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Merissa (13382 KP) rated One Wish Away in Books

Dec 17, 2018  
OW
One Wish Away
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I received this book from YA Bound Books Tours and NetGalley as part of the blog tour in return for a fair and honest review.

This book has a unique (as far as I know) concept in that scientists have figured out the way to harness the energy from stars into actually making wishes come true. The name for this project is the Cricket Project ie Jiminy Cricket from Pinocchio.

It is a slow burner that builds up and tries to incorporate a lot of different elements into it - high school, romance, sci-fi, government plots, time alteration to name just some. Because of this, it can be quite jumpy as it flits from one aspect to another. There were also some aspects of it that just seemed completely unbelievable - and that's if you turn a blind eye to the actual star part of it. For example, a 16-year-old that thinks it is perfectly acceptable to go sneaking into a government building by stealing her dad's pass-card. And then nothing happens once she is caught except that she is offered a job!

An interesting concept with a twist but just not right for me. I liked it but I won't be going any further with the series.
  
Stranger Things  - Season 2
Stranger Things - Season 2
2017 | Sci-Fi
Another great series
I binge watched this entire series in one day, and it really was rather entertaining. The first episodes start off rather slowly, but this at least gives a chance to catch up with the returning characters and introduce some new faces. It soon picks up though, and is packed full on intrigue, humour, some rather dark moments and of course a pretty awesome soundtrack. The CGI has improved a fair bit since the last series and it was such an enjoyable series to watch. My favourite parts so far were anything involving Hopper. David Harbour is just fantastic and Hopper’s character has developed well this series, especially his relationship with Eleven. Her story and development too was good to see.

Of course it isn’t perfect. I found parts of the storyline ridiculously predictable, even if they were alright to watch (like Eleven’s storyline). I liked most of the new characters but I found Bob a little too much and sickly sweet (sorry!). And the whole childhood romance thing was a little too over the top and cringey and a bit much.

But still overall one of the best series Netflix has to offer and I’m just looking forward to catching up on series 3 now!
  
Show all 3 comments.
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Lee (2222 KP) Aug 5, 2019

I only watched season 2 a couple of weeks ago, before moving onto season 3. Like you, I binged it, and absolutely loved it. I'm in the minority (as usual), but I didn't think season 3 was as good as 2. Nearly there, but not quite. Interested to find out what you thought though, once you've seen it.

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Sarah (7800 KP) Aug 5, 2019

@Lee season 3 is this weekend's watch, so I'll let you know!

Under A Lavender Moon (Nightingale Songs #1)
Under A Lavender Moon (Nightingale Songs #1)
Christina Mai Fong | 2021 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
UNDER A LAVENDER MOON is the first book in the Nightingale Songs series, and we enter a world where magic is called tin-chai and can take many forms. Rilla has kept her tin-chai a secret but is found by scouts anyway. With no options available to her, she is taken to the emperor, along with a group of other girls, to compete for the 'honour' of becoming one of his wives,

There are hints of romance in this book, between Rilla, Friend, and Carrick. However, that is very much in the background as the story moves along. The main characters are fully supported by an interesting group of secondary characters, some you will like, some you definitely won't. This is part and parcel of the story though, and is what will keep you turning the pages.

The pacing is smooth, leading you to the cliff-hanger ending, and will also leave you wanting more. For a debut novel, this is incredibly intricate and intriguing. I can't wait to continue with this series, and have no hesitation in recommending it.

* 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!
  
The Accidental Life of Jessie Jefferson
The Accidental Life of Jessie Jefferson
Paige Toon | 2014
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I enjoyed this, probably because I liked being back in the glamorous (or not so much anymore) world of Johnny Jefferson. He's grown up a little since Johnny be Good and I like him a lot more than I did initially. I even loved reading about how Jessie came into existence--he wasn't always an arse! He had cared about people before Meg and the boys.

I have to admit though that Jessie annoyed me quite a bit in this. One minute I was sympathetic to what she was going through and the next she was being a right brat and I wanted to give her a good smack. I know you're only 15 and haven't matured a lot but really?! At least by the end of the book she'd matured quite a bit and realised how badly she'd treated some people.

I'm not sure if I'd class this as being a romance either. It had slight aspects. Two love interests for Jessie but nothing really happened with either of them, she isn't going out with one or the other...but I'm pretty sure that that might change in the next one.

I am interested in reading it at some point but not quite yet.
  
Handsome Death
Handsome Death
Sara Dobie Bauer | 2020 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Handsome Death is a standalone paranormal romance. In a world where vampires, werewolves, and witches (to name just three) are known about and regulated. Ethan is a vampire mercenary, happy to be alone and lurking in the shadows. Tris is a human, with many friends and, although not so happy in the limelight, still doesn't want to be in the dark.

Although there are some sexy times from the start, this book is a slow-burner. It takes time for Ethan to realise that his obsession with Tris is more than just lust. We see Ethan change as his heart opens to Tris, and we see Tris change as his self-confidence grows. The way Tris stood up to his ex is one of the best scenes in the book, in my opinion.

With snark and humour and no unnecessary dramatics, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters are delightful and the world-building is just enough. I would love to return to this world and read some of the other characters' stories. Absolutely 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!