, Trent was never my favourite, but don't you just love it when an author spins you on your head and you actually end up rooting for the guy?!?!? This is what happened with Trent. I will say I am surprised how many times Angelo actually stayed with him. That man is a saint!!! Yes, the reasons are all there, and trust me, you will certainly feel for Trent by the end of it. His was a hard, rocky path to follow, and luckily for him, Angelo DID stick by him.
This is a moving story, that is exceptionally well-written. I was fully invested with the characters and the storyline, which flowed amazingly well. Now, you may be wondering why I've only given this four stars if I'm raving about it. It is simply some parts of the story disappeared. They are not major parts of the story by any means, but I was left with a nagging toothache, wondering just what had happened to... well, it's not for me to say. I would suggest you read this for yourself, and then you might see what I mean, or you might be that blown away by the rest of the story, that it doesn't matter. It doesn't affect the whole story, I promise you that.
With no editing or grammatical errors, this book was a hard but satisfying read, and definitely recommended by me.
* 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!
Now, Trent was never my favourite, but don't you just love it when an author spins you on your head and you actually end up rooting for the guy?!?!? This is what happened with Trent. I will say I am surprised how many times Angelo actually stayed with him. That man is a saint!!! Yes, the reasons are all there, and trust me, you will certainly feel for Trent by the end of it. His was a hard, rocky path to follow, and luckily for him, Angelo DID stick by him.
This is a moving story, that is exceptionally well-written. I was fully invested with the characters and the storyline, which flowed amazingly well. Now, you may be wondering why I've only given this four stars if I'm raving about it. It is simply some parts of the story disappeared. They are not major parts of the story by any means, but I was left with a nagging toothache, wondering just what had happened to... well, it's not for me to say. I would suggest you read this for yourself, and then you might see what I mean, or you might be that blown away by the rest of the story, that it doesn't matter. It doesn't affect the whole story, I promise you that.
With no editing or grammatical errors, this book was a hard but satisfying read, and definitely recommended by me.
* 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!
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Rock Paper Scissors in Books
Sep 16, 2021
An excellent twisty thriller
Adam and Amelia Wright win a weekend away to Scotland--and this romantic getaway might be the only thing to save their rocky marriage. Screenwriter Adam spends most of his time working, much to the frustration of Amelia. Adam also suffers from prosopagnosia, or face-blindness, and sometimes Amelia wonders if he'd even recognize his own wife in a crowd. They know this weekend could make a huge difference in their marriage, but what they don't know: they didn't win this trip. And someone really doesn't want them to save their marriage.
"We both know this weekend away is a last chance to fix things. Or at least to try. He hasn't forgotten that."
This was a really fun thriller, honestly! Just one of those creepy and mysterious reads that kept me guessing most of the entire time. It's told from the point of view of both Adam and Amelia and interspersed with Amelia's letters that she writes to Adam each year on their anniversary (but does not let him read). We also have a third point of view, from a mysterious other character. How does everyone fit together? Enjoy trying to figure it out!
"My husband doesn't cheat on me with other women, or men, he has love affairs with their words."
Everyone is keeping secrets in this mystery, leading to a wild ride. The setting is amazing, a cold, dark, and snowy atmospheric Scotland that serves as another character in our twisty thriller. Every thing seems ominous and foreboding, as Adam and Amelia traverse the snowy countryside and mysterious house they are staying in.
Overall, this is a great and thrilling mystery, which keeps you guessing. It's a surprising page-turner, that also delves into the themes of marriage and writing. 4+ stars.
I received a free ARC of this book from Macmillan in exchange for an honest review.
"We both know this weekend away is a last chance to fix things. Or at least to try. He hasn't forgotten that."
This was a really fun thriller, honestly! Just one of those creepy and mysterious reads that kept me guessing most of the entire time. It's told from the point of view of both Adam and Amelia and interspersed with Amelia's letters that she writes to Adam each year on their anniversary (but does not let him read). We also have a third point of view, from a mysterious other character. How does everyone fit together? Enjoy trying to figure it out!
"My husband doesn't cheat on me with other women, or men, he has love affairs with their words."
Everyone is keeping secrets in this mystery, leading to a wild ride. The setting is amazing, a cold, dark, and snowy atmospheric Scotland that serves as another character in our twisty thriller. Every thing seems ominous and foreboding, as Adam and Amelia traverse the snowy countryside and mysterious house they are staying in.
Overall, this is a great and thrilling mystery, which keeps you guessing. It's a surprising page-turner, that also delves into the themes of marriage and writing. 4+ stars.
