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An interesting take on the tale
If you take for granted that the makers of this short series have taken some liberties with the classic tale, then you will enjoy this adaptation all the more. My wife, who hasn't read the book and barely remembers the Gary Oldman film, really enjoyed this series. I, who have read and loved the book and a few prequel/sequel attempts, enjoyed it a little less. However, for what it is, it's a very clever and witty interpretation of the story.
The three episodes are largely standalone and in a different setting. The first episode we are in familiar territory with Jonathan Harker in Castle Dracula. Here the makers explored Harker's passive imprisonment and gradual blood-draining far more than in other adaptations, giving the viewer a real confused, frustrated and claustrophobic feeling. The second episode takes place on the Count's journey to the UK. Again previous adaptations have skipped over this, and the crew's gradual diminution, which was a bigger factor of the book. This is when Dracula's psychological twisting and sick sense of humour start to feature more heavily, with some good head-scratching twists.
The third episode covers Dracula's time in the UK, but not as you've ever seen before. I thought this part was brilliant, but won't give any spoilers. The main features of this part of the original story are retained (Dracula's mutual obsession with Lucy Westenra), but Dracula is now revealed like never before, with some of his weaknesses explored and exposed for what they are.
Like I say, if you can accept the liberties taken, this is a great adaptation with a really sassy Dracula.
The three episodes are largely standalone and in a different setting. The first episode we are in familiar territory with Jonathan Harker in Castle Dracula. Here the makers explored Harker's passive imprisonment and gradual blood-draining far more than in other adaptations, giving the viewer a real confused, frustrated and claustrophobic feeling. The second episode takes place on the Count's journey to the UK. Again previous adaptations have skipped over this, and the crew's gradual diminution, which was a bigger factor of the book. This is when Dracula's psychological twisting and sick sense of humour start to feature more heavily, with some good head-scratching twists.
The third episode covers Dracula's time in the UK, but not as you've ever seen before. I thought this part was brilliant, but won't give any spoilers. The main features of this part of the original story are retained (Dracula's mutual obsession with Lucy Westenra), but Dracula is now revealed like never before, with some of his weaknesses explored and exposed for what they are.
Like I say, if you can accept the liberties taken, this is a great adaptation with a really sassy Dracula.
Gritty, engrossing and thoroughly entertaining
Kimberley Chambers isn't known as the "Queen of Gangland Crime Fiction" for nothing and here we have yet another masterpiece of story-telling ... the saga that is "Queenie".
This book tells the story of Queenie from her life as a young girl during World War II right up to the early 60's and what a life she leads! She is one heck of a character; one minute you absolutely adore her, the next she disappoints you, then she'll surprise you and then shock ... I felt like I was on a rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish and I still don't know how I feel about her even now!
Queenie is not the only character however, this book is absolutely brimmed to the rim with fantastic personalities from the bit players to the main stars; some you'll love and some ... not so much. The setting in the east end of London felt perfect but it could equally have worked in any inner-city borough. For those of us who weren't around during the time span of this book, I felt it captured them well and it felt authentic and believable to me.
"Queenie" is a gritty, engrossing and thoroughly entertaining read and one I would definitely recommend even if you haven't read any of the other books in the "Butler" series; this can easily be read as a standalone as it is the prequel to the first book in the series "The Trap."
Thanks to HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.
This book tells the story of Queenie from her life as a young girl during World War II right up to the early 60's and what a life she leads! She is one heck of a character; one minute you absolutely adore her, the next she disappoints you, then she'll surprise you and then shock ... I felt like I was on a rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish and I still don't know how I feel about her even now!
Queenie is not the only character however, this book is absolutely brimmed to the rim with fantastic personalities from the bit players to the main stars; some you'll love and some ... not so much. The setting in the east end of London felt perfect but it could equally have worked in any inner-city borough. For those of us who weren't around during the time span of this book, I felt it captured them well and it felt authentic and believable to me.
"Queenie" is a gritty, engrossing and thoroughly entertaining read and one I would definitely recommend even if you haven't read any of the other books in the "Butler" series; this can easily be read as a standalone as it is the prequel to the first book in the series "The Trap."
