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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2425 KP) rated The Case of the Canterfell Codicil in Books
Jan 26, 2024
“One Doesn’t Just Ignore an Old School Chum with a Locked Room Mystery.”
When Anty Boisjoly gets a telegram from his friend Fiddles, he can’t help but be intrigued. Fiddles’ uncle has recently died under mysterious circumstances, and Fiddles wants Anty to come and help. It isn’t long after Anty arrives that Fiddles becomes the prime suspect. Who was with the victim in the locked room? Can Anty figure it out in time to save his friend?
I was intrigued by this series when I saw it described as Dorothy L. Sayers meets PG Wodehouse. If you take those two authors’ output and put it in a blender, you have a pretty good approximation of this series. It did take me the first chapter to adapt to the writing style, which mimics the 1920’s when the book is set. But once I did, I was hooked. The mystery was intriguing, with plenty of twists on the way to the logical climax. Anty makes a fantastic lead character, and picks up on quite a few things I missed. The rest of the cast are equally fleshed out. And the humor was wonderful. It’s very dry British wit, so it might not be for everyone, but I was as hooked for the laugh as I was the twists. And the book had plenty of both. I will be reading the next one as soon as I can.
I was intrigued by this series when I saw it described as Dorothy L. Sayers meets PG Wodehouse. If you take those two authors’ output and put it in a blender, you have a pretty good approximation of this series. It did take me the first chapter to adapt to the writing style, which mimics the 1920’s when the book is set. But once I did, I was hooked. The mystery was intriguing, with plenty of twists on the way to the logical climax. Anty makes a fantastic lead character, and picks up on quite a few things I missed. The rest of the cast are equally fleshed out. And the humor was wonderful. It’s very dry British wit, so it might not be for everyone, but I was as hooked for the laugh as I was the twists. And the book had plenty of both. I will be reading the next one as soon as I can.
Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated The Indigo Spell (Bloodlines, #3) in Books
Jan 23, 2020
Original Review posted at <a title="The Indigo Spell" href="http://bookwyrming-thoughts.blogspot.com/2013/10/review-the-indigo-spell-by-richelle-mead.html">Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
Original Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Owls
<i><b>Note:</b> Formatting is lost due to copy and paste</i>
I'm developing a "bad" habit with making lists as reviews now... and have no clue why. Maybe it's the fact that it's usually concise and straight on? O_o
I'll let you guys be the judge. Oh, and this won't be a listyish review.
Well, I can't take us down memory lane, because unfortunately, despite the fact I recently did a skim-a-refresh-a-thon with both Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series, I still don't remember half the things that happened in the prior books.
The really unfortunate part is the fact I can't go do another one because I'm pretty much piled high on books. And this isn't the ever so famous TBR.
But keep the tomatoes to yourself, fandom peeps. Really. I'm probably asking for mercy from my friend on a daily basis already (oh, and if the anonymous friend is reading this... well. Hi. Forgive me? :D?).
That friend might also murder me for forgetting, which is why I'm asking for a spare of life... O_o
So basically throughout the entire course of the book, I was practically wondering how in the world I didn't remember the little details for some books... but I do for others. And I was making a lot of ">_<." (I have Booknesia?! :o)
The thing is, I'm extremely glad Sydney's taken some advice from a fifteen-year-old. And if my tiny fragments of memory will allow me to remember, Sydney's also changed quite a lot from the prior two books throughout the course of The Indigo Spell.
I may have also been warned of a major cliffhanger. I was bracing myself for the last words.
Pillow? Check. Music? Check. Book? Check-ity-check. And then I basically tucked myself in and braced for the "worst" that might get thrown at me.
This might get a nice tomato thrown at me, but...
It wasn't so major. I am totally eh about it.
But do I still want to read the fourth book when it comes out?
Why yes. Yes, I am.
And I would love to have a callistana. I picture it as cute and adorable...
Original Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Owls
<i><b>Note:</b> Formatting is lost due to copy and paste</i>
I'm developing a "bad" habit with making lists as reviews now... and have no clue why. Maybe it's the fact that it's usually concise and straight on? O_o
I'll let you guys be the judge. Oh, and this won't be a listyish review.
Well, I can't take us down memory lane, because unfortunately, despite the fact I recently did a skim-a-refresh-a-thon with both Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series, I still don't remember half the things that happened in the prior books.
The really unfortunate part is the fact I can't go do another one because I'm pretty much piled high on books. And this isn't the ever so famous TBR.