I received a free ARC of this book from Macmillan in exchange for an honest review.
Merissa (11784 KP) rated Exodus (Valen's Pack #2) in Books
Apr 11, 2023
So Valen is happily mated with Aaron and life is good, right? Well, not quite. In this sequel to Run With The Moon, the pack is still integrating and although Valen is doing what he can, it is still a 'them and us' situation. Still, he manages to come up with an idea which will help both sides work together as well as building up their village.
Of course, nothing is quite as straightforward as that and Rivvie and Matthew are the ones we hear most about (as it's their book). They get off to a very rocky start but the attraction quickly flares up. Matthew is feeling very insecure as he used to be the one that all the ladies wanted as they knew he wouldn't make them pregnant. Now, he's surrounded by all the buff bodies of the shifters and he feels like he's not needed anymore. Add to that, he's upset because Rivvie isn't flirting with him anymore and he doesn't quite understand that as he thought he was into females.
So we have all that going on but hey, that's nowhere near enough. Throw in a couple of natural disasters - earthquakes, twisters, floods and storms - plus some rabid humans, a missing shaman and a mother who can't work past her grief. This book is full-on action with a fast pace that will keep you turning the pages. There is more to Rivvie than just being a joker and there is more to Matthew than just being a stud, but it takes the two of them time and patience to learn that.
A brilliant second book in the series and I can't wait to read more. Thoroughly enjoyed it and definitely recommended.
* 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!
January 20, 2017
Of course, nothing is quite as straightforward as that and Rivvie and Matthew are the ones we hear most about (as it's their book). They get off to a very rocky start but the attraction quickly flares up. Matthew is feeling very insecure as he used to be the one that all the ladies wanted as they knew he wouldn't make them pregnant. Now, he's surrounded by all the buff bodies of the shifters and he feels like he's not needed anymore. Add to that, he's upset because Rivvie isn't flirting with him anymore and he doesn't quite understand that as he thought he was into females.
So we have all that going on but hey, that's nowhere near enough. Throw in a couple of natural disasters - earthquakes, twisters, floods and storms - plus some rabid humans, a missing shaman and a mother who can't work past her grief. This book is full-on action with a fast pace that will keep you turning the pages. There is more to Rivvie than just being a joker and there is more to Matthew than just being a stud, but it takes the two of them time and patience to learn that.
A brilliant second book in the series and I can't wait to read more. Thoroughly enjoyed it and definitely recommended.
* 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!
January 20, 2017
Gareth von Kallenbach (971 KP) rated Real Steel (2011) in Movies
Aug 7, 2019
Boxing movies have been a staple of Hollywood for decades. Some of the earliest celluloid offerings documented pugilistic bouts in films such as Raging Bull, The Fighter, and the iconic Rocky series and helped boxing cement itself in both popular and cinematic culture.
In the film “Real Steel”, Hugh Jackman plays Charlie Kenton, a down-on-his-luck promoter whose best days are definitely behind him. In the near-future setting of the film, robots have replaced humans in the boxing ring and Charlie is constantly and desperately looking for the next big thing to help him claim a little fame and a lot of fortune.
Following the loss of his fighting robot, Charlie is summoned to Texas after the passing of his ex-girlfriend, the mother of his son. Charlie is eager to sign over the guardianship of his son, Max, to Max’s aunt, but after noticing her wealthy husband, decides to take advantage of the situation. Charlie makes a deal to sign over the guardianship of his son Max, (Dakota Goyo) in exchange for a large sum of money which he plans to use to get back into the robot fighting game. The catch for Charlie is that he must watch Max for the summer so Max’s future parents can take a planned trip to Italy.
Max is quickly thrown into the robot-fighting world when he forces his dad to take him along to a bout. Unfortunately, it’s yet another painful loss for Charlie and their first father-son trip ends with them scouring a junkyard for robot replacement parts. It’s Max who literally stumbles across an old robot and becomes convinced that the discarded machine could become a champion given the right conditions. Despite his misgivings, Charlie agrees to train the robot and in doing so gets to reconnect with his estranged son. Charlie is given a shot at redemption when Max’s robot becomes a fighting success and starts to advance through the rankings.
Naturally with increased success comes increased expectations and risks for Charlie and Max’s robot. There are numerous people looking for them to fail, as there is no way that a washed up boxer with a kid and an outdated machine can take on the machines of the professional circuit. Predictably, but still grippingly so, the outdated robot, named Atom, makes his way from seedy fighting pits to upscale arenas. Eventually the Atom team is given a shot at the big time which, as fans of sports films know, is destined to end with a climactic bout with the larger-than-life champion.
