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Lizz Cook (11 KP) rated Practical Magic in Books
Jul 3, 2018
Good Witches based book!
I liked the book on a few different levels. Being a writer can be difficult, and she wrote in third person which to me can be very difficult.
The mother is the main character because she overshadowed her daughter's actions (lives). It's about the Owen's family, mainly the sisters who resided in Massachusetts with their aunts. I love the themes of a family bond, they have to learn to appreciate each other and for who they are but also highlights the differences in the sisters. Learning that magic doesn't always fix everything. They use magic sparingly, only when they needed it.
Alice made Fate a real and breathing thing, the secondary theme. If you haven't read the book, prepare yourself to have an open mind because the story is a bit darker than you would expect. It can be entirely entertaining towards the right audience.
The mother is the main character because she overshadowed her daughter's actions (lives). It's about the Owen's family, mainly the sisters who resided in Massachusetts with their aunts. I love the themes of a family bond, they have to learn to appreciate each other and for who they are but also highlights the differences in the sisters. Learning that magic doesn't always fix everything. They use magic sparingly, only when they needed it.
Alice made Fate a real and breathing thing, the secondary theme. If you haven't read the book, prepare yourself to have an open mind because the story is a bit darker than you would expect. It can be entirely entertaining towards the right audience.
Eleanor (1463 KP) rated Long Bright River in Books
Dec 15, 2019
A Tale of Two Sisters
An engaging story of two sisters whose lives take very different paths. I loved the writing in this book and felt I was drawn into seeing the run-down Philadelphia neighborhood this book is set in.
Less a thriller and more a very character-driven tale of Michaela (Mickey,) a cop and her complicated relationship to her drug-addicted sister. When women start turning up dead on Mickey’s patch her concern for her sister intensifies. The book switches between the present day with Mickey’s search for a killer and her sister in a neighborhood suspicious of police and the tale of their growing-up in less than ideal circumstances.
Part police procedural/mystery/thriller I wouldn’t pick this book up if that’s what you are really craving as this isn’t done in a particularly satisfying way with what felt like a slightly rushed resolution after a slow-burn start to this aspect. I would, however, recommend picking it up if you fancy a gritty emotional look into the world of a neighborhood ravaged by drugs and the strong family ties that persevere.
Many thanks to the publisher, author and Netgalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
Less a thriller and more a very character-driven tale of Michaela (Mickey,) a cop and her complicated relationship to her drug-addicted sister. When women start turning up dead on Mickey’s patch her concern for her sister intensifies. The book switches between the present day with Mickey’s search for a killer and her sister in a neighborhood suspicious of police and the tale of their growing-up in less than ideal circumstances.
Part police procedural/mystery/thriller I wouldn’t pick this book up if that’s what you are really craving as this isn’t done in a particularly satisfying way with what felt like a slightly rushed resolution after a slow-burn start to this aspect. I would, however, recommend picking it up if you fancy a gritty emotional look into the world of a neighborhood ravaged by drugs and the strong family ties that persevere.
Many thanks to the publisher, author and Netgalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Splits in Books
Apr 22, 2023
47 of 235
Kindle
The Splits
By M.V Clark
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Imagine an eerie, parallel London living through a mysterious pandemic…
Two sisters escape a traumatic childhood to build perfect lives. Then one day Anna’s husband starts losing his mind. And Claire’s son becomes so volatile she’s frightened to be around him.
A terrifying disease known as ‘the splits’ lingers on the streets of the city. The science is definitive – the splits is quick, gruesome and fatal. There can be no link to what ails the men in Anna and Claire's families.
Except that nothing about this disease is what it seems. Evidence is emerging of a slow-burn variety, which infects its victims so stealthily it is invisible until the terrible end-stage.
A maverick researcher is touting a risky experimental cure. Anna rejects this as a dangerous fantasy.
But for Claire, it is her only chance to save her disintegrating boy.
What happens next changes the sisters' lives forever, as they fight themselves and each other for one last shot at happiness.
This was totally different to your average zombie infection read. I really enjoyed it. The characters and their lives were so interesting and it was definitely a different take on what makes a “zombie”. Very clever writing.