But keep the tomatoes to yourself, fandom peeps. Really. I'm probably asking for mercy from my friend on a daily basis already (oh, and if the anonymous friend is reading this... well. Hi. Forgive me? :D?).
That friend might also murder me for forgetting, which is why I'm asking for a spare of life... O_o
So basically throughout the entire course of the book, I was practically wondering how in the world I didn't remember the little details for some books... but I do for others. And I was making a lot of ">_<." (I have Booknesia?! :o)
The thing is, I'm extremely glad Sydney's taken some advice from a fifteen-year-old. And if my tiny fragments of memory will allow me to remember, Sydney's also changed quite a lot from the prior two books throughout the course of The Indigo Spell.
I may have also been warned of a major cliffhanger. I was bracing myself for the last words.
Pillow? Check. Music? Check. Book? Check-ity-check. And then I basically tucked myself in and braced for the "worst" that might get thrown at me.
This might get a nice tomato thrown at me, but...
It wasn't so major. I am totally eh about it.
But do I still want to read the fourth book when it comes out?
Why yes. Yes, I am.
And I would love to have a callistana. I picture it as cute and adorable...
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated Tomb Raider (2018) in Movies
Sep 25, 2019
Lara Croft, the fiercely independent daughter of a missing adventurer, must push herself beyond her limits when she finds herself on the island where her father disappeared.
3D screening of this one... yes I never learn! You know what I'm going to say... 3D ain't for me. Again, nothing particularly stood out in this one for me with the effects. There felt like very little point in doing it in 3D apart from gouging some more money out of cinema goers.
Being that this preview was only the day before general release I really wasn't surprised that there were so few people there. I really wish I'd waited for the 2D showing.
Here's where we take a swift turn from where I thought my waffle would go for this one... It's an action film with a strong female character, and a lot of us were sold after the first outing of our tomb raiding totty. This one however felt like I'd just found a treasure chest full of Fool's Gold.
I'm not entirely sure that I liked much in it at all. There seemed to be several bits that were surplus to requirements, and honestly didn't even vaguely add anything to the production. And even if you suspend belief, as you would expect to do in this kind of film, you're still left with several bits that just make you stop and say "no".
You heard me talk above about people leaving the secret screening before even five minutes of the movie were done with... two people left this screening half way through. Admittedly I don't know why, but when you couple that with the fact I've never seen so many people going in and out of the screen during a film... well, I get the feeling everyone was a little bit bored. A lot of what was happening wasn't really engaging enough to hook you in until that "big bad" reveal. If it hadn't been for the fact I knew it would bug people who were sitting up and across the aisle from me, I'd have had my phone out like I was sitting at home on my sofa watching a movie on Movies 24.
I want to say I was extremely disappointed in this, but to be honest it doesn't really make me want to express any feelings that strong about it.
3D screening of this one... yes I never learn! You know what I'm going to say... 3D ain't for me. Again, nothing particularly stood out in this one for me with the effects. There felt like very little point in doing it in 3D apart from gouging some more money out of cinema goers.
Being that this preview was only the day before general release I really wasn't surprised that there were so few people there. I really wish I'd waited for the 2D showing.
Here's where we take a swift turn from where I thought my waffle would go for this one... It's an action film with a strong female character, and a lot of us were sold after the first outing of our tomb raiding totty. This one however felt like I'd just found a treasure chest full of Fool's Gold.
I'm not entirely sure that I liked much in it at all. There seemed to be several bits that were surplus to requirements, and honestly didn't even vaguely add anything to the production. And even if you suspend belief, as you would expect to do in this kind of film, you're still left with several bits that just make you stop and say "no".
You heard me talk above about people leaving the secret screening before even five minutes of the movie were done with... two people left this screening half way through. Admittedly I don't know why, but when you couple that with the fact I've never seen so many people going in and out of the screen during a film... well, I get the feeling everyone was a little bit bored. A lot of what was happening wasn't really engaging enough to hook you in until that "big bad" reveal. If it hadn't been for the fact I knew it would bug people who were sitting up and across the aisle from me, I'd have had my phone out like I was sitting at home on my sofa watching a movie on Movies 24.
I want to say I was extremely disappointed in this, but to be honest it doesn't really make me want to express any feelings that strong about it.
Debbiereadsbook (1539 KP) rated Twilight Heist (Outlaws #2) in Books
Jan 25, 2023
awesome follow up to Midnight Heist!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is the second book in the Outlaws series, and I think it would help to have read book one, Midnight Heist before this one. Not strictly necessary, but it will give you a better view of this group of people and what they do. And you know, cos I said so!
