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Cumberland (1142 KP) rated Dauntless (The Lost Fleet, #1) in Books
Dec 29, 2018
Not my cup of tea
I got this book through a Smashbomb Christmas, and it's a lot different from what I would normally read. The story follows caption John Geary as he attempts to get his fleet of space ships back home.
I did enjoy most of the characters in the book, and Geary was a great MC. He spends the majority of the story just trying to make the most out of a situation he was thrown into.
My least favorite part of this book was the extremely long chapters. I prefer short chapters and segments so I have plenty of opportunities to stop while reading. This book has 293 pages, but only 11 chapters. At times I had to stop reading mid chapter, and for me personally that really takes away from the experience.
I enjoyed having the opportunity to read something a little out of my comfort zone, but I will not be picking up the rest of the series. I would however suggest this to anyone who is interested in space adventures.
I did enjoy most of the characters in the book, and Geary was a great MC. He spends the majority of the story just trying to make the most out of a situation he was thrown into.
My least favorite part of this book was the extremely long chapters. I prefer short chapters and segments so I have plenty of opportunities to stop while reading. This book has 293 pages, but only 11 chapters. At times I had to stop reading mid chapter, and for me personally that really takes away from the experience.
I enjoyed having the opportunity to read something a little out of my comfort zone, but I will not be picking up the rest of the series. I would however suggest this to anyone who is interested in space adventures.
Barry Newman (204 KP) rated Dracula in TV
Apr 10, 2020
I missed this over Christmas so was quite chuffed to win a copy in a Smashbomb give away.
After watching all 3 episodes I have to say it takes some serious liberties with the source material (particularly in the devisive third episode) but as a whole I really enjoyed this. I am a fan of Sherlock (particularly the early episodes) so I liked what the team did here. The look is suitably gothic with a nice stream of dark humour running through. The production values and special effects were also quite impressive for a beeb production. I had never heard of Claes Bang before this but I have to say he was a brilliant bit of casting as Dracula.. charismatic and brooding.
Allot of people seem to hate episode 3 bringing Dracula to the present day but I personally found that episode allot of fun and an improvement over the slightly slow 2nd episode. (The first was the best by far though)
Overall though the series isn't quite something that will be regarded as a classic in years to come but I had fun watching it and will certainly recommend it.
After watching all 3 episodes I have to say it takes some serious liberties with the source material (particularly in the devisive third episode) but as a whole I really enjoyed this. I am a fan of Sherlock (particularly the early episodes) so I liked what the team did here. The look is suitably gothic with a nice stream of dark humour running through. The production values and special effects were also quite impressive for a beeb production. I had never heard of Claes Bang before this but I have to say he was a brilliant bit of casting as Dracula.. charismatic and brooding.
Allot of people seem to hate episode 3 bringing Dracula to the present day but I personally found that episode allot of fun and an improvement over the slightly slow 2nd episode. (The first was the best by far though)
Overall though the series isn't quite something that will be regarded as a classic in years to come but I had fun watching it and will certainly recommend it.
David (771 KP) rated Sonos PLAY:1 Wireless Speaker in Tech
Jul 25, 2018
Fantastic sound
I received this device as a giveaway from Smashbomb, that said this review will not be biased in any way. Thank you again Smashbomb.
On unpacking the Sonos Play:1 it was bigger than I had expected (oooo....errrr). It has a great build quality, is quite heavy but is a solid design. As I had been informed I was receiving the device I had already downloaded the Sonos app onto my Android phone (Huawei P10) so there was no waiting around to get it set up. The text steps and pictures to set up the device were clear to anyone, whether tech savvy (like myself) or the not so tech savvy (my Mum). It is recommended when setting up the device that you plug it in next to your internet router, when setup is completed, you can then move it to anywhere within Wi-Fi range in your abode. As I said follow the simple steps and you will be up and running in no time.
