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Moonrise by Sarah Crossan
Having discovered Sarah Crossan and the style of writing in verse earlier this year, I was keen to read her latest book. Moonrise is told from the point of view of Joe. His brother Ed is on death row in Texas for murdering a policeman and the story starts as the date of execution is set.
I love the medium of verse as a writing tool – Crossan is able to convey emotions and tell a story in far less words than a conventional novel. The topic of the death penalty is interesting and thought provoking and its perfectly pitched for the young adult audience it is aimed at (but is also of interest to adults too).
If you fancy something a bit different, I would recommend this or any of Crossan’s books wholeheartedly.
I love the medium of verse as a writing tool – Crossan is able to convey emotions and tell a story in far less words than a conventional novel. The topic of the death penalty is interesting and thought provoking and its perfectly pitched for the young adult audience it is aimed at (but is also of interest to adults too).
If you fancy something a bit different, I would recommend this or any of Crossan’s books wholeheartedly.
Lindsay (1706 KP) rated The Mapmaker's Children in Books
Sep 9, 2017
I loved this book with each turn of the page. It gave you two stories that went well together. You get a modern mystery. You also learn about history at that time.
This book has you learn about Sarah and her family. We learn about slavery and what it like to be a part of the UGRR? The historical fiction and story go through the past to the future.
What will happen to Sarah and helping other by being so brave? The abolitionist John Brown has a daughter that might really be talented. She and Eden have something in common. Will Eden uncover the secrets of the past to the future?
You do learn about slavery and what our country was going through at that time. Eden may find a story that connects to the Hills from the past to present.
This book has you learn about Sarah and her family. We learn about slavery and what it like to be a part of the UGRR? The historical fiction and story go through the past to the future.
What will happen to Sarah and helping other by being so brave? The abolitionist John Brown has a daughter that might really be talented. She and Eden have something in common. Will Eden uncover the secrets of the past to the future?
You do learn about slavery and what our country was going through at that time. Eden may find a story that connects to the Hills from the past to present.
Kristina (502 KP) rated Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass #7) in Books
Dec 7, 2020
KOA was a long, action-packed, unforgettable ending to a lengthy, yet beautiful, series of good versus evil, spiritual and emotional growth, loss and love and healing. I shed tears, I cursed, I smiled. It was a conclusion I was honestly too afraid to hope for and yet it was surrounded by so many unexpected moments. I put off reading this for so long, because the ending is so final and I knew I'd feel the loss deep inside - which I do. Regardless of the opportunity to always start the series over, this is truly goodbye. Sarah wrapped everything up beautifully. I am in awe of the depth of her writing and the intricacies each individual perspective beheld for the entirety of the story. I will not sin forget Aelin, Rowan, or their friends. Well done, Sarah.
David McK (3251 KP) rated Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) in Movies
Oct 7, 2019
"Ah'll be back ..." (to rewatch this)
For may people the best film in The Terminator series, with big Arnie again reprising his most iconic role and with Linda Hamilton returning to her role as Sarah Connor, the mother of the future leader of the Resistance against Skynet, John Connor.
For reason that are never fully explained, after the failure of the first Terminator to kill Sarah Connor in the 1980s, a second Terminator is sent back in time, this time to the early 1990s, in an effort to track down and kill John Connor (played, here, by a then unknown Edward Furlong).
As before, the Resistance are able to send back a lone protector through time ...
And, I have to say, now nearly 30 years after they were first seen, the 'liquid metal' T-1000 effects still hold up pretty well!
For reason that are never fully explained, after the failure of the first Terminator to kill Sarah Connor in the 1980s, a second Terminator is sent back in time, this time to the early 1990s, in an effort to track down and kill John Connor (played, here, by a then unknown Edward Furlong).
As before, the Resistance are able to send back a lone protector through time ...
And, I have to say, now nearly 30 years after they were first seen, the 'liquid metal' T-1000 effects still hold up pretty well!
Gareth von Kallenbach (971 KP) rated Super (2011) in Movies
Aug 7, 2019
When I first heard about Super, written and directed by James Gunn, my first thought was “Dwight (from The Office) will be a superhero?” However what I saw on the screen was anything but Dwight, it was 75% awesome and 25% “I can’t believe they did that!”