This is a multi-layered story, and it took me a little bit of time to fully immerse myself into Leo and Tuck's story. It doesn't quite grab as much as Danny and Grif's does, but it packs a no less powerful punch.
Leo changed his name and ran from the Stockyard after his parents died. Tuck left the circus after his died too. When those two paths cross in the here and now, Leo knows he has to keep Tuck safe, without revealing his past.
This is a proper "kinda creeps up on ya" book! I mean, it came outta nowhere, whooping me upside the head with things I did not see coming! Once I started, and I should have read this AGES ago, I could not put it down.
It's dark and deadly, given both Leo's and Tuck's past. It's emotional and difficult reading in places, again due to their past, but also their fears for the future. Neither knows there can be anything long term between them, right? They are both damaged beyond repair. Super smexy! But I really wanted more smexy times on those silks! (I'm just greedy, don't judge me!)
The banter between the Outlaws is awesome and I loved that we got to catch up with Danny and Grif. I'm reading between the lines about who might be next, but I'm not voicing those words, cos I might be way, WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY off the mark there! But Scarlet is growing on me, I love the way they flip from male to female pronouns and the guys just run with them. It did take me a while it book one to get Scarlet, but not so here, since I was aware of their fluidity.
An awesome follow-up to Midnight Heist.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elswhere
This is the second book in the Outlaws series, and I think it would help to have read book one, Midnight Heist before this one. Not strictly necessary, but it will give you a better view of this group of people and what they do. And you know, cos I said so!
This is a multi-layered story, and it took me a little bit of time to fully immerse myself into Leo and Tuck's story. It doesn't quite grab as much as Danny and Grif's does, but it packs a no less powerful punch.
Leo changed his name and ran from the Stockyard after his parents died. Tuck left the circus after his died too. When those two paths cross in the here and now, Leo knows he has to keep Tuck safe, without revealing his past.
This is a proper "kinda creeps up on ya" book! I mean, it came outta nowhere, whooping me upside the head with things I did not see coming! Once I started, and I should have read this AGES ago, I could not put it down.
It's dark and deadly, given both Leo's and Tuck's past. It's emotional and difficult reading in places, again due to their past, but also their fears for the future. Neither knows there can be anything long term between them, right? They are both damaged beyond repair. Super smexy! But I really wanted more smexy times on those silks! (I'm just greedy, don't judge me!)
The banter between the Outlaws is awesome and I loved that we got to catch up with Danny and Grif. I'm reading between the lines about who might be next, but I'm not voicing those words, cos I might be way, WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY off the mark there! But Scarlet is growing on me, I love the way they flip from male to female pronouns and the guys just run with them. It did take me a while it book one to get Scarlet, but not so here, since I was aware of their fluidity.
An awesome follow-up to Midnight Heist.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elswhere
Farm Sounds by TantrumApps
Games and Education
App
Take your kids to the farm, anytime! A fun application to play with your children, and a great...
Blackbox :: infamous puzzles
Games and Entertainment
9.0
Rate It
App
Blackbox is one of iOS's #1 puzzle games but don't take my word for it—read from over 80,000...
Purple Phoenix Games (2266 KP) rated Spirits of the Wild in Tabletop Games
Aug 15, 2019
You know how some games just look… delicious? Take Azul’s tiles that remind us of a yummy burst of sugary goodness. Or all the cutie little bits in Everdell. Well, the components in this game are really stellar and are just a joy to play with. Yes, I am jumping the gun with the formula I typically use for my reviews, but just scroll down for a sec and check out the play photo. Just those juicy little stones, the awesome bowl, the nice little coyote mini. They’re great! Anyway, having great components doesn’t necessarily mean that the game will be good. Add to that the fact that I picked this up from Target AND it’s published by Mattel and I really wasn’t expecting much from Spirits of the Wild. I’ll admit I was wrong. This is a great game. This is why –
This is a game about resource management, set collection and a hint of take that. The winner of the game is the player who can most efficiently use the stones they choose from the bowl during the game by assigning them to areas on their player mat. Each area scores points differently, and the game ends at the end of the player’s turn once at least five clear stones have left the provided bag. Let me explain.
DISCLAIMER: I do not intend to cover every single rule included in the rule book, but will describe the overall game flow and major rule set so that our readers may get a sense of how the game plays. For more in depth rules, you may purchase a copy from the publisher directly, from Target, or from your FLGS. -T
To setup the game, place all the stones in the bag. Place the bowl in the middle of the players, and set aside the coyote mini. Place the two stacks of Spirit Cards in the middle of the table. Each player receives a play mat and the same set of cards that indicates an action that can be taken on a turn. Draw out four stones from the bag and place them in the bowl. You are ready to begin.
