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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Breathe, Annie, Breathe in Books
Feb 13, 2018
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I picked it up on a total whim (having received an ARC) and really enjoyed it. First, I have to state that apparently this is part of Kenneally's "Hundred Oaks" YA series, which I didn't know. It definitely can stand alone, however.
Annie is finishing up high school and training for a marathon. She's never been a runner - in fact, she hates it. However, Annie is running in honor of her late boyfriend Kyle, who never had a chance to run the marathon for which he was training.
Annie is a very mature kid, which took a bit of getting used to. She was definitely in a very developed relationship early in life and she came across older than her years. However, we learn that she's been on her own a bit - her dad was never around and her Mom has been busy working multiple jobs to keep the family afloat. So her maturity works, overall.
Annie is struggling with guilt over Kyle's death. She starts to find relief in her marathon training. She also starts to find relief in Jeremiah, the brother of her training coach. Jeremiah is unlike anyone Annie has ever known.
This was a simple, YA love story. You pretty much know where it's going to go. But it was surprisingly sweet and touching and well-done. Annie is an extremely likable character. Her maturity lends her some credence not always found in YA characters. I also found myself quite swept up in Jeremiah (not unlike Annie), who was also different from the typical YA beau.
Finally, the running element was a fun add to the book. As someone training for a 5K (nowhere near a marathon, but I like to pretend, ha), it was enjoyable to watch Annie progress toward her goal.
Overall, this is probably really a 3.5 star novel, but I just enjoyed the story so much, I bumped it up to 4.
<i>(Note: I received an advanced copy of this book via Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.)</i>
Annie is finishing up high school and training for a marathon. She's never been a runner - in fact, she hates it. However, Annie is running in honor of her late boyfriend Kyle, who never had a chance to run the marathon for which he was training.
Annie is a very mature kid, which took a bit of getting used to. She was definitely in a very developed relationship early in life and she came across older than her years. However, we learn that she's been on her own a bit - her dad was never around and her Mom has been busy working multiple jobs to keep the family afloat. So her maturity works, overall.
Annie is struggling with guilt over Kyle's death. She starts to find relief in her marathon training. She also starts to find relief in Jeremiah, the brother of her training coach. Jeremiah is unlike anyone Annie has ever known.
This was a simple, YA love story. You pretty much know where it's going to go. But it was surprisingly sweet and touching and well-done. Annie is an extremely likable character. Her maturity lends her some credence not always found in YA characters. I also found myself quite swept up in Jeremiah (not unlike Annie), who was also different from the typical YA beau.
Finally, the running element was a fun add to the book. As someone training for a 5K (nowhere near a marathon, but I like to pretend, ha), it was enjoyable to watch Annie progress toward her goal.
Overall, this is probably really a 3.5 star novel, but I just enjoyed the story so much, I bumped it up to 4.
<i>(Note: I received an advanced copy of this book via Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.)</i>
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated The Suicide Squad (2021) in Movies
Jul 31, 2021
Firstly, let it be known that The Suicide Squad is a far, far, superior movie to 2016's Suicide Squad (although, that's not exactly a tall order...)
It's fun, frantic, sweary, gory, and is, above all, unmistakably a James Gunn film.
The remants of the 2016 version that remain are improved, namely Rick Flag and Harley Quinn. Both characters are well fleshed out and likable. Stand them side by side with all the newcomers and you have a wonderfully weird line up of D-list DC villains. Amongst the massive ensemble, the meatier roles are given to Bloodsport (Idris Elba), Peacemaker (John Cena), Ratcatcher 2 (Daniela Melchior), Polka-Dot Man (David Dastmalchian), Thinker (Peter Capaldi) and of course, the show stealer King Shark (Sylvester Stallone). I would happily kill for him, and Sebastian the rat....
All of these characters are simply a pleasure to watch. Their interactions with eachother are frequently hilarious and the combined team give this movie a huge fricking heart that was so lacking back in 2016.
My main criticism is the pacing. After an amusingly brutal opening gambit, the whole thing takes a bit of a dive. The humour isn't quite enough to hold the slow-paced first hour together, and I found myself drifting on more than one occasion. I also wasn't a fan of the arty title cards that crop up throughout (with the exception of one during the films final act, which is quite possibly one of my favourite moments in the history of comic book movies...)
Sure, this whole part drags the experience down as a whole, but the last hour is an absolute riot. A fantastic scene involving Harley Quinn, a long hallway, and a javelin, marks a triumphant turn in proceedings, and the build up and resulting climax is batshit insane, with a villain I genuinely thought I'd never get to see in the big screen. It's horrifically entertaining and doesn't let up until the credits roll.
Ultimately, The Suicide Squad is heaps of gory fun, and a welcome addition to the mixed bag that is the DCEU. Personally, I would love to see Gunn return to the franchise in some form. Hell, give him the keys to the whole kingdom and see what happens.