Thanks to HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Merissa (11935 KP) rated To the Boys Who Wear Pink in Books
Mar 31, 2020
To The Boys Who Wear Pink is a standalone novel that details the lives of seven (sometimes eight) men from individual points of view through current time and flashbacks. Most of them were at the same school and we find out what their lives were like, who they were with etc. And then they grow up and a tragedy occurs. It is only about three-quarters through the book when you actually get the full picture but the hints are definitely enough to keep you turning the pages.
This is a dark story, with many subjects such as being overweight, drug use, excessive drinking, self harm, and rape being covered in personal histories. Although I personally didn't like some of the characters, I thought the way they were written was simply brilliant.
There is no HEA in this book. It would be wrong to have one. I'm not actually sure about the ending. It was right in one way but... I don't know. Some of the characters I was happy with how their story ended (for now) and some I wanted more for them. I'll leave it to you to figure out which was which.
This is a great read, told from many differing perspectives, and no, it doesn't always make sense. What does if you are drunk or on drugs? However, the overall effect was one I thoroughly enjoyed and therefore I have no hesitation in recommending this book.
* 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!
This is a dark story, with many subjects such as being overweight, drug use, excessive drinking, self harm, and rape being covered in personal histories. Although I personally didn't like some of the characters, I thought the way they were written was simply brilliant.
There is no HEA in this book. It would be wrong to have one. I'm not actually sure about the ending. It was right in one way but... I don't know. Some of the characters I was happy with how their story ended (for now) and some I wanted more for them. I'll leave it to you to figure out which was which.
This is a great read, told from many differing perspectives, and no, it doesn't always make sense. What does if you are drunk or on drugs? However, the overall effect was one I thoroughly enjoyed and therefore I have no hesitation in recommending this book.
* 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!
Sarah (7798 KP) rated The Outsider in TV
Apr 17, 2020
A great adaptation
I've had this series recorded on my box for quite a while, lockdown has finally allowed me time to watch it and it really is a brilliant adaptation of the King book.
It isnt an entirely accurate adaptation of the book, but it is a very good attempt. There are some changes but there are a lot of things that match the book too, and the majority of the changes aren't necessarily for the worst either. The story is a great one, not a surprise considering it's based on a King novel. It moves seamlessly from a detective crime thriller to a supernatural horror and the cinematography and soundtrack support this so well along with a decent amount of gore. It also has a fantastic cast. Ben Mendelsohn is perfect as Ralph and Cynthia Erivo is too as Holly, backed by a wonderful supporting cast.
There are some changes that I didn't appreciate as much though, some fairly small and minor nods towards the books - especially the references to Holly from the Bill Hodges trilogy series. Also I didn't appreciate the mid credits scene at the end of the final episode which appears to hint towards another series and a different ending. This series works so well as a standalone and I really dont appreciate them potentially looking at turning this into yet more series! It's also frustrating that the Bill Hodges trilogy has been turned into the Mr Mercedes series for another network, as really these 2 series should be linked with the same cast and theme.
Overall though this is a brilliant adaptation and definitely worth a watch.
It isnt an entirely accurate adaptation of the book, but it is a very good attempt. There are some changes but there are a lot of things that match the book too, and the majority of the changes aren't necessarily for the worst either. The story is a great one, not a surprise considering it's based on a King novel. It moves seamlessly from a detective crime thriller to a supernatural horror and the cinematography and soundtrack support this so well along with a decent amount of gore. It also has a fantastic cast. Ben Mendelsohn is perfect as Ralph and Cynthia Erivo is too as Holly, backed by a wonderful supporting cast.
There are some changes that I didn't appreciate as much though, some fairly small and minor nods towards the books - especially the references to Holly from the Bill Hodges trilogy series. Also I didn't appreciate the mid credits scene at the end of the final episode which appears to hint towards another series and a different ending. This series works so well as a standalone and I really dont appreciate them potentially looking at turning this into yet more series! It's also frustrating that the Bill Hodges trilogy has been turned into the Mr Mercedes series for another network, as really these 2 series should be linked with the same cast and theme.
Overall though this is a brilliant adaptation and definitely worth a watch.
How to Design and Evaluate Research in Education
Jack R. Fraenkel, Norman E. Wallen and Helen Hyun
Book
How to Design and Evaluate Research in Education provides a comprehensive introduction to...
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Starfish Pier (Hope Harbor #6) in Books
Feb 24, 2021
What a roller coaster this book was, hold on and prepare the Tacos!
