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Sarah (7800 KP) rated Chocolat (Chocolat #1) in Books
Jun 16, 2019
Sweet and satisfying
I need to be honest; I’ve never seen the film that is based on this book and never really been particularly interested in watching it either. However having now read the book, I could be tempted as the book is rather wonderful.
This is a rather strange novel - a character based drama set in a mysterious small French village with some very small magical undertones. It sounds weird, but it actually really works. All of the characters, from Vianne herself to the rest of the villagers are likeable or at the very least relatable with all of their various personalities. The fact that this is based around a chocolate shop makes it a charming and rather tempting setting and the story has a fair number of outcomes that you wouldn’t expect although there are still some that are rather predictable. Overall this is just a rather charming and sweet character driven story.
This is a rather strange novel - a character based drama set in a mysterious small French village with some very small magical undertones. It sounds weird, but it actually really works. All of the characters, from Vianne herself to the rest of the villagers are likeable or at the very least relatable with all of their various personalities. The fact that this is based around a chocolate shop makes it a charming and rather tempting setting and the story has a fair number of outcomes that you wouldn’t expect although there are still some that are rather predictable. Overall this is just a rather charming and sweet character driven story.
Bostonian916 (449 KP) rated Riot (2015) in Movies
Aug 18, 2020
Everything I'd ever seen said about this movie indicated that it was action (read: FIGHT) driven. I might have never believed anything to be a more accurate description...
The fight scenes are definitely plentiful, as you would expect from a movie that includes Chuck Liddell and Dolph Lundgren (Matthew Reese and Danielle Ryan both hold their own quite well). I don't think there is more than a three or four minute section of footage that doesn't include fighting of some sort.
The story is quite thin, but I would imagine that if you're watching this movie, you aren't watching it for the story.
The choreography is usually pretty good with a few small exceptions, the fight scenes are entertaining if nothing else. The action is non stop.
Great movie if your craving unadulterated violence and some familiar faces. Try to ignore Chuck Liddell's sometimes present, sometimes missing Russian accent. It seems to come and go at will.
The fight scenes are definitely plentiful, as you would expect from a movie that includes Chuck Liddell and Dolph Lundgren (Matthew Reese and Danielle Ryan both hold their own quite well). I don't think there is more than a three or four minute section of footage that doesn't include fighting of some sort.
The story is quite thin, but I would imagine that if you're watching this movie, you aren't watching it for the story.
The choreography is usually pretty good with a few small exceptions, the fight scenes are entertaining if nothing else. The action is non stop.
Great movie if your craving unadulterated violence and some familiar faces. Try to ignore Chuck Liddell's sometimes present, sometimes missing Russian accent. It seems to come and go at will.
AJaneClark (3975 KP) rated Pucked Off (Pucked #5) in Books
May 30, 2020
Pucked Off is the story of the sweet and haunted Lance and sports physio Poppy. Lance met Poppy when he was at his lowest, recovering not only from a sports injury playing ice hockey, but also when he was struggling to recover from the emotional abuse that seemed to follow him through his life.
Whilst this is predominantly part of a comical and erotic driven romance series, there is something sweet about this edition to the series. It allows this kind genuine man, surrounded by his "family" of ice hockey players and their partners,getting the girl of his dreams, a girl who will nurture and support him even on his darkest days. But will it be smooth running? Will it be a happy ending?
Helena Hunting again demonstrates her sense of humour and wickedness with Pucked Off, leaving the reader in stitches whilst their heart melts. Really enjoyed this story and couldn't think of a cuter pair!
Whilst this is predominantly part of a comical and erotic driven romance series, there is something sweet about this edition to the series. It allows this kind genuine man, surrounded by his "family" of ice hockey players and their partners,getting the girl of his dreams, a girl who will nurture and support him even on his darkest days. But will it be smooth running? Will it be a happy ending?
Helena Hunting again demonstrates her sense of humour and wickedness with Pucked Off, leaving the reader in stitches whilst their heart melts. Really enjoyed this story and couldn't think of a cuter pair!
Gripping from the start
This Ed James book has a very different feel to his usual murder mysteries. From the first page the reader is trying to piece together scant clues about the links between apparently distinct kidnappings as tortured and bewildered victims turn up. The combined efforts of DS Corcoran and Dr Marie Palmer, a criminal psychologist, are needed in order to work out what may have driven someone to kidnap and torture people in different ways.
The pacing of the book is superb as the reader is barely given a moment to catch their breathe before the next twist to the story, or revelation. Some good characters and interesting back stories come together for a truly gripping page-turner.
The pacing of the book is superb as the reader is barely given a moment to catch their breathe before the next twist to the story, or revelation. Some good characters and interesting back stories come together for a truly gripping page-turner.
Jesters_folly (230 KP) rated Crawl (2019) in Movies
Jul 30, 2019
Crawl is the tale of a father and Daughter who find themselves trapped in a rapidly flooding cellar/crawl space during a hurricane in Florida, their escape is hindered by an increasing number of man eating alligators. There’s not much else to add, plot wise. Crawl is mainly a two and a half cast driven film (two humans and one yappy dog) as Haley and Dave attempt to escape the cellar and get to safety. We do see other characters but usually from a distance and only for short periods of time.