I had extra steps as I wanted to hook it up to my Amazon Echo as a smart device this was done by enabling the Sonos skill on the Alexa app and linking the accounts. As I don't have an Alexa device in my kitchen, I had decided that was where the Sonos Play:1 was going. I had previously named the device 'Kitchen', now all configured I could now ask on my Amazon Echo in another room to play whatever music I liked on 'kitchen' and sure enough the music started playing out of the Play:1. On the updated Alexa app for my Android device I can now give the same command when in the kitchen and it will begin playing.
The Sonos Play:1 has only 3 buttons, volume up/down and a play/pause button so you can manually turn the volume up and down. The play/pause button I thought was clever in that when pressed it stops playing but when pressed again it remembers what was playing, be it music or a radio station. With the Sonos app you can turn the volume up or down too.
The sound is very crisp and of very high quality considering it is coming over Wi-Fi, whatever you are playing through this device it will be an excellent sound experience. The Sonos app also lets you select music and radio sources within it, whatever you are subscribed or signed up for the Play:1 will be able to play it.
I hope this review has been helpful and if I hadn't been gifted a Sonos Play:1, I would have ended up buying one or putting it on my Birthday/Christmas list.
On unpacking the Sonos Play:1 it was bigger than I had expected (oooo....errrr). It has a great build quality, is quite heavy but is a solid design. As I had been informed I was receiving the device I had already downloaded the Sonos app onto my Android phone (Huawei P10) so there was no waiting around to get it set up. The text steps and pictures to set up the device were clear to anyone, whether tech savvy (like myself) or the not so tech savvy (my Mum). It is recommended when setting up the device that you plug it in next to your internet router, when setup is completed, you can then move it to anywhere within Wi-Fi range in your abode. As I said follow the simple steps and you will be up and running in no time.
I had extra steps as I wanted to hook it up to my Amazon Echo as a smart device this was done by enabling the Sonos skill on the Alexa app and linking the accounts. As I don't have an Alexa device in my kitchen, I had decided that was where the Sonos Play:1 was going. I had previously named the device 'Kitchen', now all configured I could now ask on my Amazon Echo in another room to play whatever music I liked on 'kitchen' and sure enough the music started playing out of the Play:1. On the updated Alexa app for my Android device I can now give the same command when in the kitchen and it will begin playing.
The Sonos Play:1 has only 3 buttons, volume up/down and a play/pause button so you can manually turn the volume up and down. The play/pause button I thought was clever in that when pressed it stops playing but when pressed again it remembers what was playing, be it music or a radio station. With the Sonos app you can turn the volume up or down too.
The sound is very crisp and of very high quality considering it is coming over Wi-Fi, whatever you are playing through this device it will be an excellent sound experience. The Sonos app also lets you select music and radio sources within it, whatever you are subscribed or signed up for the Play:1 will be able to play it.
I hope this review has been helpful and if I hadn't been gifted a Sonos Play:1, I would have ended up buying one or putting it on my Birthday/Christmas list.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Hell’s Bell (Lizzie Grace #2) in Books
Sep 28, 2021
161 of 250
Book
Hells Bell ( Lizzie Grace book 2)
By Keri Arthur
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
When the church bell tolls thrice in the middle of the night, evil this way comes…
Lizzie Grace and Belle Kent, her witch familiar, are living and working on the Faelan Werewolf Reservation—one that has banned the use of magic within its borders. Although they have their supporters—including ranger Aiden O’Connor, who once hated all things witch—Lizzie and Belle now face possible eviction.
But the Faelan Reservation is a place filled with wild magic which—when left unprotected—quickly becomes a draw to those who walk the darker paths. As Christmas approaches, a new evil comes to town—one that eats the souls of the living and animates the flesh of the dead.
As the body count grows and the trail of clues leads them to the doorstep of the local vampire, Lizzie, Belle, and Aiden must find the killer before death comes calling on them.
But the biggest threat of all may come in the form of a witch who sees through the veils of Lizzie’s carefully constructed lies and suspects the truth of who she really is…
Hells Bell picks up from Blood Kissed and I have to say this is really becoming one of my favourite series by Keri. I love Lizzie’s and Bellas relationship they bounce of each other so well. The sexual tension is ramped up in this between Lizzie and Aiden which is handled so well! The big bad in this was a soul eater which is just a scary thought full stop! I’m also a little bit in love with our resident vampire!!!