What sets “Real Steel” apart from other CGI laden action films is the human element and emotional connections you make with the characters, and even the blue-eyed junkyard robot itself. Although Atom is a CGI construct of a machine, you find yourself pulling for this unlikely underdog just as much its flesh and blood costars. The action sequences are intense and amazing to look at but never overshadow the underlying storyline of love and redemption.
Jackman gives a believable performance as a seemingly callous individual with no redeeming qualities. (Remember, he essentially sold his son). Evangaline Lily, is solid and likeable in a supporting role as Charlie’s old friend and former love interest. Goyo, fresh off his work playing the younger Thor in this past summer’s blockbuster, does a remarkable job in what is likely his breakout role. He has the spunky innocence of youth with a maturity that I had not seen in any young actor since Haley Joel Osment in the Sixth Sense.
“Real Steel” may not be the most original film, as aside from the robots this is a boxing tale that is been told many times before. I definitely saw lots of elements of the original Rocky but still found the film extremely enjoyable and entertaining as well as one of the most pleasant surprises of the year. It is rumored that a sequel is already in production and I actually hope that this is the case. This is one story I certainly wouldn’t mind going a few extra rounds with.
In the film “Real Steel”, Hugh Jackman plays Charlie Kenton, a down-on-his-luck promoter whose best days are definitely behind him. In the near-future setting of the film, robots have replaced humans in the boxing ring and Charlie is constantly and desperately looking for the next big thing to help him claim a little fame and a lot of fortune.
Following the loss of his fighting robot, Charlie is summoned to Texas after the passing of his ex-girlfriend, the mother of his son. Charlie is eager to sign over the guardianship of his son, Max, to Max’s aunt, but after noticing her wealthy husband, decides to take advantage of the situation. Charlie makes a deal to sign over the guardianship of his son Max, (Dakota Goyo) in exchange for a large sum of money which he plans to use to get back into the robot fighting game. The catch for Charlie is that he must watch Max for the summer so Max’s future parents can take a planned trip to Italy.
Max is quickly thrown into the robot-fighting world when he forces his dad to take him along to a bout. Unfortunately, it’s yet another painful loss for Charlie and their first father-son trip ends with them scouring a junkyard for robot replacement parts. It’s Max who literally stumbles across an old robot and becomes convinced that the discarded machine could become a champion given the right conditions. Despite his misgivings, Charlie agrees to train the robot and in doing so gets to reconnect with his estranged son. Charlie is given a shot at redemption when Max’s robot becomes a fighting success and starts to advance through the rankings.
Naturally with increased success comes increased expectations and risks for Charlie and Max’s robot. There are numerous people looking for them to fail, as there is no way that a washed up boxer with a kid and an outdated machine can take on the machines of the professional circuit. Predictably, but still grippingly so, the outdated robot, named Atom, makes his way from seedy fighting pits to upscale arenas. Eventually the Atom team is given a shot at the big time which, as fans of sports films know, is destined to end with a climactic bout with the larger-than-life champion.
What sets “Real Steel” apart from other CGI laden action films is the human element and emotional connections you make with the characters, and even the blue-eyed junkyard robot itself. Although Atom is a CGI construct of a machine, you find yourself pulling for this unlikely underdog just as much its flesh and blood costars. The action sequences are intense and amazing to look at but never overshadow the underlying storyline of love and redemption.
Jackman gives a believable performance as a seemingly callous individual with no redeeming qualities. (Remember, he essentially sold his son). Evangaline Lily, is solid and likeable in a supporting role as Charlie’s old friend and former love interest. Goyo, fresh off his work playing the younger Thor in this past summer’s blockbuster, does a remarkable job in what is likely his breakout role. He has the spunky innocence of youth with a maturity that I had not seen in any young actor since Haley Joel Osment in the Sixth Sense.
“Real Steel” may not be the most original film, as aside from the robots this is a boxing tale that is been told many times before. I definitely saw lots of elements of the original Rocky but still found the film extremely enjoyable and entertaining as well as one of the most pleasant surprises of the year. It is rumored that a sequel is already in production and I actually hope that this is the case. This is one story I certainly wouldn’t mind going a few extra rounds with.
Merissa (11784 KP) rated All or Nothing (Together #3) in Books
Oct 4, 2017
All or Nothing (Together #3) by Felice Stevens
All or Nothing is the third book in the Together series, and we focus on Gideon's business partner, Rico. Now, Rico is a hard person to pin down, but Adam keeps on trying. For reasons of his own, Rico doesn't get involved with anyone. He scratches an itch occasionally, but that's it. The reasons for that become clear, and you will sympathise with him as he continues to hide part of who he is. Adam is out, both at home and at work, and although he had some rocky moments, it's all good now. Adam and Rico get together for a night, but can it ever be more?
