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Phil Leader (619 KP) rated The Life and Times of William Boule in Books
Nov 19, 2019
It took me a long time to get around to reading a Max China book and I had heard a lot of good things about his work. I was not disappointed.
This novel forms a sequel to The Sister but I didn't feel I needed to read that to enjoy this as the characters are introduced and explained well. Carla Black is a journalist who wants to flush out the titular serial killer from his hideaway in Morocco. Meanwhile Miller, a missing persons investigator and former lover of Carla, suspects she may run into trouble and follows on to help her. When Boule runs into Carla unexpectedly, she and Miller end up in a race to safety with the serial killer in determined pursuit.
There are so many things that make this book stand out. China's descriptions of the dusty streets of Morocco, full of colours and smells are extremely immersive. His characters are all very solid and well-drawn. I particularly liked the local police chief who turns out to be a very shrewd and resourceful operator in his own right at working out what is going on. Boule is suitably amoral and nasty, a real sociopath but when the narrative is from his point of view the reader finds out his self-justification for his actions.
China keeps the reader guessing with the direction the plot is going to take next and the pace is frantic, the chase scenes desperate and nerve wracking and the pauses in action claustrophobic with menace. Everything gathers pace and momentum neatly until the final showdown which is perfectly pitched in terms of drama.
I really was impressed by this book and China is an outstanding writer.
(Contains violence and sexual scenes and references)
This novel forms a sequel to The Sister but I didn't feel I needed to read that to enjoy this as the characters are introduced and explained well. Carla Black is a journalist who wants to flush out the titular serial killer from his hideaway in Morocco. Meanwhile Miller, a missing persons investigator and former lover of Carla, suspects she may run into trouble and follows on to help her. When Boule runs into Carla unexpectedly, she and Miller end up in a race to safety with the serial killer in determined pursuit.
There are so many things that make this book stand out. China's descriptions of the dusty streets of Morocco, full of colours and smells are extremely immersive. His characters are all very solid and well-drawn. I particularly liked the local police chief who turns out to be a very shrewd and resourceful operator in his own right at working out what is going on. Boule is suitably amoral and nasty, a real sociopath but when the narrative is from his point of view the reader finds out his self-justification for his actions.
China keeps the reader guessing with the direction the plot is going to take next and the pace is frantic, the chase scenes desperate and nerve wracking and the pauses in action claustrophobic with menace. Everything gathers pace and momentum neatly until the final showdown which is perfectly pitched in terms of drama.
I really was impressed by this book and China is an outstanding writer.
(Contains violence and sexual scenes and references)
Charlie Cobra Reviews (1840 KP) rated Mob Psycho 100 in TV
Jul 7, 2020
Pretty Different But Pretty Cool
Mob Psycho 100 is an anime tv series adaptation produced by Bones. It was created by ONE, directed by Yuzuru Tachikawa, written by Hiroshi Seko and licensed by Crunchyroll. The English Dub was released by Funimation in 2016, a live-action adaptation premiered in 2018 and second season in 2019.
Although he looks like an unassuming person, average middle school student, Shigeo Kageyama, is actually a powerful esper with immense psychic powers. He lives his life under a constant emotional shackle to keep from losing control of his power. To help learn how to control his abilities, he works as an assistant to a self-proclaimed psychic, Reigen Arataka, who is really a con-man. As he struggles to live a normal life, trouble keeps pushing his emotions which threaten his power to break through its limits.
This anime was way better than I thought it was going to be. At first the look of the characters and the personality of the main character didn't really draw me in. In fact I almost didn't watch past the first episode, but I'm really glad I did. Not only did this series have some awesome battles and cool concepts/ideas, it was really funny and humorous. I remember laughing out loud at a couple of scenes that were just ridiculous but seemed to fit in a way that accentuated the vibe of the show. The supporting characters were very interesting as well, his mentor, his brother, and even a ghost Dimple. All had their own charm and redeeming characteristics for all their flaws. This was a really fun show and very different from most mainstream anime. Equally funny and dramatic but with good action. I give this a 7/10.
Although he looks like an unassuming person, average middle school student, Shigeo Kageyama, is actually a powerful esper with immense psychic powers. He lives his life under a constant emotional shackle to keep from losing control of his power. To help learn how to control his abilities, he works as an assistant to a self-proclaimed psychic, Reigen Arataka, who is really a con-man. As he struggles to live a normal life, trouble keeps pushing his emotions which threaten his power to break through its limits.
