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Alicia S (193 KP) rated Game Saver (Game #3) in Books
Sep 28, 2018
Yet another fabulous book in the Game series!! I love everything BJ Harvey writes and Abi and Cade's story sucked me in from page one. These two were beyond perfect together and I loved every moment of their journey. Dr. Caden Carsen III has grown up in a family with money, his father in politics and his mother the perfect Stepford Wife... yet he wants none of it and is determined to be his own man. When his parents decide to start stepping in with woman to put on his arm he decides to take matters into his own hands and ask Abi, a one-night stand from 10 months ago, to be his pretend girlfriend.... These two go in expecting so much less and end up with so much more.... This book was a trip to read as both Abi and Cade are such incredible characters and the banter between the two of them is off the charts adorable, not to mention I laughed my a$$ off throughout most of the book!? HIGHLY recommended author, book & series!!!
This is just one of those books that stays with you for a long time after reading it as it's so compelling, emotional and so different from other young teen fantasy stories. I remember reading this one in school and very much enjoying it and so when I had the chance to borrow it from a friend and re read it I jumped at the chance as I knew it would take me back to my childhood. The story touches on family issues that may arise in a young persons life that are very difficult to deal with, yet this book explores these issues with a sensitive and caring nature but without distorting the truth about how hard those times may be. It allows a young child to escape into fantasy whilst trying to deal with 'grown up' family problems and unexpected illnesses. I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages, even though it is more aimed at younger teens I believe we can all learn something from this book.
David McK (3377 KP) rated Carpe Jugulum (Discworld #23; Witches #6) in Books
Jan 28, 2019
The 23rd Discworld book, this is really what I would term as one of the 'Witches' (Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg, Magrat Garlik and - now - Agnes Nitt) novels, and is also the first to concentrate on 'proper' Vampires (or, as they prefer to be known, Vampyres (with a 'y'))
By 'proper' Vampires, I do mean vicious bloodsuckers, as opposed to the tamer variety sometimes mentioned as living in Ankh-Morpork. It also has a larger-than-usual role for a member of the clergy: this time, for a Reverend from Omniasm ("who knows he has a prayer but wishes he had an axe"), and is also - I believe - one of the first books to introduce the character(s) of Igor.
In this, the Vampires have been invited by King Verence of Lancre to the baptism of his and Magrat's baby daughter, and decide to take the country as well as the invitation. It is up to the Witches (primarily Granny Weatherwax) to stop them from doing so, raising more than a few laugh out loud moments from me along the way.
By 'proper' Vampires, I do mean vicious bloodsuckers, as opposed to the tamer variety sometimes mentioned as living in Ankh-Morpork. It also has a larger-than-usual role for a member of the clergy: this time, for a Reverend from Omniasm ("who knows he has a prayer but wishes he had an axe"), and is also - I believe - one of the first books to introduce the character(s) of Igor.
In this, the Vampires have been invited by King Verence of Lancre to the baptism of his and Magrat's baby daughter, and decide to take the country as well as the invitation. It is up to the Witches (primarily Granny Weatherwax) to stop them from doing so, raising more than a few laugh out loud moments from me along the way.
David McK (3377 KP) rated I am Number Four (Lorien Legacies #1) in Books
Jan 28, 2019
In the early-00s (well, 2001 - 2011), there was a TV show called 'Smallville' aka - and unofficially - also known as 'Superman: The Teenage Years', in which a large part of the early runs were to do with Clark Kent discovering his powers.
Now, take the same basic idea - that of an alien developing powers on Earth, and change it slightly so that there's nine of them, all teenagers growing up seperately, all refugees from a planet that has itself been invaded/destroyed by *other* aliens and most with their own flesh-and-blood protector with them, and you more or less have the plot for this.
I'd seen the movie a while back and, while it wasn't great, I still thought I would give the source material a shot.
It's not great either.
I don't know whether it the insipid romance between the central characters of John and Sarah, the clunky dialogue or the fact that the writer seems to follow a 'tell, don't show' method of writing (instead of the opposite), but this just did not do it for me at all :-(
Now, take the same basic idea - that of an alien developing powers on Earth, and change it slightly so that there's nine of them, all teenagers growing up seperately, all refugees from a planet that has itself been invaded/destroyed by *other* aliens and most with their own flesh-and-blood protector with them, and you more or less have the plot for this.
I'd seen the movie a while back and, while it wasn't great, I still thought I would give the source material a shot.
It's not great either.
I don't know whether it the insipid romance between the central characters of John and Sarah, the clunky dialogue or the fact that the writer seems to follow a 'tell, don't show' method of writing (instead of the opposite), but this just did not do it for me at all :-(
Andy K (10821 KP) rated They Shall Not Grow Old (2018) in Movies
Dec 28, 2018
Everyone alive needs to watch this!
Director Peter Jackson spent four years pouring over 100 hours of archive film footage and over 600 hours of interviews to weave this complex, intriguing documentary masterpiece together.
To say the movie is compelling is a vast understatement. I'm glad I saw theatrically so I could bear witness to the multiple audience gasps, applauds and reaction to some of the miraculous moments.
Jackson said afterwards in a making of documentary he had a hard time deciding on the story he wanted to tell vacillating between airplane footage, U-Boats, the use of women in the military, etc. He ultimately decided showing the life of the "everyday" grunt soldier would be the most compelling since any side or nationality would be able to relate.
It doesn't take much to make me cry, so the water works were a flowing with this one. If you have the chance, please watch. A film like this does not come along very often at all and you won't be disappointed.
To say the movie is compelling is a vast understatement. I'm glad I saw theatrically so I could bear witness to the multiple audience gasps, applauds and reaction to some of the miraculous moments.