Book
Hells Bell ( Lizzie Grace book 2)
By Keri Arthur
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
When the church bell tolls thrice in the middle of the night, evil this way comes…
Lizzie Grace and Belle Kent, her witch familiar, are living and working on the Faelan Werewolf Reservation—one that has banned the use of magic within its borders. Although they have their supporters—including ranger Aiden O’Connor, who once hated all things witch—Lizzie and Belle now face possible eviction.
But the Faelan Reservation is a place filled with wild magic which—when left unprotected—quickly becomes a draw to those who walk the darker paths. As Christmas approaches, a new evil comes to town—one that eats the souls of the living and animates the flesh of the dead.
As the body count grows and the trail of clues leads them to the doorstep of the local vampire, Lizzie, Belle, and Aiden must find the killer before death comes calling on them.
But the biggest threat of all may come in the form of a witch who sees through the veils of Lizzie’s carefully constructed lies and suspects the truth of who she really is…
Hells Bell picks up from Blood Kissed and I have to say this is really becoming one of my favourite series by Keri. I love Lizzie’s and Bellas relationship they bounce of each other so well. The sexual tension is ramped up in this between Lizzie and Aiden which is handled so well! The big bad in this was a soul eater which is just a scary thought full stop! I’m also a little bit in love with our resident vampire!!!
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Next Door in Books
Jun 10, 2021
82 of 250
Kindle
Next Door
Compiled by Matt Shaw
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
From the mind behind "MASTERS OF HORROR" comes a new horror anthology to keep you up at night!
Whilst Matt Shaw is busy producing, writing and directing the feature film NEXT DOOR he decided to put together a horror anthology of the same name, and with the same theme as the motion picture. None of the stories in this collection feature in the film; the two products are completely separate other than the central concept of exploring who does live NEXT DOOR to us?
Given the fact these are some of the biggest names in horror, you can bet that whomever is living next door probably won't be the friendliest of characters...
The year is 2019 and technology has come so far that we spend more time staring at our mobile devices, and screens in general, than getting to know our next door neighbour. Gone are the days of knowing everyone who lives on the same street, or in the same village. Instead we leave our houses, avoid eye-contact or give the bare minimum of grunts to those we see and go about our daily lives without a care for anyone else. No more street parties, no more kindly neighbours checking in on you, no more Christmas cards from the little old lady who lives across the street. There's only "us" and our technology.
This anthology takes a look at who lives NEXT DOOR and what secrets they may be keeping. And who knows, maybe it will serve as warning to you that, really, you should be paying attention to those living close-by. After all, Fred West was someone's neighbour once...
Featuring stories by:
Tim Lebbon
Shaun Hutson
Ryan C. Thomas
Jeremy Bates
David Moody
Guy N. Smith
Matthew Stokoe
Justin Woodward
Gary McMahon
Rich Hawkins
Jim Goforth
Matt Shaw
1. A Family-Friendly Neighbourhood by Ryan C Thomas
This was actually quite funny and sweet in a gruesome clever way. All the toys turning into little knife wielding creepy thing only to find out they are their kids souls! They just want to be together 😂
2. Final Feast by Guy N. Smith
Quick little story of the cannibal next door! I loved it!
3. Insurgents by Rich Hawkins
A story of a war ruined mind, a soldier dealing with his demons. Well written just not my normal read.
4. Mirror Image by David Moody
A couple move into a new house with an extra handy neighbour. I enjoyed this one funny how my husband is so crap at DIY too 😂😂
5. Neighbour Hood by Tim Lebbon
Omg this has to be the creepiest one so far and the whole reason I never use my attics’!!!
6. Dinner Date by Jeremy Bates
A bit slower than the others think I just got a little bored. Never accept dinner invitations before getting to know the guy no matter how hot he is! Silly girl!