The film begins with Frank (excellently played by Rainn Wilson) happily married to Sarah (Liv Tyler) who is a recovering drug addict. The happiness is shattered when Sarah begins using again, thanks to Jacques the drug dealer (Kevin Bacon) and then one day she disappears. Frank searches for Sarah and eventually finds her under the control of Jacques. Unable to get her away from Jacques, Frank goes to the police for help. Unfortunately because Sarah left on her own accord, no law has been broken (except for the drug stuff) so they are unable to help him.
Frank tries to move on, but without Sarah life seems meaningless. Then in his darkest hour he has a vision of The Holy Avenger (Nathan Fillion). Heeding the vision, Frank becomes The Crimson Bolt, pledges to fight crime and to save Sarah. There is just one small problem – Frank has no idea how to be a superhero. Research is needed, so off to the comic book store he goes, of course, and there he meets Libby (Ellen Page). Libby advises him which comics to read that have superheroes who do not have powers. Armed with this knowledge, The Crimson Bolt officially begins fighting crime in the most unusual of ways and not too long after, Libby becomes Boltie, his trusted, sexy sidekick.
This very entertaining, action-filled, dark comedy has more twists and turns than a game of Chutes and Ladders, and it will keep you glued to the screen until the end. Will they save the city from villainy? Will they save Sarah’s bacon? (Sorry, with Kevin Bacon playing the bad guy I couldn’t resist.)
Super has a different take on the superhero genre than what I’ve seen in past movies. Only Rainn Wilson could have properly portrayed the uniqueness that is Frank/Crimson Bolt and the same goes for Ellen Page in regards to Libby/Boltie (possibly the best sidekick ever). To make a long review short, let me sum up this way, everyone in the movie no matter the length of their part did an amazing job in their role. With that said, my only wish was that the story would have allowed for more screen time for Gregg Henry (Detective John Felkner) and a musical number for Fillion’s Holy Avenger. if you liked Fillion as Captain Hammer in Dr. Horrible’s Singalong Blog, then you’ll love him in this role. But those things would have most likely thrown off the perfect balance of action, humor and character interaction that made this movie so enjoyable.
The film begins with Frank (excellently played by Rainn Wilson) happily married to Sarah (Liv Tyler) who is a recovering drug addict. The happiness is shattered when Sarah begins using again, thanks to Jacques the drug dealer (Kevin Bacon) and then one day she disappears. Frank searches for Sarah and eventually finds her under the control of Jacques. Unable to get her away from Jacques, Frank goes to the police for help. Unfortunately because Sarah left on her own accord, no law has been broken (except for the drug stuff) so they are unable to help him.
Frank tries to move on, but without Sarah life seems meaningless. Then in his darkest hour he has a vision of The Holy Avenger (Nathan Fillion). Heeding the vision, Frank becomes The Crimson Bolt, pledges to fight crime and to save Sarah. There is just one small problem – Frank has no idea how to be a superhero. Research is needed, so off to the comic book store he goes, of course, and there he meets Libby (Ellen Page). Libby advises him which comics to read that have superheroes who do not have powers. Armed with this knowledge, The Crimson Bolt officially begins fighting crime in the most unusual of ways and not too long after, Libby becomes Boltie, his trusted, sexy sidekick.
This very entertaining, action-filled, dark comedy has more twists and turns than a game of Chutes and Ladders, and it will keep you glued to the screen until the end. Will they save the city from villainy? Will they save Sarah’s bacon? (Sorry, with Kevin Bacon playing the bad guy I couldn’t resist.)
Super has a different take on the superhero genre than what I’ve seen in past movies. Only Rainn Wilson could have properly portrayed the uniqueness that is Frank/Crimson Bolt and the same goes for Ellen Page in regards to Libby/Boltie (possibly the best sidekick ever). To make a long review short, let me sum up this way, everyone in the movie no matter the length of their part did an amazing job in their role. With that said, my only wish was that the story would have allowed for more screen time for Gregg Henry (Detective John Felkner) and a musical number for Fillion’s Holy Avenger. if you liked Fillion as Captain Hammer in Dr. Horrible’s Singalong Blog, then you’ll love him in this role. But those things would have most likely thrown off the perfect balance of action, humor and character interaction that made this movie so enjoyable.