On a player’s turn, they choose a face up card from the collection in front of them which tells them what to do on their turn. Such actions include take a stone, take two stones, or place some stones in the bowl and take one. Once an action card has been chosen and followed, the player flips it over and it cannot be used on the next turn. One card that can be used at any time instructs the player to take a Spirit Card action and refresh their cards by flipping them all face-up. The cards drive the actions to be made throughout the game, but the game really hinges on the stones and the coyote.
When you take actions to choose stones from the bowl you then have to assign those stones to spots on your play mat. These areas score differently and deciding which stones to grab and where to place them can be agonizing, but only because you can see what your opponent is doing and you really need to set yourself up to score points before the game suddenly has to end and you are stuck unfinished and will be unscoring. Unscoring? You’re welcome, Webster’s Dictionary. The coyote, when placed on an opponent’s play mat prevents stones from being added to that area and can really throw an ACME wrench into your plans. So determining when to move the coyote from your mat onto your opponent’s may really be the difference between sweet, tasty victory and bitter, yucky defeat. Again, play continues until the end of the turn when the fifth clear stone leaves the bag. Oh those clear ones? When placed, you can no longer place stones in that area but will also double that area’s score at the end of the game. So there’s quite a bit going on in your head throughout the game. Delicious!
Components. Well, I kinda already professed my love for them in the intro, so I’ll do it again here. They are wonderful components! I want to just be fidgeting with them all the time.
So is this good? Verily!! The constant struggle between deciding your action card based on the stones in the bowl or refreshing your cards or just going for broke and taking a chance on unscoring an area because there are already three clear stones out but you know at any time three more can make an appearance and end the game is just so satisfying. The components are amazing, the game play is fast and furious (not a sponsor), and you just want to play it again right afterward. Those are my favorite kind of games. If this all sounds like your kind of game, definitely check it out. You won’t be disappointed. I believe anyone would like this one. Purple Phoenix Games gives this one an enthusiastic, but temptation-to-eat-the-stones-resisting 10 / 12.
This is a game about resource management, set collection and a hint of take that. The winner of the game is the player who can most efficiently use the stones they choose from the bowl during the game by assigning them to areas on their player mat. Each area scores points differently, and the game ends at the end of the player’s turn once at least five clear stones have left the provided bag. Let me explain.
DISCLAIMER: I do not intend to cover every single rule included in the rule book, but will describe the overall game flow and major rule set so that our readers may get a sense of how the game plays. For more in depth rules, you may purchase a copy from the publisher directly, from Target, or from your FLGS. -T
To setup the game, place all the stones in the bag. Place the bowl in the middle of the players, and set aside the coyote mini. Place the two stacks of Spirit Cards in the middle of the table. Each player receives a play mat and the same set of cards that indicates an action that can be taken on a turn. Draw out four stones from the bag and place them in the bowl. You are ready to begin.
On a player’s turn, they choose a face up card from the collection in front of them which tells them what to do on their turn. Such actions include take a stone, take two stones, or place some stones in the bowl and take one. Once an action card has been chosen and followed, the player flips it over and it cannot be used on the next turn. One card that can be used at any time instructs the player to take a Spirit Card action and refresh their cards by flipping them all face-up. The cards drive the actions to be made throughout the game, but the game really hinges on the stones and the coyote.
When you take actions to choose stones from the bowl you then have to assign those stones to spots on your play mat. These areas score differently and deciding which stones to grab and where to place them can be agonizing, but only because you can see what your opponent is doing and you really need to set yourself up to score points before the game suddenly has to end and you are stuck unfinished and will be unscoring. Unscoring? You’re welcome, Webster’s Dictionary. The coyote, when placed on an opponent’s play mat prevents stones from being added to that area and can really throw an ACME wrench into your plans. So determining when to move the coyote from your mat onto your opponent’s may really be the difference between sweet, tasty victory and bitter, yucky defeat. Again, play continues until the end of the turn when the fifth clear stone leaves the bag. Oh those clear ones? When placed, you can no longer place stones in that area but will also double that area’s score at the end of the game. So there’s quite a bit going on in your head throughout the game. Delicious!
Components. Well, I kinda already professed my love for them in the intro, so I’ll do it again here. They are wonderful components! I want to just be fidgeting with them all the time.