This anime was way better than I thought it was going to be. At first the look of the characters and the personality of the main character didn't really draw me in. In fact I almost didn't watch past the first episode, but I'm really glad I did. Not only did this series have some awesome battles and cool concepts/ideas, it was really funny and humorous. I remember laughing out loud at a couple of scenes that were just ridiculous but seemed to fit in a way that accentuated the vibe of the show. The supporting characters were very interesting as well, his mentor, his brother, and even a ghost Dimple. All had their own charm and redeeming characteristics for all their flaws. This was a really fun show and very different from most mainstream anime. Equally funny and dramatic but with good action. I give this a 7/10.
ClareR (5879 KP) rated The Sanatorium in Books
Feb 14, 2021
The Sanatorium is a chilling, atmospheric thriller, set in the Swiss Alps. Elin has been invited to her brothers engagement party in a 5* mountain retreat - a hotel in a converted sanatorium. Understandably (I think), I was creeped out by this whole scenario, and the opening chapter didn’t do much to put me at my ease - but it’s OK, I like being scared witless by a book! Frankly, if a book sells itself as being unnerving or potentially scary, and you can still go up to bed with the landing light off, then it won’t have fulfilled the brief. I sent my husband upstairs first to switch the lights on whilst I was reading this...
Elin is a troubled character, and clearly needs some help with past trauma. This makes her a nervy person who doesn’t have any self-confidence. She shuts her boyfriend out - and can I just say here that he seemed to be an incredibly patient person? I liked his character a lot. Most of the other characters are pretty unpleasant people if I’m honest, and I think any of them could have been the murderer. Some of the people reading along with me on the Pigeonhole worked out who the murderer was, but as usual, I merrily read on without a clue (this is OK by me - I’m in it for the ride and don’t feel the need to try and work it out).
I can’t quite believe that this is a debut, and I really enjoyed it. I would most definitely recommend it!
Many thanks to the Pigeonhole for serialising this. It was a great experience, as always, made all the better by sharing my thoughts with my fellow Pigeonholers! Oh, and thanks again for helping me read another book off my NetGalley list!
Elin is a troubled character, and clearly needs some help with past trauma. This makes her a nervy person who doesn’t have any self-confidence. She shuts her boyfriend out - and can I just say here that he seemed to be an incredibly patient person? I liked his character a lot. Most of the other characters are pretty unpleasant people if I’m honest, and I think any of them could have been the murderer. Some of the people reading along with me on the Pigeonhole worked out who the murderer was, but as usual, I merrily read on without a clue (this is OK by me - I’m in it for the ride and don’t feel the need to try and work it out).
I can’t quite believe that this is a debut, and I really enjoyed it. I would most definitely recommend it!
Many thanks to the Pigeonhole for serialising this. It was a great experience, as always, made all the better by sharing my thoughts with my fellow Pigeonholers! Oh, and thanks again for helping me read another book off my NetGalley list!
Eleanor Luhar (47 KP) rated Close Encounters of the Girl Kind (Geekhood, #1) in Books
Jun 24, 2019
Read my original review on my blog: https://bookmarkedreading.wordpress.com/2015/10/01/book-review-geekhood/
Geekhood: Close Encounters of the Girl Kind is a greatly humorous, relatable book about the struggles of a 14-year-old Geek.
Archie, a true Geek to his core, has a lot going on in his life. His parents are divorced, his step-dad is a Tosser, the only thing his friends are good at is the Game, and, to top it all off, he is struck by surprise by a Close Encounter with a Beautiful Goth.
After Sarah tries to help him battle his problems and insecurities, Archie replaces his snarky interior monologue with the voice of his psychic self, trudging alone along the path to psychic alignment. But things don't go quite as he hopes, and he soon makes a serious mess of things. How has it all gone so wrong?!
When he no longer wants to be associated with the Geeks he once called friends, he starts to realise that maybe this isn't what he wants after all. After so long of trying to fit in and fly under the radar, it turns out that maybe doing what you love is enough to keep you truly happy.