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated Breathe (Breathe, #1) in Books
Jan 12, 2018
[Breathe] by [Sarah Crossan] was a dystopian novel where the government manipulated people to remain in power. The earth's atmosphere has been depleted so badly that the air can not sustain life. Or, that is what people believe. [Crossan] creates a world full of lies and intrigue but characters that are heroic and keep you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what will happen.
Sara Cox (1845 KP) rated Outsider Live in Books
Feb 24, 2020
Who knew you could listen to, as an audiobook and not a podcast, Sarah Millican live?!?!
This women is hilarious! She is honest. Honest about weight. Honest about women. And honest about public views. I especially loved her reply to her school bully! I loved listening to this to and from work…especially from work, it made my day. I was wetting myself in the car.
This women is hilarious! She is honest. Honest about weight. Honest about women. And honest about public views. I especially loved her reply to her school bully! I loved listening to this to and from work…especially from work, it made my day. I was wetting myself in the car.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Hark! the Herald Angels Scream: An Anthology in Books
Jan 22, 2019
Anthology of Christmas or winter themed horror stories
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
I waited until closer to the holiday to read this book and, with all of the rushing involved with the season, forgot to post my review. The Christmas season may be over, but it is still winter, so grab a cup of hot chocolate and be prepared to be entertained.
Hark! The Herald Angels Scream by Edited by Christopher Golden is an "anthology of all-new short fiction from some of the most talented and original writers of horror today." Included are eighteen stories of Christmas or winter themed horror from authors: Kelley Armstrong, Christopher Golden, Elizabeth Hand, Michael Koryta, Sarah Langan, Joe R. Lansdale, Tim Lebbon, Sarah Lotz, Jonathan Maberry, Josh Malerman, Seanan McGuire, John M. McIlveen, James A. Moore, Sarah Pinborough, Angela Slatter, Scott Smith,Thomas E. Sniegoski, and Jeff Strand.
The cover quickly bring to mind "Tales from the Crypt", a campy, horror anthology television series with a memorable narrator, Crypt Keeper. The stories written could have been been portrayed in any of the episodes. As with "Tales from the Crypt", the stories in "Hark! The Herald Angels Scream" were creepy, funny, chilling, gruesome, dark, and definitely worth your time.
The stories are well written and stand alone.
I waited until closer to the holiday to read this book and, with all of the rushing involved with the season, forgot to post my review. The Christmas season may be over, but it is still winter, so grab a cup of hot chocolate and be prepared to be entertained.
Hark! The Herald Angels Scream by Edited by Christopher Golden is an "anthology of all-new short fiction from some of the most talented and original writers of horror today." Included are eighteen stories of Christmas or winter themed horror from authors: Kelley Armstrong, Christopher Golden, Elizabeth Hand, Michael Koryta, Sarah Langan, Joe R. Lansdale, Tim Lebbon, Sarah Lotz, Jonathan Maberry, Josh Malerman, Seanan McGuire, John M. McIlveen, James A. Moore, Sarah Pinborough, Angela Slatter, Scott Smith,Thomas E. Sniegoski, and Jeff Strand.
The cover quickly bring to mind "Tales from the Crypt", a campy, horror anthology television series with a memorable narrator, Crypt Keeper. The stories written could have been been portrayed in any of the episodes. As with "Tales from the Crypt", the stories in "Hark! The Herald Angels Scream" were creepy, funny, chilling, gruesome, dark, and definitely worth your time.
The stories are well written and stand alone.
Bookapotamus (289 KP) rated Ghosted in Books
Jun 27, 2018
Great Story - Awesome Blindsides
This book had some serious 'holy-crap' shockers! I was riveted from start to finish, gobbled up every word, and felt like I got smacked in the face several times with total blindsiding plot twists!
