Search

Search only in certain items:

40x40

Adam Silvera recommended Liesl & Po in Books (curated)

 
Liesl & Po
Liesl & Po
Lauren Oliver | 2011 | Horror, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
(0 Ratings)
Book Favorite

"Okay, so I knew Lauren Oliver was a good writer, but damn! They weren't kidding when they compared this book to "The Tale of Desperaux" (which I also loved!) or "The Graveyard Book" (which I didn't finish, but found a scene very similar to the opening - it involved Bod Fading/Vanishing). Oliver's just a great storyteller, I had just gotten the book early morning at BEA and found that while waiting on line, I kept searching through my multiple tote bags to find this one so I can take advantage of the reading time instead of mingling with other fans on line. This hadn't happened to me for the two days I was there. My favorite characters were easily Liesl, Po, BUNDLE! and Will - who are the four obvious go-to-characters to have as your favorites, but their narratives were great. Different to Oliver's other novels, she wrote in third person and covered other characters beside her main, going so far to write about a guard named Mo (short for Molasses since he's so slow) and Mrs. Snout, owner of Snout's Inn and Restaurant. I'm excited to put this in the hands of my middle-grade peeps come this October, but any other lover of Lauren Oliver or YA will appreciate this story just as much. It has heart, deals with grief, and delivers questions about the Other Side as Oliver freshly explores it. "On the third night after the day her father died, Liesl saw the ghost." You'll ineffably thank me for recommending this. It's hands-down one of my favorite middle-grade stories and I'm already desperately eager to reread it."

Source
  
Gluttony (Seven Princes of Sin #2)
Gluttony (Seven Princes of Sin #2)
S.N. Hunt | 2022 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
GLUTTONY is the second book in the Seven Princes of Sin series and, as with book one, is DARK. There are trigger warnings so please take heed.

Leo, the most laid-back of the Princes, rescued Carrie at the end of Donna and Adam's book and we continue on from there. Carrie is addicted to drugs and thinks nothing of doing tricks to get her fix. Leo is determined to help her beat her addiction and live life as his mate.

This book deals more with Carrie and Leo than it does with the overall story arc but there is still enough to keep it moving along. Trust me, I'd sooner bet on the Princes than on the angels! Carrie has some learning to do, not all of which is her fault. We also see a more intense side to Leo, rather than just being fun and jovial, we see what pushes his buttons.

Adam and Donna do play a part here too, but only at the end. Out of the brothers, we see a couple of them throughout but supporting rather than starring roles. Each of the brothers is fascinating and I am thoroughly enjoying this series. I love how the author writes each book, giving the brother the undivided attention they deserve.

A great addition to the series and one I definitely recommend.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* 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!
  
40x40

LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Jurassic World (2015) in Movies

Jun 7, 2019 (Updated Dec 4, 2019)  
Jurassic World (2015)
Jurassic World (2015)
2015 | Adventure, Sci-Fi
The thing that annoys me most about Jurassic World is how good it could have been. There was a long break between movies here - almost taking time to regroup a bit - and the trailers looked good enough.

Unfortunately, the finished product was underwhelming for me.
There's a lot of stupid going on throughout, but the movie takes itself too seriously to get away with it
(Especially the villains plot to take raptors and use them in Afghanistan - wtf)
The set up to the inevitable disaster is riddled with product placement, and an average script (and a weird sub plot about the two kids parents getting divorced), and then when all hell breaks loose, it just descends into Hollywood nonsense (the scenes with Chris Pratt riding alongside raptors on a motorbike is one of the many times I rolled my eyes), it's a far cry from the original.

Another thing - the main dinosaur threat comes in the shape of a super crazy lab created hybrid dinosaur, which just seems a little... unnecessary - just regular dinosaurs are pretty damn scary!

I like both Chris Pratt, and Bryce Dallas-Howard, unfortunately the chemistry between the two doesn't quite connect. The rest of the cast are fine, and mostly likable.

It's not an awful film by any means, it's just... Ok. I'm sure I'll find myself watching it again at some point, I guess I just wanted more!
  
AV
A Vampire's Tale
Maya Tyler | 2017
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
A Vampire's Tale initially reminded me of An Interview with a Vampire as the premise was similar - an old vampire with a story to tell, a young writer chosen and spoken to exclusively. However, as the story starts it is plain to see that this is a completely different story.

Corgan wants to tell his story so that he can 'face the sun'. He's lived a long time and has had enough. Marisa is only 23-years-old and is scraping by on her living as a fiction writer. These two come together, but love and war make an appearance too, and Corgan hasn't been telling Marisa the whole truth.

This book was well written, although I found it to be a bit disjointed at times. There are quite a few scenes where Marisa is monologuing, or describing her dreams, some of which seemed to have no bearing upon the story except to emphasise that she had strange dreams! It moves with a swift pace, and situations are sometimes upon you before you realise it.