I loved Starfish Pier by Irene Hannon. From the characters to the setting, it drew me in and made me feel at home from the very beginning. Starfish Pier is part of the Hope Harbor series (I believe book #6) but it can be read as a standalone. All the books are just based in the same town, so you get to see previous and future characters interwoven throughout the series; I think it is a lot like some of the series Debbie Macomber has written.
Holly and Steven were a great combination of characters. Each one had a unique viewpoint, some very different personalities, and struggles to overcome. I loved Holly’s outlook on life, she was always reaching out to others to try and help make their days better even when she was not having a good day herself. Now Steven. I loved his strength, his selflessness, and his willingness to put others before his happiness. His character is someone I could know in real life.
The themes in this book were quite varied, from depression, physical disabilities, overcoming addiction, protection of life… So many thought-provoking arguments were brought forth in this book, and both sides of the arguments were presented, which I thought was interesting. Plus, you cannot forget the yummy Tacos and advice!
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars for the in-depth characters, varied themes, and the love of Tacos! I recommend reading this book!
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
I loved Starfish Pier by Irene Hannon. From the characters to the setting, it drew me in and made me feel at home from the very beginning. Starfish Pier is part of the Hope Harbor series (I believe book #6) but it can be read as a standalone. All the books are just based in the same town, so you get to see previous and future characters interwoven throughout the series; I think it is a lot like some of the series Debbie Macomber has written.
Holly and Steven were a great combination of characters. Each one had a unique viewpoint, some very different personalities, and struggles to overcome. I loved Holly’s outlook on life, she was always reaching out to others to try and help make their days better even when she was not having a good day herself. Now Steven. I loved his strength, his selflessness, and his willingness to put others before his happiness. His character is someone I could know in real life.
The themes in this book were quite varied, from depression, physical disabilities, overcoming addiction, protection of life… So many thought-provoking arguments were brought forth in this book, and both sides of the arguments were presented, which I thought was interesting. Plus, you cannot forget the yummy Tacos and advice!
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars for the in-depth characters, varied themes, and the love of Tacos! I recommend reading this book!
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Rabbit Hole in Books
Jul 20, 2021
The title of this book is absolutely perfect and after having read it, I feel like I went down a Rabbit Hole and am only just beginning to emerge!
I am a huge fan of Mark Billingham's work, particularly his Tom Thorne Series, but this is a standalone psychological thriller that explores the fractured mind of Alice Armitage and her quest to find a killer whilst an in-patient on an acute psychiatric unit.
I said I felt like I went down a Rabbit Hole and that's because the reader is immersed totally within Alice's mind; the whole of the book is written from her perspective and focusses on her trying to solve a murder whilst dealing with the mental health difficulties she and those around her are experiencing but from her point of view rather than a clinical one, i.e. simplistic, but with a bit of humour so it's not all dark and heavy going.
Alice is an unreliable narrator which had me scratching my head wondering what was actually real and what was only real from Alice's perspective. This, I think, was genius as it provided plenty of opportunities for distractions and mis-directions which worked well but mashed my head a little!
This wasn't an easy book to read and I have a feeling it won't appeal to everyone but if you want to read something a bit different, I would recommend but be prepared to join Alice in the Rabbit Hole.
Many thanks to Little, Brown Book Group UK and NetGalley for my copy in return for an unbiased and unedited review.
I am a huge fan of Mark Billingham's work, particularly his Tom Thorne Series, but this is a standalone psychological thriller that explores the fractured mind of Alice Armitage and her quest to find a killer whilst an in-patient on an acute psychiatric unit.
I said I felt like I went down a Rabbit Hole and that's because the reader is immersed totally within Alice's mind; the whole of the book is written from her perspective and focusses on her trying to solve a murder whilst dealing with the mental health difficulties she and those around her are experiencing but from her point of view rather than a clinical one, i.e. simplistic, but with a bit of humour so it's not all dark and heavy going.
Alice is an unreliable narrator which had me scratching my head wondering what was actually real and what was only real from Alice's perspective. This, I think, was genius as it provided plenty of opportunities for distractions and mis-directions which worked well but mashed my head a little!
This wasn't an easy book to read and I have a feeling it won't appeal to everyone but if you want to read something a bit different, I would recommend but be prepared to join Alice in the Rabbit Hole.