Where to start? I love Felice Stevens' books, they are all heartfelt, with an amazing storyline that pulls you in and refuses to let go until you've finished the story. This isn't a book with a good guy and a bad guy. This is a book where you are rooting for both of them, where you understand the issues, and your heart breaks for both of them whilst you continue to cheer them on and hope for the best. Gideon and Jonah's story also continues, and I'm pleased to report that all is good for them.
Adam and Rico are a couple of guys that will keep your interest. The 'bedroom' scenes are hot, but it is more than that. It is the connection they have, how they are there for each other when others might not bother, and how they just don't give up. All or Nothing will pull on your heartstrings as you desperately turn the pages to find out what happens next.
There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and the pacing was smooth. This is a long book, but it never drags. With characters old and new, and an intriguing story, I have no hesitation in highly recommending this book and series.
* 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!
Where to start? I love Felice Stevens' books, they are all heartfelt, with an amazing storyline that pulls you in and refuses to let go until you've finished the story. This isn't a book with a good guy and a bad guy. This is a book where you are rooting for both of them, where you understand the issues, and your heart breaks for both of them whilst you continue to cheer them on and hope for the best. Gideon and Jonah's story also continues, and I'm pleased to report that all is good for them.
Adam and Rico are a couple of guys that will keep your interest. The 'bedroom' scenes are hot, but it is more than that. It is the connection they have, how they are there for each other when others might not bother, and how they just don't give up. All or Nothing will pull on your heartstrings as you desperately turn the pages to find out what happens next.
There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and the pacing was smooth. This is a long book, but it never drags. With characters old and new, and an intriguing story, I have no hesitation in highly recommending this book and series.
* 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!
Fast Read!
I really enjoyed reading this book. I haven’t read anything in 2 days time in a very long time!
Dr. Marie Heaton is a successful anesthesiologist at First Lutheran Hospital in Seattle. In the seven years she’s been working there she has never made one mistake nor lost a patient. She prided herself on her meticulous organization skills, her neat charting, and her clean record. Until the day 8 year old Jolene stepped foot into her OR and passed away in the middle of a routine procedure she should have survived! Now Marie finds herself in the middle of a malpractice suit and on top of that, having to take care of her elderly father with whom her relationship with has been rocky.
This is a gripping story that tells us what doctors go through when fatal mistakes are made. I couldn’t put it down.
What I did not like about it:
1. too much medical detail. Some of it was necessary for us to understand what is going on in the story but most of it just felt like filler to me.
2. I expected the part where taking care of dad to come in a lot earlier than it did. And it wasn’t much caring for in the end. I was expecting her dad to be more belligerent to her about losing his independence and having to be taken care of. And since there has been unspoken animosity between them since Marie was a teenager, I expected there would be a climatic dialogue between them that airs out their problems and they get to move on from it. Never happened.
Other than those two things, there was so much to like about this book. The twist at the end had me on me on my seat! I did not expect it and I love when a story can surprise me! This was a great read!
Dr. Marie Heaton is a successful anesthesiologist at First Lutheran Hospital in Seattle. In the seven years she’s been working there she has never made one mistake nor lost a patient. She prided herself on her meticulous organization skills, her neat charting, and her clean record. Until the day 8 year old Jolene stepped foot into her OR and passed away in the middle of a routine procedure she should have survived! Now Marie finds herself in the middle of a malpractice suit and on top of that, having to take care of her elderly father with whom her relationship with has been rocky.
This is a gripping story that tells us what doctors go through when fatal mistakes are made. I couldn’t put it down.
What I did not like about it:
1. too much medical detail. Some of it was necessary for us to understand what is going on in the story but most of it just felt like filler to me.
2. I expected the part where taking care of dad to come in a lot earlier than it did. And it wasn’t much caring for in the end. I was expecting her dad to be more belligerent to her about losing his independence and having to be taken care of. And since there has been unspoken animosity between them since Marie was a teenager, I expected there would be a climatic dialogue between them that airs out their problems and they get to move on from it. Never happened.
Other than those two things, there was so much to like about this book. The twist at the end had me on me on my seat! I did not expect it and I love when a story can surprise me! This was a great read!