Kindle
The Splits
By M.V Clark
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Imagine an eerie, parallel London living through a mysterious pandemic…
Two sisters escape a traumatic childhood to build perfect lives. Then one day Anna’s husband starts losing his mind. And Claire’s son becomes so volatile she’s frightened to be around him.
A terrifying disease known as ‘the splits’ lingers on the streets of the city. The science is definitive – the splits is quick, gruesome and fatal. There can be no link to what ails the men in Anna and Claire's families.
Except that nothing about this disease is what it seems. Evidence is emerging of a slow-burn variety, which infects its victims so stealthily it is invisible until the terrible end-stage.
A maverick researcher is touting a risky experimental cure. Anna rejects this as a dangerous fantasy.
But for Claire, it is her only chance to save her disintegrating boy.
What happens next changes the sisters' lives forever, as they fight themselves and each other for one last shot at happiness.
This was totally different to your average zombie infection read. I really enjoyed it. The characters and their lives were so interesting and it was definitely a different take on what makes a “zombie”. Very clever writing.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Spirit Ascendancy ( The Gateway Trilogy book 3) in Books
Nov 19, 2021
190 of 250
Kindle
Spirit Ascending ( The Gateway Trilogy book 3)
By E.E. Holmes
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
In the wake of their terrifying escape from Fairhaven Hall, sisters Jess and Hannah Ballard find themselves on the run, pursued by the two most powerful groups in the history of the spirit world.
On one side, the Durupinen, determined to capture the girls and prevent their role in an ancient prophecy that promises to destroy them and unleash the spirit hordes on the earth. On the other side, the Necromancers, ancient enemies of the Durupinen, hell-bent on bringing the same prophecy to fruition. When the girls are betrayed and one of them falls into the Necromancers' hands, both face decisions with cataclysmic consequences.
Will the lure of power prove too great to resist, or will the bond between the sisters survive this last, most crucial of tests?
This was possibly the hardest to get into and remember where that last one left off. But it was so good towards the end and definitely the ending it deserved. I’m looking forward to reading the following on series now too.
A good series for YA.
Kindle
Spirit Ascending ( The Gateway Trilogy book 3)
By E.E. Holmes
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
In the wake of their terrifying escape from Fairhaven Hall, sisters Jess and Hannah Ballard find themselves on the run, pursued by the two most powerful groups in the history of the spirit world.
On one side, the Durupinen, determined to capture the girls and prevent their role in an ancient prophecy that promises to destroy them and unleash the spirit hordes on the earth. On the other side, the Necromancers, ancient enemies of the Durupinen, hell-bent on bringing the same prophecy to fruition. When the girls are betrayed and one of them falls into the Necromancers' hands, both face decisions with cataclysmic consequences.
Will the lure of power prove too great to resist, or will the bond between the sisters survive this last, most crucial of tests?
This was possibly the hardest to get into and remember where that last one left off. But it was so good towards the end and definitely the ending it deserved. I’m looking forward to reading the following on series now too.
A good series for YA.
Merissa (11805 KP) rated She's the One Who Gets in Fights (War Stories of the Seven Troublesome Sisters #3) in Books
Jun 7, 2021 (Updated Jul 18, 2023)
SHE'S THE ONE WHO GETS IN FIGHTS is the third book in the War Stories of the Seven Troublesome Sisters series and this time, it's Sulphur's story.
Sulphur is the one who wanted to join the Svadlu and, thanks to Coral, made it. On her own merits, she rose in the ranks and became one of the Mozdol. This put her in the uncomfortable position of various groups asking her to give them information on the other groups she was associated with. What follows is an intricate and intriguing story as Sulphur finds her own path.
I love seeing how the different sisters see and act in various situations. Seeing the same thing through different eyes gives the reader a more-rounded view of the situation and Ms. Cronin does this perfectly.
The pacing of the story was just right, the world-building was as good as ever, and the character development was spot-on. A fantastic addition to the series that I absolutely recommend. I can't wait to see who comes next!
* 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!