Crawl is a classic creature feature and really works, the small cast helps portray the looming danger and the combination of the alligators and rising flood waters make the threat very believable and the yappy dog is used to enhance the tension as you find yourself waiting for it to be eaten.
And that’s it, Crawl has a simple premise, a simple story and is an hour and half of tension, jump scares, people being eaten and, oh yes one yappy dog.
Crawl is a classic creature feature and really works, the small cast helps portray the looming danger and the combination of the alligators and rising flood waters make the threat very believable and the yappy dog is used to enhance the tension as you find yourself waiting for it to be eaten.
And that’s it, Crawl has a simple premise, a simple story and is an hour and half of tension, jump scares, people being eaten and, oh yes one yappy dog.
Kaz (232 KP) rated The Wasp Factory in Books
May 15, 2019
A Sinister, but Excellent Read
I've just finished 'The Wasp Factory' by Iain Banks and all I can say is wow!
This story is told by Frank, a 16 year old boy, who lives on a remote island in Scotland with his father. This is about Frank, his very dysfunctional family and trying to find his brother, who has escaped from a mental institution.
What I love about this book is the way in which Iain Banks writes characters. Frank is such a complex character that, although in essence he is an evil person, there are flashes of innocence and sensitivity about him, that you can't help but like him. One moment you feel like he is the only reasonable member of his family and then gradually, you realize his true character. Despite that, you feel sorry for Frank and the life that he has grown up in and the next, completely horrified by some of the things he does in the novel. He's not just a bad character, which in turn, makes him all the more believable.
I also liked some of the dark humour in this novel. Some of the more disturbing stories of Frank's family history were told in such a way, as to make them funny. I felt guilty for laughing at times, but I couldn't help it!
Away from the story itself, I liked how the novel comments on human nature's need for power and to overpower others. This idea is relevant in the areas of gender, politics and society.
This novel isn't plot driven, but character driven, so the story was a bit slow at times. However, I was not expecting the twist at the end.
This might not be for everyone, because it is so dark and at times, really intense. However, I thought this was a brilliant first read for 2019.
I would give this 5 starts, but I have to knock a point off, because this book dragged a couple of times.
This story is told by Frank, a 16 year old boy, who lives on a remote island in Scotland with his father. This is about Frank, his very dysfunctional family and trying to find his brother, who has escaped from a mental institution.
What I love about this book is the way in which Iain Banks writes characters. Frank is such a complex character that, although in essence he is an evil person, there are flashes of innocence and sensitivity about him, that you can't help but like him. One moment you feel like he is the only reasonable member of his family and then gradually, you realize his true character. Despite that, you feel sorry for Frank and the life that he has grown up in and the next, completely horrified by some of the things he does in the novel. He's not just a bad character, which in turn, makes him all the more believable.
I also liked some of the dark humour in this novel. Some of the more disturbing stories of Frank's family history were told in such a way, as to make them funny. I felt guilty for laughing at times, but I couldn't help it!
Away from the story itself, I liked how the novel comments on human nature's need for power and to overpower others. This idea is relevant in the areas of gender, politics and society.
This novel isn't plot driven, but character driven, so the story was a bit slow at times. However, I was not expecting the twist at the end.
This might not be for everyone, because it is so dark and at times, really intense. However, I thought this was a brilliant first read for 2019.
I would give this 5 starts, but I have to knock a point off, because this book dragged a couple of times.
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated What Happened to Ochopee? in Books
Jan 15, 2018
I have to say, after reading this book, I have a whole different perspective on the area. I've driven & ridden through this area several times. I've been down the Loop Road and snapped pictures of massive gators sunning on the side of the gravel road. I've visited Lucky Cole's and drank a beer with him. I've gazed at the post office and been broken hearted at the loss of Monroe Station. Hearing the story of how this area suffered is heart breaking. It is such a beautiful, peaceful area and to think of the pain its residents went through is awful. The book drags at times but all in all it is a wonderful look at the area, how it began, and its eventual loss to create Big Cypress.
David McK (3562 KP) rated Moriarty: The Silent Order in Books
Nov 17, 2024
The second in Charles Kindinger's 'Moriarty' series of Sherlock Holmes re-imaginings, positing what if Sherlock was an imposter and Moriarty an innocent man driven to a life of crime by the former, which - I have to say - I did not find *quite* as enjoyable as the first.
It also took me a wee while to get used to the recasting of the role of Colonel Sebastian Moran - not to say that the actor was bad, by any means, just that he sounded different.
Anyway, this time round, the story starts in the United States, following both Moriarty and Sherlocks death at the Reichenbach Falls, before - in the latter half - moving back to Merrie Olde Englande - with a new nemesis in the form of Helen Mirren's blackmailer Lady Milverton.