Sarah's been ghosted. If you don't know what that means - well... she literally fell in love with Eddie after ONE WEEK. They meet, by chance, spend an entire week with no-one but each other, the connection is insane, they are meant for each other, they both seem to be in love - it's that much of a connection. He leaves to go on an already planned holiday, with promises to call, to stay in touch, to possibly start lives together afterwards... aaaaaaand GHOSTED. Eddie is gone. He doesn't call or email, he hasn't been on Facebook, her texts go unanswered. He's just GONE.
Weeks go by and Sarah is a HOT MESS. She knows Eddie was THE ONE. She knows he felt the same, but Where. The heck. Did he go?
Her friends think she's losing her mind. It was one week! You are barely divorced! Guys suck! Get over it! But Sarah knows in her bones that something is wrong. Something happened to Eddie and she won't give up until he is back in her life and found safe and sound.
But seriously Sarah, Get a grip. This chick is going looney tunes. She's obsessed with this guy and it's getting a bit weird. It's just about the only problem I had with the book. Tone it down Sarah! For goodness sake - it was a WEEK! The obsession and neurosis she goes through is a bit embarrassing! Yikes!
But then, things start happening: Clues. Messages. Strange people watching her. And really old wounds are opened. Who is Eddie and why did he disappear??
I really really really enjoyed this (as much as I wanted to smack the living daylights out of Sarah and tell her to "stop it! he's just a dude! dudes do this sort of thing ALL the time!) but I really did have a great time with this book! It's interspersed with texts, and letters and flips between characters really seamlessly and it's worth a read just for the really shocking and fun blindsides. Definitely recommend!!
Thanks to Penguin Random House for the advanced copy to read and review!
Sarah's been ghosted. If you don't know what that means - well... she literally fell in love with Eddie after ONE WEEK. They meet, by chance, spend an entire week with no-one but each other, the connection is insane, they are meant for each other, they both seem to be in love - it's that much of a connection. He leaves to go on an already planned holiday, with promises to call, to stay in touch, to possibly start lives together afterwards... aaaaaaand GHOSTED. Eddie is gone. He doesn't call or email, he hasn't been on Facebook, her texts go unanswered. He's just GONE.
Weeks go by and Sarah is a HOT MESS. She knows Eddie was THE ONE. She knows he felt the same, but Where. The heck. Did he go?
Her friends think she's losing her mind. It was one week! You are barely divorced! Guys suck! Get over it! But Sarah knows in her bones that something is wrong. Something happened to Eddie and she won't give up until he is back in her life and found safe and sound.
But seriously Sarah, Get a grip. This chick is going looney tunes. She's obsessed with this guy and it's getting a bit weird. It's just about the only problem I had with the book. Tone it down Sarah! For goodness sake - it was a WEEK! The obsession and neurosis she goes through is a bit embarrassing! Yikes!
But then, things start happening: Clues. Messages. Strange people watching her. And really old wounds are opened. Who is Eddie and why did he disappear??
I really really really enjoyed this (as much as I wanted to smack the living daylights out of Sarah and tell her to "stop it! he's just a dude! dudes do this sort of thing ALL the time!) but I really did have a great time with this book! It's interspersed with texts, and letters and flips between characters really seamlessly and it's worth a read just for the really shocking and fun blindsides. Definitely recommend!!
Thanks to Penguin Random House for the advanced copy to read and review!
Sarah is trying to put her life back together after a divorce from her air force husband. But when she finds a bag of bloody clothes that belonged to her ex-husband and the woman he cheated on Sarah with, she suddenly finds herself trying to determine what has really happened.
The plot of this book was strong with several twists and red herrings that kept me confused until everything came together at the end. The characters were strong as well. While the writing could be a bit choppy at times, overall there was a tone to the story that was perfect for what the characters were going through.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/12/book-review-tagged-for-death-by-sherry.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
The plot of this book was strong with several twists and red herrings that kept me confused until everything came together at the end. The characters were strong as well. While the writing could be a bit choppy at times, overall there was a tone to the story that was perfect for what the characters were going through.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/12/book-review-tagged-for-death-by-sherry.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.