It's fun, frantic, sweary, gory, and is, above all, unmistakably a James Gunn film.
The remants of the 2016 version that remain are improved, namely Rick Flag and Harley Quinn. Both characters are well fleshed out and likable. Stand them side by side with all the newcomers and you have a wonderfully weird line up of D-list DC villains. Amongst the massive ensemble, the meatier roles are given to Bloodsport (Idris Elba), Peacemaker (John Cena), Ratcatcher 2 (Daniela Melchior), Polka-Dot Man (David Dastmalchian), Thinker (Peter Capaldi) and of course, the show stealer King Shark (Sylvester Stallone). I would happily kill for him, and Sebastian the rat....
All of these characters are simply a pleasure to watch. Their interactions with eachother are frequently hilarious and the combined team give this movie a huge fricking heart that was so lacking back in 2016.
My main criticism is the pacing. After an amusingly brutal opening gambit, the whole thing takes a bit of a dive. The humour isn't quite enough to hold the slow-paced first hour together, and I found myself drifting on more than one occasion. I also wasn't a fan of the arty title cards that crop up throughout (with the exception of one during the films final act, which is quite possibly one of my favourite moments in the history of comic book movies...)
Sure, this whole part drags the experience down as a whole, but the last hour is an absolute riot. A fantastic scene involving Harley Quinn, a long hallway, and a javelin, marks a triumphant turn in proceedings, and the build up and resulting climax is batshit insane, with a villain I genuinely thought I'd never get to see in the big screen. It's horrifically entertaining and doesn't let up until the credits roll.
Ultimately, The Suicide Squad is heaps of gory fun, and a welcome addition to the mixed bag that is the DCEU. Personally, I would love to see Gunn return to the franchise in some form. Hell, give him the keys to the whole kingdom and see what happens.
Golf Ball Finder
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Golden Axe Classic
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I'm a massive fan of the (widely slated) original TV mini-series and can't see past Tim Curry as Pennywise. However I found this to be a good alternative version. I would say it is more of a horror movie than the original version, and probably closer to the book (though it has been some time since I read that) and there is a lot less of a Stand By Me feel about it. All the child actors are excellent in this, especially Stranger Things' superbly named Finn Wolfhand as (Beep beep) Ritchie who here gets to have a lot more fun than he seems to on Stranger Things.
Bill skarsgard plays Pennywise well, at times appearing childish and just wanting to be friends, and then quickly switches to a blank mental stare.
The decision to make this two films was a brave one, though the story does lend itself well to doing so. I much preferred the 80s setting for the film with the kids being the victims and am not exactly awaiting the adult follow up with anticipation.
Bill skarsgard plays Pennywise well, at times appearing childish and just wanting to be friends, and then quickly switches to a blank mental stare.
The decision to make this two films was a brave one, though the story does lend itself well to doing so. I much preferred the 80s setting for the film with the kids being the victims and am not exactly awaiting the adult follow up with anticipation.
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated The Lamp (the Lamp Series, Book 1) in Books
Jan 12, 2018
I received this book as a member giveaway through LibraryThing for an honest review. I received the Omnibus so read all four books together. I recommend that since you will want to know what happens next.
I was amazed by the characters in this series. They were so real but also had a uniqueness to them. [Jason Cunningham] did a magnificent job of taking you into the struggle between good and evil and showing you the shades of grey most of us get caught up in. [The Lamp Series Omnibus] as the name suggests is four complete novels that follow Violet, Levi, Jenny and Micah as they try to come to terms with what is right and wrong. Also they must decide how best to protect those they love.
As a comic book fan and someone who loves to read about struggles of conscience this series kept me coming back for more. I was vaguely reminded of [The Stand] except this was focused on one city.It is never made clear if it goes beyond. They mystery involved also keeps you on your seat.
[Cunningham] has written a must read for fans of many types of genres.
I was amazed by the characters in this series. They were so real but also had a uniqueness to them. [Jason Cunningham] did a magnificent job of taking you into the struggle between good and evil and showing you the shades of grey most of us get caught up in. [The Lamp Series Omnibus] as the name suggests is four complete novels that follow Violet, Levi, Jenny and Micah as they try to come to terms with what is right and wrong. Also they must decide how best to protect those they love.
As a comic book fan and someone who loves to read about struggles of conscience this series kept me coming back for more. I was vaguely reminded of [The Stand] except this was focused on one city.It is never made clear if it goes beyond. They mystery involved also keeps you on your seat.
[Cunningham] has written a must read for fans of many types of genres.