Jackson said afterwards in a making of documentary he had a hard time deciding on the story he wanted to tell vacillating between airplane footage, U-Boats, the use of women in the military, etc. He ultimately decided showing the life of the "everyday" grunt soldier would be the most compelling since any side or nationality would be able to relate.
It doesn't take much to make me cry, so the water works were a flowing with this one. If you have the chance, please watch. A film like this does not come along very often at all and you won't be disappointed.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Blood Kissed (Lizzie Grace #1) in Books
Mar 1, 2020
In a world where magic and science sit side by side, and powerful witches are considered necessary aides for all governments, Lizzie Grace is something of an outlier. Though born into one the most powerful blue blood witch families, she wants nothing to do with either her past or her magic.
But when she and Belle, her human familiar and best friend, open a small cafe in the Faelan werewolf reservation, she quickly finds herself enmeshed in the hunt for a vampire intent on wreaking bloody havoc. It’s a hunt that soon becomes personal, and one that is going to take all her skills to survive–that’s if the werewolves, who hate all things witch, don’t get her first.
I love Keri Arthur and have read almost everything she has written this is a reread for me as I needed to refresh myself for the second book. It did not disappoint full of action and pent up sexual frustration between characters. I love the fact she has Belle her human familiar . Recommended.
But when she and Belle, her human familiar and best friend, open a small cafe in the Faelan werewolf reservation, she quickly finds herself enmeshed in the hunt for a vampire intent on wreaking bloody havoc. It’s a hunt that soon becomes personal, and one that is going to take all her skills to survive–that’s if the werewolves, who hate all things witch, don’t get her first.
I love Keri Arthur and have read almost everything she has written this is a reread for me as I needed to refresh myself for the second book. It did not disappoint full of action and pent up sexual frustration between characters. I love the fact she has Belle her human familiar . Recommended.
David Betteridge (327 KP) rated Samsung Galaxy S20+ in Tech
Mar 15, 2020
easy set up (2 more)
easy to use
Great camera
Excellent phone
I'm generally not up to date with the latest phone as I find that they are not much different to the previous 5 or 6 released and are usually very expensive with your provider. As my phone was up for renewal Sky offered me the new Samsung Galaxy S20+, I accepted it because it was a good deal, but wasn't that bothered about the phone
When the phone arrived it exceeded my expectations for a new phone, very simple set up, moved all my photos, contacts and apps across automatically and is very easy and smooth to use. It has amazing video playback and the picture is crystal clear, the camera is amazing and can't wait to try it out when I can finally get away on holiday
Its only downfall I have found so far is the thumb print access is very hit and miss and can take a few attempts to unlock the phone
When the phone arrived it exceeded my expectations for a new phone, very simple set up, moved all my photos, contacts and apps across automatically and is very easy and smooth to use. It has amazing video playback and the picture is crystal clear, the camera is amazing and can't wait to try it out when I can finally get away on holiday
Its only downfall I have found so far is the thumb print access is very hit and miss and can take a few attempts to unlock the phone
ClareR (5686 KP) rated The Middle Years in Books
Apr 17, 2020
The Middle Years is a handbook to surviving life as the parent of teenagers. The first half of the book is funny and engaging, telling it how it really is (hormones etc) to be the parent to preteens and teens, and I really enjoyed it. It was lighthearted, and more serious where it needed to be.
However in the second half of the book, it takes a darker turn, and talks about the authors divorce, mental health issues, guilt of divorcing and the effects this hound have had on her children. To be honest, if I’d known it was going to take this turn, there’s a high possibility that I wouldn’t have read it at all. I’ve had enough personal experience of parents divorcing to last me a lifetime without reading about it. It just seemed very bitter.
I DID enjoy the first half though, which is why I’ve given it a 3/5 (or 6/10, however you want to look at it!).
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this book.
However in the second half of the book, it takes a darker turn, and talks about the authors divorce, mental health issues, guilt of divorcing and the effects this hound have had on her children. To be honest, if I’d known it was going to take this turn, there’s a high possibility that I wouldn’t have read it at all. I’ve had enough personal experience of parents divorcing to last me a lifetime without reading about it. It just seemed very bitter.
I DID enjoy the first half though, which is why I’ve given it a 3/5 (or 6/10, however you want to look at it!).
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this book.
The Two Noble Kinsmen
William Shakespeare and Peter Swaab
Book
Considered by Thomas de Quincey to be 'perhaps the most superb work in the language', The Two Noble...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2173 KP) rated Super Puzzletastic Mysteries in Books
Jul 5, 2020
Twenty Great Puzzles and Mysteries for You to Solve
This book for middle grade readers features twenty stories by members of Mystery Writers of America. Each story provides the clues and puzzles you need to solve it along with the characters. In fact, the solutions are at the back of the book to give you time to figure out what is really going on before you see if you got it right. While a few authors feature series sleuths, most of the stories feature original characters.
And all of them are fun. Many are straight up mysteries, but some feature puzzles we can learn about and solve with the characters along the way. The stories average about 15 pages each, so they would work well for reading aloud and solving as a group. It might take a group to solve some of them. I figured a few out, but many left me stumped until I turned to the end. There isn’t a bad story in the bunch, and kids will certainly enjoy this collection as much as I did.
And all of them are fun. Many are straight up mysteries, but some feature puzzles we can learn about and solve with the characters along the way. The stories average about 15 pages each, so they would work well for reading aloud and solving as a group. It might take a group to solve some of them. I figured a few out, but many left me stumped until I turned to the end. There isn’t a bad story in the bunch, and kids will certainly enjoy this collection as much as I did.