Geekhood: Close Encounters of the Girl Kind is a hilarious book, following Archie's combat with problems that are well-known among us teens. I love the script of the interior monologue, and I think a lot of people can appreciate Archie's attempts to mask his true feelings and use of his interior monologue to express himself without others hearing. Definitely a good book, which I enjoyed far more than I expected! A strong 4 stars from me.
Geekhood: Close Encounters of the Girl Kind is a greatly humorous, relatable book about the struggles of a 14-year-old Geek.
Archie, a true Geek to his core, has a lot going on in his life. His parents are divorced, his step-dad is a Tosser, the only thing his friends are good at is the Game, and, to top it all off, he is struck by surprise by a Close Encounter with a Beautiful Goth.
After Sarah tries to help him battle his problems and insecurities, Archie replaces his snarky interior monologue with the voice of his psychic self, trudging alone along the path to psychic alignment. But things don't go quite as he hopes, and he soon makes a serious mess of things. How has it all gone so wrong?!
When he no longer wants to be associated with the Geeks he once called friends, he starts to realise that maybe this isn't what he wants after all. After so long of trying to fit in and fly under the radar, it turns out that maybe doing what you love is enough to keep you truly happy.
Geekhood: Close Encounters of the Girl Kind is a hilarious book, following Archie's combat with problems that are well-known among us teens. I love the script of the interior monologue, and I think a lot of people can appreciate Archie's attempts to mask his true feelings and use of his interior monologue to express himself without others hearing. Definitely a good book, which I enjoyed far more than I expected! A strong 4 stars from me.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated No Expectations - Single by Jillian Steele in Music
Jun 26, 2019
Jillian Steele is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter from New York. Not too long ago, she released a lovely pop tune, entitled, “No Expectations”.
“Maybe I’m talking myself out of love. But I don’t believe that the stars just line up. When you know then you know but I don’t think I’ll ever know. When it’s right, is it right second guessing every time. Yeah, making sure I won’t ever let myself down.” – lyrics
‘No Expectations’ tells an interesting tale of a young woman who decides to let nature take its course instead of always trying to control things.
Apparently, she concludes that everything happens for a reason, and if she allows things to flow naturally, everything will work out the way it’s supposed to.
Later, she admits that it would be best if she became less controlling, stayed out of her own way, and let the pieces fall where they may.
‘No Expectations’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and warm acoustic guitar-driven instrumentation flavored with a modern-pop fragrance.
The likable tune was co-written by Michel Heyaca and James Shelley (American Authors) during a period of uncertainty and confusion.
“Life was happening around me and I was just in it without any control and through this song I gained insight that I do deserve things and I should have expectations of what I want.” – Julia Steele
Jillian Steele’s musical influences include Maggie Rogers, Sasha Sloan, Julia Michaels, and other strong female musicians.
She uses her music to emphasize the importance of self-love and empowerment. A running theme throughout her music is reflection and she hopes her use of thought-provoking lyrics will help others gain insight in times of need.
“Maybe I’m talking myself out of love. But I don’t believe that the stars just line up. When you know then you know but I don’t think I’ll ever know. When it’s right, is it right second guessing every time. Yeah, making sure I won’t ever let myself down.” – lyrics
‘No Expectations’ tells an interesting tale of a young woman who decides to let nature take its course instead of always trying to control things.
Apparently, she concludes that everything happens for a reason, and if she allows things to flow naturally, everything will work out the way it’s supposed to.
Later, she admits that it would be best if she became less controlling, stayed out of her own way, and let the pieces fall where they may.
‘No Expectations’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and warm acoustic guitar-driven instrumentation flavored with a modern-pop fragrance.
The likable tune was co-written by Michel Heyaca and James Shelley (American Authors) during a period of uncertainty and confusion.
“Life was happening around me and I was just in it without any control and through this song I gained insight that I do deserve things and I should have expectations of what I want.” – Julia Steele
Jillian Steele’s musical influences include Maggie Rogers, Sasha Sloan, Julia Michaels, and other strong female musicians.
She uses her music to emphasize the importance of self-love and empowerment. A running theme throughout her music is reflection and she hopes her use of thought-provoking lyrics will help others gain insight in times of need.
Merissa (12906 KP) rated City Girl vs Country Boy (Forever Love #1) in Books
Sep 20, 2019
City Girl vs Country Boy is the first book in the Forever Love series, and we start with tragedy. Harper speaks to her mum only half an hour or so before they have a head on collision that changes the lives of so many.