It also took me a wee while to get used to the recasting of the role of Colonel Sebastian Moran - not to say that the actor was bad, by any means, just that he sounded different.
Anyway, this time round, the story starts in the United States, following both Moriarty and Sherlocks death at the Reichenbach Falls, before - in the latter half - moving back to Merrie Olde Englande - with a new nemesis in the form of Helen Mirren's blackmailer Lady Milverton.
jmercado (1 KP) rated The Jewel (The Lone City, #1) in Books
Jan 15, 2018
My goodness. I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book and I struggled through the 1st have but that ending!!! Holy mangos was that good!
Royalty comes with its perks in the Jewel but it also comes with its flaws.
Royalty cannot bear their own children (well they can but they come out deformed and pass away).
So they seek and purchase Surrogates. Once a female who has hit puberty test positive to be a Surrogate they are taken and kept at a facility to be auctioned off to these Royals.
We follow the story of Violet and her journey after being sold.
This story does have a romance but the story is more politically driven.
There were some faults that made this book a 4 instead of a 5.
Firstly the beginning just exploded with information and didn't really easy you into the plot. There were multiple times I had to reread the sections to understand what was going on or who certain people were.
Secondly the romance in this didn't give us much build up. I mean I do like the couple but there was not much to go progression wise.
Other than that this book was beautifully written and once I pushed through the 1st half I could not put it down.
Can't wait to read the rest of the series.
Royalty comes with its perks in the Jewel but it also comes with its flaws.
Royalty cannot bear their own children (well they can but they come out deformed and pass away).
So they seek and purchase Surrogates. Once a female who has hit puberty test positive to be a Surrogate they are taken and kept at a facility to be auctioned off to these Royals.
We follow the story of Violet and her journey after being sold.
This story does have a romance but the story is more politically driven.
There were some faults that made this book a 4 instead of a 5.
Firstly the beginning just exploded with information and didn't really easy you into the plot. There were multiple times I had to reread the sections to understand what was going on or who certain people were.
Secondly the romance in this didn't give us much build up. I mean I do like the couple but there was not much to go progression wise.
Other than that this book was beautifully written and once I pushed through the 1st half I could not put it down.
Can't wait to read the rest of the series.
Cassie Osbourne (6 KP) rated An Officer and a Spy in Books
Nov 9, 2018
The Dreyfus Affair was one of the biggest miscarriages of justice that France (and possibly the world) has ever seen and this book presents the story through the eyes of Colonel Georges Picquart.
Towards the beginning, I was a little disappointed in the book. The writing style is brilliant and how faithful it is to actual events is great but in some ways, this is also its downfall. The conspiracy went on for years which makes the pacing very slow in parts and incredibly quick and exciting in others. All the characters in this book, even the tiny bit characters, were real people tied up in the affair; however, none of these characters has any real development until the very end and only for a short amount of time. As someone who favours character-driven story arcs rather than plot-driven ones, this was very frustrating for me to read as they all seemed to be very one dimensional (with the exception, perhaps, of Henry) and it doesn't really make any of them terribly likeable.
All that being said, I did very much enjoy the last two hundred or so pages where the pace really picked up and became exciting as everything seemed to come together rather than people sitting on files and information - but this is, of course, the nature of courtrooms and trials.
Although I probably won't read this book again, I am glad that I did as it introduced me to an interesting army conspiracy in France that I will definitely be doing more research in to.
Characters - 6/10
Atmosphere - 9/10
Writing Style - 8/10
Plot - 7/10 (score majorly affected by pacing)
Intrigue - 6.5/10 (as above)
Logic - 10/10 (real events so difficult to score lower)
Enjoyment - 6.5/10 (again pacing and lack of character development)
Score average - 7.8/10
Towards the beginning, I was a little disappointed in the book. The writing style is brilliant and how faithful it is to actual events is great but in some ways, this is also its downfall. The conspiracy went on for years which makes the pacing very slow in parts and incredibly quick and exciting in others. All the characters in this book, even the tiny bit characters, were real people tied up in the affair; however, none of these characters has any real development until the very end and only for a short amount of time. As someone who favours character-driven story arcs rather than plot-driven ones, this was very frustrating for me to read as they all seemed to be very one dimensional (with the exception, perhaps, of Henry) and it doesn't really make any of them terribly likeable.
All that being said, I did very much enjoy the last two hundred or so pages where the pace really picked up and became exciting as everything seemed to come together rather than people sitting on files and information - but this is, of course, the nature of courtrooms and trials.
Although I probably won't read this book again, I am glad that I did as it introduced me to an interesting army conspiracy in France that I will definitely be doing more research in to.
Characters - 6/10
Atmosphere - 9/10
Writing Style - 8/10
Plot - 7/10 (score majorly affected by pacing)
Intrigue - 6.5/10 (as above)
Logic - 10/10 (real events so difficult to score lower)
Enjoyment - 6.5/10 (again pacing and lack of character development)
Score average - 7.8/10
ClareR (5879 KP) Jun 17, 2019