It is a different take on the vampire/virgin story, so I would recommend it for anyone wanting something that differs from the norm.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
  
40x40

Leigh J (71 KP) rated Warlock (1989) in Movies

Nov 12, 2019 (Updated Nov 12, 2019)  
Warlock (1989)
Warlock (1989)
1989 | Action, Horror, Mystery
8
5.6 (8 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Unexpectedly Good!
Contains spoilers, click to show
1691: a Warlock is captured and imprisoned by a Witch Hunter called Giles. On the night of his execution, a storm happens in which he mysteriously disappears, leaving no trace behind.
It transpires that the Warlock has been transported forward to 1988, and he lands in an Apartment with 2 roommates, one of which he murders. The Warlock then uses his power to get in touch with a Demon; who instructs him that there is a Grand Grimoire that has been split into 3 books. To become a true Son of Satan, he has to find the 3 books and put them back together to make the Grimoire. However, little does the Warlock know... Giles the Witch Hunter has been transported to the '80s with him, and is determined to take the Warlock down, with the help of a young Woman who was the 2nd roommate (who's rapidly aging thanks to a spell the Warlock put on her). Will they be able to find the Warlock before time runs out?
Warlock has really surprised me! I thought it looked like it was going to be really bad, and one of those Movies that I wish I'd never seen, and don't get me wrong there are moments that are unintentionally comedic and cheesy but I found myself strangely enjoying it, and actually thinking it's a very decent Movie that I'd watch again! Forgiveably cringeworthy, Horror fans should definitely give this one a go!
  
Dawn of Vengeance (Droseran Saga, #2)
Dawn of Vengeance (Droseran Saga, #2)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
<b>I AM IN RECOVERY. PLEASE EXCUSE MY LACK OF COHERENTNESS. </b>

Have you read Brand of Light? Well, let me warn you. If you do (and I highly encourage you to read it) you will want to have Dawn of Vengeance already on your nightstand ready to read unlike the rest of us mortals who had to wait A YEAR to find out what the heck HAPPENED after the spectacular mic drop ending Ronie Kendig devised to keep us all engaged and going through a gauntlet of emotions.

I honestly was not sure where Ronie Kendig would take us in this new story as the ending of the last one (have I mentioned that enough yet?) was spectacular. I was a little confused in the first book by all the different names, new places, and character personality switches that seemed to go on, however, the storyline was bar none. So, needless to say, Dawn of Vengeance had a lot to live up to and boy did it. I was hooked again by the character interactions, the storyline, and the outta this world adventures.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars for the great story, the oh so good character turns, and for leaving me wanting more. Thank you Ronie Kendig for continuing to expand my imagination.

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
American Gods
American Gods
Neil Gaiman | 2005 | Fiction & Poetry, Science Fiction/Fantasy
14 of 230
Book
American Gods ( American Gods book 1)
By Neil Gaiman

After three years in prison, Shadow has done his time. But as the days, then the hours, then the hours, then the seconds until his release tick away, he can feel a storm building. Two days before he gets out, his wife Laura dies in a mysterious car crash, in apparently adulterous circumstances. Dazed, Shadow travels home, only to encounter the bizarre Mr Wednesday claiming to be a refugee from a distant war, a former god and the king of America. Together they embark on a very strange journey across the States, along the way solving the murders which have occurred every winter in one small American town. But they are being pursued by someone with whom Shadow must make his peace... Disturbing, gripping and profoundly strange, Neil Gaiman's epic new novel sees him on the road to finding the soul of America.

This is one book that has always intimidated me it’s one of those that you so want to read but not sure you’ll get it! Well I’m glad I finally got round to it as I loved it. I have to admit I watched the tv series first but it didn’t take anything away from reading the book. It was exactly what I expected although I had a few very strange dreams while reading it. Definitely recommend especially if like me you’re a bit apprehensive.
  
The Scout (Legends Of Pern Coen: Fated #2)
The Scout (Legends Of Pern Coen: Fated #2)
Hannah E. Carey | 2023 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE SCOUT is the second book in the Legends of Pern Coen: Fated series and we continue with Bran and Seren's story. OH. MY. WORD!!! There is no middle book dip with this story! Instead, there are twists aplenty and an ending that will leave you gasping. It is SO good!

Bran and Seren are a wonderful couple and I love how their story progresses. I won't be sharing any spoilers, don't worry, but I will say that a lot goes on for them - some good, some not so good. Domhnall is still hanging around and going down in my estimation more and more. As for Aengus, my guess was correct but he is being played and it is breaking my heart. Alannah, I had such high hopes for but it seems she has been corrupted by Fianna. What will the future hold for Bran and Seren, as well as Alannah and Aengus?

This story will take you along, leading you on a merry dance as you read through the pages, completely immersed in the story. It is a very emotional read, especially that ending. I honestly can't wait for the third and final instalment. Absolutely fantastic and HIGHLY recommended by me.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 23, 2023