Jun 7, 2021
Sulphur is the one who wanted to join the Svadlu and, thanks to Coral, made it. On her own merits, she rose in the ranks and became one of the Mozdol. This put her in the uncomfortable position of various groups asking her to give them information on the other groups she was associated with. What follows is an intricate and intriguing story as Sulphur finds her own path.
I love seeing how the different sisters see and act in various situations. Seeing the same thing through different eyes gives the reader a more-rounded view of the situation and Ms. Cronin does this perfectly.
The pacing of the story was just right, the world-building was as good as ever, and the character development was spot-on. A fantastic addition to the series that I absolutely recommend. I can't wait to see who comes next!
* 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!
Jun 7, 2021
Dean (6925 KP) rated The Uninvited (2009) in Movies
Apr 23, 2018 (Updated Nov 30, 2019)
Eerie Thriller
At last a very good suspenseful thriller in a similar mould to What lies beneath, The Number 23, Secret window. I wouldn't put this in the horror category although it has a few jumps along the way. A take on of a Korean film called A tale of two sisters. I really enjoyed this and thought it was a well made film with a good cast. It has a nice twist towards the end, although suspicious minds might make it out? Overall a very enjoyable film. If you like this type of thriller go see it soon!
Bookapotamus (289 KP) rated Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood in Books
May 25, 2018
Even if you've seen the movie - I still recommend reading the story! It's a sonnet to true friends, and family (especially mother-daughter dynamics), the scars of abusive relationships, and how these all intertwined can shape and change everyone involved. It's also funny! :)
Siddalee delves into her mothers past, curious about the Ya-Ya Sisters and their secrets. She finds out so much about her mother, and in addition, about herself. Her mother just might grow up a little along the way as well.
I love the Ya-Ya stories and I re-read them often, hoping Rebecca Wells might just write another!
Siddalee delves into her mothers past, curious about the Ya-Ya Sisters and their secrets. She finds out so much about her mother, and in addition, about herself. Her mother just might grow up a little along the way as well.
I love the Ya-Ya stories and I re-read them often, hoping Rebecca Wells might just write another!
Charley (64 KP) rated Wyrd Sisters (Discworld, #6; Witches #2) in Books
Jan 27, 2019
Well I have always had a soft spot for Terry Pratchett book and his stories about the discworld transport you to this amazing place.
He has a dark sense of humour that you can see throughout his books.
Wyrd sisters is one of my favourites of his Books. This is the first in a series of his books about three witches. It's funny right from the start and the complexity of his characters always amaze me.
If you like a book with good characters, funny jokes and a touch of magic then this is the books for you.
He has a dark sense of humour that you can see throughout his books.
Wyrd sisters is one of my favourites of his Books. This is the first in a series of his books about three witches. It's funny right from the start and the complexity of his characters always amaze me.
If you like a book with good characters, funny jokes and a touch of magic then this is the books for you.
Jackjack (877 KP) rated 47 Meters Down: Uncaged (2019) in Movies
Feb 29, 2020 (Updated Feb 29, 2020)
Basic!
This is a story of a young girl struggling to adjust to her new life, new school, new family, out if the blue the two step sisters are made to spend the day together where they don't stick to the plan and go off for a small adventure with some friends but end up scuba diving where things go from bad to worse, a few jumpy bits I didn't expect. The story line it's self was really good I did however think the sharks didn't look all that real, on the whole it was a good watch.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Night of the Comet (1984) in Movies
Mar 22, 2020
Cult mash-up of Day of the Triffids and The Omega Man is engaging enough to make you overlook how brazen it is. Teenage sisters improbably survive the end of the world: time to load up with automatic weapons, hit the shops and argue about boys!
Handles its genre movie conventions with knowing deftness, but after a strong first act the pace slacks off a bit too much and it feels like the movie loses focus - faster and funnier would be better. Recovers somewhat for the climax, though. Ultimately, this is only ever superficial, but it's also undeniably good fun.
Handles its genre movie conventions with knowing deftness, but after a strong first act the pace slacks off a bit too much and it feels like the movie loses focus - faster and funnier would be better. Recovers somewhat for the climax, though. Ultimately, this is only ever superficial, but it's also undeniably good fun.