Many thanks to Little, Brown Book Group UK and NetGalley for my copy in return for an unbiased and unedited review.
Merissa (11935 KP) rated Running from My Heart (Rock Bottom #3) in Books
Oct 10, 2019
Running From My Heart is the third book in the Rock Bottom series but can be read as a standalone. I haven't read any of the others, and it certainly didn't have an impact on my enjoyment of it.
Ross and Arden are both drowning in grief, but dealing with it in very different ways. Arden has shut himself away from everyone and everything, whereas Ross is King of the One-Night-Stands. They are doing what works best for them. But then they meet in a grocery store and both their lives change for the better, although not painlessly.
This is a very emotional read as the two of them certainly go through the wringer. They have personal revelations that both help and hinder them in their recovery from such soul-destroying grief. I will admit to shedding a tear or two as the baby Osprey, but enough of that!
I have no idea if there were any errors in this book, but I don't think there were as I usually get jolted out of the storyline. With this book, I was completely engrossed from start to finish. The story is smooth, the pacing is perfect. There is a fantastic cast of characters, both main and supporting, that help bring this story to life. I definitely want to read book one, Foster and Justin's story, even though I know from this book they have their HEA.
Absolutely fantastic and definitely 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!
Ross and Arden are both drowning in grief, but dealing with it in very different ways. Arden has shut himself away from everyone and everything, whereas Ross is King of the One-Night-Stands. They are doing what works best for them. But then they meet in a grocery store and both their lives change for the better, although not painlessly.
This is a very emotional read as the two of them certainly go through the wringer. They have personal revelations that both help and hinder them in their recovery from such soul-destroying grief. I will admit to shedding a tear or two as the baby Osprey, but enough of that!
I have no idea if there were any errors in this book, but I don't think there were as I usually get jolted out of the storyline. With this book, I was completely engrossed from start to finish. The story is smooth, the pacing is perfect. There is a fantastic cast of characters, both main and supporting, that help bring this story to life. I definitely want to read book one, Foster and Justin's story, even though I know from this book they have their HEA.
Absolutely fantastic and definitely 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!
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Nothing to Hide (DC Constance Fairchild #2) in Books
Aug 26, 2019
This is the second book in the Constance Fairchild Series and a follow on from "No Time To Cry" which I absolutely loved and enjoyed so much that I was a little apprehensive to read this just in case it didn't live up my expectations ... I needn't have worried, this one was just as good and, yes, you've guessed it, I loved it!
"Nothing to Hide" can be read as a standalone but I would strongly recommend you read the first one otherwise I think you could potentially be lost as to why DC Fairchild is in the place she is, i.e. suspended and a pariah amongst a lot of her fellow officers and a magnet for the media and paparazzi. "No Time To Cry" also provides a lot of back story and history that this book can only touch upon otherwise it would be a tome!
DC Constance Fairchild, or Con for short, is a fantastic, strong, female character whose strength, bravery and steely determination is highlighted within the pages of this book. Con is not however the only fantastic character in this story ... it's full of them and all of them have a part to play, big and small, in what is a totally engrossing and enthralling read from start to finish.
At the end of "No Time To Cry", I said I couldn't wait for the next one in the series and as I have said, I wasn't disappointed ... so .... when's the next one out???
Many thanks to the Publisher and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.
"Nothing to Hide" can be read as a standalone but I would strongly recommend you read the first one otherwise I think you could potentially be lost as to why DC Fairchild is in the place she is, i.e. suspended and a pariah amongst a lot of her fellow officers and a magnet for the media and paparazzi. "No Time To Cry" also provides a lot of back story and history that this book can only touch upon otherwise it would be a tome!
DC Constance Fairchild, or Con for short, is a fantastic, strong, female character whose strength, bravery and steely determination is highlighted within the pages of this book. Con is not however the only fantastic character in this story ... it's full of them and all of them have a part to play, big and small, in what is a totally engrossing and enthralling read from start to finish.
At the end of "No Time To Cry", I said I couldn't wait for the next one in the series and as I have said, I wasn't disappointed ... so .... when's the next one out???
Many thanks to the Publisher and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Zeeon synth
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Zeeon is a virtual analog synthesizer, powered by an advanced analog circuit modelling engine. We...