So is this good? Verily!! The constant struggle between deciding your action card based on the stones in the bowl or refreshing your cards or just going for broke and taking a chance on unscoring an area because there are already three clear stones out but you know at any time three more can make an appearance and end the game is just so satisfying. The components are amazing, the game play is fast and furious (not a sponsor), and you just want to play it again right afterward. Those are my favorite kind of games. If this all sounds like your kind of game, definitely check it out. You won’t be disappointed. I believe anyone would like this one. Purple Phoenix Games gives this one an enthusiastic, but temptation-to-eat-the-stones-resisting 10 / 12.
Bubblesreview (110 KP) rated Turtles All The Way Down in Books
Feb 6, 2019
Intelligent writing (2 more)
Realistic mental health issues
Fandom representation and fanfiction
Wow. Just wow.
The synopsis for this book was very short, precisely 9 lines. The synopsis made me expect to read a book much like paper towns where they go on an adventure, detective style and find the missing person. However, this book was something so much more than that. The main concept of the book I felt was actually about the mental health of the main character Aza. Aza has severe intrusive thoughts that take control of her life. Near to the end of the book a sudden and dramatic incident occurs and you're left unknowing what the outcome will be. Although I wish it never ended, John Green ends the book perfectly.
When a book has help line contact details in the authors notes, you know it's going to be a serious book.
It took me less than 24hours to finish this book, I physically couldn't put it down. John notes in the AN that it took 6 years to finish the book, I can completely understand why. Just wow
When a book has help line contact details in the authors notes, you know it's going to be a serious book.
It took me less than 24hours to finish this book, I physically couldn't put it down. John notes in the AN that it took 6 years to finish the book, I can completely understand why. Just wow
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Slightly Married (Bedwyn Saga, #1) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
I don't have too much to say about this first (actual) entry into the Bedwyn/Slightly series. The pacing was good, the hero and heroine were nice and likable characters, and their romance was sweet and charming. The only thing I had a problem with were the loves scenes, they just felt 'off' and didn't quite fit into or with the flow of the storyline. Especially the second one, which struck me as odd. Otherwise it was a nice and easy story to read.
I don't dislike Freyja as much in this book, but for setting a series on a whole family of six, why did Ms. Balogh write them so unlikable? Or at least, they don't make me want to read the next book immediately, as I feel it should be. I am interested in Wulfric's intended and how she is able to break through to him. <i>That</i> ought to be something! :P
Now that I've read three in a row in the series (this and the two 'prequels'), I think I'll take a break. I've heard that there is a bit of repetition and it's better to break them up. :)
I don't dislike Freyja as much in this book, but for setting a series on a whole family of six, why did Ms. Balogh write them so unlikable? Or at least, they don't make me want to read the next book immediately, as I feel it should be. I am interested in Wulfric's intended and how she is able to break through to him. <i>That</i> ought to be something! :P
Now that I've read three in a row in the series (this and the two 'prequels'), I think I'll take a break. I've heard that there is a bit of repetition and it's better to break them up. :)
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated The Dangerous Kind in Books
Mar 15, 2019
1 in 100 people
We all recognize them. Those who exist just on the fringes of society. Who send prickles up the back of our necks. The charmers. The liars. The manipulators. Those who have the potential to go that one step too far. And then take another step.
WOW... is what I have to say for this thriller. This book grabbed me from the first chapter and never let me go. It tackles some difficult topics and it was quite uncomfortable to read in places but it was written well and not overly explicit.
I had tears while reading this; at times I wanted to scream in frustration at the characters. by the ending I was doing the mouth hanging open in surprise!
This story is told mainly from four different view points the story follows Jessamine, a radio presenter, her adopted daughter Sarah, Jitesh an intern at the BBC radio studios in present day London and Rowena in 2003.
I myself would love to see this turned into a movie.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Zaffre for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
We all recognize them. Those who exist just on the fringes of society. Who send prickles up the back of our necks. The charmers. The liars. The manipulators. Those who have the potential to go that one step too far. And then take another step.
WOW... is what I have to say for this thriller. This book grabbed me from the first chapter and never let me go. It tackles some difficult topics and it was quite uncomfortable to read in places but it was written well and not overly explicit.
I had tears while reading this; at times I wanted to scream in frustration at the characters. by the ending I was doing the mouth hanging open in surprise!
This story is told mainly from four different view points the story follows Jessamine, a radio presenter, her adopted daughter Sarah, Jitesh an intern at the BBC radio studios in present day London and Rowena in 2003.
I myself would love to see this turned into a movie.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Zaffre for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.