7. Why Does Randolph Draw by Matthew Stokeoe
Got to be honest I didn’t finish it I just got so bored after page 5! Just wasn’t catching me.
8. Saturday Night Whiskey by Justin M.Woodward
This was really god and well put together a kids last cry for help from his dodgy uncle!
9. Sixteen by Jim Goforth
This felt so rushed even for a short story! Although it’s a good lesson of don’t get involved with swinging neighbours 😂
10. Pornography by Matt Saw
Haha she didn’t see that coming
11. Somewhere in Here by Gary McMahon
This was one creepy ass story and for one so short I’m throughly creeped out!!
12 By Darkness Hidden by Shaun Hutson
This was pretty good a urban legend type story. Villages can be super strange places.
I really enjoyed this compilation got some great new authors added to my list too.
Kindle
Next Door
Compiled by Matt Shaw
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
From the mind behind "MASTERS OF HORROR" comes a new horror anthology to keep you up at night!
Whilst Matt Shaw is busy producing, writing and directing the feature film NEXT DOOR he decided to put together a horror anthology of the same name, and with the same theme as the motion picture. None of the stories in this collection feature in the film; the two products are completely separate other than the central concept of exploring who does live NEXT DOOR to us?
Given the fact these are some of the biggest names in horror, you can bet that whomever is living next door probably won't be the friendliest of characters...
The year is 2019 and technology has come so far that we spend more time staring at our mobile devices, and screens in general, than getting to know our next door neighbour. Gone are the days of knowing everyone who lives on the same street, or in the same village. Instead we leave our houses, avoid eye-contact or give the bare minimum of grunts to those we see and go about our daily lives without a care for anyone else. No more street parties, no more kindly neighbours checking in on you, no more Christmas cards from the little old lady who lives across the street. There's only "us" and our technology.
This anthology takes a look at who lives NEXT DOOR and what secrets they may be keeping. And who knows, maybe it will serve as warning to you that, really, you should be paying attention to those living close-by. After all, Fred West was someone's neighbour once...
Featuring stories by:
Tim Lebbon
Shaun Hutson
Ryan C. Thomas
Jeremy Bates
David Moody
Guy N. Smith
Matthew Stokoe
Justin Woodward
Gary McMahon
Rich Hawkins
Jim Goforth
Matt Shaw
1. A Family-Friendly Neighbourhood by Ryan C Thomas
This was actually quite funny and sweet in a gruesome clever way. All the toys turning into little knife wielding creepy thing only to find out they are their kids souls! They just want to be together 😂
2. Final Feast by Guy N. Smith
Quick little story of the cannibal next door! I loved it!
3. Insurgents by Rich Hawkins
A story of a war ruined mind, a soldier dealing with his demons. Well written just not my normal read.
4. Mirror Image by David Moody
A couple move into a new house with an extra handy neighbour. I enjoyed this one funny how my husband is so crap at DIY too 😂😂
5. Neighbour Hood by Tim Lebbon
Omg this has to be the creepiest one so far and the whole reason I never use my attics’!!!
6. Dinner Date by Jeremy Bates
A bit slower than the others think I just got a little bored. Never accept dinner invitations before getting to know the guy no matter how hot he is! Silly girl!
7. Why Does Randolph Draw by Matthew Stokeoe
Got to be honest I didn’t finish it I just got so bored after page 5! Just wasn’t catching me.
8. Saturday Night Whiskey by Justin M.Woodward
This was really god and well put together a kids last cry for help from his dodgy uncle!
9. Sixteen by Jim Goforth
This felt so rushed even for a short story! Although it’s a good lesson of don’t get involved with swinging neighbours 😂
10. Pornography by Matt Saw
Haha she didn’t see that coming
11. Somewhere in Here by Gary McMahon
This was one creepy ass story and for one so short I’m throughly creeped out!!
12 By Darkness Hidden by Shaun Hutson
This was pretty good a urban legend type story. Villages can be super strange places.
I really enjoyed this compilation got some great new authors added to my list too.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) Nov 27, 2019
Lee (2222 KP) Nov 27, 2019