Rodney Barnes (472 KP) rated Captain Marvel (2019) in Movies
Mar 9, 2019 (Updated Mar 9, 2019)
Favorite Female Hero
Contains spoilers, click to show
Captain Marvel was a needed addition to the MCU. My review is about the movie. All this anti feminism crap can take a back seat. This movie was a very good movie, I wouldn't say great but it fits in nicely though. I personally was thrown a curve when the Skrull were portrayed as a "peaceful"race of aliens. In the comics the Skrull were a conquering warlike race of aliens and the Kree were their rivals; who also were a bloodthirsty race of alien. The movie captured the character of Captain Marvel very well. I thought it was a little slow but at the same time I know the story has to be told. The silliest part is how they showed Nick Fury lost his eye....Scratched by an alien creature that looks like a cat. But overall I liked the movie. She has been called the mightiest Avenger and I truly believe that. The Hulk is my favorite Superhero and I think she can stand up against the Hulk...Captain Marvel will be needed to stop Thanos and any future threat that comes to the MCU.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Taking Fire (One-Eyed Jacks, #4) in Books
Jul 12, 2018
I received this book for free for an honest review.
I love Cindy Gerard and I was excited to be accepted for an advanced reader copy of this book. When I got the acceptance email I had only read one of the books in the One-Eyed Jacks series so naturally, I had to read the other two before I started this one.
I still stand by the fact that this isn't my favorite of her series but that isn't saying much. I fell in love with the characters from her Black Ops series so it was hard to transition to other characters. I liked the other ones but honestly, this one was on par with the Black Ops books.
The characters are (as always) amazing. The backstory of Bobby was amazing to read and I loved Talia. The twists and turns were a little predictable but still fun and engaging.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes military romance. The characters are detailed and her combat writing is very engaging. If you're looking for a suspenseful romance that is sure to keep you up at night, this is the book for you!
I love Cindy Gerard and I was excited to be accepted for an advanced reader copy of this book. When I got the acceptance email I had only read one of the books in the One-Eyed Jacks series so naturally, I had to read the other two before I started this one.
I still stand by the fact that this isn't my favorite of her series but that isn't saying much. I fell in love with the characters from her Black Ops series so it was hard to transition to other characters. I liked the other ones but honestly, this one was on par with the Black Ops books.
The characters are (as always) amazing. The backstory of Bobby was amazing to read and I loved Talia. The twists and turns were a little predictable but still fun and engaging.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes military romance. The characters are detailed and her combat writing is very engaging. If you're looking for a suspenseful romance that is sure to keep you up at night, this is the book for you!
A very topical graphic novel
This is very relevant at the moment. It makes for depressing reading about our society. A woman, Sabrina, goes missing and her boyfriend goes to stay with a childhood friend who is in the military, in order to get away from the media scrum. His friend is actually a very central character in all of this.
When Sabrina is found murdered, there are those on the internet who believe that this is 'fake news', that her murderer has been framed, and when they find out where her boyfriend is staying, they target the friend he is staying with. They send him emails trying to prove a conspiracy. When the video that the murderer made of Sabrinas actual death (which has been sent to news outlets)is leaked on to the internet, it means that anyone can watch the murder. But the conspiracy theorists still don't believe that this is all real. The it is a set up.
It's depressing and scary, and it really happens. It's fictionalised in the book, but it HAS happened. And that is what has made it stand out.
When Sabrina is found murdered, there are those on the internet who believe that this is 'fake news', that her murderer has been framed, and when they find out where her boyfriend is staying, they target the friend he is staying with. They send him emails trying to prove a conspiracy. When the video that the murderer made of Sabrinas actual death (which has been sent to news outlets)is leaked on to the internet, it means that anyone can watch the murder. But the conspiracy theorists still don't believe that this is all real. The it is a set up.
It's depressing and scary, and it really happens. It's fictionalised in the book, but it HAS happened. And that is what has made it stand out.
Courtney (149 KP) rated Goodreads: Book Reviews in Apps
Nov 29, 2018
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My favourite app (sorry Smashbomb)
I’ve been a member of goodreads for a fair few years now and I quite honestly cant stand the thought of not having it now.
It’s a brilliant place to keep track of all your reading, make ‘shelves’ to save books you like the look of, books you have, books you’ve read.. the possibilities are endless!
As well as this, there are features such as adding friends (and having little competitions to see who can reach their reading goal first), setting yearly reading challenges, looking up a book you might like and seeing the reviews to decide if to get it. There are groups to speak to likeminded people.
Many a time I have spent *cough* hours *cough* just sat scrolling through books and I LOVE it.
If there are any readers out there who haven’t discovered the joys of Goodreads yet then what are you waiting for?? Go!!
(Also feel free to add me on there;))
It’s a brilliant place to keep track of all your reading, make ‘shelves’ to save books you like the look of, books you have, books you’ve read.. the possibilities are endless!
As well as this, there are features such as adding friends (and having little competitions to see who can reach their reading goal first), setting yearly reading challenges, looking up a book you might like and seeing the reviews to decide if to get it. There are groups to speak to likeminded people.
Many a time I have spent *cough* hours *cough* just sat scrolling through books and I LOVE it.
If there are any readers out there who haven’t discovered the joys of Goodreads yet then what are you waiting for?? Go!!
(Also feel free to add me on there;))