Written mainly from Harper and Tane's point of view, but also with some from Stacey, this book was a delight to read, whilst also being very emotional. Harper is trying so hard to hold it together for everyone else, and yet is in desperate need herself. Tane can see the struggles she is having, and tries to help out in whatever way he can.
As for Stacey and Bianca, I can't wait for their book(s). I have no idea if they will be intertwined or separate, but either way... Stacey is dealing with her loss in the only way she knows how, the same as Bianca. Unfortunately, this is in two very different ways, and so their love for each other gets lost in the mix. I really hope they sort it out, and I want to Stacey to be happy. I just can't see it happening without some painful self-realisations. As for Bianca, she deserves someone who puts her first, and hopefully we've got a hint over just whom that might be.
Excellently written as expected, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading. This was a gripping book that will definitely leave you wanting more. Highly 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!
Written mainly from Harper and Tane's point of view, but also with some from Stacey, this book was a delight to read, whilst also being very emotional. Harper is trying so hard to hold it together for everyone else, and yet is in desperate need herself. Tane can see the struggles she is having, and tries to help out in whatever way he can.
As for Stacey and Bianca, I can't wait for their book(s). I have no idea if they will be intertwined or separate, but either way... Stacey is dealing with her loss in the only way she knows how, the same as Bianca. Unfortunately, this is in two very different ways, and so their love for each other gets lost in the mix. I really hope they sort it out, and I want to Stacey to be happy. I just can't see it happening without some painful self-realisations. As for Bianca, she deserves someone who puts her first, and hopefully we've got a hint over just whom that might be.
Excellently written as expected, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading. This was a gripping book that will definitely leave you wanting more. Highly 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!
Ronyell (38 KP) rated Rabbit Ears: The Fool and the Flying Ship in TV
Aug 4, 2020
Honestly, this is my most favorite story from the Rabbit Ears series because it has everything that you would want to see happen in a fairy tale: comedy, fantasy and creative storytelling! Robin Williams was brilliant in narrating this story as he gave each character a distinctive voice and brought so much life to this story! I really enjoyed the creative tone of this story as the idea about having a flying ship that can take you anywhere in the world and having friends who have special abilities that can help you in a tight situation was really amusing to me! I also loved the characters in this story, with my favorite characters being the Runner and the Fool as they were extremely hilarious and interesting to look at. I also loved the focus on humor in this story as it made the situation and the characters much more memorable and lovable. Henrik Drescher's artwork is what truly made this story worth watching as the illustrations are bizarre yet hilarious to look at and I always loved the artwork of all the characters, especially of the Fool (who almost looks like Pinocchio), the Runner who has antlers in his head and the Puffer who looks like He-Man when he transforms into his muscular self.
The only problem with this story is that Henrik Drescher's illustrations might be an acquired taste for many people. Some people might like Henrik Drescher's illustrations for its creativity and its bizarre style while others might hate the artwork for being too ugly or too bizarre.
Overall, "The Fool and the Flying Ship" is a fun and creative video to watch and I am sure that many viewers will enjoy this story for its surreal humor and creative tone!
The only problem with this story is that Henrik Drescher's illustrations might be an acquired taste for many people. Some people might like Henrik Drescher's illustrations for its creativity and its bizarre style while others might hate the artwork for being too ugly or too bizarre.
Overall, "The Fool and the Flying Ship" is a fun and creative video to watch and I am sure that many viewers will enjoy this story for its surreal humor and creative tone!
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Oct 16, 2021
Merissa (12906 KP) rated Her Demonic Angel (Her Angel: Eternal Warriors #2) in Books
Apr 10, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
Amelia's sister has been kidnapped by the devil so she asks Veiron, the fallen angel with attitude, to go and rescue her sister. He agrees (after some snarky comments) and heads off to help. Erin meanwhile is trapped inside a three-walled cell with an open drop to a river of lava on the fourth wall. She is beaten, and starved, but still keeps her sense of self. When Veiron comes to her rescue, she can't quite believe her luck. Rescued at last and by a hottie too.
These two certainly have fun along the way as they find out each other's secrets, amongst other things. They are a perfect match in that Erin's feisty attitude doesn't take any of Veiron's snarkiness. This doesn't mean that there aren't misunderstandings and differences of opinion along the way.