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated And I Darken (The Conqueror's Saga #1) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
Vlad the Impaler is a fascinating figure. Known as a villain to most of the world, he has also been considered a hero to myriad citizens in Romania and Bulgaria. He had a rocky life and was used as a bargaining chip as a child, along with his younger brother, Radu the Handsome. I once watched a very interesting documentary on him that was even-handed and it left a lasting impression. I felt sorry for what he went through as a child and how it shaped him into cruel measures. <b>And I Darken</b> poses an interesting question: what if Vlad Tepes was born a girl? This first in the series explores the first eighteen or so years of his, now her, life.
Admittedly, while I was intrigued at the subject, the beginning of this book was a slog to get through. I wasn't especially fond of the simpering Radu early on, since he was ridiculously sensitive and close to caricature. He features just as much, and perhaps more, than his sister, Lada (the feminine of Vlad). I thought Lada was a well-drawn character and I could totally see Vlad in her. As they age, Radu improves and is the heart of the book. This follows history as well as can be with the major change, so the story continues their progress to being hostages, as it were, to the Ottoman Empire.
The majority of the book takes place with Lada and Radu out of their homeland and as prisoner, befriending the Sultan's son, Mehmet, who eventually succeeds his father. So begins Radu's maturation and overwhelming love for Mehmet, which then turns into a love triangle with Lada. This could have been a total disaster and while it mucks up the history I know, it was done as well as can be. I appreciated how Radu's loyalty and convictions were handled in context with the times and circumstances. While I would have liked a more well-rounded Lada, I am hopeful that the next book will go into more depth. It's not a perfect book, Lada comes up with some big solutions to (mostly) actual events at a young age, which felt too convenient, but I still enjoyed the overall result.
Admittedly, while I was intrigued at the subject, the beginning of this book was a slog to get through. I wasn't especially fond of the simpering Radu early on, since he was ridiculously sensitive and close to caricature. He features just as much, and perhaps more, than his sister, Lada (the feminine of Vlad). I thought Lada was a well-drawn character and I could totally see Vlad in her. As they age, Radu improves and is the heart of the book. This follows history as well as can be with the major change, so the story continues their progress to being hostages, as it were, to the Ottoman Empire.
The majority of the book takes place with Lada and Radu out of their homeland and as prisoner, befriending the Sultan's son, Mehmet, who eventually succeeds his father. So begins Radu's maturation and overwhelming love for Mehmet, which then turns into a love triangle with Lada. This could have been a total disaster and while it mucks up the history I know, it was done as well as can be. I appreciated how Radu's loyalty and convictions were handled in context with the times and circumstances. While I would have liked a more well-rounded Lada, I am hopeful that the next book will go into more depth. It's not a perfect book, Lada comes up with some big solutions to (mostly) actual events at a young age, which felt too convenient, but I still enjoyed the overall result.
Neon's Nerd Nexus (360 KP) rated Creed II (2018) in Movies
May 13, 2019
Fighting fit
#creed2 ups the stakes & hits the viewer hard right in the #feels. I was so pumped for this as the first is probably one of my favourite #boxing movies & yet while the second isnt quite as good it still manages to pack an extremely impressive #punch. The thing about #Creed 2 that was instantly noticeable right from its powerful opening is just how god damn good it is at creating relatable/believable #emotion. This is done by creating such a strong believable bond between all of the main characters be it by #love/ passion or rivalry ensuring we care about everyone & really feel the struggles/#pain they experience (which almost lead to me tearing up at times). I also loved how they showed more from the #Drago perspective this time & how he he maybe an unstoppable force in the ring but in real life he's bullied & pushed around like a nobody, this was so refreshing to see & left me rooting for him just as much as Creed in the final #fight. Drago is a man clearly fuelled by #hate & anger kept under control by discipline & respect for his #father yet Creeds motivations are more cloudy, muddled & reckless fuelled more by #revenge & anger than focus/control & I found this to be by far the most interesting/intricate part of the movie. More of a drama than a #brawling film Creed 2 deals with incredibly depressing, realistic & tuff themes of overcoming mental torture, loss, revenge, neglect, conditioning, humiliation, passion, loyalty & at times I found it extremely heavy going with all of the cast delivering some strong & memorable performances adding to the realism. Sound design was also punchy giving tremendous weight to the fights & the soundtrack is a perfect balance between epic & sombre. Camera work is graceful & never hides any of the action & there's some #beautiful imagery that combine with clever set design make for some brilliantly deep symbolism. Only let down by its predictable & cliched second half/some cheesy scenes every now & then Creed 2 is a must watch, its #inspiring, uplifting yet hard hitting & at times emotionally draining. A second round thats well worth a shot. #limitless #sylvesterstallone #fighting #fightnight #rocky #michaelbjordan #rockybalboa