Search

Search only in certain items:

MM
Mirror, Mirror (includes In Death, #37.5)
J.D. Robb | 2013
4
4.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The J.D. Robb story, "Taken In Death," was enjoyable - a nice thing, since it's the reason I bought the anthology. In it, Dallas takes on a kidnapper in a rebelling of Hansel and Gretel. I skipped the stupid coin story by Mary Blayney. I read one of her coin stories once and it was just too clichéd and predictable for me to ever put myself through that again. I do wonder, though, if she ever writes anything else? I went ahead and read "Beauty, Sleeping" by Elaine Fox, to see if the rest if the book would be worth reading.. While Fox's piece was okay, it was more romance than anything else. It had a supernatural twist, and it was a reworking of Sleeping Beauty, but in the end it was a romance. And to be honest, I just didn't trust the editors any more at that point. They chose Blayney and then the Fox piece, and one Robb story didn't outweigh them. I suppose if I'm ever truly hard up for something to read, I might try the other two stories in the book - but I would probably read one of the many free novels available before then.
  
40x40

Awix (3310 KP) rated Hereditary (2018) in Movies

Jun 16, 2018 (Updated Jun 16, 2018)  
Hereditary (2018)
Hereditary (2018)
2018 | Drama, Horror, Mystery
Never-knowingly-underwrought horror movie (looks like one of those post-horror movies for a bit; but no, it's a horror movie after all). Screwed up but nicely affluent family contends with aftermath of bereavement; is the mother right in her belief that supernatural forces are at work around them, or just a bit nuts?

First half is a horribly intense and rather oppressive study of grief and emotional dysfunction; not actually what you'd call scary, though. Second half is a much more traditional horror movie with spooky seances, severed heads a go go, waking nightmares, embroidered doormats and many other clichés - but still not actually what you'd call scary in any but the most superficial way. Plot is all over the place; all the bits that will make you jump are in the trailer, pretty much. Very possibly worth watching for a brilliant performance by Toni Collette, but this is the equivalent of a really good stereo in a car with a cruddy engine. The movie is atmospheric and the director shows promise, but if this is what counts as a great horror movie nowadays the genre is in serious trouble.
  
TB
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely love scary stories, ones that keep you on your toes, trying to figure out what's going on, and this one definitely has the creepy factor. Christy has said the house used to be her husband's home growing up, and some of the experiences described in the book happened to him and his family. Whoa!!!

I couldn't help but get engrossed in the story, especially the developing relationship between Ephraim and Brylee, as well as her friendship with Lynley. Then there would be parts that made me just want to scream at the book, throw it across the room, something, because that's how drawn into it I was. Oh, and I read it in one day, because I just couldn't put it down, THAT'S how great it is. Although, because of the ending, I'm on pins and needles waiting for more. I'm so glad my book club read this one this month, so awesome!! I'd highly recommend to anyone who likes supernatural stories, ghost stories, haunted houses, and the like. Fantastic!!

5 stars =)
  
Insidious : The Last Key (2018)
Insidious : The Last Key (2018)
2018 | Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Another unnecessary sequel
I have to admit that I’m one of the few people that hasn’t jumped on the Insidious bandwagon. I didn’t think much of the first one, can barely remember the second one and I don’t think I’ve even seen the third one. I put this on purely because I was hoping it would be an easy watch, and to be honest it actually was.

I think my problem is that these films are a little bit far fetched and my belief in the supernatural doesn’t stretch very far. Whilst I know this fiction, it’s just a bit too silly and ridiculous. And to make it worse I didn’t even think this one was particularly scary. The demon/villain is definitely very creepy (until you see him in full that is) but there isn’t enough of him like this to make the film scary. The acting is alright and I see how they’ve tied it into the earlier films, but for me this is just a completely unnecessary sequel going into a back story on a character that wasnt needed. And what’s worse, they’ve left it open for yet more sequels.
  
Show all 3 comments.
40x40

Karica Truebenbach (156 KP) Sep 30, 2018

I haven't watched this one yet, and after the third one my hopes aren't too high.

40x40

Ross (3284 KP) Oct 1, 2018

I liked the potential of the first one, was disappointed by the second one and the third one was dog shit, pardon my French. Again, this one looks to have potential and I will watch it but am not expecting great things.

SY
Sensing You (Sensing Series #1)
J.M. Adele | 2016
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Ronnie has grown up with only her grandmother in her corner. Everyone else freaks out when they learn of what Ronnie can do. Even her mother, a first class b**ch if ever there was one, leaves her. Ronnie has developed a shell which helps to keep others at bay. Fate has a different idea for Ronnie's life though, and circumstances move beyond her control, both in her professional life and also her personal.

This is a very well-written Romance, with a hint of paranormal/supernatural in the form of ghosts and visions. It is a slow burner between Ronnie and Brad, which made it all the more satisfying when they made their moves. The struggles that Ronnie faces as she tries to change her life, and let people in, are real. Brad has his own baggage from the past that he is still trying to deal with.

This is a fantastic book, and I would love to see more of these characters and the supporting cast.

* I received this book from More Than Words Promotions in return for a fair and honest review. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!