Their path is not a straight one, mind you, and they have to deal with Erin's secret and what happens to Veiron (trying really hard not to spoil anything here!).
Amelia also tries her best to keep Erin and Veiron apart although the reasons for this, apart from her thinking that Veiron isn't good enough for Erin, aren't clear. I did like Erin's response though that she should get off her power trip before she gets knocked off it!
A brilliantly written, fast-paced and full of action addition to the Her Angel series, definitely my favourite so far. I'm off to read Her Wicked Angel now though so that may change.
* 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!
September 10, 2016
These two certainly have fun along the way as they find out each other's secrets, amongst other things. They are a perfect match in that Erin's feisty attitude doesn't take any of Veiron's snarkiness. This doesn't mean that there aren't misunderstandings and differences of opinion along the way.
Their path is not a straight one, mind you, and they have to deal with Erin's secret and what happens to Veiron (trying really hard not to spoil anything here!).
Amelia also tries her best to keep Erin and Veiron apart although the reasons for this, apart from her thinking that Veiron isn't good enough for Erin, aren't clear. I did like Erin's response though that she should get off her power trip before she gets knocked off it!
A brilliantly written, fast-paced and full of action addition to the Her Angel series, definitely my favourite so far. I'm off to read Her Wicked Angel now though so that may change.
* 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!
September 10, 2016
RavenclawPrincess913 (253 KP) rated The newlyweds window in Books
Jul 30, 2022
Will be writing a review for the couple story's I enjoyed in this book:
Gasping for Air
Author: Ogechukwu Emmanuel Samuel
"Humans! They are the worst thing to have happened to Earth since the beginning" I agree with this 100% humans have ruined the earth with their greed.
I liked this story was very interesting. It was scary but caught my attention. The ending was super confusing.
Border Control
Author: Aldine Jojo Elhassan
This story was sad due to this girl's traumatic delivery and mistreatment from the nurses. Scary to read to being pregnant currently it gave me anxiety and almost had me crying.
The Newlyweds' Window
Author: Husnah Mad-hy
"But her fate was like the rest of the unmarried women; marry young, give the husband and their families some children (at least one boy), and subdue her dreams to the more practical and 'real life' expectations of Swahili women- cooking, cleaning, raising, tending to her husband, attending weddings and funerals, and the likes." This is ok if you want this in life but every girl should not be forced into it.
"She watched and could sometimes hear as they made love every night for six months straight." This is majorly creepy.
This story was creepy and confusing the main character gave off stalker vibes and needs to mind their own business and give the people some privacy.
Black Pawpaw
Author: Obinna Ezeodili
This ones really sad how they have to beg for help and than the abuse the main character receives. Also Binye seeing her as mama instead of his mom is sad. The mom should be around more. The sexual assault is sad and screwed up too and very triggering. And the Aunt died from self defense this girl shouldn't have to be punished for it she was defending herself during sexual assault.
Gasping for Air
Author: Ogechukwu Emmanuel Samuel
"Humans! They are the worst thing to have happened to Earth since the beginning" I agree with this 100% humans have ruined the earth with their greed.
I liked this story was very interesting. It was scary but caught my attention. The ending was super confusing.
Border Control
Author: Aldine Jojo Elhassan
This story was sad due to this girl's traumatic delivery and mistreatment from the nurses. Scary to read to being pregnant currently it gave me anxiety and almost had me crying.
The Newlyweds' Window
Author: Husnah Mad-hy
"But her fate was like the rest of the unmarried women; marry young, give the husband and their families some children (at least one boy), and subdue her dreams to the more practical and 'real life' expectations of Swahili women- cooking, cleaning, raising, tending to her husband, attending weddings and funerals, and the likes." This is ok if you want this in life but every girl should not be forced into it.
"She watched and could sometimes hear as they made love every night for six months straight." This is majorly creepy.
This story was creepy and confusing the main character gave off stalker vibes and needs to mind their own business and give the people some privacy.
Black Pawpaw
Author: Obinna Ezeodili
This ones really sad how they have to beg for help and than the abuse the main character receives. Also Binye seeing her as mama instead of his mom is sad. The mom should be around more. The sexual assault is sad and screwed up too and very triggering. And the Aunt died from self defense this girl shouldn't have to be punished for it she was defending herself during sexual assault.